Mid Valley MOM | Feb / Mar 2023

Expecting a Special Delivery?

Please join us for our Baby Bundle and Healthy Baby classes at The Corvallis Clinic

Since we believe that knowledge brings comfort and confidence, we sponsor these classes for all parents-to-be. During each session, you will have the opportunity to speak with our specialists about labor, delivery, and your child’s development.

Each Baby Bundle session features one of our expert obstetricians who will focus on labor and delivery. We’ll even help you figure out how to choose a pediatrician.

Our Healthy Baby sessions feature an expert pediatrician to answer questions about your newborn. Feel confident knowing that you aren’t alone in your journey into parenthood.

Visit our website to learn more and register or scan the QR code for quick registration.

Learn more at CorvallisClinic.com/baby-classes

Photos by Christy Campbell Creative

[

know what they’re talking about]

Pets

Pets are Family with Dr. Jilinda Lewis, page 6

Say

Say Cheese with Dr. Wade Haslam, page 26

Reimagine Your Home with Rylee Henderer, page 7

Thrive

Helping Kids Thrive with Karen Swanger, page 10

Focus on MOM with Dr. Michelle Lee, page 27

Let’s Talk Health with Samaritan Health Services, page 8

Support

Natural Choices with Jasmin Woodside, page 11

Something to Smile About with Dr. Jay Vaikuntam, page 30

Learn

Partners in Education with AnnaMarie Gosser, page 24

Editor-in-Chief

Managing Director

Audrey Meier DeKam

audrey@mommag.com

Salem Advertising

Representative

Kim Leighty kim.leighty@mommag.com

503-510-9036

Mid-Valley & Lane County Business Development Manager

Linda Blair

linda@mommag.com

541-231-7250

Designer Sean Carver

Because I said so!

Here’s your reminder

If you’re like me, you flip the calendar to March and are seized by a cold sweat of having kids off school for spring break. I should have planned something by now, I think to myself. I’ll definitely need more food, too, as my children and their friends consume every last calorie in the house. Not even uncooked taco shells are safe from being raided.

If you had your act together long ago and already booked something, please teach me how. The rest of us will likely be scrambling, depending on the ages of our kids and what kind of budget we have.

If you have the funds, try looking for flights out of the Eugene Airport through airlines like Avelo. You can find direct flights to Burbank, which puts you right into all kinds of LA-based fun. For something closer, Portland’s Oaks Amusement Park gets shockingly overlooked by valley residents when it’s practically in our backyard. I took a pack of boys there last spring break (yes, it was last minute) and we had a blast. It has a great selection of rides and activities for all ages. Don’t do what we did, though, in typical post-winter Oregonian fashion: we forgot sunscreen and paid the price.

If keeping it low-key and local is more your vibe, try your local library. I am continually amazed at the breadth of services they offer. Did you know you can check out cake pans? Wild…and super handy.

Whatever you do for your upcoming break, consider this your reminder to plan it now. That goes for myself, too.

Audrey Meier DeKam Editor-in-Chief

Winter exercise for your pets

When it’s cold, wet and gray, who wants to go outside and exercise? Your dog!

When the weather isn’t exactly cooperative for outside play, food puzzle balls are a great option for an indoor activity. These toys twist open so you can put food inside, allowing your pet to play with their breakfast or dinner. If you have a safe, clean garage space, use it for a mealtime game time: have your dog wait on one side of the garage, then toss a kibble across the garage and have them go get it. Be sure to have them come back, sit and wait before you repeat.

Laser pointers and feather toys can be entertaining for you and your feline friends. Be aware that dogs can become obsessed with laser pointers and it may not be as entertaining when they chase lights reflected off your phone or other objects.

To avoid weight gain, adjust your pet’s food amounts to their activity level: feed less when the weather prevents you from exercising, and increase meal portions when they spend all day playing with the kids or running in the woods. This simple measure goes a long way to preventing the winter bulge, in Oregon’s finest winter weather and all year long. Stop by the clinic anytime for a free weight check!

Brought to you by: Jilinda Lewis, DVM Ark Animal Hospital

In partnership with Willamette Veterinary Hospital & Eastgate Veterinary Clinic

COUNTER TALK

When considering materials in a remodel or refresh, one aspect of a kitchen that many people consider is countertop material. There are many opinions and feelings about every material, so it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation.

QUARTZ

Quartz is arguably the most popular material in use for countertops today. Quartz countertops are not pure stone, but a mixture of aggregate, ground quartz and other stone, and binders or resins. Quartz is very hard to scratch or dent, but due to the binder properties, it isn’t heat-proof. Trivets, hot pads, or other protective measures should be used when using hot pans, or even slow cookers, as you can experience burn marks or cracks with excessive heat.

GRANITE

Granite is the stone that most people probably think of in terms of natural stone. Granite is hardy and essentially heat-proof. It’s also stain, scratch and chemical resistant, and therefore incredibly difficult to damage. It’s one of my top choices for those who like the ability to take a pan straight from the oven and set it directly on the countertop with no heat protection needed. There’s a wide array of granite colors and patterns, and no two slabs are exactly alike, giving homeowners an opportunity to truly personalize their home.

SOAPSTONE/QUARTZITE/OTHER NATURAL STONES

Soapstone and quartzite are two additional natural stone countertop options. Both provide many of the same qualities that granite does but are less heat resistant. To protect them, users should absolutely implement the same heat protection as with quartz countertops. Soapstone typically requires maintenance such as using a mineral oil to keep shine and color intact, so if you are looking for maintenance-free, it’s probably best to go in a different direction. Quartzite is one of the more colorful natural stones, but some of the patterns can create fissures and veins within the slab that can make manufacturing/ cutting the slab difficult.

MARB LE

Oh, marble. The stone that many love to hate. Marble is a natural stone, and many people steer clear of it due to its more porous, soft nature and the wear and tear it can show. However, marble can be a great choice for someone who is willing to take care of their countertops and doesn’t mind that your kitchen looks like you’ve used it. Someone told me her favorite part of her marble counters was seeing the wine stain from the spilled glass when her sister told her she was pregnant, or the stain from when her children made homemade pizza for her birthday. These memories provide a little bit of character to the space. Marble isn’t for everyone, but it certainly has its charms.

Rylee Henderer | DESIGNER

Rylee Henderer grew up around construction job sites, sweeping up endless sawdust in the shop. She formally joined her family’s business in 2017 and learned everything from demolition and framing, to tile and cabinetry installation. From there, Rylee grew into client management, and along the way found a love for design. She is now a full-time designer, creating beautiful, innovative spaces for Henderer Design + Build + Remodel.

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: I’m in my mid-40s and in generally good health. Staying on top of health screenings is important to me. Aside from a routine mammogram, what other cancer screenings are recommended at my age?

A: First off, great job taking a proactive role in your health. Screenings like mammograms for early detection of cancer are so important. Another equally vital screening is for colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum). While this is a common screening, it is often delayed due to anxiety or embarrassment.

Why make it a priority? Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related

deaths in the U.S., with 1 in 25 women receiving this diagnosis. When caught and treated early, survival rates are 90%.

So, when should you start this screening? Unless recommended otherwise by a health care professional, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now suggests getting screened beginning at age 45, whereas it was previously at age 50.

Several colorectal screening options are available, each of which have pros and cons regarding cost, time, discomfort and accuracy. It is best to talk with your primary care provider about which option is right for you.

— Naga Sai Krishna Patibandla, MD, Samaritan Hematology & Oncology Consultants

Q: There’s no need for women to worry about heart disease because that’s more of a concern for men, right?

A: Wrong! Heart disease is the most common cause of death in women — yet women tend to care for others first and take care of themselves in whatever time is left over in their day. That’s why we urge all women to care for themselves as they would for others, especially when it comes to their heart health.

First, be aware that heart attack symptoms are different in women than in men. Pay attention if you have discomfort or pain in the jaw, neck, shoulders or upper back; shortness of breath; pain in one or both arms; abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or unusual indigestion; or lightheadedness, dizziness or unusual fatigue.

If you experience any of these, contact your primary care provider right away. If it seems life-threatening, call 911.

We know it’s not healthy to smoke, to be overweight, to be overloaded with stress and to be too sedentary — but it can be difficult to take the first step to a heart-healthy lifestyle. Try reaching out to a friend who is a good role model and ask for encouragement or friendly competition. Ask your doctor for medical assistance and resources. Go online to trustworthy medical websites such as samhealth.org/Heart for tips and ideas.

— Jacquelyn Sinclair, FNP, Samaritan CardiologyCorvallis

What to do on those days off school

Many parents of school-age children have found themselves looking at the academic calendar and panicking. The number of days off school can be daunting for a variety of reasons, ranging from child care conflicts to concerns of boredom, and more.

At Kidspirit, our programs provide enrichment activities when school is not in session. We offer single-day camps when our local school districts are closed, and on early release Fridays, we have half-day camps called Activities Create Excitement on Non School Days, or ACES for short. We also offer popular day camps all summer long, as well as year-round classes in gymnastics, cooking and other topics.

Many children simply want to be in the company of other kids. Others want to be physically active, or they want to learn new skills. Our staff leads a wide range of activities in science, athletics and more. Plus, they make it fun!

And bonus for kids and parents alike: Research shows that afterschool programs aimed at enhancing social and emotional skills have positive outcomes in behavior, self-perception and academic achievement, along with reduced problem behaviors. The activities we offer when schools are out are more than a time when someone else is watching your children; they are an opportunity for them to learn to thrive.

Karen Swanger Director of OSU Kidspirit

Brought to you by: OSU KidSpirit, OSU Extension & Outreach kidspirit.oregonstate.edu

Come

Keeping the house clean, naturally

Keeping the house clean shouldn’t have to be all-consuming. Here are a couple of suggestions to help streamline the cleaning chores — for you or the kiddos. For natural cleaning solutions, sometimes you don’t need to go any further than the pantry. For everything else, come to the Co-op.

Shine while you cook: Harness the power of citrus to make a cloudy sink shine. Once you have the juice or zest you need from a lemon, sneak a little cleaning in by using half a lemon to scrub the kitchen sink. The acidic lemon juice will break up hard water stains and help make it glimmer like new. You can also make stuck-on messes disappear by using the rind like the rough side of the sponge.

One soap to clean it all: Streamline your cleaning needs by ditching all those separate bottles for the endlessly versatile Dr. Bronner’s 18-In-1 Pure-Castile Soap. Follow the easy dilution instructions on the bottle, and you’ve got everything from a face wash, body wash and shampoo, to a laundry detergent, produce rinse and dish soap. All that, plus some interesting reading!

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.

Caty Contreras-Colin

PROFESSION: College student, family engagement consultant, language translator, tutor

COMMUNITY: Philomath

CO-PARENT: David, CDL truck driver and owner of American Dream Trucking

CHILDREN: Chanel, age 14, and David, age 6

PHOTOS BY: CHRISTY CAMPBELL CREATIVE

WITH TWO KIDS, FOUR JOBS AND A LONG LIST OF VOLUNTEER WORK, WHAT DRIVES CATY CONTRERAS-COLIN? A COMPASSIONATE HEART.

Family comes first.

All families are unique. Tell us about yours. I am blessed to be a mom to two wonderful and caring children. Chanel is 14 and attends Linus Pauling Middle School. David is six and attends Garfield Elementary School. They both participate in their schools’ Dual Language Immersion Program. I co-parent with their dad very well. We make a very great team since we are great friends. Every family has its own traditions, rituals or inside jokes. What are some of yours? At least once a year as a family, we love giving back to our community, either by making a contribution to a non-profit organization or by volunteering. I have learned that when you do something from the heart without asking for anything in return, many more blessings will come raining down.

When did you know you wanted to be a mom?

I knew I wanted to be a mom when I was a tween. My youngest sister Natalie was born when I was 12 years old, and I pretty much begged my mom to let me change Natalie’s diaper. I rejoiced whenever I was given the opportunity to feed her, dress her in such cute clothes and take her out for walks in the stroller. Natalie was seriously my baby in practice.

You know you’re a mom when you hear yourself say... To me, you’ll always be my babies.

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 have a lot of support from their dad, David. Like I mentioned earlier, we make a great team co-parenting our children. When I come home late from theater rehearsal or a community event I helped facilitate, he is already finished with the household chores while I make dinner and get my kids working on homework or extra practice work. David especially helps me by taking the kids out when I am working from home on the weekends and/or when I’m catching up with homework assignments.

Tell us about your work or volunteerism outside of the home. I have to mention both work and volunteerism outside of the home because both categories have shaped the woman I am right now. When I am asked what I do for “work” I laugh because I can’t just mention one job. The first job I love the most is being a mom to my kids, the second is I’m a full-time student at LBCC as well as being LBCC’s language translator. I translate LBCC’s library media web pages from English to Spanish. I am also an independent Family Engagement Consultant. In this job, non-profit organizations reach out to me to collaborate in helping them involve the Latino community and encourage participation. Last but certainly not least, I am a part-time tutor for my tutoring business that I started in 2014. During the school year I tutor six children, and in the summer I tutor 12. My schedule doesn’t allow me to take on more unless they’re on my waitlist.

My list of volunteer work is probably longer than my profession category. I volunteer as an advocate in my community by specializing in supporting Spanish-speaking moms with advocating for their children’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) accommodations and meetings. Because I have a special needs child, I feel that I can help significantly.

When I am not advocating, you can find me running a free-of-charge bilingual playgroup for moms and their children zero to age 8 called Grupito Bilingüe that my friend Rocío helped me start in 2019. I also volunteer in running another free group called Madres Tutoras (Tutoring Moms) in which I teach effective ways to tutor children in helping them complete their math homework assignments. I also teach early conversational English and soon will focus on GED prep by collaborating with LBCC’s Adult Basic Skills program. My friend Rocío also helped me get this amazing group started.

I also participate in community theater which is completely volunteer work. I recently began volunteering as a makeup artist for the Majestic Theatre and really

enjoyed it. Last but certainly not least, I volunteer in my son’s school, helping in his classroom.

Do you have a goal you’d like to accomplish within the next five years? A goal I’d like to accomplish within the next five years is to finish getting my Human Services and Family Studies degree and to work in a profession I can apply my degree in.

If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.

Tell us about your upbringing. How did it shape the mother you are today? I was born and raised in West Los Angeles. My parents migrated from Mexico in the 80s and thought to only come to the United States for work but soon realized they wanted to experience living the American Dream. My mom’s American Dream moment was getting certified as a hair stylist and cosmetologist, working in the Brentwood area. To this day she still styles hair because the beauty industry is her passion.

Some fond memories I have growing up are helping my mom a lot around the kitchen and being able to learn her recipes that I make to this day. When I was 11 years old, my mom became a single mom and was the sole breadwinner and provided for us as best as she could. That’s when in middle school I decided I was going to be one of the best students in my school to make my mom proud. I was placed in the Student Achievement Studies program due to being an honor roll student. I was also in my school’s drama club and got to perform in our school plays, was in my local swim team and participated in youth groups. Unfortunately it got too expensive to live in LA so at age 14, my mom and sisters and I moved to Corvallis. Despite her facing trials and barriers being a single mom, she fought through them and helped tremendously in shaping the woman and mother I am today.

What is special about where you grew up?

What is special about growing up in Los Angeles is being able to attend some of the best schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District and also to be surrounded with my Mexican culture, heritage and its traditions. Mexican bakeries and traditional Mexican food trucks were always around the corner…I miss that the most!

What do you think is the most important life skill or value your parents taught you? The most important life skill my mom taught me was implementing for my sisters and I to give back to our community with a humble and compassionate heart because many people and non-profit organizations helped us when we most needed it, so the most thoughtful thing to do is give back. What is something you will NEVER do again? Accidentally hitting reply ALL on an email thread of professional colleagues and sending emojis. How embarrassing! I am much more careful now.

When did you realize you were no longer a child? I realized I was no longer a child at the age of 18 when I got my first job working as a retail associate for Ross Stores to help my mom with alleviating some of the financial pressure she was experiencing. It felt really good to help her.

What is one thing you never had that you want for your kids? Learning to play an instrument. As a child I wanted to learn to play a string instrument but due to the economic hardship we endured, I couldn’t have lessons. Now that I’m a mom, my children have the opportunity to play a string instrument with the great support from Corvallis Youth Symphony Association. My daughter enjoys playing the cello and also loves to sing her heart out through private lessons with her vocal coach as well as in theatrical performances. My son David isn’t showing interest in learning an instrument at the moment but I know he’ll come around.

If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, in which event would you win a gold medal? If I could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, I would win a gold medal in coming up with a costume with things I can find around the house and completing the ensemble with jewelry, hairdo and makeup.

Name one thing that is part of your daily routine that you just can’t live without. Taking pictures of my kids is a must as part of my daily routine. I love to capture those special moments we make memories of.

Tell us something about you that would surprise your kids. If I went a day without laughing I would catch my kids by surprise! I am a very happy-go-lucky gal so a day in silence would be astonishing to them.

What’s your guilty pleasure? (dark chocolate hidden in the pantry, TJ Maxx, daily latte habit?) Trips to Ulta and Sephora as well as eating chile-covered gummy candy from Estrellas Antojitos while watching true crime shows.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Spending quite some moolah on my signature print dresses as well as on makeup.

Who is your favorite real-life hero?

Dolores Huerta

What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives? Give back to their community. Whether it’s volunteering or making a contribution, it truly is such a wonderful feeling knowing you helped someone’s day become much brighter. They say that everyone has a book in them. What’s the title of your book? My book’s title would be, “Las caídas y subidas de mi vida,” (The ups and downs of my life).

Listen to mom.

Who and what has influenced the mother you are today? My mother, as she faced many barriers and challenges as a single parent, but through it all she was strong for us and was there to raise us in a very humble and caring way. I am thankful to her for everything she did in her power to raise us.

What advice would you give your younger mom self? What do you wish you knew then that you know now? I would tell my younger self, “Get up Caty. These trials are only temporary — you’re not the only mom that feels like this. Such great things are awaiting for you to accomplish and they need you for the job! You can do this!”

What message would you like to share with other moms? Remember to tell it like it is. Household chores can wait. Making memories with your children and spending time with them cannot. Time goes by so fast so enjoy it to the fullest.

MOMs Love Local

We love locally owned businesses, restaurants, places and organizations. Share your favorite…

…shop to pick up a gift for friend: Silvana’s Garden

…coffee spot: New Morning Bakery

…spot to get a good workout: Orange Theory

…restaurant to take the kids: The Dizzy Hen

…take-out, food truck or quick bite: Tacos El Machin

…boutique to find a new shirt or home décor item: Seoul Sisters

…event in your community: Any event coordinated by Casa Latinos Unidos

MOM ' s Favorite...

Tell us about your favorite…

…family game: Millenial Loteria

…words to live by: “Never leave till tomorrow that which you can do today.” — Benjamin Franklin

…place to find some peace & quiet: Love Yoga Studio and Bald Hill Park

…binge-worthy TV: Firefly Lane, Daughter from Another Mother

…inspirational quote: “Vive la vida con un propósito y vívelo al maximo,” Live life with a purpose and live it full out.

— Dr. Steve Maraboli

HOT TAKES ON

NON-BIRTHDAY CAKES

Just when you thought your offspring couldn’t be more surprising, they’ll spring something wild on you, such as this: they do not like cake. You may ask yourself: How? Why? Where did I go so wrong?

All jokes aside, we know there are people who do not want their cake and eat it, too. It can be for a variety of reasons, ranging from the texture to food allergies, or maybe just wanting something different.

Try these easy DIY takes on non-birthday cakes to make for festive celebrations.

LET THEM EAT…PIE

This is a popular birthday request in our house. It has a tangy flavor from the rhubarb that my husband and kids agree isn’t overboard in sweetness.

— AMD

Grandma DeKam’s Rhubarb Custard Pie

3 eggs, slightly beaten

2 ⅔ Tablespoon milk

1 ¾ - 2 cups sugar

4 Tablespoons flour

¾ teaspoon nutmeg

4 cups chopped rhubarb

2 9-inch pie crusts

In a large bowl, add the milk to the slightly beaten eggs. In a separate bowl, stir together sugar, flour and nutmeg. Then add this dry mixture to the milk and eggs.

Add in the rhubarb and let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to dissolve the sugar.

Pour into a 9-inch pie crust then cover with the additional pie crust; get as fancy as you wish with the top.

Bake at 400 degrees for 40 minutes, then cover the edges with foil. Bake for 10 to 20 minutes more until set.

RICE CRISPY TREAT CAKES

No baking needed, but you’ll still have to dirty some dishes. Using simple cake forms makes these a cinch.

A tiny drop of food coloring goes a long way, too. Use shades of green to make a Minecraft version, or go wild with a rainbow of colors.

DRESSED UP DONUTS

Kids under about age 10 are usually easily delighted by something as silly as googly eyes on their favorite filled donuts.

An easy way to make donuts festive is to arrange them in a tower formation. Pick up a few dozen from your local bakery, then arrange in a stack-and stagger method. Using a cake stand helps elevate (literally) the look.

A BOX OF BROWNIES GOES A LONG WAY

Bake, cool and cut into squares. Arrange as a tower, and ta da! Put them in the back of a lined dump truck toy, sprinkle with powdered sugar and you’ll have one happy toddler.

CANDY CAKE

Eyes will pop wide open at the sight of a colorful candy cake. Cardboard scraps or boxes can be used to create the forms, and a hot glue gun or double-sided tape works for adhering the wrapped candy. Fill in empty areas with colorful shredded paper, and add ribbons for flourish. Bonus on this one: it can be made well in advance…as long as you keep it in a good hiding spot.

NO CAKE FORM? NO PROBLEM. TRY YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY!

Through what’s called a “library of things” you can check out fun cake pans from your local library. It’s a great way to try them, without the expense or clutter of keeping them in your home.

The Eugene Library offers a selection, with finds like a Backyard Bugs Muffin Pan. The Salem Public Library also has a wealth of offerings, from a crown to a castle, or characters such as Lightning McQueen and Elmo. At the Corvallis Library, round spring form pans are available to try your hand at a cheesecake.

A playful twist on the classic birthday cupcake

Cupcakes

1 ½ c. AP flour

¾ c. cocoa powder

1 ½ tsp baking soda

¾ tsp baking powder

¾ tsp sea salt

1 c. pure maple syrup

1 c. Greek yogurt

2 eggs

¼ c. olive oil

1 tsp vanilla extract

20 cake cones

Frosting

¼ c. melted butter

½ c. cocoa powder

¼ tsp sea salt

⅓ c. milk

1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

3 ½ c. powdered sugar

Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In another bowl whisk together the syrup, yogurt, eggs, oil, and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry. Beat until smooth and thick. Sit ice cream cones into muffin pans. Pour batter into cones, about 2/3 full. Bake at 350°F until a toothpick comes out clean, 25-28 minutes.

To make frosting, combine melted butter, cocoa, and salt; add milk and vanilla. Mix in sugar until smooth and creamy. Frost cupcakes only when they have completely cooled. Top with sprinkles and a cherry!

Being the change

reading lists for anti-RACISM and social justice

What does it mean to “do the work,” when it comes to antiracism? At its core, it’s education, which can come from reading that expands our worlds, and in turn, ourselves.

By guest contributor April Spisak, Head of Youth Services, Albany Public Library

Hey You: An Empowering Celebration of Growing Up Black

by Dapo Adeola,

2021

Joyful and lush, this picture book is a double treat with a collaboration of Black artists whose individual illustrations are seamlessly combined with inspiring text to make a creative and thoughtful whole.

Teens

The Power Book: What is it, Who has it, and Why?

Stamped (for Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You

Who Are Your People?

by Baraki Sellers, Illustrator

Kid Activists: True Tales of Childhood from Champions of Change

An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States for Young People

By Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, Adapted by Jean Mendoza and Debbie Reese, 2019

In this impeccable, awardwinning adaptation, the groundwork of history serves as a base upon which teens can begin to build their own concepts for who they want to be in the world, with tools to put those dreams into action.

by

Claire Saunders, with Georgia Amson-Bradshaw, Minna Salami, et al., 2019

In order to manage and use your own power effectively, kids must first understand what gives them their power, whether from privilege or hardfought activism (or both), and then turn all of that into ways to make the world better.

This Book Is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do The Work

By Tiffany Jewell, Illustrator

Aurelia Durand, 2020

From the vivid cover to the abundance of actionable advice throughout, this gem of a guidebook is intended to spark introspection that can then be a catalyst for change; diarists will appreciate the partner journal with 50 prompts to reinforce the core text.

by

Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi, Adapted by Sonja Cherry-Paul, 2021

Although this has been adapted for a younger audience, the text retains the sharpness and fearlessness of the original: kids can work to understand and stamp out their own racist thoughts and gain tools to impact those around them.

Reggie Brown, 2022

This extraordinary and affirming picture book helps children understand how their ancestral roots — the people and places they come from — are threads woven into the tapestry of who they are in the world.

How I Resist: Activism and Hope for a New Generation

by Maureen Johnson (Editor), 2018

This collection of essays, stories, poems and comics can be read in any order — teens are directly encouraged to find that which inspires them, helping them to create their own aspirational goals while acknowledging where the world stands now.

The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person

Better than We Found It: Conversations to Help Save the World by Frederick Joseph, 2020, 2022

Frederick Joseph is an electric author whose writing is suffused with energy, passion and a resounding belief that teens can absolutely change the world

by

Robin Stevenson, Illustrator Allison Steinfeld, 2019

Part of the fantastic Kid Legends series, this book celebrates activists as children, adding humanity, vulnerability and personal details that make exalted historical individuals far more accessible to a young audience.

Our Stories, Our Voices: 21 YA Authors Get Real About Injustice, Empowerment, and Growing Up Female in America

by Amy Reed, with Julie Murphy, Sandhya Menon, et.al., 2020

In this elegant and engrossing collection of essays, authors explore race, ethnicity, religion and gender in personal ways, creating points of accessibility for teens likely living through similar experiences.

Adults

White Fragility: Why

It’s

so Hard for White People to Talk about Racism

by Robin Diangelo, 2018

This thoughtful book begins with examining white defensive responses to race and racism before moving into action: ways that white people can work to engage in more meaningful, constructive conversations about race.

White Women: Everything You Already Know about Your Racism and How to Do Better

by Regina Jackson and Saira Rao, 2022

This fearless guidebook first analyzes nine aspects of traditional white woman behavior before challenging the reader to consider where their own actions fit within those structures, and how to leave tradition behind.

How to be an Antiracist

by Ibram X. Kendi, 2019

Kendi uses history, science, personal experiences and his impeccable writing skill to present a treatise on moving from racist to actively anti-racist, and how this work can transform a person and, ultimately, society.

So You Want to Talk About Race

by Ijeoma Oluo, 2019

Want practical advice about how to talk to a coworker or family member about racism? Oluo offers both an actionable guide to initiating conversations along with an intricate history of this country’s racist heritage.

Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor

by Layla F. Saad, 2020

This visionary, inspiring workbook will help readers understand their own biases and begin to dismantle them, all within a structured weekly series of readings, thought exercises and potential discussions.

Join the Parenting Young Children Project

Paying attention to your own wellbeing is crucial to being the parent you want to be. We believe that parents are resilient and can thrive in their caregiving role when given adequate support.

Our program is designed to support parents:

• with past or current substance use;

• who are parenting a child aged 18 months to 5 years old;

• in a validating, nonjudgmental, and strengths-based way.

All parents will complete surveys and use an app designed to support healthy coping and provide parenting tips for early childhood.

Some parents will also receive free, private, one-on-one support from a parenting coach over the phone or Zoom.

Parents will be asked to complete 4 surveys over the course of a year and will receive $75 per completed survey (up to $425; more details on website).

Please contact us…We look forward to hearing from you!

Website: www.parentingyoungchildren.org

Phone: 971-219-2025

Audrey Benson Behavior Supervisor

922 NW Circle Blvd, Ste 160-112 Corvallis, OR 97330

kidsnw.org | 1.888.360.0360

THE BEAUTY OF NATURE FOR calming minds

Nature has been proven to positively impact mental health while promoting calmness and creativity. Spending some time outside with the kiddos helps everyone disconnect from the bustle of life, and reconnect with what’s important.

In the Willamette Valley, we’re fortunate to have stunning natural beauty all around us. No need to wait for a sunny day in Oregon — the clouds and winter mist bring their own special beauty. Bundle up and try this simple mindfulness exercise with your kids, that we call Nature Sit Spots:

1. Grab paper, pens or pencils and take your little ones outside to a quiet, safe spot to sit. “Nature” can be deep in the woods, your yard or a local park. Don’t overthink it!

2. If you have more than one child, ask that they sit far away from each other so as to not distract those around them.

3 . This is too easy: Whisper your directions to set the tone for this activity. Ask them to sit quietly with their pen and paper. They can draw what they see around them, journal, pick at the grass, etc. The only rule is they must be quiet and stay in their Sit Spot.

4 . Continue this activity for as long as your kiddo can remain quiet and focused. We may notice that our children find it difficult to sit in one spot for more than a few minutes. That’s okay! Help them focus by pointing out something in nature for them to draw, hold, smell, etc. If the struggle is too real, be flexible and end the activity. The next time you try, they’ll likely be able to engage longer.

5 . Watch the magic, take cleansing breaths and enjoy the moment for yourself, too.

Brought to you by:

KIDS NW connects families with compassionate caregivers, specially trained in serving individuals with disabilities.

“You should sit in nature for 20 minutes a day… unless you are busy, then you should sit for an hour.”

— Zen Proverb

KIDS NW has proudly served the Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) community in greater Oregon since 2019. We specialize in providing high quality, reliable support to the families we serve. Our Caregivers receive professional level, advanced skills training, backed by our highly qualified behavioral support team.

• $22 to $24 per hour DOE

• Career advancement opportunities

• Paid training

• Medical, dental, vision

• Paid time off

• Paid working holidays

• Overtime available

• Advanced skills training

• 401k matching

• Incredible company culture

To start services with KIDS NW, visit www.kidsnw.org/families 1-888-360-0360

“KIDS

It’s perfect, honey!

Curl up with a book

www.santiamchristian.org

541-745-5524 x 243

With the short amount of daylight, rainy weather and foggy days, it’s the perfect time of year to snuggle up with your child and a book. Try some of these time-tested ways to engage with your young child:

Picture reading

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 accept those few extra pounds, or scuffed shoes, or not-so-new car—even with its occasional rattles—and allow ourselves to experience satisfaction with what we have and who we are? Peace with ourselves liberates us to be our own “best.”

Ask questions about the pictures or have the child tell a story just by looking at the pictures. Books with lots of pictures such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar are good for this.

I spy

Today’s the day. Give yourself a break from the expectation of perfection and say, “I’m okay.”

It’s called GRACE. Give yourself some today!

Before reading a page or passage, ask the child to find punctuation marks, sight words, specific letters or letter teams, or the smallest or largest word.

Echo reading

Read a passage and have the child read it back to you.

brought to you by

Partner reading

They read a sentence and then you read a sentence. Could also be done paragraph by paragraph or page by page.

Santiam Christian Schools

www.santiamchristian.org

541-745-5524 x243

There’s a bonus beyond the enjoyment of reading together: The number of minutes children spend in out-of-school reading, even if it’s just 10 minutes a day, correlates positively with reading achievement. And the number of years your child will sit in your lap are all too short; enjoy them while you can.

Carla Towery is a Kindergarten teacher,

To ensure life-long healthy eyes and vision, eye examinations should start early and be performed yearly!

In this digital age, a thorough eye examination should not only check for a prescription and assess the health of the eyes, it should also include testing of visual function like eye teaming, tracking and focusing.

Schedule an appointment by calling 541-967-3097 or by visiting rivervieweye.com.

We look forward to seeing you!

Santiam Christian Schools

Brought to you by:

AnnaMarie Gosser

Santiam Christian Elementary Principal

Dr. Salzano checks the baby's eye teaming, which is an important part of early vision development.

Dr. Aaron Salzano

Dr. Stephanie Emmert

Dr. Kelly Batey

Go ahead and toot that horn

Have a musically inclined kid in braces? Your child can keep playing throughout orthodontic treatment, from flutes to French Horns and then some.

Obviously, piano and drums are of no impact here; it’s instruments that require the player’s lips against a mouthpiece that bring up questions from kids and parents alike.

Our advice for getting used to an instrument while wearing bracket-style braces:

• Take your time: break down practice sessions into smaller allotments.

• Use wax to decrease the chance of irritation.

• Adjust your breathing. Trumpet players tend to use the most mouth force, so learning to use breath over pressure will be key.

• Ask your music teachers for help. Chances are great that they’ve seen it all.

• At first, braces can increase the amount of saliva so keeping instruments clean is key, as is using fresh reeds for instruments like clarinets and saxophones. Wipe out condensation more frequently.

Clear aligners like Invisalign are a popular option for many musical patients. They can be removed while playing, but with the caveat to keep time: to work properly, aligners often need to be worn upwards of 22 hours per day. Many musicians play with their aligners in, gradually building up their comfort and adjusting accordingly.

EVER WANTED TO BE A MAGICIAN?

TRUE MAGICIANS MAGIC CLASS

ORANGE WAND (Ages 7-13)

Have you ever heard of a Karate Banana or an Anti-Gravity Band? Kids can learn about these fun magic tricks and more in True Magicians Magic Class! Participants will learn 8 exciting magic tricks that they can bring home to WOW friends and family. What they won't know is they are learning life skills like respect and confidence in the process. Participants must be able to read.

Supply Fee: $65

TH 2/2-3/23 4-4:50pm

$199 (in-city)/$259

To sign up go to: albanyparksandrecreation.org 541-917-7777

FOR MORE INFO GO TO WWW.KADABRAMAGICACADEMY.COM

For parents in Linn, Benton & Lincoln Counties

We can all use a little support sometimes.

This smile is brought to you by:

The come-and-go nature of vision fluctuations during pregnancy, perimenopause or menopause can have you wondering what’s going on. Estrogen and progesterone levels are at the root, as shifting levels of these hormones impact your eyes.

When estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate due to birth control or pregnancy, it can create eye dryness and irritation. The fluid retention that makes for bloated, puffy feet during pregnancy is the same mechanism behind blurry vision experienced during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

In perimenopause the slow decline of estrogen begins, but the lack of it can contribute to eye dryness. As estrogen reaches low points in menopause, the corneas can stiffen which changes the way light is perceived by the eye. It’s also a point where some patients find their contact lenses are not as comfortable as they once were. Trying out different brands or types can help.

It’s tempting as moms to put your kids first and skip out on your own health, but don’t skip out on your own eye exams! Protect your vision so you can see your children grow and flourish.

Simmering resentment

Weaponized incompetence

Before kids, your house was likely remarkably cleaner. Enter a child, and everything gets messier, including which adult is responsible for what.

According to a long-term study funded through the National Science Foundation, husbands create an extra seven hours a week of housework for wives, while wives save husbands from about an hour of housework a week.

In same-sex households, chores are more equitable. A New York Times article found, “Dozens of studies of gay and lesbian couples have found that they divide unpaid labor in a more egalitarian way. They don’t have traditional gender roles to fall back on, and they tend to be more committed to equal ity.”

Unpaid labor

Second shift

Chore wars

For male-female couples, though, there is room for growth. The good news is that things have improved since 1996. The bad news: a recent Gallup poll found that the division of labor in these households remains tethered to traditional stereotypes, with both men and women saying they each do more than their part ner.

When there’s an imbalance in who is doing the necessary work, the lesser contributing partner will say, How can I help? If there’s a phrase that will detonate an explosive argument, it’s this one. To the person doing the lion’s share of household labor, it grates because a fully grown adult should already see what needs to be done — and just take care of it. Many couples will tell you that a professional housekeeper is a marriage saver, and that the cost is well worth it. “I’ll collect cans to pay for it, if it comes to that,” says one super-clean parent we talked with, who happily pays for a twice-monthly home cleaning service.

In fact, according to a 2019 survey by Yelp, 62% of couples who have outsourced chores say it helped their relationship.

When cohabitating adults need to keep their household running, there is bound to be strife.

Here’s one for date night: a card game aimed at examining who is doing what to keep the household in order. Created by author Eve Rodsky, the deck contains 100 household tasks to shed light on invisible chores, in the hopes of improving the balance of home labor.

A game to make it equitable

The Fair Play Deck: A Couple’s Conversation Deck for Prioritizing What’s Important

What we fight over the most

1. Washing the dishes and cleaning the kitchen.

2. Doing laundry.

3. Cleaning the bathroom.

4. Sweeping and vacuuming.

5. Cooking meals and grocery shopping.

Source: Modern Love and Household Responsibilities, Yelp Survey, 2019

Featuring: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah

Trevor Noah, popular comedian and talk show host, began life with a criminal act—being born. Trevor is the child of a white Swiss father and a black Xhosa mother, born in South Africa during the waning days of apartheid. In this memoir, Noah tells stories of his life in a world of poverty, violence, and overt racism. The book has a young readers’ edition under the It’s Trevor Noah: Born a Crime and a Prohibido Nacer

Read. Discuss. Join. Salem Public Library

February 2023

splfoundation.org

Dr. Jay Vaikuntam

Does my child need sealants?

Sealants are a white or clear coating placed on molars to protect the chewing surface of the teeth. Parents often ask us why sealants might be recommended for their child.

Teeth naturally have grooves in them to help with chewing. Some people have grooves that are deep, which means food particles can lurk in places that toothbrush bristles can’t quite reach. Placing sealants on these teeth will seal those grooves, which helps prevent cavities.

Your dentist will evaluate if and when your child is ready for sealants, and they will check them at each six-month cleaning visit. This preventative procedure is covered by most insurances. Note that sealants are not placed on baby teeth, nor are they covered by insurance on baby teeth.

Make sure your child’s teeth have been evaluated by a dentist before sealants are applied, as we never want to put them over a cavity. The teeth we most commonly seal are the six-year and 12-year molars.

Don’t forget: the sealants will not protect in-between the teeth, so keep flossing!

Brought to you by:

pediatricdentistoregon.com

155 NW Hickory St # A Albany, OR 97321

(541) 928-1509

Listen to your body

When you pay attention to your body, you are more in tune with your health and well‑being. You know your own body best, and its signals are keys to feeling good and living fully.

You listen to your body, and the obstetrics and gynecology providers of Samaritan Health Services listen to you.

Let’s listen together so we can provide the care, healing and support you need to thrive.

Learn more at samhealth.org/Listen.

Obstetrics

& Gynecology