real local moms
since 2005
Mid Valley | February / March 2021
COVER MOM
CELEBRATE
BIRTHDAYS
ELIZABETH PEÑA
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
IN PANDEMIC TIMES
My First Choice for My Kids’ Health MANAGING STRESS DURING A PANDEMIC The coronavirus pandemic has been stressful for everyone, including parents. Here are some tips to help you and your child during anxious times.* Give Lots of Hugs: Be intentional with snuggling, hugs, cuddles, and kisses to help you and your child better manage stressful emotions. Take a Break: Instead of immediately reacting to a challenging situation, take a moment to evaluate your thoughts and feelings. When you are stressed, stepping away or even just taking a few deep breaths to calm yourself can lead to more productive outcomes. Make Time to Play: High-quality play is critical to help kids manage their emotions and improve their cognitive skills. Sitting with them and engaging in imaginative play is an important bonding time and might help you feel less stressed as well! We’re here to support you and your family during these unsettling times. Call us to schedule an appointment and make The Corvallis Clinic your first choice for your child’s health care. *Excerpted from “Try these 8 tips to reduce parenting stress during the coronavirus pandemic” at TheConversation.com
Schedule an appointment 541-754-1278 | CorvallisClinic.com/pediatrics
It’s what‘s
Celebrate Black History Month 16 Meet the MOM experts ... 4 They know what they’re talking about
Because I said so............... 5 A message from MOM
Cover MOM: Elizabeth Peña.................10 This mom gets real
inside that counts
Spruce up your space
21
Birthdays in pandemic times 26
Celebrate Black History Month ................ 16
Birthdays in pandemic times..............26
Audiobooks for families to share during Black History Month and beyond.
How to make the day special, even if it’s just for your quaranteam.
Spruce up your space........................ 21 A refreshing change can bring a much-needed dopamine squirt.
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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.
Cover MOM
10
Photos by Emily Hall Photography
CONGRATULATIONS to the Corvallis Public Schools Foundation, winner of the 2021 MOM Magazine Community Impact Award. For more information about the Corvallis Public Schools Foundation, see their ad on page 30.
Advertise today Want to get the word out about your business? Contact Linda Blair at linda@mommag.com mommag.com 3
meet the
experts
[They know what they’re talking about]
Style.
Natural.
About Home Style with Heather Van Eyk, page 9
Natural Choices with Jasmin Woodside, page 20
Health.
Say Cheese.
Learn.
Let’s Talk Health with Samaritan Health Services, page 7
Say Cheese with Dr. Wade Haslam, page 15
“May your coffee be stronger than your toddler.
“
— Just about every mom
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Partners in Education with Carla Towery, page 25
Focus.
Thrive.
Focus on MOM with Dr. Masha Molodyh, page 18
Go Out and Play with Karen Swanger, page 30
Smile. Something to Smile About with Dr. Jay Vaikuntam, page 19
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 Mid-Valley & Lane County Business Development Manager Linda Blair linda@mommag.com 541-231-7250 Salem Advertising Representative Kim Leighty kim.leighty@mommag.com 503-510-9036 Designer Sean Carver
MOM MagazineTM is produced by GO Creative, LLC. © 2021 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 o f the magazine or the publisher. Inclusion in the magazine does not constitute endorsement of information, products or services.
WE NEED A NEW WORD FOR COMMUNITY. For decades I’ve been searching for a good synonym for the word community. Sure, there’s village, hamlet, populace, society, and so forth, but none of these words hit the spot for its meaning as we use it today. Community has come to mean more than just a group of people in one geographical location: it’s how people are braided together in a goal of strengthening the quality of life for their members. We publish our magazines in the mid-size city locations of Eugene, the Midvalley and Salem, which are places large enough that you won’t know everyone at the grocery store, but you’re likely to run into at least one person you do. When something goes wrong in our communities, you could say we feel it more acutely than big cities. The wildfires this past September are a perfect example: Thousands of people and animals had to be evacuated, and many families lost their homes and belongings, in a crisis within the crisis of a pandemic. The helpers appeared, offering up their homes, barns and donated items. Many nonprofit agencies are working as helpers constantly, in times of crisis and in calm, like the winners of our Community in Action award. We give this award to nonprofits that actively improve the lives of women and families, right here where we live. This year’s winners are:
Salem winner: The Salvation Army Ray &
I could wax poetic about how crucial these organizations are to their respective locations. The Eugene YMCA stepped up to provide childcare for first responders and essential workers who found themselves scrambling when the pandemic hit. The Kroc Center served meals to wildfire evacuees and responders. The Corvallis Schools Foundation has helped students and teachers in a pandemic year that has thrown everyone a curveball. And this is just a small fraction of the hard work they do everyday to make our — here’s that word again — communities better. We thank them, and as winners of this award, their ad will appear in their location’s magazines throughout this year. It’s their names that should be in the thesaurus as synonyms for community, for they embody the true meaning of the word.
Joan Kroc Corps Community Center
Audrey Meier DeKam
Midvalley winner: Corvallis Public
Editor-in-Chief
Schools Foundation
Eugene winner: The Eugene Family YMCA
mommag.com 5
[ Momism
#46:
Before you judge, stand in the other person’s shoes for a moment.
KIDS DON’T COME WITH DIRECTIONS Parenting is better with support
Sciatic pain? Hormonal imbalances? Infertility? Headaches? Try Acupuncture and Massage.
easternflowmassage.com 541-286-5125
Massage Therapy is available 7 days a week with a variety of add-on spa services to choose from. We accept most major insurance plans and offer online scheduling.
Holistic Pelvic Care™ with Anna Burnett, LMT 636 SW 2nd Street, Corvallis
Virtual Pelvic Mapping Workshop Saturday, February 27, 2pm A guided, hands-on, body literacy journey for unwinding layers of pain, tension, and disconnection
BurnettBodywork.com
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Use code MOM for 20% tuition discount
]
Let’s talk health
QA Have a question you forgot to discuss at the doctor’s office or are too embarrassed to ask? The experts at Samaritan Health Services are here to help.
Q: What services can a midwife provide? Do they only help during a natural birthing process?
A: While a midwife is most commonly known for giving support to people who desire an unmedicated labor, a certified nurse midwife can provide a full range of primary health care services from adolescence to beyond menopause. Annual exams, sexually transmitted disease screening and treatment, birth control counseling and family planning are all within their scope of care. They treat patients from preconception to pregnancy, during childbirth and through postpartum. A certified nurse midwife can also prescribe medication and offer preventive health care education. They can work independently or jointly with another medical provider.
Q: Though we’re home most of the time because of the pandemic, my teenage son still has angst about his acne, especially with Zoom and FaceTime! What would you recommend?
A: Healthy skin is an important goal and there are many things your son can do to reduce or eliminate acne. Have him wash his face twice daily with a gentle cleanser with benzoyl peroxide as the main active ingredient. Avoid scrubs and toners, which can irritate the skin. He can apply a topical treatment with adapalene to unclog pores and prevent future breakouts. Then he will want to avoid touching his face as much as possible, and never pick at acne or scarring
Let’s talk health
™
— Nadia Graves, CNM, Samaritan Lebanon Health Center
could occur. He should wash his hair frequently, daily if it is oily, and shower after activities that cause sweat and oil production. Teens with acne should avoid excessive amounts of cosmetics, which can clog pores and make things worse, and protect their skin from phones and other items that can cause friction or pressure. Do what you can to help your son reduce stress, which will help reduce flare-ups,
Brought to you by:
encourage a healthy diet, drink plenty of water and resist the urge to constantly remind him about his skin care regimen. Studies show fewer reminders are better with teens! It can take about six to eight weeks of consistent care to see improvement. Try these tips and if they aren’t working, reach out to your pediatrician for next steps — there are a lot of options these days. — Whitney Horsley, MD, Mid-Valley Children’s Clinic
Call Samaritan Health Services Find a Doctor line at 800-863-5241 to find a provider who is right for you.
mommag.com 7
[ Momism
#77: Look with your eyes, not your hands.
Christina Miller, MD
541 704 7304
Raising strong families through personalized care. At Willamette Valley Pediatrics we believe that healthcare is personal.
“We are all in this together” Try to keep household routine the same: the usual bedtime and meal times help reduce children’s stress. Make-a-plan: There’s so much to do — shopping, cooking, family time and more. Try to only do 1 or 2 things at a time. Be sensitive to feelings: Everyone feels the stress of the season. Ask for help for you, your family or your child.
Dr. Christina Miller takes the time to develop relationships with her patients and their families in order to care for their “whole” health.
You and your child’s health are our priority. We know that health concerns are stressful for moms. We offer same day appointments and can work with your busy schedule. We schedule sports physicals with minimal wait time, because we know that an active child is a healthy child. Dr. Miller knows that children are a blessing. That is why she comes alongside you and your child to help them become their best self. To learn more contact us at 541-704-7304 or www.willamettevalleypediatrics.com
Enjoy the moment: Find fun things to do together like games, walks, singing, etc.
Christina Miller, MD
Dr. Miller strives to provide so much more than just a doctor’s “visit.” Located in Albany 1123 Hill Street SE, Suite B. Albany
willamettevalleypediatrics.com 541 704 7304 8 mommag.com
]
Impact of COVID o n D e s ig n THE PANDEMIC AFFECTED ALMOST EVERY ASPECT OF LIFE, AND DESIGN IS NO EXCEPTION.
H
OMEOWNERS have become more willing to invest in their homes, and design trends have been directly influenced by the combination of work and school from home, plus the need for sanitation. Some of the trends include:
Additional storage Additional storage has become more important to homeowners, as many people have stockpiled food and essential products to avoid additional trips to the store. Larger pantries and refrigerator space helps lower the amount of clutter.
Easy-to-clean surfaces For obvious reasons, there has been an emphasis on easy-to-clean products and surfaces. People have opted for finishes on products that can be easily sanitized and hold up to ammonia and alcohol-based cleaners.
Flexibility Speaking of clutter, as more people stay at home for work and/or school, more emphasis has been put on functional home workspaces. Any table or counter space can be used as desk space, so addressing clutter makes working from home easier.
Heather Van Eyk is a mother of two and principal designer at NW Design House & owner of Budget Blinds located next to Starbucks in North Albany.
Brought to you by:
541-738-2806 | nwdesignhouse.com
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ELIZABETH PEĂ‘A For Elizabeth PeĂąa, family is everything.
photos by Emily Hall Photography
Family
Partner: Alexis Mitjan
Children: Kevin age 30 (wife Brittany and their son, Niko); Samy age 24; Andrew age 14; and Dominick 12 Profession: Value Stream Leader, Peoria Gardens, Inc. Community: Albany
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Family comes first. All families are unique. Tell us about yours. My family is made up of my four children and my partner, Alexis, who is from Cuba. My oldest son Kevin got married four years ago, and they had my precious grandson Niko. My son Samy is at the U of O in Eugene, and my other two, Andrew and Dominick, are in school in Albany. My life in general is very busy. I love my job, and the rest of the time I dedicate to my children and my partner.
Every family has their own traditions, rituals or inside jokes. What’s one of yours? Always being together on birthdays. As a mom, I love birthdays and now it’s a tradition to be together and show eachother how much we love one another. The other tradition is to clean the house on New Year’s Eve, put cinnamon to boil so the house smells nice, then I go out with my suitcases for a walk down the street. This Latin tradition is to ensure you have a travel-filled year ahead. I’m hoping I can travel somewhere fun this year. When did you know you wanted to be a mom? I grew up in a family that loved babies, and for my mom, a baby was a blessing. So it was not a subject that scared me. When I had my first baby I felt so, so happy for being able to create such a perfect human being. I called him my little blue angel because of his beautiful eyes.
Do you think that parenting is easier or more challenging than when you were growing up? I don’t think it is more difficult, just different because I grew up with my mom as a housewife and my father was always there to help my mother. When you’re a single mom, you always have in your mind that there is no option to quit and that makes me the woman I am now. Tell us about one of your proudest mom moments? I have had many proud moments with my four children, who are bilingual. I like seeing them grow up and start their lives. Now tell us about one of your most humbling mom moments? I think that as a Latin mom there are many moments of humility because people don’t understand if you do not know their language or their culture. It’s not because of your capacity, it’s because of the circumstance of not growing up here.
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.)? Before I had my children I was not a taxi driver or free Uber driver in the evenings until very late to drive my children. My son Andrew has many needs for rides, but at the same time I love doing it because I prefer safety and it is a way of showing support for them and for their sports. In what way are your children like you? How are they different? They are all very hardworking and they all like to dance. Your biggest wish for your kids is… That no matter what they do, they always try to do their best. To follow their hearts and try to be happy.
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'
…meetup spot for happy hour: GameTime SportsBar & Grill
MOM s favorite... ...words to live by: Don’t judge before you get to know somebody because sometimes it’s not the capacity, but the circumstances. …way to get out of making dinner: When we visit my grandson, we go out. …time-saving app or digital tool: WhatsApp to be in contact with my family in Mexico 12 mommag.com
MOMs Love Local We love locally owned businesses, restaurants, places and organizations. Share your favorite…
…restaurants for a date night: American Dream …event in your community: Linn County Fair …any other local places you love: Hasty Freeze
No one works harder than mom. We know that being a mom is a full-time job. How do you balance (or not) motherhood, activities, work, volunteering, household responsibilities, and life in general? What sometimes falls through the cracks? I love my work. It feels good to work with plants and in a very healthy environment. I was very lucky when I made the decision 25 years ago to start working for Peoria Gardens, Inc. I love that they respect people and families, and every day I am grateful to have become part of this family. When I had two very young babies — a one-month old and the other less than two years old — and my older boys were ages 10 and 16, I went through a divorce. Being part of my work family helped heal my pain a bit. Tell us about your work or volunteerism outside of the home. Even though I had my hands full with my four children, I began to realize how much people in the community need help. I helped by teaching classes on taking control of your own health. I was also involved in the Educate and Inspire workshops, helping people in Albany, Corvallis, Philomath and Lebanon. It aims to empower Latino families so they can help their students and teachers work in the same direction. I also volunteered for a program through OSU, with activities for children that help them learn respect for other people and accept them as they are. What have you learned professionally, that has helped you as a mom? Right now, after receiving LEAN foundation training last year, it teaches you the importance of discipline and having the necessary things at the necessary time to facilitate your life system. And when applying this to my children, it has worked positively.
…coffee spot: Allan’s Coffee & Tea …view or scenic lookout: the beach …place to treat yourself to a mani/pedi: Edith’s Salon
Tell us about a recent achievement you’re proud of, or a personal passion or talent. To be nominated in this magazine is a great achievement. Also to see my son Kevin married with a baby, and so many dreams and successes in his work. It is a great achievement. When was the last time you failed? What did you learn? When my ex-husband left me with my babies, I was so young and I thought where did I go wrong? But I learned that nothing was wrong, we were just not going in the same direction at the same time. My oldest told me, “Mom, nobody is wrong. They only have a different measure of heart.”
Do you have a goal you’d like to accomplish within the next five years? To teach my children to love life as much as I love it and maintain an economic stability that allows me to buy a house on the beach. Being a good leader in my work that others remember with respect.
If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy. Tell us about your community/upbringing growing up. How did it shape the mother you are today? I grew up in Guadalajara, and it is very important to me. I had seven siblings and a hardworking father who taught me respect for others, and from my mother I learned that everything I do should be from my heart and not out of obligation. My upbringing made me feel loved and safe. What is special about where you grew up? The beauty of the place. We always look for excuses to celebrate and never to be sad. What do you think is the most important life skill or value your parents taught you? Humility. To be humble, acknowledge my mistakes and always try to help others. When was the last time you did something for the first time? Almost a year and a half ago, I got to hug my first grandson for the first time. Which good habit do you wish you started earlier? Delegating responsibility and not trying to do everything myself. When did you realize you were no longer a child? It was kind of funny: when the doctor handed me my first baby, he said, “Congratulations ma’am.” It made me feel different and that I was no longer a child. What are three words your best friend would use to describe you? Good, honest and hard-working What are three words your kids would use to describe you? Loving, giving and positive What is the quality you like most about yourself? My attitude because it allows me to be thankful for each day of life and look at the positive first, without having time for the negative. If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, in which event would you win a gold medal? Multitasking Name one thing that is part of your daily routine that you just can’t live without. I pray every morning to not offend anyone with my words and for a better world for everyone. mommag.com 13
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? Relax and maybe enjoy a glass of red wine. What keeps you up at night (apart from kids, of course)? I worry about a lot of things for humanity in general. And I think a mom always worries about the future of her children. What keeps you sane? Thinking that my young children depend on me, and the desire to see all of my future grandchildren. What is the best way that you let off steam? Dancing salsa because I love to dance. What’s your guilty pleasure? (dark chocolate hidden in the pantry, TJ Maxx, daily latte habit?) Ice cream and creamy desserts.
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What is your greatest extravagance? Big, bling-bling jewelry. Who is your favorite real-life hero? Maria Teresa of Calcutta What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives? Give something without expecting anything in return. It’s a nice feeling.
Listen to mom. Is motherhood what you expected? What surprised you the most? What surprised me most was understanding how perfect humans are and how the body works. To be able to feed babies and know instinctively what to do.
Who and what has influenced the mother you are today? My mother was fundamental in making me a dedicated mother. What’s the best advice you’ve received from another mom? Take 5 - 10 minutes for yourself every day. What advice would you give your younger mom self? What do you wish you knew then that you know now? Always prioritize in daily activities and not forget that if we are well, our children are too. In the end the only valuable thing we leave behind is our memories.
HEADS UP ON HEAD GEAR When correcting jaw and bite alignment, headgear is often used in orthodontics.
H
EADGEAR IS CONSIDERED an external “appliance,” as we call them, that is worn partially outside the mouth, oftentimes with a U-shaped metal piece across the face, connected with a series of straps. Most of the time, this tool is used to gently pull — over the course of several months — a child’s jaw to correct an under or overbite.
This smile is brought to you by:
WADE L. HASLAM, DMD, PC 2657 NW Rolling Green Drive, Corvallis | 541.757.2440 valleyvieworthodontics.com
Headgear is only effective in growing jaws, which is why you don’t see them on adults. When we recommend headgear, the goal is to avoid surgery later in life. We tell patients that if they can wear their headgear as soon
“
Headgear is used to correct a child’s jaw and avoid bite problems later in life.
”
as school is over and throughout the night, they’ve achieved the necessary 12-14 hours of daily wear that is needed to achieve the desired result. While we don’t use headgear as often as we did decades ago, there is still a use for it today to help your child’s long-term oral health.
Dr. Haslam is a board-certified specialist in orthodontics.
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CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH
03:45
Chapter 1
10:30
AUDIOBOOKS FOR FAMILIES TO SHARE DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH AND BEYOND HAD ENOUGH SCREEN TIME? US TOO. ENJOY HAVING A STORY READ TO YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN WITH AUDIOBOOKS. CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH THESE TITLES, CURATED BY GUEST CONTRIBUTOR BERTA HIGGINS.
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TROMBONE SHORTY Troy Andrews, Bryan Collier (illustrator), read by Angela Bassett Recommended ages: all In this autobiographical story, we follow Troy as he pursues his dream of becoming a musician. Through Angela Bassett’s masterful reading we experience the unique culture and sound of New Orleans.
StoryLineOnline.net
AS FAST AS WORDS COULD FLY Pamela M. Tuck, Eric Velasquez (illustrator), read by Dulé Hill Recommended ages: Grades 3 - 5 Mason Steele is an intelligent boy living in a time of social unrest and civil rights activism. He is able to handle the prejudice he faces with dignity and maturity. Listen to the clickety-clack of his typewriter as he learns that we can create positive change in the world simply by being our very best selves. StoryLineOnline.net
A COMPUTER CALLED KATHERINE Suzanne Slade & Veronica Miller Jamison Recommended ages: Grades K - 4 Katherine Johnson, also featured in the movie “Hidden Figures,” was a girl who broke racial and gender stereotypes. Her prodigious mathematical ability led her to become an American legend as she worked for NASA’s space programs. Girls and boys will be inspired to reach for the stars as they listen to this biographical tale.
OverDrive
CLAYTON BYRD GOES UNDERGROUND Rita Williams-Garcia Recommended ages: Grades 4 - 8 (chapter book) Loss and pain send Clayton on a journey of discovery both about his family and about himself, but it is love
and the blues that save him in the end. The musical undercurrents of Clayton’s life make the audiobook format ideal.
CloudLibrary
HENRY’S FREEDOM BOX Ellen Levine, Kadir Nelson (illustrator) Recommended ages: Grades 4 and up Based on the true and amazing story of a slave who went through the ordeal of mailing himself to freedom in a crate. Driven by the love for his family and the pain of being separated from them, Henry defies the odds and lives to tell one of the most dramatic tales from the underground railroad. This story easily taps into a child’s innate sense of justice and the righting of wrongs.
CloudLibrary
ALL BECAUSE YOU MATTER Tami Charles, Bryan Collier (illustrator) Recommended ages: Grades K - 5 A great bedtime listen while taking in the sweet illustrations. The author was inspired by her own child and by the raising of our collective voices in the year 2020 demanding civil rights. In her own words, this book is “a loving tribute to the greatness that lives within my beautiful, brownhued, brown-eyed boy and within all children, of all colors, everywhere… YOU MATTER!”
THE UNDEFEATED Kwame Alexander, Kadir Nelson (illustrator) Recommended ages: Grades 4 - 8 Written in poetic form, this Caldecott Medal Book with illustrations by the talented Kadir Nelson features many icons of African American history as they toil, survive and overcome. What could be better than watching the author read it himself? Prepare to be uplifted and inspired.
YouTube.com
HEART AND SOUL: THE STORY OF AMERICA AND AFRICAN AMERICANS Kadir Nelson Recommended ages: Grades 3 and up An award winning introduction to African American history with the audio recording performed by Debbie Allen. Follow along with the gorgeous illustrations and become a more educated American no matter what your own background may be.
OverDrive
CloudLibrary
CROWN: AN ODE TO THE FRESH CUT Derrick Barnes, Gordon C. James (illustrator) Recommended ages: Grades 1 -5 Winner of several literary honors, Barnes uses rhythm and cadence to show how a simple trip to the barbershop becomes an exploration of a young boy’s sense of pride in how the world sees him and what he feels and knows he can contribute. Enjoy the wonderful illustrations while listening to the text.
CloudLibrary
Adapted from CloudLibrary, StoryLine Online and Amazon.
Berta Higgins lives in Corvallis with her family. She works in biological science research and loves to read.
mommag.com 17
Winterize your eyes Winter can do a number on your eyes, with cold and hot air teaming up to dry them out. Plus, UV protection is needed, even on overcast winter days. Keep your eyes healthy and protected with these tips:
COLD When outdoors, cold winds evaporate the moisture in your eyes. And conversely, they can make your eyes tear up. The solution: a barrier of artificial tears before going out. Preservative-free brands are safe bets for contact lens wearers.
DRY Indoor heat contributes to eye dryness and irritation. Again, artificial tears can help, as well as taking appropriate breaks from screen time. Additionally, sit farther
away from heat sources and try a humidifier — desktop versions that use USB power are a win for all those Zoom meetings.
BRIGHT Wear sunglasses with UV protection, even on cloudy days. If you’re going up to the mountains to play in the snow, be especially aware that ultraviolet rays can enter your eyes from above and are reflected off the snow. If you’re participating in winter sports, wear goggles with built-in UV protection. Source: American Optometric Association
Brought to you by:
Masha Molodyh, OD eyecareassociates.net
Albany Willetta St SW (541) 926-5848 Albany Custom Eyes (541) 928-2020 Downtown Corvallis Office (541) 757-1120
NW Corvallis Office (541) 752-4622 Lebanon Office (541) 451-5808 Lincoln City (541) 614-0946
Did you know?
Healthy sleep, Beautiful smiles, Happy kids
80% of asthma is caused by over breathing.
Dr. Lindquist uses non-invasive removable appliances to help your child grow to his full potential! Contact us today for a free consultation.
(503) 585-4282 • pearlywhitesfamilydentistry.com • 18 mommag.com
@pearlywhitesfamilydentistry
X-ray vision P
arents often ask why we recommend their children have
dental X-rays taken. While a child’s smile may look healthy, there are parts of the tooth we cannot see with our eyes, such as the supporting structures below the gumline and the tight areas where teeth touch one another. At a child’s dental visit, we use X-rays to rule out any tricky cavities that might be developing. This allows us to address those cavities while they are small — and before they create extensive damage and pain. X-rays also give us a picture of how your child’s teeth are developing. While your child has their baby teeth, X-rays allow us to see their hidden permanent teeth and spot any issues with position, size, etc. This information is useful for parents to get an idea of future orthodontic care.
Brought to you by:
Dr. Jay Vaikuntam
pediatricdentistoregon.com 155 NW Hickory St # A Albany, OR 97321 (541) 928-1509
A complete picture of a child’s oral health is established with X-rays, and having a baseline helps as we compare X-rays from previous visits to monitor changes. How often we recommend dental X-rays depends on health history, diet and other factors; your pediatric dental team will guide you in this and many other aspects of your child’s dental care. Source: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s Guidelines
mommag.com 19
Natural Cleaning Choices A lot of us have been spending more time at home with our families lately, which means more messes.
M
any mainstream cleaners contain harsh chemicals you’ll want to keep away from the children and pets — especially when long-term exposure is a possibility. Try these natural cleaning solutions using items you may already have in the fridge or pantry. If you don’t, stop into the Co-op, and we’ll help you out.
Make your sink sparkle: Harness the power of citrus to make a cloudy sink shine. Simply slice a lemon in half and use it to scrub the sink firmly. The acidic lemon juice will break up hard water stains and help make it glimmer. You can use both sides, too — the rind acts like the rough side of a sponge,
Come to First Alternative Natural Foods Co-op for all of your grocery needs. It’s the natural choice.
making it perfect for getting those stuck-on messes. It’s also a quick, easy way to integrate a little cleaning after cooking with lemon.
Soften your sheets, naturally: Make your own fabric softener that features a scent you and your family love by taking a one-gallon jug of white vinegar and adding in 20-30 drops of your favorite essential oil. Before you run a load of laundry, shake the mixture thoroughly and add 1/3 cup into the washing machine. You’ll enjoy soft, static-free clothes that smell great with no worries about harsh chemicals.
Two locations in Corvallis 1007 SE 3rd • 541-753-3115 2855 NW Grant • 541-452-3115 Open daily www.firstalt.coop
Jasmin Woodside of First Alternative Co-op and her children.
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SPRUCE UP YOUR SPACE In life before kids, your home was used, but we bet it wasn’t nearly to the degree it was after kids came along. Some might even call it abused, what with the boogers wiped on walls and toys flushed down toilets.
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A
long comes a pandemic with all of us staying at home, and most of us have just been trying to keep the trains on the tracks in terms of feeding the kids, much less being able to stay on top of chores. Still, a refreshing change can bring a muchneeded dopamine squirt. And sprucing up your space doesn’t have to be arduous, especially if you focus on just one area. Small changes can go a surprisingly long way in bringing you delight.
Treat yourself to... A new door mat can perk up your day. Try Etsy.com for truly funny ones. A new shower curtain. Goodbye moldy oldy, hello fresh and clean.
A new end table. Or, upcycle one with new hardware or paint. A new desk light, mouse pad or fun notebook for your home work space. Finally, something just for you. A new area rug: have you tried the popular washable kinds? Do tell.
New sheets. Oh, heavenly new sheets! If you really want to spoil yourself, try Somnvie.com for the ultimate luxury brand. If you’re not as ambitious as all those Tik Tokers stripping their bath towels, new towels are divine in their fluffy goodness. The older ones can be demoted to grunge towels. Do away with the unfocused kitchen hand towels and commit to a color or theme in new ones.
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New cleaning products. This is the equivalent of getting new workout clothes to motivate yourself to exercise. Marley’s Monsters is based in Eugene with online sales of a wide variety of earth-friendly cleaning products. Your online cart will burst with colors and cuteness.
Fresh flowers perk up a place instantly. So do greens cut from your backyard: try a clear vase with one or three sprigs of greenery.
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The rule of 3S And also 5s, 7s and 9s
Home stylists use this philosophy all the time. It’s simple: items look better in 3s because apparently our brains are drawn to oddnumbered arrangements. Consider a tablescape with three small plant arrangements. Or a shelf with three candlesticks, in varying heights. Try it with wall art, throw pillows, a personal collection, and more.
Change up the vibe in any room by...
Rearranging the furniture. Adding a plant. Or, re-potting a few plants using the Rule of 3s. Painting an accent wall. One mom we know is doing this with glitter paint. So sparkly! Taking out an art piece and swapping it for something different from another room. Switching out a builder’s grade light fixture for something more you. Mini chandelier, anyone? Mixing up the throw pillows. Getting new pillow covers is an inexpensive way to try a trend like geometric shapes. Making it smell nice: use up older cinnamon, cloves and other fragrant spices by adding them to a few cups of water on simmer. Throw an orange slice in there, too.
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When it s safe to do so, consider hiring the pros for...
Carpet and upholstery cleaning: Sure, you can do it yourself, but the pros are faster and have better equipment. Duct cleaner (tip: tell them the age of your house and furnace before they come over, as the duct work in some older homes may not be eligible.) Grout cleaning: have you seen the before and after images online? Have a look and enjoy the scroll hole.
Use a sunny day to... Open the windows and bring in the fresh air. Stale air is gross, plus it’s not healthy.
ULTIMATE GRAY
Wash one window. Just one. Stand back and become so inspired, you do another… and another.
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Run the self-clean cycle on the oven. This can get stinky, so do it on a day you can ventilate. Shake out your pet’s bedding. Washing leashes and toys is another way to love on your favorite child (because they never give you sass).
ILLUMINATING
Did you know?
Sweep the front entrance of your home, all the while soaking up some much-needed vitamin D.
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...sprucing up your space doesn’t have to be arduous, especially if you focus on just one area. Small changes can go a surprisingly long way in bringing you delight. 24 mommag.com
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Every year, the Pantone Color Institute selects a color of the year. For 2021, they chose two colors: the yellow evokes cheer and happiness, and the gray is associated with composure, steadiness and resilience.
CARING FOR YOUR It’s perfect, honey! Have you ever noticed that we love our children’s artwork, no matter how purple the sky or red the grass they’ve drawn? We don’t expect it to be perfect, yet we find joy in it anyway. We find joy in their imperfection, yet we often expect no less than perfection from ourselves or our spouse. When we reflect on our
I
brought to you Connections by can still be made. Have your little one draw a picture for your neighbor—maybe of your house and theirs, side-by-side. Jot down a note with it, including your phone number, then leave it on their door. It’s these little steps that get things started. From there, call or text Carla Towery a to the store, offer to Santiam Christian to Schools check in with them. Before youisgo teacher,neighbor or busy Kindergarten www.santiamchristian.org pick up extra supplies for an elderly SantiamofChristian Schools 541-745-5524 x243 mom. This gesture kindness touches others and helps us all make it through difficult times.
Brought to you by:
Carla Towery is a Kindergarten teacher, Santiam Christian Schools
NEIGHBORS
lives, we see what we don’t have. When we look in the mirror, we see our flaws instead of the blessings. Can we take a step back? Can we dayspounds, gone by,orour neighborhoods were our support accept those few nextra scuffed shoes, or not-so-new We knew each other family. to Before the car—even with itssystem. occasional rattles—and allowlike ourselves pandemic, many of us would come and go so frequently experience satisfaction with what we have and who we are? Peace that we didn’t even know our neighbors. During the with ourselves liberates us to be our own “best.” pandemic we might be home more often, but now social keeps us from to know one Today’s the day.distancing Give yourself a break fromgetting the expectation of another. perfection and say, “I’m okay.” Having a relationship with your neighbors allows you andGive your kids tosome have today! a bit of a safety net around you. It’s called GRACE. yourself The “village” around your home can be an extra set of eyes for you and yours, while you are the same for them.
www.santiamchristian.org 541-745-5524 x 243
OPENING FALL 2020 Growing Leaders Early Learning Center will focus on building an educational foundation for children ages 3 to 5 through enrichment programs that provide learning opportunities for everyone in our community. Visit ymcaalbany.org for more information about this exciting program or to register. For more information: Ashley Thomas 541.918.2255 | elcdirector@ymcaalbany.org
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Get seen by moms! Advertise with MOM Magazine. mommag.com
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BIRTHDAYS
Celebrating Birthdays IN PANDEMIC TIMES MOMs everywhere have been trying to keep their kids’ spirits up this past long year, and when it comes to birthday parties for the kids, well... it’s another challenge for our creativity in terms of logistics. How do we have some kind of celebration, even if it’s only our quaranteam, in a pandemic?
There are ways. By now you’ve probably been part of a drive-by birthday parade for friends or family, which is a safe bet for well wishes (just make sure that the driver has eyes on the road, not the commotion). But if you’re searching for ways to level up your kid’s birthday, here are a few more to try...
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BIRTHDAYS
Digital Delights BIRTHDAY WISH FROM THEIR HERO Hire soccer legend Mia Hamm to wish your child a happy birthday. Yes, the real Mia Hamm will make a custom video message for your superfan child, for $125 with proceeds benefiting families in need of marrow or cord blood transplant. That’s beyond winning, in our book. Visit Cameo.com to peruse the many participating actors, athletes, musicians and other celebrities.
HOST A MOVIE WATCH PARTY Host a Netflix or Disney+ watch party. If you’re tech savvy, the interwebs have plenty of how-to articles about pulling off a group watch of a favorite show or movie.
VIDEO WELL WISHES If you and yours aren’t too Zoomed out, you can always host a party through the popular app. Asking for friends and loved ones to record video well wishes is another option, which is especially forgiving when relatives live in different time zones.
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BIRTHDAYS
Yard hooplah PINATA TIME!
BIRTHDAY SIGNS
What better way to take out our frustrations by beating an inanimate object to a pulp? And then have candy. A Coronavirus pinata is a timely one from Party City.
Arrange for large, fun yard signs for your child, like those available from Hooray Yard Cards. Hooray Yard Cards offer service in many Oregon communities. Visit Facebook. com/hoorayyardcardscorvallis for info, or email corvallis@ hoorayyardcards.com.
AIR DANCER Buy an air dancer (and share it with your mom friends for their kids’ birthdays). It’s silly, different and wonderfully outlandish.
HONK, IT’S MY BIRTHDAY! Put up a “Honk, it’s my birthday!” for a few hours (and only a few, or your neighbors may have words with you). You can go custom on signage, too. Ask a local sign maker in your area, as they know what materials stand up best in Western Oregon’s climate.
Homespun with love JOY JAR Ask their friends and relatives what they like best about your child. Write each note down on slips of paper, fold them and put into a decorated jar. This one may turn out to be quite the keepsake. Even non-mushy types like to hear compliments.
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MAKE THE MORNING CHEERFUL When your child goes to bed, decorate their bedroom doorway with streamers and balloons. Draw a silly face and message in dry-erase markers on the bathroom mirror so they see it early in the day.
GIFT SCAVENGER HUNT Uplevel the gift-getting with a scavenger hunt around the house. It extends the fun that much more. Make your own hunt, or search the many options on Pinterest.
BIRTHDAYS
FABULOUS CAKES Get that cake you your child always wanted. This is the excuse you needed to order a fabulous cake from a local baker.
La Vida Local
LIVE PERFORMANCE
PET PARADE Got a dog lover? Ask your neighbors for a pet parade at a designated time. You might be pleasantly surprised by reaching out through apps like Nextdoor to find what your neighbors are game to do when it comes to making a child smile.
Hire a performer, like a professional juggler or princess, who can stay at a safe distance yet still entertain. Albany mom Janelle Bennett hired a fire dancer for her teen daughter’s birthday and loved how it was personalized to her daughter’s favorite song. For more info: Radiance Works, Facebook. com/RadianceWorks. Try GigSalad.com to explore more local performers.
GOT SOME GOOD IDEAS OF YOUR OWN? Sis, tell us all about them at Facebook.com/lovemommag. mommag.com 29
Top 5 Health Benefits of Archery A
RCHERY IS A SAFE, FUN SPORT that is perfect for social distancing, with a host of benefits for children. Remaining focused during a shot is important for every archer. It takes practice and discipline to keep their form and ignore distractions, which helps children learn how to handle other pressures and challenges. Archery also trains your hands to aim based on the feedback from your eyes, building hand-eye coordination that is key to many aspects of life and learning.
ARCHERY IS AN EXCELLENT WAY TO GET OUTSIDE Archery improves: • Focus • Hand-eye coordination • Upper body strength • Social skills • Confidence Brought to you by:
Kids as young as eight years of age generally have the strength to safely handle a beginner’s bow. When drawing back the bow, not only does the body use arm strength, it also utilizes the chest, shoulder and core. It can be played individually or as a team (similar to gymnastics), which allows the archer to reach their own goals as well as goals of the team. Being part of a team helps children’s self-esteem, communication skills, peer relationships and more. When it comes to an activity, archery is on target!
Karen Swanger is the Director of OSU KidSpirit Oregon 4-H Youth Programs kidspirit.oregonstate.edu
“The Schools Foundation is one of those safety nets we have in the community. It’s a gem.” Terese Jones, mom and Corvallis School Board member
Contribute: CPSFOUNDATION.ORG 30 mommag.com
We’re here …
… for your child’s health. Your family’s health and well-being are top priorities, for you and for us. As our communities meet the challenges of COVID-19, well-child checkups and vaccinations are as important as ever. When you make an appointment you can be assured that many safety measures are in place, including telehealth appointments, pre-appointment health screenings, physical distancing, face coverings requirement and strict cleaning and disinfecting.
Need a new health care provider? Call 800-863-5241.
samhealth.org mommag.com 31
263 29th Avenue SW | Albany, OR 97322 541-926-0353 | 541-926-1515 fax
www.mommag.com | info@mommag.com
The views, information and content in this magazine are not that of the organization that may have provided MOM Magazine to readers as a courtesy. MOM Magazine and its distributors assume no liability for the contents or events arising out of its distribution.
KIDSPIRIT COOKING ACADEMY TM
Creating Confident & Independent Kids in the Kitchen
Whether your child is an independent chef, or is still learning, join OSU KidSpirit’s Virtual Cooking Academy! With KidSpirit staff, your child will prepare a wide variety of delicious meals twice-a-week for the family! Virtual Camps, Live Instruction
3-week sessions twice-a-week for all ages:
Beginning Chef: Master Chef: Begining Chef: • Back to Basics
• Original Edition • International Cuisine • Root to Table
Cooking Develop Kitchen & Life Skills • Measuring • Knife Skills • Kitchen Safety • Basic Nutrition • Substitutions
Register at:
• Creativity • Following a Sequence • Math & Science • Cause & Effect • Social Skills & Fun!
Kidspirit.oregonstate.edu/cooking-academy or contact us at 541.737.KIDS (5437).
3-week sessions for all ages begin Feb. 1!