real local moms
since 2005
Salem | June / July 2022
COVER MOM
SUMMER FUN
FOOD
MEGAN BALDWIN
WEST COAST, BEST COAST
CHARCUTERIE
Lactation and Breast/Chest-feeding Support Jessica Bliss Lactation Specialist I've been working with new babies and families as they figure out how to breast/chest-feed for the last seven years. Prior to becoming a Certified Lactation Counselor in 2014, I completed a PhD in Nutrition at Cornell University, where I specialized in infant feeding in humanitarian and emergency settings. I love helping folks reach their own personal lactation and breast/chest-feeding goals and I'm delighted to be joining the team at Santiam Hospital & Clinics as a Lactation Specialist. Inpatient, outpatient, and Telehealth visits are available. To make an appointment, ask your provider for a referral or contact Santiam Women's Clinic at (503) 769-9522.
Jessica Bliss
Lactation Specialist PhD, Nutrition
jbliss@santiamhospital.org
503.769.9522 1373 N 10th Ave., Stayton, OR santiamhospital.org
It’s what‘s
Block parties can rock
20
inside that counts
West Coast, best coast
24
Charcuterie
28
Meet the MOM experts ... 4
Healthy MOM..................... 8
Block parties can rock.....20
They know what they’re
Talking to kids about
You are cordially invited to…
talking about.
current events
National Night Out.
Because I said so............... 5
Cover MOM: Megan Baldwin...............10
West Coast, best coast...........................24
This mom gets real.
Our top picks for the
A message from MOM
West Coast
Charcuterie........................28 Snacks for dinner
More ways to love your MOM mommag.com facebook.com/ lovemommag info@mommag.com We love hearing from you. Email us with feedback, story ideas or nominations.
Advertise today Want to get the word out about your business? Contact Kim Leighty at kim.leighty@mommag.com mommag.com 3
meet the
experts
[They know what they’re talking about] Pets Pets are Family with Dr. Emily Kalenius, Page 6
Say Cheese
Health
Say Cheese with Dr. Ana Castilla, page 18
Healthy MOM with Santiam Hospital, page 8
Focus Focus with Dr. Alton Rossman, page 23
“I want my children to have all the things I couldn’t afford. Then I want to move in with them.
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— Phillis Diller
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Drive On the Road with Laura Augustine, page 26
EDITOR'S NOTE
Because I said so! Published by GO Creative, LLC 263 29th Avenue SW Albany, OR 97322 Editor-in-Chief Managing Director Audrey Meier DeKam audrey@mommag.com
This summer is a vibe
Salem Advertising Representative Kim Leighty kim.leighty@mommag.com 503-510-9036
Recently I came upon my oldest son cooking and playing music in the kitchen, and remarked, “Look at you, just vibing in here.”
Mid-Valley & Lane County Business Development Manager Linda Blair linda@mommag.com 541-231-7250 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. Opinions expressed by the writers or advertisers are not necessarily the opinions of the magazine or the publisher. Inclusion in the magazine does not constitute endorsement of information, products or services.
He said, with the gravity of a teen horrified by a parent using current slang, “Don’t say vibing.” To which I replied, “Vibing, vibing, viiiiiiiiibiiiiiiing!” You’re not the boss of me, bruh. There’s so much fun to be had, as we emerge from our school-year cocoons. The fairs and festivals are back, and parades and celebrations abound. It’s time to get out and play! I need to take my own advice here, because making time for fun has historically conflicted with my industrious nature. I can’t be the only one who feels guilty for not being productive. Another problem I encounter: past me had the energy to do a thing, but when the time came to do said thing, I’m suddenly tired, bloated and allergyridden. My new commitment: get up, use the nasal spray and do the fun thing, even if I don’t feel like it at the moment. And do it without guilt. And I did, just a few months ago, when I went to San Diego with my teenager. We had a blast at SeaWorld with my sister, her daughters and a few of their pals — teenagers are natural connoisseurs of fun, especially if the grownups are
Me with my 15-year-old, on a recent trip to San Diego.
buying. We put our hands in the interactive fish tanks, rode scary rides and danced with Elmo. If you need a refresher on how to play, look no further than your own kids. They’re right there to teach you. So get out and enjoy your summer. In fact, go ahead and catch a vibe.
Audrey Meier DeKam Editor-in-Chief
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pets are family
Get outdoors with your canine friend Follow proper trail etiquette. Keep your pet leashed when required and always in voice control. Be respectful of all visitors! Every year dogs have dangerous encounters with wildlife. Consider the ecosystem – your dog may come upon rattlesnakes, porcupines, bobcats, cougars, or birds of prey. As a general rule, keeping your pet on the trail and leashed minimizes the potential dangers. Seek immediate medical attention for any bites or injuries.
Enjoy the best of the Pacific Northwest this season, by taking your trail buddy with you on outdoor adventures. To keep them safe: Choose your destinations wisely. Some places, like most National Parks, may allow dogs through the gates, but not on the trails. Do your homework before hitting the road. Plan your pack. A leash and poop bags are a must…but what about booties, a collapsible water dish, or extra food for your furry friend? If your pet is able to carry a backpack, fill it with their essentials. Watch the temperature. As the mercury rises, temperatures can become intolerable and even deadly in an enclosed car (imagine stopping at a gas station or a rest area). Even at 75 degrees, an enclosed vehicle can quickly become dangerous.
Wilvet Salem 120 Ramsgate Square S wilvetsalem.com (503) 741-8858 Open 24/7
Recover from the day. Just as you may need to recover from a long day at the river, on the trail, or at the beach, so will your companion. Check them for ticks, check their paws for abrasions and lacerations, and ensure they are adequately hydrated and fed following a long day of fun.
Brought to you by: Emily Kalenius, DVM
r o f g n i Car lies
i m a f g growin
5 2 9 1 e sinc
OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY 6 mommag.com
FAMILY MEDICINE
salemclinic.org
URGENT CARE
503.399.2424
Hello, sunshine! Sun safety tips for babies and kids Spring is finally here, and families are chasing the sun. Whether you’re headed to the beach or just enjoying your backyard, sun protection is a must. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, even one blistering sunburn in childhood more than doubles the chance of developing melanoma later in life. Talk with your baby’s doctor if you have any questions about sun protection for your child.
Babies
• Keep infants under 6 months out of direct sunlight. • Always protect your baby with a wide-brimmed hat. • Use stroller shades and umbrellas, or find shade under a tree. • Use mesh shields or UV film on car windows. • Limit sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest. • For babies under 6 months, use sunscreen on small unprotected areas, like the face.
Toddlers and preschool-age
• For babies older than 6 months, apply sunscreen everywhere, but be careful around the eyes. • Reapply every two hours and after swimming, sweating, or drying off with a towel. • Long-sleeved cotton clothing is comfortable and highly protective. Clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) listing on the label offers even more security. • Let your child help choose a wide-brimmed hat and a pair of sunglasses. Shopping for fun accessories together can get kids excited about sun safety! Brought to you by Salem Health Family Birth Center. Learn more at salemhealth.org/FBC.
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INFORMATION AGE WHEN AND HOW TO TALK TO KIDS ABOUT CURRENT EVENTS
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If your child or teen seems unduly upset by what they’re seeing in the news, talk to them about what they’re feeling. Validating a child’s fears, while also offering some coping strategies, can help alleviate anxiety and prevent it from manifesting in other areas of their life. Some practical tips to help: • Keep it age appropriate, especially with young children. Don’t offer more information than what they have context for. Let them ask questions that are important to them and let them lead the conversation. • Limit consumption. It’s so hard to really unplug, especially when our work and school rely so heavily on screen time. Make an effort to limit screens for kids and challenge yourself to stop doom-scrolling through the news every day.
• Turn it off. It’s amazing what they can show on TV these days, and not all of the images and rhetoric are appropriate for everyone in your living room. It’s okay to tell your children that some news items are not age appropriate. • Have a buffer. Sleep is so important to recharging our minds and bodies, especially for children. Turn off screens and redirect conversations away from upsetting topics before going to bed each night. • Refocus. Even for adults, world events can leave us feeling helpless. Talk to your children about how they can focus their attention on productive efforts such as fundraising or volunteering so they can feel like they’re contributing to positive change. • Reach out. If your child seems unusually upset or anxious about world events, and it is impacting their schoolwork, social life or daily living, they should speak with a qualified counselor for additional support. For the most part, children and teens just want reassurance, but it’s also okay to admit to them that you also find some events upsetting. Talking through their concerns and letting them know they are safe in your care can go a long way to easing anxiety.
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Make an effort to limit screens for kids and challenge yourself to stop doom-scrolling through the news every day.
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It seems we can’t turn on the TV or look at our phones these days without a barrage of images and information that can be frightening, upsetting and downright maddening. Having 24/7 access to world events can be emotionally draining and can cause anxiety especially for children, who lack the context behind the sound bites.
Brought to you by: santiamhospital.org
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Megan Baldwin THIS MOM IS PROOF THAT A ROCKY CHILDHOOD DOES NOT DEFINE THE MOTHER YOU CAN BECOME.
P ROF E S SION: Group fitness instructor, Student
President of the Campus Ambassadors at CCC
COMMUNI T Y: Salem PA R T NER: Charles Baldwin Jr., IT specialist CHIL DREN: Emma, age 9; Neriah, age 7; Jaina, age 4; and Dawson, age 2
PHOTOS BY: JONI LORAINE mommag.com 11
QA MOMs Love Local We love locally owned businesses, restaurants, places and organizations. Share your favorite…
…restaurant to take the kids: The Sassy Onion …coffee spot: Joe Mocha Bistro, which has drive through, clean meals and a wide variety of non-dairy options. …view or scenic lookout: Mount Angel Abbey …place to treat yourself to a mani/pedi, massage or other personal service: Pure Massage for a physical and mental reset. …restaurants for a date night: Amadeus and Marco Polo …a place where the kids can let off steam: The Kroc Center. The kids can go to the game room, go swimming, explore at toddler time, go rock climbing, run away from Tim the Chicken, make a craft in Child Watch or participate in the Salvation Army kids ministry activities. …event in your community: The Awesome 3,000 and The Family Building Blocks Fair
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Family comes first.
No one works harder than mom.
All families are unique. Tell us about yours. I’m the first born and have two younger sisters. My sister Ciara lives in Oklahoma, and my youngest sister Jazie lives here in Oregon. Charles and I were married in the same church in Stayton that Charles’s parents were married in. We have been happily married for 11 years and now have four children. The first three children are girls and our son is the youngest. We had so much estrogen in the home that we decided to even the playing field by adopting two boy kitties, named Mac and Cheese.
Tell us about your work or volunteerism outside of the home. The first Zumba class I took in 2013, I felt so overwhelmed. It was hard to translate the movement the instructor was making to a rhythmic function I could move to. I said to my husband “I don’t think that Zumba is for me.” He said, “I’m proud of you for trying something new. You should give it a few more tries before making your mind up about it.” I adopted my husband’s belief in me when I didn’t have it myself. Over time, dancing went from being a routine workout to an obsession. There was something about dancing that brought about joy in the midst of life’s struggles.
Every family has their own traditions, rituals or inside jokes. What’s one of yours? I think of Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof holding up his hands and saying “Tradition.” Like the people from that timeless film, our family practices many of the Jewish/Biblical feast days. We have Shabbat every Friday night with our family. We also celebrate Passover, Sukkot, Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah, etc., as well as some American holidays such as Fourth of July and Thanksgiving.
I am currently a student at Chemeketa pursuing my B.S. with a major in Kinesiology in hopes to become my kids’ PE teacher. I have also found a community at Chemeketa: I attended the “iStart” program before attending classes and then became involved with a campus ministry called Campus Ambassadors.
Tell us about a recent achievement you’re proud of, or a personal passion or talent. I went from being the kid who was “academically challenged” to making the honor roll two terms in a row in college. It was affirming to know that I could maintain a 4.0 with four kids, a job and being involved in ministry. When was the last time you failed? What did you learn? The last time I felt as though I failed was at the beginning of this school term when I tried to take Math in Society. It was an online streaming class, and I had printed off the notes prior to beginning class. Unfortunately, on the first day I had trouble with the internet. When I did connect, the teacher was already on the third word problem and quickly rattled off the formulas to use. I tried speaking up and asking questions but the teacher moved along so quickly…it triggered what it felt like in sixth grade when everyone else seemed to understand the material but me. I slammed my laptop shut and started bawling. I got up, went to the bathroom and splashed some water on my face. When I
When did you know you wanted to be a mom? My grandma gifted me a very special doll that came with Velcro silk diapers. I loved this doll and took care of it for years. As a little mommy of this doll, I found so much joy in the idea of feeding, changing, and taking care of her. I see the same nurturing spirit in my own kids now. I have longed to be a mom for as long as I can remember. Has the pandemic changed the way you parent, beyond just the practical and logistical parts? If so, how? I felt like the moms and children suffered immensely through this pandemic. It was so difficult having kids, going grocery shopping, trying to provide for their social needs, trying to keep their brain stimulated while trying to take care of my own needs. I actually hit a breaking point during the pandemic. I had a moment of grief and clarity when I realized that no one was going to take care of me because they just couldn’t. Everyone suffered in their own way during the pandemic, and it was up to me to love myself. I had to get creative at taking care of myself without turning to food so that I had something to give my kids. You know you’re a mom when you hear yourself say…“Those are big feelings.”
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Do you have a goal you’d like to accomplish within the next five years? I have big dreams: to graduate with honors, run a full marathon (I’m currently training for a half-marathon), move into a house, maybe adopt another child and get a newer vehicle.
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 Southern California in a concrete desert that was reminiscent of one of the layers in Dante’s Inferno. I have more negative memories in my childhood than positive ones. My parents divorced when I was 5, and had my fair share of traumas outside of family struggles. I had a dysfunctional upbringing, along with health issues. My mom and I had a difficult relationship for the majority of my childhood. We got into an argument initially over Christmas decorations when I was 18. Unfortunately, the argument escalated because we had unresolved baggage between us. My mom yelled, “You need to move out in five minutes or I am calling the cops!” so I left our mobile home in December of 2007 with nothing but a backpack carrying a change of clothes, phone, phone charger and a Bible. I was grateful that my mom didn’t demand my phone from me, but I didn’t have a car and it was below 40 degrees when I left. I was homeless and couch surfed until I was able to get a work transfer to the Best Buy from Palmdale (where I worked at the time) to the Springfield, Oregon location to live with my dad and step-mom. I dealt with depression for many of my childhood and teenage years. I didn’t want my kids to ever experience that kind of desolate heartache. My parents and I are not close and do not talk to each other anymore. I used to feel grief and sorrow when thinking about my blood family until I had a breakthrough thought one day: “Who is my family?” Once I started counting the people that invested in me, I was able to identify my family. I started to see uncle figures, aunts, neighbors, 14 mommag.com
brothers, dad figures, moms, cousins… I have so many people who are a part of my community family. Most of the goals that I make in life revolve around building skills that I wish my parents had. I learned nurturing skills by becoming a CNA and CPR-certified, took birthing classes, read parenting books, went to many parenting classes (and still attend two currently), became involved with my kids’ schools, found mom groups to plug into and continue to take every opportunity to give our family tools to thrive together.
'
took a step back, I realized that the problem wasn’t completely my fault. I just needed to find a math teacher that was willing to present the formulas before trying to explain how to solve the problem. I dropped that class and am hoping to find a teacher that can explain things in a way that I can follow.
MOM s Favorite... Tell us about your favorite…
…family game: Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza …words to live by: “Turn your wounds to wisdom.” — Oprah Winfrey …binge-worthy TV or podcast: The Chosen and The Fresh Prince for TV, and the Intentional Parents Podcast …way to get out of making dinner: I have homework! …time-saving app or digital tool: We love the Family Wall App. …parenting books or philosophy: Positive Discipline and Grace Based Parenting
What is something you will NEVER do again? I will never go ATV riding again. I went ATV riding in the Mojave Desert when I was 16 with a close friend and her family from high school. I made the mistake of not telling my mom where I was, and I made the horrible mistake of lying to my friend’s mom to tell her that I had parental permission to go on the ride (when I didn’t). I didn’t think that my mom would let me go. So I went out to the Mojave Desert and had a great time riding around. On the very last ride, the ATV shook and went out of control and off a cliff about 9 feet. I clenched my teeth, bruised my ribs, scratched up my legs badly, and developed a sack of fluid in my left leg that is still there to this day. I had the wind knocked out of me so bad that I literally thought that I was going to die. I prayed that God would forgive me and give me another chance in life. I eventually sat up and remembered having broken teeth and blood pooling in my mouth. My friend’s parents drove me to the hospital. My dad dropped off my sister and came to see me in the hospital. He didn’t ask if I was okay. He looked at me and said “Well, you learned your lesson didn’t you?!” He wasn’t sympathetic and didn’t offer wisdom or compassion. I think his words toward me that day hurt more than all of the injuries because I believed those words for so long. I felt that I deserved all of my life hardships and felt like a failure for so long. People have told me to get back on the horse, but that ATV brings back emotional and physical pain. I can live without another ride for the rest of my life and be fine. I am most grateful for my friend’s parents for letting me make mistakes, giving me the freedom to have fun and getting me to the hospital when I needed it. Which good habit do you wish you started earlier? Making my bed each day What is one thing you never had that you want for your kids? Room to make mistakes
What do you think is the most important life skill or value your parents taught you? My mom raised me in church. I was there every Wednesday night and often there for all three services on Sunday. My mom got me involved with helping younger kids in church. I think that church really made a positive impact in my life, along with serving others. My dad’s skill was giving me an outlet through music. My dad bought me my first CD player, my first iPod and was often educating me on concepts of music appreciation when I was in the car with him.
What are three words your best friend would use to describe you? Passionate, jubilant, visionary What are three words your kids would use to describe you? Loving, compassionate and sweaty If you could instantly have one new skill (i.e. foreign language, musical talent, eyes in the back of your head, etc.), what would it be? I wish that I could teleport people places they wanted or needed to go. A dear friend has family in Ukraine but doesn’t want to leave her young children and husband right now. My heart can’t imagine how difficult this would be.
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What’s your superpower? To know where I’m at geographically based on where the nearest coffee shop is. If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, in which event would you win a gold medal? Making a delicious dinner with odds and ends that are in the pantry. What keeps you up at night (apart from kids, of course)? I have an autoimmune disease that sometimes affects the ability to fall and stay asleep. What’s your guilty pleasure? Willamette Valley’s Pinot Noir Who is your favorite fictional hero? Wonder Woman Who is your favorite real-life hero? Jesus Outside of your family members, who/what inspires you to be better? My old PE teacher was really impactful to me when I was in the sixth grade. I had something awful happen to me that year, and went through a very depressing season. Mrs. Miracle’s class was the highlight of my day. My favorite part of PE was how she would start the day, usually begin with some light cardio exercises that required simple dance-like movements. I
loved the tunes she chose and did my best even though I felt uncoordinated. I admired her enthusiasm, and her intentionality to connect with us at a personal level. When I got the vision to be a PE teacher, I reached out to Mrs. Miracle. She was supportive and ended up talking to me over Zoom, encouraged me, sent me the curriculum that she wrote and used for her PE class and a whistle that a student gave her. I now carry her whistle with me in my van and will wear it occasionally for a little extra motivation. That whistle reminds me of her support and encouragement. The whistle also symbolizes the mentor figures that have invested meaningful words into me.
Listen to mom. Is motherhood what you expected? What surprised you the most? I didn’t realize that childbearing and breastfeeding would be so physically taxing long-term. For example, I had a C-section with my first born which took months to recover from. I had more heads up on how painful childbearing was but was unprepared for the trials of breastfeeding. I was never told about milk blisters, thrush, blocked milk ducts or
mastitis. That said, there is no English word to express the joy and fulfillment I felt when bonding with my babies. Motherhood is more challenging and rewarding than I could have ever imagined. What advice would you give your younger mom self? What do you wish you knew then that you know now? I would tell myself to count my blessings. Since the fires last year, I’m pleased to breathe clean air. Since the winter that disabled many areas of Oregon’s electricity, I am grateful for hot showers, a warm house. I feel bliss when contemplating the freedom to worship and love who we want, for clean water, for the friends that we can now see, and the community we can now interact with. We have so much to be thankful for, even on difficult days.
[
Momism #12: How about a hug?
]
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Life after braces When one of our patients gets their braces off, we have a celebration. We play the Celebration song by Kool & the Gang, of course, and pop party poppers. Patients get a bag with caramel or cheese popcorn and an instant photo — their first one with their braces off. Amidst all these festivities, however, we emphasize the importance of wearing retainers as directed, to maintain their beautiful result. Retaining your result is as important as the effort you put into getting there. We recommend our patients wear their retainers indefinitely; that is, as long as they want to retain the result they received at the end of their orthodontic treatment. We offer a Lifetime Retainer Program, because patients lose their retainers in a hundred different ways (we get it — that’s life!). With this program, a patient can purchase a replacement for $25 per retainer. Without the program, a replacement costs $225. It’s well worth it to enroll…and keep celebrating those good times. facebook.com/CastillaOrthodontics/
Castilla Orthodontics 503-399-0721 info@castillaortho.com 434 Lancaster Drive NE, Salem
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@castilla.ortho
Ana Castilla, DDS, MS is a board-certified, Oregon-based orthodontist. She is passionate about helping patients attain their perfect smile, so they can live their lives to the fullest!
castilla.ortho
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BLOCK PARTIES CAN ROCK
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You are cordially invited to… National Night Out 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., the first Tuesday in August Where: your neighborhood
W
e’re all probably a bit guilty of not getting to know our neighbors. Mom life is busy, what with the carpools, meals, sports and more, that most of us give a casual wave and continue on. But the benefits of knowing thy neighbor are strong: for starters, it often equals less crime and more delight. The strength of a neighborhood is tied to quality of life for its inhabitants. It’s in the simple things, such as sharing resources like yard tools or borrowing a cup of sugar. And it’s in the important life events when others need help, like if an elderly neighbor has a stroke or a new baby is born. The stronger the neighborhood ties are woven together, the better the net is to catch us when we need support. One of the best ways to engage the neighborhood is to participate in National Night Out. This movement began in the early 1980s to connect neighbors and law enforcement in a positive way. Today, it’s held in neighborhoods all over the country the first Tuesday in August every year.
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To organize your Neighborhood Night Out: Start with your city. There is usually a web page of the important info you need, such as registering your event. Registering your event is key to getting firefighters and police to visit. If resources are available, you might just have a fire engine roll up to the party, much to the delight of the neighborhood children. Be sure to offer a plate to those hungry first responders. You might also be able to close your street to traffic. Your city may offer you a street closure permit and loan you barricades as well. Food: you won’t have to cook everything. Delegate out who brings buns, hamburgers, hot dogs, condiments, drinks and ice. Ask everyone else to bring a side dish to share. Tip: tell everyone to bring a lawn chair, too. Sending out invitations the old-school way works the best, so you’re not having to dig up emails and phone numbers. A little slip of paper with the basic deets, taped on your neighbors’ doors (use painter’s tape to prevent damage) works great. As for timing, 5:30 p.m to 8 p.m. is in keeping with the larger National Night Out. Put out some sidewalk chalk and bubbles for the kids. Queue the music, roll down a grill, set out of a few chairs and ta da, a party is born. And at the end of getting to know your neighbors’ actual names — not just that guy with the truck, or the lady with the spaniel — you’ll want to do it again next year.
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Does your child need glasses? When it comes to your child’s vision, perhaps they can put into words if there are changes, but many times not so much. A lot of the time, the changes are subtle. What to watch for: • Squinting, headaches, rubbing their eyes, tilting their heads, covering one eye to see. • Children who play sports are suddenly not seeing the ball. • Getting too close to see a book or screen, or the opposite — standing far away to see better. • Struggling in school: this presents in a variety of ways, such as trouble reading or concentrating, or even as disruptive behavior. • All of us have our clumsy moments, but pay attention to unusual and consistent tripping, bumping into things, etc. As a family eye care practice, we are able to track and monitor any changes over time, and we can identify and address issues at their earliest stages. Keeping up with routine eye exams is part of total health.
Sterling Vision West Salem Vision Center 1594 Edgewater St NW STE 190, Salem 503-779-2119 | sterlingvision.com
R E M M U S 4-H CAMP Kids need camp now
Brought to you by: Alton Rossman, OD
4-H summer camps offer one week overnight camps for youth who have finished 4th - 8th grade from July 28 - August 20, 2022.
more than eve
r!
Scan the QR Code for details and pricing!
Register for 4-H Camp at: https://beav.es/w2p
OSU Extension Service prohibits discrimination in all its programs, services, activities, and materials.
• Lost & found pet services for Benton County • Animal welfare programs & free pet food pantry
Visit our thrift shop! We have home goods, toys, clothing, pet supplies and more.
heartlandhumane.org | (541) 757-9000 398 SW Twin Oaks Circle Corvallis
411 SW 3rd St. Downtown Corvallis
• Low-cost adoptions
All proceeds benefit the animals.
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t s e W Coast, t s e B Coast We might be a bit biased because we live here, but how can we be blamed when its beauty, weather and attractions are so vast?
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Families who put travel plans on hold during the pandemic are itching to get out. The three “S” cities await you, all with mercifully short flights when traveling with kids. We share our top picks, favorite free spots and what to avoid when it comes to exploring as a family.
Seattle The Seattle Aquarium is top-notch for families. You can go up to the Space Needle so you can say you’ve been there, just know that it is busy. Zero cost fun: Walk around Pike Place Market to see the famous fish throwers, buskers and the gross-but-kids-love-it Gum Wall. If you have active little kids, skip the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum… you can pre-hear the sound of all that glass breaking. Try the Seattle Children’s Museum for hands-on fun.
San Francisco Fun and free: Fisherman’s Wharf is a bustling hub of delights, including barking sea lions and Umbrella Alley which is filled with colorful murals. Definitely stop and take a selfie. Because you have to see the famous Golden Gate Bridge: start at the Welcome Center for a full experience, as well as history, merch and bathrooms. Ride a cable car: the kids will love it, and TBH so will the adults. Prepay online first, and if you want to learn more, visit the free San Francisco Cable Car Museum. If you’re schlepping a stroller, skip the cable car ride as strollers have to be collapsed…it sounds squished and sweaty.
San Diego We did not get paid to mention this, we just think it’s a good deal: CityPASS is a bundleand-save option to visit multiple tourist attractions in one city for a discount. Many moms like them not just for savings, but because sometimes you get fast-pass access through long lines. Visit CityPASS.com for options in all three of these cities and many others.
If you’re going to do big attractions, visit SeaWorld San Diego and LEGOLAND California. The cost of bundling tickets through CityPASS (see sidebar) is usually well worth it, plus you can add on excursions like an Old Town Trolley Tour. A no-cost good time: You can actually swim in the ocean! What a novelty for Oregonians. Visit Mission Beach, which has designated swim areas and lifeguards, plus some great people watching. The San Diego Zoo is a favorite of many, located in Balboa Park which is stunning all on its own. Build excitement before the trip by viewing their live camera feeds. You had us at Koala Cam. mommag.com 25
on the road THE LATEST SAFETY FEATURES It’s more than just anti-lock brakes and airbags nowadays, as car safety technology keeps improving. When shopping for vehicles with teen drivers in mind, look for:
A contract for teen drivers Having a newly minted driver in your household is equal parts exciting and terrifying. Having a contract that outlines expectations and limits can help. There are plenty of teen driving contracts available through reputable online sources such as the CDC, AAA, the American Academy of Pediatrics and others. But one size may not fit all, so you might opt to create your own version.
Never use the car to race or to try to impress others.
If you write your own teen driving contract, avoid legalese words like “shall, heretofore,” etc. Make it clear and straightforward.
I will:
Know your teen’s weak spots as a driver. Maybe they tend to daydream or they punch the gas — each driver is different, and you can tailor the contract to them.
Never use headphones or earbuds to listen to music while I drive.
Drive with both hands on the wheel, and only when I am alert and in emotional control.
SOME BASICS TO INCLUDE:
Call my parents for a ride if I am impaired in any way that interferes with my ability to drive safely, or if my driver is impaired in any way.
I, your teen driver, promise to:
Not drive if I am too tired or sleepy.
Obey all the rules of the road, including all traffic lights, stop signs, speed limits, etc.
Drive only when I have permission to use the car, and tell my parents where I’m going.
Always wear a seatbelt and make all my passengers do the same.
CONSIDER OTHER EXPECTATIONS & PENALTIES
Drive safely and appropriately for the current conditions. I promise to: Never text, look at my phone or talk on the phone while driving — that includes the use of hands-free devices. Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or ride with a driver who is. Ever.
Brought to you by:
You may want to create a section that covers your expectations for the privilege of driving, like school grades, curfews, family responsibilities, etc. If you want your teen to contribute to the cost of gas or insurance, include that as well. If your child violates the rules of your contract, or has a traffic citation, you might write in what penalties will be in place such as not being able to use the car for a length of time.
Collision warning systems: an alarm that alerts the driver to a possible impact. Stability control: keeps the car in the same direction as the steering wheel, which is helpful in poor weather. Blind spot detection: for all those hard to see spaces. Dynamic emergency braking: if the car’s sensors detect an imminent crash, it automatically applies the brakes. Lane departure warning: visual or sound warnings that the vehicle is drifting. Rearview camera: because pedestrians, pets, objects, other cars… Facial recognition software: detects and alerts if a driver is looking away from the road (like at their phone). Adaptive headlights: they swivel with the steering wheel to better see around turns and curves.
MEET LAURA AUGUSTINE Laura Augustine has worked as a finance assistant at Capitol Auto Group for 7 years. She is the proud mom of three kids (four, if you count her husband Chad): Ariel, age 23; Claudia, age 22; and Bryson, age 18. As a family, they love to go fishing and boating at Detroit Lake, and they also have four Saint Bernard Dogs: Grace, Ted, Jerry and Stuart.
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[
Momism #49: It’ll be an adventure!
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mommag.com 27
Charcuterie
Snacks for dinner? You don’t have to ask us twice.
IT’S SUMMER: DITCH THE OVEN.
PICK A TRAY
Get your charcuterie meal started by choosing a tray. A simple cutting board or a fancy plate will do. Note that something with an edge helps keep items from sliding off, which is good with kids.
A favorite from Uncommon Goods: It folds up to save space, is made from bamboo and comes with compact flatware in a slideout drawer.
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MEATS & NUTS
FRUIT
We eat with our eyes, as the saying goes, so it pays to make food attractive. This is especially true when attempting to get kids to try something new. Use sliced turkey, ham, roast beef, prosciutto, chorizo…the possibilities are endless. Or bring in non-meat proteins, like cashews, almonds and hazelnuts.
Fresh strawberries, blueberries and anything else in season is perfect for a charcuterie board. Grapes, blackberries, cherries, blueberries and raspberries are all in season in June/July.
If you’re feeling fancy, try taking thin-sliced salami, brought to room temperature, and shape it into a rose. The trick is to use a glass: fold salami slices in half over the rim, making several layers. Flip the glass onto your tray and gently remove it. Voila! Technically, charcuterie is a French word involving meats, usually of the cured variety. But popular culture has widened that definition to encompass a snack plate of finger foods. We’ve even seen this abomination of the word: shark cooterie.
CHEESES Explore the specialty cheese area of where you shop. Hard cheeses can be cut into triangles or cubes, arranged in curves for a pleasing look. The Farmers’ Market is an outstanding place to try and buy new cheeses made by local artisans. Plus, you can get fresh vegetables, bread and a lovely bouquet of flowers, too.
VEGETABLES Sure, you can throw a few baby carrots on it, to be ignored. Or, you can try something different like asparagus spears, olives and mini pickles.
Tip: Scatter berries in small groupings all around the board, not just in one spot. The bright colors will liven things up.
BREAD & CRACKERS Use a variety of crackers, spread in groupings throughout the board. Breaking up a larger loaf of fresh bread is fair game, too.
DIPS Hummus, spinach-artichoke, zesty ranch…all available at the store, no cooking required. Uplevel the presentation by putting it in real bowls.
SWEETS And for the easiest sell of all, break out the chocolate from your hiding spot.
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mommag.com 31
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