Salem MOM | June / July 2024

COVER MOM

AMANDA WAGNER

TAKE THE KIDS TO WILLAMETTE VALLEY FAIRS

RECIPES FOR AN ABUNDANCE OF EGGS

WHY SAN T IAM?

Santiam Orthopedic Group is a premier comprehensive orthopedic practice offering the latest surgical and non-surgical treatments such as total joint replacement, regenerative therapy injections, sports medicine, fracture management and arthroscopic surgery.

our

Orthopedic Surgeon Derek Riley, DO

Dr. Riley specializes in:

• General Orthopedics

• Total and Reverse total shoulder replacement

• Total and Partial knee replacement

• Total hip replacement

• Revision knee and hip replacement

• Arthroscopic knee surgery

• Arthroscopic shoulder surgery

• Open carpal tunnel surgery

• Cubital tunnel surgery

• Trigger finger

• Bicep tears – distal and proximal

• Regenerative Therapy Injections

• Ultrasound Guided Steroid Injections & Viscosupplementation

Nicolas Stratton, MD

Steve Yao, MD

David Thorsett, MD

Ruben Pollak, DPM

Derek Riley, DO Daniel Schweigert, MD

Doug Huntley, PA-C

Todd Rosborough, PA-C

Molly Yao, NP

meet the experts

[They know what they’re talking about]

Health

Healthy MOM with Santiam Hospital, page 6

Drive

On the Road with Nicole Kersey, page 8

Smile

Something to Smile About with Dr. Jay Vaikuntam, page 9

Pets

Pets are Family with Dr. Emily Kalenius, page 12

Home

Real Estate with Kim Leighty, page 23

Support

Support for Families with Audrey Benson, page 26

“ Being a mom has made me so tired. And so happy. “ — Tina Fey

Editor’s Note

Publisher

Matthew Nelson, Active Media, Inc

PO Box 672, Aurora OR 97002-0672

info@activemediausa.com 503-825-2100

Editor-in-Chief

Managing Director

Audrey Meier DeKam audrey@mommag.com

Salem Advertising Representatives

Kim Leighty kim.leighty@mommag.com 503-510-9036

Tina Toney

tina@activemediausa.com 503-991-4547

Mid-Valley & Lane County Business Development Manager

Linda Blair linda@mommag.com 541-231-7250

Designer Sean Carver sean@activemediausa.com

MOM Magazine TM is owned by Active Media, Inc.

All rights reserved. Any reproduction, in whole or part, without written permission of the publisher, is prohibited. Information in the magazine is provided for general information purposes only with the understanding that none of the content constitutes professional advice.

Opinions expressed by the writers or advertisers are not necessarily the opinions of the magazine or the publisher. Inclusion in the magazine does not constitute endorsement of information, products or services.

Bluey’s mom friend is right

Even though my kids are high schoolers, I make it a point to stay up on cultural trends with younger kids as much as possible. For instance, while my children are too old to watch Ms. Rachel, I will join the group who rides at dawn to hunt down the person who made her cry. So when several cover MOMs mentioned Bluey and the Baby Race episode, I knew it was time for me to watch it.

The retrospective story goes like this: Bluey’s mom finds herself feeling competitive with others in their mom-baby group, to meet various milestones like sitting up, crawling, walking and so on. She becomes obsessed with getting Bluey to crawl, doing all the research on it, encouraging, enticing…all the while, the baby version of Bluey is a giggling happy one. When Bluey “loses” this comparison race, the mom says, “I just felt like I was doing everything wrong.” Is there a mom on this planet who hasn’t, at many points, felt like she’s doing it wrong? (And if there is, we are likely not friends with her.) Back to Bluey’s mom: When another mom from the group — a very experienced mother of nine — visits her, she delivers a heartfelt line that resonates with many viewers. “There’s something you need to know,” she says, looking intently at Bluey’s mom, then adds softly, “You’re doing great.” Wow, does that line ever hit a mom right in the feels. All the self-concocted races, the worry and doubt that you’re screwing it up somehow…that line delivers, even when you hear it a decade or more after the baby phase.

Parenting can be lonely, even more so for single parents and anyone who has children with special needs. There’s no one to give you an atta-gal, a raise, a thank you. In the spirit of being less of a tiger mom and more house cat one, know that…

If you’re taking the time to read this, you’re doing great.

If your toddler howled because you put their mac and cheese into the pink bowl they asked for but now that pink bowl is the most disgusting thing they’ve ever set their tear-filled eyes upon, you’re doing great.

If the preschool teacher emailed you again about your child disrupting the class by acting like a dinosaur, you’re doing great. If your middle-schooler’s greatest achievement is an essay on Skibidi Toilet, you’re doing great.

If your teen drops out of traditional high school because in-person is overwhelming for their mental health, you’re doing great.

The Baby Race episode of Bluey is only seven minutes long, widely available online and well worth your time. Even if your kids are driving themselves to school, ignoring you from their first apartments, or maybe have kids of their own. Watch it, and know that you are, indeed, doing great.

Cheers,

Audrey Meier DeKam Editor-in-Chief

s’mores

WE SIT AROUND CAMPFIRES, light candles in our homes, and set off fireworks for celebration. Children are perhaps the most enthralled by the snap, crackle and pop of these rituals, but without some safeguards, could also fall victim to burns and other injuries.

Despite warm temperatures, many summertime activities include a fiery element such as fireworks, campfires and backyard fire pits. Teaching your children about fire safety (and heeding your own advice) can ensure that your next cookout or campfire doesn’t result in a trip to the emergency room.

Fireworks are a summertime favorite, but unfortunately they cause thousands of injuries every year. The safest solution is to enjoy a community- or city-wide fireworks display from a park or viewing area. If you choose to enjoy a small display at home, make sure that only adults are handling the fireworks, and spectators are seated safely away.

• Use only legal fireworks, and confirm that no bans or fire restrictions are in place.

• Wear protective eyewear.

• Don’t point fireworks (lit or unlit) at other people.

• If you think a firework is a dud, wait a long time before approaching it. Sometimes the fuses take a while to light.

• Don’t hold lit fireworks in your hand. Put them on a paved surface.

• Keep all fireworks outdoors and out of grassy or wooded areas where they can ignite surroundings.

• Make sure fireworks are clear of roofs and buildings.

Many families have a backyard fire pit and enjoy summer evenings gathered around it. Consider the size, shape and placement of your fire pit if you have one — make sure it’s on a level, non-flammable surface such as a patio. Low, open fire rings can be tripping hazards, and small children can stumble into them. Conversely, taller, closed models are less of a tripping hazard but could be pushed over if not secured properly. Consider a spark screen and make sure children keep a safe distance by positioning chairs an appropriate distance away. Never add gasoline or other accelerants to a fire as it can cause a dangerous explosion. And remember, just like at the pool, no running!

Teaching your children about fire safety (and heeding your own advice) can ensure that your next cookout or campfire doesn’t result in a trip to the emergency room.

Firework and campfire season in Oregon unfortunately aligns with some of our driest weather and most dangerous fire conditions. There are often burning or open flame restrictions that coincide with holidays and camping trips (even in your backyard). Teach children to respect and abide by local or state restrictions in this regard, even if it seems to put a damper on a holiday celebration. It truly is better to be safe than sorry.

Brought to you by: santiamhospital.org

Packing for summer car safety

The open road beckons in summertime. Before you head out, check that your vehicle is properly stocked for emergencies, and replace or repair any necessary items.

Some of the key items to include:

First aid kit

Fire extinguisher

Flashlight with fresh batteries

Blanket

Drinking water and preserved food

Jumper cables

NICOLE KERSEY

Flares, warning triangles or reflectors

Reflective clothing like a simple runner’s vest

Filled spare tire and toolkit

Vehicle manual

Roadside service contact information

Should you keep a fire extinguisher in your car?

You may have noticed bumper stickers that say, “Fire extinguisher in trunk.” Should you carry a fire extinguisher in your vehicle?

We talked with Salem Fire Department’s Brian Carrara, who said, “It’s always a good idea to have safety equipment in your vehicle. It’s like a safety kit and jumper cables — you don’t use them often, but it is important to have them when you need them.”

In vehicles, mounted fire extinguishers are key, as you do not want them rolling around or to become a projectile. Look for an extinguisher that comes with a secure mounting system, bracket and strap.

Having a fire extinguisher can slow down a fire until firefighters can get there, and sometimes put out small fires.

Nicole Kersey has been with Capitol Auto Group since Sept 2022 as a receptionist. She has two great kids: daughter Kiera, age 12, and son Parker, age 10. She loves working at Capitol Auto Group because it’s family-oriented. Outside of work she enjoys attending Parker’s basketball games, shopping with Kiera and playing Mario Kart with her family. Brought to you by:

Snacking all summer can lead to more cavities

The kids are home for summer…and the amount of snacking has increased tenfold. While a few snacks a day can be a good balance for nutritional needs, overdoing it or “grazing all day” can increase the risk of dental cavities.

When we eat, acids from food and drink sit on our teeth for about 20 minutes to an hour, and these acids are responsible for tooth decay. If your child is eating once every hour, the amount of time their tooth enamel is exposed to damage is significantly increased. Same goes for sipping sugary drinks throughout the day.

What’s a parent to do, especially when you have young children who only seem to want to snack? Consider the right type of snacks and drinks to help keep your child’s teeth healthy and cavity-free. If possible, choose whole fruits instead of fruit cups and pouches. These provide a sweet treat without added artificial sugars and preservatives. Nothing like a good ol’ glass of H2O to quench the thirst compared to sports drinks or sodas, which can be loaded with cavity-causing ingredients.

Chips and sticky snacks can get stuck in your child’s teeth and cause cavities. Limit sticky foods like gummy candy, jelly beans and even raisins. Whenever possible, rinse your child’s mouth with water after snacking and meals.

And as always, good brushing, flossing and regular checkups make for healthy smiles all year long.

ROAD TRIP TO Wallowa Lake

In northeast Oregon, you’ll find the town of Joseph, set against the backdrop of the stunning Wallowa Mountains. With their towering snow caps, they’ve been nicknamed the “Swiss Alps of Oregon.” Joseph offers independently owned restaurants and boutiques, with a wide range of outdoor activities and a thriving art scene. Book early for accommodations — places fill up fast, as the tourist season is short.

Getting there From the midvalley, even if you’re leaving from as far south as Eugene, it’s still the fastest to take I-5 to Portland, then to I-84. You could take more scenic routes through the mountains, but it’ll add hours to the trip (and fewer amenities along the way for kids, not to mention if said kids are prone to car sickness). Allow for a full day of travel each way, with a stop in Hood River for lunch. If you plan it right, you could stop in Pendleton for a tour of Pendleton Wool Mills. Be sure to schedule this in advance, as tours do book up.

WHEN IN JOSEPH...

Take the Wallowa Lake Tramway

Ride the gondolas up the mountain for a stunning view of the lake below. There is a restaurant at the top, but it can get very busy — with kids, plan for an alternative or time it between meals.

Visit Lake Wallowa

Lake Wallowa is a stunner. There is a designated swimming area, just note that the water is cold (though kids seem impervious to it). The marina offers all you need for boating and fishing.

Go kayaking

You can rent glass-bottomed kayaks or take a guided tour. The nighttime tour is especially fun, as the kayaks light up in colors. The stars are incredible! Note that the night excursion is best for kids who can appreciate a good spooky story or two.

Head downtown

The kids will do anything for ice cream and treats, which are available in quaint downtown Joseph. Take in the life-size bronze sculptures along Main Street. You might even see Shadow the horse, who is often in his paddock outside the Joseph Fly Shoppe or hitched up outside the grocery store.

Tour the foundry

Valley Bronze of Oregon offers tours that take you through the fascinating process of bronze sculpture. Tours are about 30 minutes, and kids with a level of patience and/or interest in art will enjoy this behind-the-scenes experience.

Visit the grave of Chief Joseph

Just one mile outside town, you’ll find the grave of Chief Joseph, a revered Nez Perce leader. It is a national historic landmark and a sacred space for the Nez Perce people.

Ride on

Sign up for a horseback ride, with a variety of options for ages and abilities. Rail riding is a blast, with excursions that can even fit car seats for young riders.

Helping your anxious pet through fireworks

Fireworks are bright, bold and beautiful, but for some of our four-legged friends, they can be very scary. Below are some tips to ease their stress during this otherwise festive time of year.

Give your pet a quiet, safe space to retreat to. This could be a kennel draped with blankets to help dampen the sound. Play music or white noise. Keep windows closed and run your home’s A/C or fan system to muffle outside noise.

Consider helpful products like a Thundershirt, which is a snug wrap designed to reduce anxiety (think a strong but gentle hug). Mutt Muffs are noise muffling ear covers designed to fit dog ears, and Adaptil is a dog-appeasing pheromone that comes in a collar, spray or plug-in diffuser.

Offer favorite toys and food treats, such as a Kong toy filled with plain Greek yogurt, peanut butter, and/or treats. Pro-tip: these can be frozen to last longer.

Prescription medications may be necessary for moderate to severe cases of noise phobia. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss options. Often, clinic appointments fill up in the weeks before the holiday, so scheduling well in advance ensures that your pet will be seen, as well as have prescriptions ready.

Double-check that your doors, gates and fences are closed and secure. Some pets will attempt to run away when frightened, therefore it’s important to ensure they are kept in a secure area.

Our pets provide us with joy and comfort throughout the year, and the Fourth of July is a time when we comfort them. With proper planning, you can get your beloved pet through the holiday.

Amanda Wagner

PROFESSION

Board-certified OB-GYN at Santiam Hospital & Santiam Women’s Clinic COMMUNITY

Salem PARTNER

David Mong

CHILDREN

Nora, age 10, and Nolan, age 10

PHOTOS BY:

BETTY BOYCE

MOM’s

Favorite...

Tell us about your favorite…

…family game: Trivial Pursuit

…place to find some peace and quiet: In a hot bath with Dr. Teal’s Pure Epsom Salts

…inspirational quote: “People will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou

…parenting book or philosophy: Hunt, Gather, Parent by Michaeleen Doucleff

WHEN SHE ISN’T CARING FOR PATIENTS OR HER TWINS, YOU’LL FIND THIS MOM IN HER HAPPY PLACE — THE GARDEN.

Family comes first.

All families are unique. Tell us about yours. My husband David and I got married in 2010. He is a mechanical engineer. After an infertility journey, our IVF twins were born premature at 26 weeks. I had such a rough pregnancy and became severely preeclamptic the day they were delivered. They spent 77 days in the NICU, and today are happy and healthy third graders. We have four geriatric dogs we rescued when we got married (foster failures) and two cats (one lover and one fighter). We just moved to Oregon last summer and love being outside going on new adventures.

Every family has its own traditions, rituals or inside jokes. What are some of yours?

Big themed birthday parties, jumping in puddles, s’mores and matching Christmas jammies of course.

Tell us about one of your proudest mom moments. The day I got to take my babies home after 77 long days in the NICU.

Now share one of your most humbling mom moments. Every day we spent in the NICU was such a rollercoaster. As a physician I knew every worst-case scenario, and each day I held my breath walking into their room. As the days passed the tears were less frequent but I still cried almost every day.

In what way are your children like you? How are they different? Nora looks like me but is my opposite in almost every way. She is a free spirit, lives in the moment and isn’t bothered floating through her day with zero agenda. She is a creative mastermind. Nolan is more like me, I think. He appreciates

short- and long-term plans and works towards his goals. He loves hard, feels deeply and gives the best hugs.

What are you enjoying most about parenting right now? Our jokes and conversations (when they aren’t bickering or picking on each other). We also just got them Gizmo watches and they call and text me every day when they get off the bus.

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? We have a Google Skylight Calendar that helps with the day-to-day juggle of work, activities and appointments. It syncs everyone’s calendars.

Tell us about your work or volunteerism outside of the home. I’m a full time OB-GYN, and I work at Santiam Hospital and Santiam Women’s Clinic. I have been in practice since 2010, and I absolutely love what I do. In the clinic I do routine prenatal care, breast and pelvic exams, STD screening, cervical cancer screening and manage abnormal bleeding. I deliver babies at our family birth center, and use da Vinci technology to perform minimally invasive robotic gynecologic surgery. Bringing the da Vinci robot to the operating rooms at Santiam Hospital this past October is something I’m really proud of and a huge achievement for a smaller community hospital like Santiam.

What is your superpower? Saving lives!

Who inspires you? My patients inspire me to be better every day. They trust that I’m going to do my best to help, and I refuse to let them down.

If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.

Tell us about your upbringing. How did it shape the mother you are today? I was raised in a medical family and nothing else made as much sense to me growing up as medicine. Both of my parents are nurses, both of my mom’s brothers were family practice physicians and my grandfather was a smalltown doctor for almost 50 years — the kind

that saw kids, made house calls, delivered babies, did surgeries and traded services for goods when people had a hard time paying. He was one of the good ones, and I have spent my life trying to be like him, dedicated to helping others through healing. What keeps you sane? Spotify and my noise canceling headphones.

Who is your favorite fictional hero? Wonder Woman. I love the scene in the newest movie when she crosses “No man’s land.” What good habit do you wish you started earlier? Daily sunscreen

Do you have a goal you would like to accomplish within the next 5 years? I’d like to become a master gardener.

What is the most important life skill or value your parents taught you? My parents divorced when I was very young and things weren’t always easy. The tough times are what teach resilience and build strength, and I am grateful for the struggles.

It’s a Saturday afternoon. What do you do? If the sun is out, I’m in the garden, hands down. Otherwise, I’m painting with watercolor. I picked up a paintbrush about five years ago as part of a finding myself

journey after my kids turned 5, and I love it. Right now I’m actually painting commissioned pieces for our new office at the Santiam Women’s Clinic.

What keeps you up at night? The Emergency Room or Labor and Delivery.

Listen to mom.

Is motherhood what you expected? What surprised you most? The lack of sleep. As an OB-GYN I am no stranger to being up all night, but the sleepless nights of training didn’t come close to how little sleep I got raising twins.

MOMs Love Local

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

…shop to pick up a gift: The Wild Dandelion in Silverton

…coffee spot: Any!

…spot to get a good workout: My garden

…place to treat yourself: Neaman’s Spa

…take out, food truck: Panezanelli’s Breadstick Shoppe in Sublimity

…restaurant to take the kids: The Yard Food Park. We all have different favorite meal choices, so this place is perfect for us.

…event in your community: Farmers’ markets

Who and what has influenced the mother you are today? My own mother has always been my biggest supporter and my number one fan. We talk every day! I hope to be that for my kids.

What advice would you give your younger self? As moms we consistently give 1000% of ourselves to our kids. I remember going into survival mode. It was difficult taking time to shower or eat. I would tell my younger self that I know you wouldn’t have it any other way, but try to love yourself more each day.

What message would you like to share with other moms? After having kids, I lost myself for several years. It was tough: I’m not sure if it’s because I had two at once and that they were very needy preemies, or if it happens to all moms, but I lost myself in the pumping, the bottles, the lack of sleep and the diaper changes. I ate leftover chicken nuggets and gained weight. I was so tired, sleeping an hour here and there at night and working full time. My advice is to stick with it, it gradually gets better. One day you realize you slept the whole night and feel halfway okay. Now your job is to figure out who you are after kids. This was so hard for me because I felt like if I wasn’t there 100% for my kids, I was somehow less of a mom. Figure out who you are after kids — and embrace her.

AN OF

Abundance Abundance Eggs Eggs

Chickens lay more eggs during the summer months, when there is more light. If you find yourself with an abundance, these recipes will use them up. And if you want the freshest of eggs, visit your local farmers’ market or co-op for gorgeous shell colors with beautiful, bright yokes.

Delish deviled eggs

6 eggs

¼ cup mayonnaise

2 teaspoons cider vinegar

2 teaspoons sugar

½ teaspoon yellow mustard

Salt & pepper to taste

Optional toppings: Paprika, dill

Hard boil the eggs and then shock them in an ice bath (or just allow them to cool; the world won’t end if you skip this). Peel the eggs then cut them in half lengthwise.

Scoop out the yolks and transfer them to a separate bowl for mashing. Mix in the mayonnaise, cider vinegar, sugar and mustard, then add salt and pepper to taste.

If you want to be fancy, you can pipe the yolk mixture into the egg white halves. Or, just gently spoon in the yolk filling. Top with a sprinkle of paprika and fresh sprigs of dill.

Classic cheesecake with strawberries

1 & ½ cups finely crumbled graham crackers

⅓ cup butter, melted

3 tablespoons and 1 cup sugar

32 ounces full fat cream cheese, softened

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

4 eggs, brought to room temperature

1 pint fresh sliced strawberries

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and 3 tablespoons of sugar until well mixed. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan, bringing it halfway up the sides.

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar and the vanilla until blended. Add each egg one at a time, mixing at a low speed.

Pour the filling mix into the prepared crust and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when if tapped gently on the side, it moves as a whole with no rippling.

Cool on a wire rack, then loosen the springform ring. Refrigerate for four hours or more, then top with sliced strawberries.

Purple pickled eggs

6 hard-boiled eggs

8 ounces beet juice

¼ cup white vinegar

¼ cup white sugar

¼ cup water

Peel the hard-boiled eggs and set aside in a glass container.

Boil the beet juice, vinegar, sugar and water until the sugar is fully dissolved. Pour this mixture over the eggs. Refrigerate overnight, then enjoy.

Liz Baer CPM, LDM

Julia Bailey CPM, LDM, IBCLC

real estate MOM

Kim Leighty REALTOR® /Broker

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Real Estate Professionals

(503) 510-9036 | kimleighty@bhhsrep.com

Get the most out of selling your home

The decision to sell your home is a significant one. To ensure a smooth and successful transaction, enhance your home’s appeal by:

Deep cleaning: Schedule a thorough cleaning, focusing on bathrooms, floors, baseboards and walls. A sparkling first impression is crucial for attracting buyers.

Decluttering and depersonalizing: Meticulously declutter living spaces to create a sense of spaciousness and allow potential buyers to envision their own belongings in the home. Remove family photos and other personal items to create a neutral canvas.

Organizing storage areas: Buyers often peek into closets, pantries and even drawers. Ensure these areas are well-organized, showcasing ample storage capacity.

Addressing minor repairs: Proactively address any outstanding maintenance tasks, such as patching holes, repairing trim or repainting. These small improvements can significantly enhance the overall impression of your home.

Staging: Highlight your home’s best features by rearranging furniture to optimize flow and functionality, and consider removing bulky pieces to give it a feeling of spaciousness. For an extra edge, consider hiring a professional stager.

With preparations, you can increase buyer interest, potentially achieve a faster sale — and potentially maximize your return on investment.

Brought to you by:

Buying or selling a home can be a stressful process if you don't have the right team. Allow us to be your Real Estate Experts for all your buying, selling and investing needs.

It’s Fair Time!

From the thrill rides to the elephant ears, the Willamette Valley is bursting with fun county fairs. We talked to local organizers for the best way to enjoy the events with kids of all ages.

With little kids...

All the county fairs offer special performances and activities for kids. Check the schedule for special events and hours geared toward the littles, like professional bubble makers, petting zoos, stilt walkers and so much more. After all the excitement, your kids will be tuckered out and ready for naps.

With big kids...

Talk beforehand about what rides are acceptable, and let them know that there are height requirement rules to keep them safe. Identify a meetup spot, like a prominent information booth or guest services tent, just in case you get separated.

With tweens & teens...

At what age do you let them roam? “This is such a personal choice, and really varies by individual,” said Jill Ingalls, event coordinator for the Marion County Fair. For parents weighing the decision, consider who your child will be with and their overall maturity level. Cell phones with location services turned on provide some peace of mind, as well as talking beforehand about personal safety.

Marion Co. Fair Linn Co. Fair Lane Co. Fair Benton Co. Fair

Place Oregon State Fairgrounds Linn County Expo Center Lane Events Center Benton Co. Event Center & Fairgrounds

Dates July 11–14 July 18–20 July 24–28 July 31–Aug. 3

Strollers, wagons

Infant milk, bottles

Outside food & drink

No, with some allowances for allergies

No, with the exception of small water bottles

Bags & backpacks policy at a glance

Security may inspect bags on a random basis

All bags will be searched by security upon entry

Yes, but not in glass containers

No outside food or beverages, with the exception of water bottles

Clear bags are required, with the exception of diaper bags and medically necessary items (subject to search)

Clear bags recommended; all others subject to search

Don’t forget to pack

Cash for parking, which you’ll typically need to provide before entering the event. While there are ATMs, the lines can be long and you may incur a fee for its use. Also remember sunscreen and charged phones.

Don’t miss…

For whatever fair you attend, don’t miss seeing the livestock. The 4-H kids (and their parents) work hard and live at the fairs for days. Be sure to enjoy the award winning tomatoes, quilts, art, baked goods and more.

Kelly Mason, sales and events program supervisor for the Lane County Fair, notes that, “Performances are occurring across the Fairgrounds throughout each day. Some of the highlights include the Family Fun Stage, Community Stage, All-Alaskan Racing Pigs and the Freestyle Motocross Thrillshow.”

Cost for children

Children 5 and under are free. July 14: all kids under 12 are free

Children 12 and under are free.

Folding chairs, blankets

Plan ahead

Blankets, yes, but no chairs

Blankets, yes, but no chairs

Buy tickets online beforehand to save money and to bypass the lines. All four county fair reps recommend doing so, and to watch their respective websites for pricing and information.

Learn what you can and cannot bring by visiting the fairs’ websites. Pets, weapons, bikes, skateboards, pepper spray are often on the lists of prohibited items. Note that Lane Co. Fair has implemented a clear bag policy this year; be sure to look up the dimensions and specs on their website before you attend. Wear clothing with zippered pockets to keep money, phones and keys from falling out on rides, and tell your tweens and teens to do the same.

Children under 5 are free. July 24: kids 10 and under free when they bring a dressed-up fruit or veggie, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 28: free admission for anyone with 3 nonperishable food items, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Blankets, yes, but no chairs

Children 5 and under are free. July 31: free to kids 16 and under all day

Linn County fair manager Rachel Lytle said, “Our familyland area is totally dedicated to children with lots of fun activities. We also have our 4-H area where all the farm animals are on display, and on Thursday there is a mutton busting contest in the Calapooia Arena.”

Yes to both blankets and folding chairs

For the Marion County Fair, Ingalls gives this advice: “Sunday is really the day we focus on families and little ones. Many costumed characters and strolling acts wander the grounds and provide interactive entertainment. There are several attractions, such as Puzzlemania that offer challenging learning games, but also great hands-on activities. The grounds offer small areas to escape the crowds and take a pause if needed as well.”

Audrey Benson Behavior Supervisor

922 NW Circle Blvd, Ste 160-112

Corvallis, OR 97330

kidsnw.org | 1.888.360.0360

EXPLORING Oregon’s inclusive destinations

Oregon’s beauty is not just in its landscapes but also in its commitment to inclusivity. From sandy shores to recreational parks, the state offers a range of experiences for everyone to enjoy. A few of the many places that make Oregon an inclusive destination for all…

At the beach || David’s Chair, a non-profit organization, provides track chairs for those with mobility challenges, offering an incredible beach experience. These chairs can be reserved in Seaside, Manzanita and Florence, ensuring that everyone can soak up the sun and enjoy the waves. davidschair.org

At the airport || Portland International Airport (PDX) goes above and beyond for travelers with sensory considerations. The airport’s sensory room, open from 4 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. daily, provides a calming space with specific lighting, music and tangible items. Additionally, PDX offers sensory bags with hearing protection earmuffs, fidget tools, coloring book, crayons, sunflower lanyard, a plane spotter guide and an emotional thermometer, ensuring a comfortable journey for all passengers. flypdx.com

Day trip fun || Numerous parks throughout the Willamette Valley offer sensory-friendly offerings. In Salem, Harper’s Playground provides wheelchair-friendly environments that promote physical, sensory, emotional, behavioral and social skills for children and adults of all abilities. For indoor fun, Get Air in Eugene, Salem and Medford is a trampoline park offering a calmer atmosphere on the first Saturday morning of each month. harpersplayground.org/playgrounds/lets-all-play-place getairsports.com

Whether it’s a day at the beach, a smooth flying experience, or a fun outing at a recreational park, Oregon shines in its commitment to accessible offerings.

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

Adventure awaits: Top tips for safe hikes with your kids

Hey there, adventure-loving parents! Are you ready to embark on an epic journey with your little explorers? Whether you’re planning a day hike or shorter, safety always comes first! Here are our top tips to make sure your trek is safe and fun:

• Gear up: Before you hit the trails, make sure you’ve got the right gear for your kiddos. It doesn’t have to be fancy or cost a lot. Comfy sneakers and weather-appropriate clothing (layers for our Pacific Northwest!) along with a hat and sunglasses (check out the dollar store!) work great.

• Fuel up: Don’t forget plenty of water and healthy snacks to keep those energy levels up.

• Sun smart: The sun’s rays are part of nature’s charm, but a burn can be a bummer. Pack a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least 30 SPF that protects against UVA and UVB rays, and reapply every two hours. Do not use sunscreen on infants younger than 6 months.

• Bug safety: Don’t use scented soaps, perfumes or hairsprays on your child. Use insect repellents containing DEET when needed to prevent insect-related diseases. DEET should not be used on children younger than 2 months.

• Leave no trace: Nature is our friend, treat her with kindness! Teach your kids the importance of packing out all trash and respecting wildlife habitats.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set for a safe outdoor adventure with your kiddos! So lace up your shoes, grab your pack and get ready to make some memories. Adventure awaits!

That is why at Advantage we take the time to get to know you and your needs. No two homes and no two families are the same. Each has their own quirks, history, and future. Whether you’re settling into your forever home, or moving out in 5 years, you deserve an HVAC system built for you. Call today and ask about our current specials on installation, service, Smart HVAC systems and more.