Oregon Family Magazine

A P R I L

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

2 0 2 2

•

O R E G O N F A M I L Y . C O M

APPS TO MAKE LIFE EASIER

CELEBRATE EARTH DAY

MAKING YOU A PRIORITY

Newborns to young adults, we are with you every step of the way.

Ross Newman, M.D., F.A.A.P, welcomes a newborn patient to the world.

We are the only pediatricians who still make rounds to visit our newborn patients at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend.

To schedule an appointment, call 541-HUG-KIDS. 995 Willagillespie Road, Suite 100 • 541-484-5437 • www.EugenePeds.com

2

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

APRIL 2022

Eat Smart,

Waste Less

Tip #1

Shop with meals in mind “Shop at home” first! Be sure to check your fridge, freezer and cupboards for any ingredients you already have before you go shopping.

For more information, visit

www.eatsmartwasteless.tips

NEW! Coming March 7

BUFFALO RANCH CHICKEN

LIMITED TIME ONLY Buffalo Ranch Sauce, Chicken, Bacon, Mixed Onions, Mozzarella, Cheddar and Buffalo Ranch Drizzle on Original Crust

Family Size Pizza

Best Deal!

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad

$25 Order

25% OFF

3 OFF

$

PROMO CODE C3101

Discount off regular menu price.

Discount off regular menu price.

Limited time offer. Limit 1. Excludes FAVES®, XLNY®, Tuesday and Friday pizza deals and Gift Card purchase/reload. Not valid with any other offers, specials, promotions or discounts. Valid at participating locations. Cannot be sold, transferred or duplicated.

LSM-03 1875-022722

Limited time offer. Limit 1. Excludes XLNY®, Tuesday and Friday pizza deals.

Not valid with any other offers, specials, promotions or discounts. Valid at participating locations. Cannot be sold, transferred or duplicated.

®

3 OFF

LSM-03 1563-022722

$

Family Size Pizza

$

PROMO CODE C3114

PROMO CODE C3114

12

®

EVERY

TUESDAY

Discount off regular menu price.

Any Large Pizza Limited time offer. Limit 1. Excludes XLNY®, Tuesday and Friday pizza deals.

Not valid with any other offers, specials, promotions or discounts. Valid at participating locations. Cannot be sold, transferred or duplicated.

LSM-03 1563-022722

®

Offer available at participating locations for a limited time on Tuesday only. In-store Family Size prices may vary. Includes Signature, Gourmet Delite®, Fresh Pan, Stuffed, or CreateYour Own pizza up to 5 toppings; topping additions to recipe pizzas will result in additional charges.

For a Eugene or Springfield locations, go to

PapaMurphys.com welcome

Available 3/7 - 4/17 or while supplies last at participating locations. welcome

APRIL 2022

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

22-9468-OF-BRC

©2022 Papa Murphy’s International LLC

3

5 7 8 12 16 18 19 22

EARTHTALK Bird Populations ~ How Are They Faring?

FOR MOM’S Hey Moms!

Make YOU a Priority!

SPECIAL FEATURE Mother’s Day Gift Guide

MOVIE REVIEW Kids: Turning Red Parents: The Adam Project SUMMER CAMPS 2022 Summer Camp Directory

26

DAD’S EYE VIEW Bursting (Little) Bubbles

30

8

12

TECHNOLOGY 8 Apps That Make Life Just a Little Bit Easier DISCOVERY BOX Celebrating Earth Day

28

contents

COMMUNITY Library Book Review Helping Little Ones Understand Big Issues

24 27

4

FAMILY HEALTH Keeping Your Cool

MONTHLY RECIPE Butter Pecan Waffles & Banana Walnut Pancakes EDUCATION Fight Senioritis and Finish the Year Strong

24 28

19 2022 SUMMER CAMP DIRECTORY

RESCUE SPOTLIGHT Pupper: Tundra Kitty: Barbara Streisand

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

APRIL 2022

Lessons in Keeping Your Cool

BY PILAR BRADSHAW, M.D., F.A.A.P. EUGENE PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATES

NGER IS A NORMAL human emotion, and we all feel it now and then. Teaching our kids how to handle their anger is an important task for parents.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE ARE ANGRY? During moments of anger, the body is flooded by adrenaline, which science has proven makes us more aggressive, frightened and unable to listen rationally to another person’s words. It takes about 20 minutes for adrenaline to wear off once it’s been triggered, so teach your child useful techniques to diffuse their emotions, such as taking deep breaths or separating themselves from the source of their anger. Walking away from a situation when mad or upset isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of wisdom.

HOW TO DEAL WITH ANGRY OUTBURSTS:

I encourage parents to lead by example. If your kids watch you lose your temper, they’ll likely do the same. But if they see you cope with your emotions in more positive ways, they’ll pick up on that, too.

Extensive research shows that aggression or cruelty by parents — such as yelling, swearing, spanking or hitting a child — teaches them to be aggressive, not only as a child but also as an adult. Abusive words from a parent can cut deeply, leaving permanent emotional scars.

In a world full of so much emotional upheaval, the job of creating peace starts at home, so encourage your kids to talk about their feelings openly and without judgment. If your child struggles with anger and you need support, talk with your pediatrician. ✦

1

HELP YOUR CHILD IDENTIFY THEIR EMOTIONS. Kids are more likely to lash out when they don’t understand how they are feeling, or they are not able to verbalize their emotions.

2

DON’T GIVE IN TO TANTRUMS. Giving a child a toy or treat to calm them down will only teach them that temper tantrums are effective.

3

FOLLOW THROUGH WITH CONSEQUENCES. Time-out or taking away privileges can be effective in dealing with an outburst.

If your child breaks or damages something when they are angry, have them help repair it or do chores to raise money to replace the item.

4

PRAISE APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR. When your child has calmed down, commend them for pulling themselves together.

APRIL 2022

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

5

Our Contributors 1

2

3

4

5

28 YEARS

6

7

8

1. PILAR BRADSHAW, M.D., F.A.A.P.

Dr. Pilar Bradshaw practices the full spectrum of pediatric medicine, seeing patients from birth to young adulthood. Named as 1 of 7 “Favorite Pediatricians” by Parents magazine, she believes in the ability of parents to embrace the joys and challenges of raising children.

2. LEXIE BRIGGS

Lexie Briggs is the marketing and communications specialist at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History on the campus of the University of Oregon.

She enjoys dancing Lindy hop, reading Shakespeare with her friends, and hanging out with the giant ground sloth skeleton on display in the museum. She lives with a sweet but timorous cat named Emma.

3. KATY M. CLARK

Katy M. Clark is a mom of two who lives in Michigan.

She has a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and enjoys writing about motherhood and midlife. Her work has appeared on sites including Scary Mommy, Grown and Flown, and Your Teen for Parents. You can also find her embracing her imperfections on her blog Experienced Bad Mom.

4. RICK EPSTEIN

A Dad’s Eye View contributor, also award-winning columnist, and journalist. Author of Rookie Dad (Hyperion) and The Right Number of Kids (McKenna Publishing Group). His wife and three daughters run a living laboratory in which he is constantly tested, analyzed, and experimented upon. It’s as if a guinea pig could write.

5. TANNI HAAS

Tanni Haas, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences, and Disorders at the City University of New York - Brooklyn College. He is the author or editor of three books and many articles.

6. BONNIE HARRIS

Bonnie is Oregon Family Magazine’s resident Movie Review Master Extraordinaire. She enjoys watching movies of all kinds, and has been doing movie reviews

6

9

11

for over 9 years and counting. She lives in Eugene with her family, enjoys gardening and cooking.

7. DANIEL HIESTAND

Daniel Hiestand is the new Lane County Waste Reduction Outreach Coordinator, responsible for working with the county’s Waste Reduction team to produce original content to promote waste reduction education and outreach. Daniel has worked extensively as a reporter, overseas teacher, communications consultant, entrepreneur, and nonprofit fundraiser. Later this year, Daniel will graduate from Arizona State University with a Master’s Degree in Sustainability Leadership.

8. SARAH LYONS

Sarah Lyons is a writer and proud mom of six, including six year old triplets. In her limited free time, she enjoys reading, writing, cooking, and spending time outside.

9. KELLI MATTHEWS

Kelli Matthews is our gift guide reviewer extraordinaire. Sampling lotions, testing toys and sipping bubbly is hard work, but someone has to do it.

When not compiling the best of the best to share with readers, she teaches public relations at the University of Oregon. Kelli lives and works in Eugene with her two boys and her high school sweetheart.

10. RODDY SCHEER

Journalist and photographer specializing in environmental issues, the outdoors and travel. When he is not out in the field taking pictures, Roddy runs EarthTalk, the non-profit Publisher of the syndicated EarthTalk Q&A column and the EarthTalk.org and Emagazine.

11. TAYLOR WORLEY

Taylor Worley has worked at Springfield Public Library for eight years as the Youth Services Librarian.

In addition to her local work, she contributes to numerous book award committees, review journals, and other projects at the state and national level.

Oregon Family Magazine is distributed monthly, year-round via direct mail in the greater Lane County area, and at over 150 high-traffic commercial locations. For information regarding Every Door Direct Mail, please visit www.dmachoice.org or www.optoutprescreen.com.

PUBLISHER Pacific Parents Publishing EDITOR Sandy Kauten GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT Springer Design & Illustration ADVERTISING Sandy Kauten • 541.683.7452 sandy@oregonfamily.com Christi Kessler • 541.484.0434 christi@oregonfamily.com OREGON FAMILY MAGAZINE P.O. Box 21732 • Eugene, OR 97402 541.683.7452 Email: info@oregonfamily.com Web: www.oregonfamily.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/OregonFamily

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1993 Opinions expressed by contributors or advertisers are not necessarily the opinions of, nor an endorsement by this publication. © 2022 Pacific Parents Publishing. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced without prior expressed written permission from Pacific Parents Publishing.

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

APRIL 2022

Earthtalk

DEAR EARTHTALK

How are bird populations faring in the U.S. and around the world? What are some ways to help them?

N

— MARK JOHNSON, BUTTE, MT

APRIL 2022

2.5 billion birds—of total population decline. Experts believe that habitat loss due to agricultural development and intensification is most likely the driving factor.

habitat, especially wetlands.

Readers can also help protect birds by taking a few simple actions. An easy one is to install window screens or eliminate window reflections

Blackbirds are among the avian species experiencing the greatest amount of population loss across North American as their preferred wetland habitat dries up and is filled in and paved over.

Amid this concerning data, hope remains for the birds of our world. Over the past few years, organizations such as Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, the National Audubon Society, and the California Waterfowl Association have collaborated to conserve waterfowl habitat (though critics point out that in some cases it is motivated by the self-fulfilling desire to provide more targets for their hunter members).

Under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, these organizations have raised billions of dollars in funds to restore and preserve waterfowl

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

with film or paint. (A 2014 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Smithsonian study found that between 365 million and one billion birds die each year across the U.S. as a result of window strikes.) If you’re a cat owner, another way to cut down on bird kills is to keep Fluffy from roaming freely outside.

The U.S North American Bird Conservation Initiative estimates that our pet felines kill some 2.6 billion birds annually in the U.S. alone.

Yet another way to help our avian friends is to provide shelter and nesting areas in your backyard. Planting native

PHOTO: SKYLER EWING, PEXELS.

OT SURPRISINGLY, GIVEN THE MYRIAD environmental threats they are facing, bird numbers continue to decline rapidly today across North America and beyond.

Researchers at Cornell’s Lab of Ornithology and Canada’s National Wildlife Research Centre found in a 2019 analysis that wild bird populations in the continental U.S. and Canada have declined by 29 percent—or a total net loss of around three billion birds—since 1970. Their landmark study is the first ever to perform a comprehensive assessment of wild bird net population changes across the continent.

The study found that population decline was not limited to a few species but a wide range of species across every biome (a large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat). Population loss in each biome ranged from Grassland bird populations suffering the greatest loss at 53 percent to eastern forest birds with the lowest loss at 17 percent.

Researchers also found that common birds from just 12 families, such as blackbirds, sparrows and finches, account for over 90 percent—or over

plants (instead of grass) will give both local and migratory birds a reason to hang out. Likewise, avoid synthetic pesticides and fertilizers on your land: They not only indirectly harm birds and the insects they like to eat, but can also poison wildlife directly.

Shopping organic at the grocery store is another way to reduce the overall load of pesticides and synthetic fertilizer that birds encounter.

One additional way to be part of the solution is to join the Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count, whether you’re a beginner birder or expert. From December 14 through January 5, the initiative promotes counting instead of hunting birds, a fun and simple way to get outdoors while also helping to protect your favorite backyard birds.

Audubon has been running the count for 122 years, and collates the data collected by its “citizen scientists” into an annual report on the state of the birds across the U.S. ✦ CONTACTS: Decline of the North American avifauna, science.org/doi/10.1126/ science.aaw1313; Join The Christmas Bird Count, audubon.org/conservation/joinchristmas-bird-count.

EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for the 501(c)3 nonprofit EarthTalk. See more at https://emagazine. com. To donate, visit https//earthtalk.org.

Send questions to: question@earthtalk.org.

7

You a Priority

A T T E N T I O N

Make

R

M O M S !

BY SARAH LYONS

aising kids is one of the most life changing, and rewarding time in our life; but it can also be the most exhausting and draining as well. While moms typically make kids their top priority, putting them above their own needs and wants, moms also need to make time for themselves so they can continue to be at their best when it comes to supporting and taking care of their families. Moms, it’s time to make you a priority. Why?...

8

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

APRIL 2022

MENTAL HEALTH IS IMPORTANT Being a mother has emotional highs and lows. Your body goes through amazing changes both physically and mentally during pregnancy, birth, and the years that follow. It is important for moms to make their mental health a priority. Ask your significant other or a trusted friend to help you monitor when you are struggling. Ask for help if you feel you are not at your best emotionally.

Taking care of your family on a day-today basis can be draining on emotional reserves, but when you participate in activities that make you happy and healthy, it is easier to be attentive and supportive to those around you.

PHYSICAL HEALTH IS A PRIORITY

Getting good rest, exercising, and eating healthy are important to feel at your best.

If you are physically exhausted, it is challenging to be patient with your kids or get anything productive accomplished at home or work. Getting good rest, exercising, and eating healthy are important to feel at your best. It’s also important for moms to make physical health important by visiting the doctor, dentist, and other appointments to maintain health on a regular basis. So often moms will delay their own scheduled doctor visits, but routine checkups can prevent issues before they arise.

HOW TO MAKE YOU A PRIORITY?

FIND YOUR TRIBE. Having a group of friends who understand what it’s like to raise children, work, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and commit to a loving marriage is important for moms to feel “normal” and supported. Mom’s groups (like MOPS), online meetups or groups, book clubs, or church groups are great places to meet other moms that you have things in common with and connect with.

APRIL 2022

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

9

CARVE OUT SOME TIME. Between running errands, extracurricular activities, housework, and spending time with your kids it can be hard to set aside time for yourself. Spending time alone, with your spouse (without your kids), and with friends is so important for moms to feel energized for another day. Add time for you to the family calendar to assure that it happens on a regular basis and any childcare needs are met.

EXERCISE. A good exercise routine not only keeps you healthy and fit, but can also help you feel better about yourself, and give you an extra energy boost for those long days. Taking time for exercise also gives you time to be alone and listen to a podcast, audiobook, or music you enjoy while working out. If your exercise takes you outside, you also get an added boost of Vitamin D which has been proven to help you feel happier too.

TREAT YOURSELF. Moms work hard. Allow yourself a treat such as a coffee, a new outfit, a fresh haircut, pedicure, or a sweet treat on occasion. Giving yourself permission to treat yourself can boost your mood and acknowledge that you work hard and deserve something special. You don’t have to spend a lot of time or money, it’s more about putting yourself first on occasion.

TALK TO SOMEONE. Sometimes we just need someone to talk to about our feelings, what is going on in our lives, and share the details of everyday life. One way moms make themselves a priority is to find a friend or family member you can chat with on a regular basis. Some may find it helpful to talk to a counselor if you have a lot to work through and have dealt with depression or feel like you could use some unbiased advice.

ASK FOR HELP. Moms are used to helping others and many of us have a hard time reaching out and asking for help. However, when a friend asks, we are the first to help. Give others a chance to help you, to lessen time burdens. Set up a carpool for school drop offs or after school activities, accept help when offered, or trade babysitting with a friend so you can have a much needed date night. If a significant other offers to help around the house, let them! Accepting help can be a big relief and can give moms the chance for some much needed time to focus on themselves.

TIME FOR A NEW HOBBY? What do you love to do? Many moms find they’ve forgotten the hobbies they used to enjoy prior to kids.

Seek out an old hobby, or find a new one - reading, running, sewing, scrapbooking - whatever activity gets you excited is what you can make time for. Whether you do a hobby with friends, or on your own, you will not regret making time for something important to you.

QUICK MOOD BOOSTS After taking care of your family’s needs, working, and doing household chores moms can feel like their gas tank is running on empty which can drain your energy and your mood. Here are some ideas for a quick boost.

SING ALONG. Turn up your favorite song and sing along. Dancing and singing are proven stress relievers.

LAUGH IT OFF. Call a friend who makes you laugh. If your child is doing something frustrating, try to laugh it off. Turn on a funny TV show or podcast. Laughter is truly the best medicine.

TAKE A BATH. A relaxing soak in the tub is always a good booster and can help tense muscles relax, helping you feel physically better as well.

10

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

APRIL 2022

TAKE A WALK. Physical exercise and a break from your house and chores is a great way to change your mood.

LET IT GO. Do you have piles of dishes and laundry to do? Is it overwhelming? Let it go. Not forever, but just for now. Find something fun to do instead, just for the day. You might find after a break you come back to it with a better attitude.

TAKE A NAP. There is nothing better than a nap to help recharge your batteries. If the baby is sleeping, take time to rest as well. If you have older kids, put on a movie and rest next to them on the couch.

You will feel recharged and ready for the rest of the day.

It’s not possible to put yourself first all the time, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t set aside time when you are the priority. It’s important for your mental and physical health and well-being and will make you a better mom, and partner, friend, and also increase the Happy quota. ✦

When you participate in activities that make you happy and healthy, it is easier to be attentive and supportive to those around you.

The Shedd Institute www.theshedd.org - 541.434.7000

The John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts

Community Music School Classes & private lessons for all ages � Contact the registrar today! � 541.434.7000 / registrar@theshedd.net

The E. Y. Harburg Academy for Musical Theatre

The Vaudeville Hour

Saturdays April 9 - June 11 at 9:30 am - 3:30 pm | June 12th show!!

Private Lessons

Mon-Fri 9 am - 6 pm, Sat 9 am - noon

Begin any time. Online available.

APRIL 2022

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

The Music Box! Mondays through Thursdays, 2 sessions each day Class size limited to 15 students per section. Sign up any time!

11

Finding the Perfect Gift A M O T H E R ’ S D AY G U I D E

T

BY KELLI MATTHEWS

he pandemic has been especially difficult on moms. This Mother’s Day, take a minute to find a thank you gift that makes her feel extra special.

And while you’re at it, do the dishes without being asked and clean your room.

This year’s gift guide features off-the-beaten-path ideas for moms who love a beautiful necklace, delicious cocktails and wine, pampering beauty products, yummy sweets or something cozy.

12

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

APRIL 2022

Warm and Cozy Wins WEEKEND MADE PAJAMAS

If you could create a perfect relaxing evening for Mom, it would for sure include Weekend Made pajamas.

They’re the most comfortable pajamas I’ve ever tried.

The eco-friendly fabric is incredibly soft and regulates temperature and the seamless design is really very flattering. Soft, comfortable and not frumpy? It’s a pajama miracle! And if the Mom on your gift list is a new mom who is still breastfeeding, the Weekend Made set is perfect. https://weekendmade.shop/

WITHINSPIRED T-SHIRTS

Support a Mom with a gift for Mom. The withINSPIRED tees were created by a single mom who wanted to build a force for good. The tees have words or phrases like “Be Present” or “Focus Foward” or “Faith Above Fear” printed on the inside in a patent-pending process. Each shirt has a special message not to be broadcast to the world but meant to inspire the wearer. You can pick a pre-made design or make your own. https://withinspired.com/

QUORUM CANDLE

Wear the withINSPIRED shirt and burn a Quorum Candle, another company built by a woman for women. Quorum is a woman-owned small business centered on amplifying women’s voices through the beautiful medium of a hand-poured candle.

The Belong candle ​​includes stories of what it means to be true to yourself and discover one’s own sense of belonging. Ten percent is donated to a nonprofit. And it smells amazing. https://www.burnquorum.com/

ALLAY LAMP

If you’re looking for a creative, wellness-focused gift, the Allay Lamp uses light to help create a calmer brain. The lamp emits a narrow band of green wavelength light that generates smaller electrical signals in the brain and this has direct implications for reducing stress, relieving headache pain and improving sleep quality.

The science is quite fascinating. https://allaylamp.com/

A Toast to Mom

WHISKEYSMITH FLAVORED WHISKEY

Whiskey has really enjoyed a rise in popularity and the pop of flavor Whiskeysmith Co Flavored Whiskey is just wow. The Blood Orange flavor blends effortlessly with the warm vanilla and spice undertones found in American whiskey. Whether mixing with a simple tonic or creating a new spin on a margarita or Pina colada, the blood orange flavor pops. And if blood orange isn’t Mom’s favorite, maybe try banana, pineapple or salted caramel. https://www.whiskeysmithco.com/

APRIL 2022

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

CRATER LAKE SPIRITS

Crater Lake Spirits are handcrafted in Bend with locally-sourced ingredients.

Farm to bottle, each is handmarked with its own unique batch number to guarantee its authenticity and craftsmanship.

We tried the Vodka, Prohibition Gin and Sweet Ginger Vodka.

I won’t claim to be any kind of bartender or mixologist, but special skills aren’t required to enjoy these spirits. https://craterlakespirits.com/

13

Something Sparkly ISABELLE GRACE MOM OPEN CIRCLE NECKLACE

Personalized jewelry doesn’t have to be cliche or cheesy.

We love the Isabelle Grace Mom Open Circle Necklace.

The hand cast open circle is personalized with MOM (with a heart for the O) and makes a super sweet gift. A genuine pink topaz stone or freshwater pearl provide a delicate accent. https://www.isabellegracejewelry.com/

DREAMSCAPES JEWELRY

Dreamscapes Jewelry’s Inspired

by Nature Collection features this “Celebrate Our Forests” design has oxidized sterling silver and silver, providing some detail and dimension. It’s perfect for a mom who loves hikes on the Ridgeline Trail or a just a walk in the woods. https://dreamscapejewelry.com/

CANDYSWAG

TASSELRUE GREEN ONYX NECKLACE

Designer Shannon Mitchell believes that beautiful gemstones are essential. All the pieces from Tasselrue feel handcrafted and special. Shannon picked out this green onyx specifically for the Oregon Duck mom.

Each piece will definitely say “Go Ducks!” https://www.tasselrue.com/

Sweets for the Sweet

CandySwag creates a totally custom experience for mom. A new gifting service, this one is focused on letting mom pick her favorite sweets in the perfect unique-to-her combo (and it’s not just chocolate). You pick the size of the box and provide all the details. Mom gets an email inviting her to select her favorite candies. A few days later, they’re delivered to her door in a really gorgeous pink and black box. I had a blast picking out my favorite candies and even tries several new ones (rosé bonbons?

Yes please!). https://www.candyswag.com/

14

SUGAR PLUM CHOCOLATES

Chocolate-covered anything is my Kryptonite and Sugar Plum Chocolates chocolate-covered sandwich cookies are the pinnacle of chocolatecovered things! We’re big fans of Sugar Plus around here and, I promise, this sampler will blow Mom away.

The Signature ChocolateCovered Sandwich Cookie Sampler includes nine total chocolate-covered sandwich cookies, including one each of their renowned milk, dark, and white chocolate-covered sandwich cookies (plus six more gourmet options). https://www.sugar-plum.com/

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

APRIL 2022

Beauty is More Than Skin Deep DR. BOTANICALS

The Apothecary Essentials Box from Dr. Botanicals includes a watermelon cleanser, strawberry day moisturizer, pomegranate eye serum and a turmeric mask. It’s like a farmer’s market for your face! Purchase one-time or set up a monthly delivery box for Mom with bright and brilliant skin products. https://us.drbotanicals.com/

LOTUS MOON

LOLI BEAUTY

As we emerge from an Oregon winter, caring for our dry and less-than-soft skin has to be a priority. And few things will help Mom’s skin feel spring-ready than a body polish and body cream. The Lotus Moon products - Pure Refine Body Polish and Pure Silk Body Cream - feel so good and gently smooth out those rough spots and soften the edges with a perfectly light scent. https://lotusmoonskincare.com/

LOLI Beauty has a range of clean beauty products that are natural, sustainable and mostly vegan. I love multitasking products and I tried two from LOLI. The Plum Elixer is perfect as a serum and moisturizer, but also on hair, as a preshampoo treatment or as a treatment for dry and chapped lips. The Date Nute Brulee serves as a luxurious cleanser, moisturizer and body balm. https://lolibeauty.com/

A Bouquet of Rosé for Mom STOLLER FAMILY OF WINES

When the world seems heavy and the to-do list is long, say “I love you, Mom!” with a bouquet of Rosé. All four of these delightful options from the Stoller Wine Group family of wines will push away the clouds, bring out the sun and just make Mom feel… bubbly! As a bonus, you can feel good, knowing the company is B-Corp Certified. https://www.stollerfamilyestate.com/ 2021 Stoller Family Estate Pinor Noir Rosé 2021 Chehalem Rosé of Pinot Noir Chemistry Pinot Noir Rosé Bubbles Canned Oregon Pink Rosé Bubbles

APRIL 2022

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

15

Community

Five books to help your little ones better understand sustainability and environmental justice

To

BY DANIEL HIESTAND & TAYLOR WORLEY

say the news is overwhelming these days is an understatement: A pandemic and politics, wars and inflation. The list goes on. If you are the parent of a young child, it’s tough to explain the nuances of these highly complicated topics.

This month, we asked Taylor Worley, longtime Youth Services Librarian at Springfield Public Library, to share her advice on discussing another set of complicated topics with young folks: sustainability and

16

environmental justice. Not surprisingly, she said books are a great access point.

“Books are excellent springboards for discussion,” she said.

To help answer our question, Taylor rounded up her favorite five selections for preschool and elementaryaged kids.

“Each book can be read aloud and explored alongside your child,” she said. “These titles provide multiple levels of information and engagement.”

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

APRIL 2022

A Is for Activist

by Innosanto Nagara A Is for Activist invites readers through the alphabet, from Black Lives Matter to Water Is Life and beyond, and distills complex topics into approachable entry points.

Download the NEW WasteWise Lane County App or, visit www.lanecountyor.gov/wastewise

We Are Water Protectors

Answers to your Recycling Questions are just a click away

by Carole Lindstrom and Michaela Goade We Are Water Protectors is a Caldecottwinning, informational picture book that conveys the vitality of, respect for, and sacred aspects of water for Indigenous people with stunning illustrations.

On Our Nature Walk: Our First Talk About Our Impact on the Environment

by Jillian Roberts, Jane Heinrichs, Bob McDonald On Our Nature Walk is part of a larger series that takes complex topics like homelessness and climate change and presents them in honest, thoughtful ways for younger audiences. These books are best used with a trusted adult because they inspire a great deal of discussion.

ise

5 WasteW

UNTY

LANE CO

find out, or

If in doubt,. leave it out

Green City: How One Community Survived a Tornado and Rebuilt for a Sustainable Future

by Allan Drummond Green City is a non-fiction picture book that explores a community rebuilding after a natural disaster, making specific choices to be more ecologically responsible going forward. We can always learn from this story, but it feels particularly applicable right now.

Saving American Beach: The Biography of African American Environmentalist Mavynee Betsch

by Heidi Tyline King and Ekua Holmes Saving American Beach is the picture book biography of environmentalist Mavynee Betsch and will inspire young environmentalists and activists. Readers will feel empowered to create their own positive changes.

Thank you, Taylor! ✦

APRIL 2022

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

Free App Available in English and Spanish on Android and Apple devices.

BROWS LASHES W

A

X

S K I N Sunny Aina 2127 Yolanda Ave. | Springfield, OR 97477 Call 541.335.1763 to schedule, or online at www.soleilrosespa.com

Gift Cards Available!

SPRING SPECIAL Lash Extensions!

FREE FILL WITH FIRST SET One discount per customer.

17

Family Movie Night

Mom discovers Mei’s diary.

Too Big & Too Red

BY BONNIE L. HARRIS

N

EVER THOUGHT I’D WANT to pass on a Pixar movie, but there’s a first time for everything. With Disney behind them, Pixar’s creative forces should’ve made better narrative decisions with their new feature, Turning Red, but novice director Domee Shi’s work is unappealing, stereotyped, and just not very

TURNING RED Pixar Studios, Rated: PG Streaming on Disney Plus

much fun. The story about young girls reaching puberty will surely turn boys off, and parents need to be especially careful about this movie because they’ll be answering plenty of follow-up questions about “the birds & the bees.” In the film, those questions have been avoided for thirteen years

by Mei Lee’s overprotective mother, a disturbing caricature of the pushy helicopter mom, but Mei is unexpectedly tossed into coping with these teenage physical changes when she literally turns into a giant red panda after an emotional

outburst. Mei and her clique of BFF’s make matters worse by conniving to go to a forbidden concert and marketing the Red Panda on social media to earn ticket money. Eventually, Mei must face the consequences of lying to her mother, betraying her friends, and almost getting arrested at a boy-girl birthday bash. The one and only sweet moment in the story happens when Mei’s father finally voices his opinion about his daughter’s suppressed personality. Wish there was more of that, but it’s

squashed under the weight of a bizarre family ritual to contain the red panda essence. It’s an interesting metaphor, but this story twist lacked the usual Pixar finesse that would have made it memorable. Instead, the film continues off the deep end with a weirdly destructive conclusion at the boy-band concert and a final scene to clean up the mess after the red panda rampage. Let’s hope there’s not a sequel and that Pixar gets back to creating movies with heart, humor, and great music. ✦

FOR the PARENTS

Plenty of Time THE ADAM PROJECT Skydance Media, Rated: PG-13 Streaming on Netflix

B

LEND THE TERMINATOR with Star Wars and toss in a big dose of bullet-fast Deadpool humor, toned down of course for a PG-13 audience, and you’ve got the rollicking new sci-fi feature from Netflix called The Adam Project. Super-sonic paced and super fun, with a fantastic soundtrack and wonderful performances from Ryan Reynolds, Zoe Saldana, and pint-sized newcomer, Walker Scobell. This film does justice to the space-time continuum without taking itself too seriously and giving its audience a high-tech roller coaster ride into the past. Which is really our present, give or take a couple years! Young Adam Reed, bullied in school & missing his recently deceased father, meets up with his time-traveling 30-yearold self in a quest to destroy the algorithm that started time travel.

Unfortunately, the technology was invented by their father and older Adam is being hunted by the evil Sorian, a militant, self-proclaimed

18

The Adams race against time. ruler of Earth. Both Adams must time jump again to 2018, in a malfunctioning space craft, to find their father and figure out how to break into Sorian’s compound. Amid the mayhem, we also get a heartwarming story about growing up, healing relationships, and finding your true path. Pass the popcorn and let’s watch this one again!

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

APRIL 2022

SUMMER CAMP DIRECTORY

SUMMER CAMP DIRECTORY RIVER ROAD PARK DISTRICT SUMMER CAMPS

“Where you are free to be a kid” Activities include: games, swimming, arts and crafts.

REGISTER NOW! • Summer Daze (ages 4-5) • Adventure Camp (grades 1-5) • Middle School Camps (grades 6-8) • Gymnastics Camp (ages 6-12) • Sports Camp (ages 6-14) • Lego Camp (ages 5-12)

541-688-4052 • www.rrpark.org 1400 Lake Drive, Eugene

APRIL 2022

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

19

JOIN US AT PNCA!

Na- Pua O Hawai‘i Nei

• archery • horses • mtn biking • arts + crafts • water sports ...and more!

DAY C A M P S

Hawaiian Culture, Crafts & Music

for more info

20

Big Lake Youth Camp

www.biglake.org

503-850-3583

7-17

Camp Wilani

www.wilanicouncil.org

541-342-6338

5-17

Eugene Performing Arts Center

eugenepac.com

541-780-6982

K-12

Hawaiian Day Camps

https://www.napuaohawaiinei.com/ summercamps

541-653-3327

6-14

Oregon Tutor Summer Fun

www.oregontutor.com

541-733-1749

10-18

Pre-College Graphic Novel

https://pnca.edu/academics/communityeducation/precollege-courses

503-821-8967

15-18

River Road Park & Recreation District

www.rrpark.org

541-688-4052

4-14

Shedd Music School Camps

https://theshedd.org/musicschool

541-434-7000

K-12

Summer on The Hill

oakhillschool.net/summer-camps

541-741-0199

PK-18

UO Volleyball Camps

https://www.duckvolleyballcamps.com

714-606-0967

8-18

Whole Earth Nature School

WholeEarth.org

541-937-KIDS

4 - 17

•

• • •

• • • • • • •

• • • • • •

•

•

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

•

Spiritual

Aquatics

Camping

Climbing

Hiking

Sports

Equestrian

Games

Theater Arts

Field Trips

Food/Farming

Music

CAMPS at a GLANCE

Dance

BigLake.org

Arts & Crafts

napuaohawaiinei.com fb.com/nnapuaohawaiinei 541-653-332 7

SIGN UP TODAY FOR SUMMER FUN!

Computers

Jun e 27-July 1 G rad e s 3 - 5 July 5 -8 G rad e s K -2 July 1 1 -1 5 G rad e s 6 -8

9:00 am - July 5:00 pm Monday, 18 to Friday July 22 register: pnca-ce.corsizio.com 9:00 am - 5:00 pm register: pnca-ce.corsizio.com

Language Arts

©ZisforZebra

For more info call Oregon Tutor today (541) 733-1749

GRAPHIC Monday, July 18 NOVEL to Friday JulyWEEK 22

Math/Science

an = rn

PRE-COLLEGE GRAPHIC JOIN US ATNOVEL PNCA! WEEK PRE-COLLEGE

AGES

SUMMER CAMP DIRECTORY

Don’t let summer go to waste with

Camps we offer: Calculus Prep SAT/ACT Prep Creative Writing Foreign Language Scientific Exploration

•

•

•

•

• •

•

•

•

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

•

• • APRIL 2022

Joshua Hirschstein, Director

2022 Late Summer Fun! Sessions starting from July 25th to August 28th

SUMMER CAMP DIRECTORY

CAMP WILANI

SUMMER CAMP DIRECTORY

Your Ticket to Summer Fun!

Call 541-683-7452 to Advertise

LANE

TUTORING SERVICE, INC.

One-On-One Tutoring: • Friendly, Certified Teachers • All Subjects, K-12 • In-home and Online

Eugene’s College Prep Center: • SAT/ACT Preparation • Application Essay Coaching • Admissions Coaching

541-484-4133

lanetutoringservice.com Trusted locally since 1990.

Tryouts for 2021-22 Soccer Teams

Day Camp Mini Overnight Camp Week-Long Overnight Camp Service Learning & Leadership Family Camp Teen Adventure BEACH Camp

Junior Academy boys and girls (born in 2012, 2013 and 2014) May 18 and 20 at LCC

F Ú T B O L

C L U B

541-343-5100 www.eugenetimbers.org

U11-14 Premier & Competitive (born in 2011-2008) May 11 and 13 at Bob Keefer Sports Center U11-14 Discovery Program (born in 2011-2008) May 26 at LCC Register online at www.eugenetimbers.org

CONFIDENCE & FITNESS

SPECIAL

An orientation, free uniform, and a month of lessons for

$59.95 CAMP FIRE WILANI EASY ONLINE REGISTRATION WILANICOUNCIL.ORG APRIL 2022

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

Try our classes now!

4404 Main St. • Springfield

747-3181 • www.eastgatekenpo.com • 4404 Main St, Spfld.

21

8

Apps to Make Mom’s Life a Little Bit Easier

M

BY TANNI HAAS, PH.D.

OTHER’S DAY IS COMING next month, which is a perfect opportunity to take care of yourself, and other moms you know. There are a lot of apps out there dedicated to making a mom’s life just a little bit easier, whether you’re looking for ideas on what to serve for dinner or kid-friendly travel advice, here’s a list of some of the very best. They’re all free, so download an app – or three!

ALLRECIPES DINNER SPINNER We’ve all been in this situation many times: It’s 5 pm, dinner time, you’ve got to make a meal for the family but all that comes to mind is the same things you always make. How about trying Allrecipes Dinner Spinner, the world’s largest and most popular social app for food? You can find user-generated - and reviewed recipes from 30 million other home cooks like yourself. You can search by keyword, key ingredients that you want to include or exclude, special dietary needs, and cooking time. You can also see which ingredients are on sale in local stores, and watch more than 1000 step-by-step cooking videos with easy-to-follow instructions. Amazon Apps | Apple Appstore | Google Play

22

ARTKIVE Like in most families, I imagine, my kid’s artwork is anywhere you look and don’t look: on the living room walls, in my bedroom, and stashed away in various cabinets and drawers. But there’s an alternative: Artkive is a great app for storing, sharing, and printing your kid’s artwork. You can search uploaded images by which of your kids created the piece, what grade they were in, and when it was made.

You can also make high-quality, actual books to give as gifts to family and friends, and turn images into keepsake items like t-shirts, mugs, and cell phone covers. Apple Appstore | Google Play

COZI FAMILY ORGANIZER As the name implies, Cozi Family Organizer is an organizer. It has a shared calendar where you can track everyone’s schedules both individually and as a group, and a shared shopping list where you can see when items are added to the list or purchased by other family members in real-time. You can also use the app to send automated daily or weekly agenda emails to other family members, create specialized to-do lists, such as emergency supplies or vacation packaging, and organize receipts in one place that’s accessible to everybody. Amazon Appstore | Apple Appstore | Google Play

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

APRIL 2022

FIND MY KIDS One of the most stressful experiences is not knowing where your kids are at any given moment. Nowadays, almost all kids have cell phones, which helps minimize the stress. Find My Kids, a GPSbased location app, lets you to track your kids quickly and easily.

Once registered, each family member appears as a unique icon on a navigational map so you know exactly where your kids are at all times.

The app sends out automatic alerts when your kids arrive at school or go home, and monitors their cell phone battery levels letting you when they’re low so you can send out reminders to charge the phones.

Amazon Appstore | Apple Appstore | Google Play

SCHOLLY The time may be around the corner or far off into the future but when it does arrive we’re all going to need it: money for college. Wouldn’t it be nice if at least some of that money is scholarships that you won’t have to pay back? Developed by a former Drexel University student by the name of Christopher Gray who amassed $1.3 million in scholarship funds, Scholly is a database with more than 20.000 scholarship opportunities across the U.S that is continuously expanded and updated. You can look at each scholarship to learn more about eligibility requirements, the application process, important deadlines, and the amount of money offered. Amazon App | Apple Appstore | Google Play

SQUAT OR NOT When travelling with kids, especially toddlers, there are few things more frustrating than not being able to find a public restroom when you really need one. SitOrSquat is a location-based app that lets you to find bathrooms in your location. The app contains a user-generated list of more than 100,000 public restrooms throughout the U.S. You can get the travel time to the nearest bathroom, and search by specific features like changing tables or handicap accessible, and you are encouraged to post pictures and rate the restrooms as either “Sit” (good) or “Squat” (not good) to help other app users.

Apple Appstore | Google Play

TREKAROO FAMILY TRAVEL I can’t count how many times on vacation with my 15-year-old son he shouted in frustration: “Another museum?!” It doesn’t have to be that way. Trekaroo Family Travel, known informally as the TripAdvisor for kid-friendly travel, is an app that includes user-generated reviews of activities, hotels, and restaurants that kids will enjoy throughout the U.S. and Canada. The app includes a price slider that makes it easy to find things to do that are either low-cost or free, and offers suggestions for kid-friendly day trips. Apple Appstore

7 MINUTE WORKOUT Let’s be honest: no matter how enjoyable it is, parenting is also exhausting. Physically exhausting. While it can be difficult to find time to work out, we all have seven minutes a day to spare. Wahoo 7 Minute Workout is one of the most popular short-interval fitness apps available. The routine is divided into 12 high-intensity exercises that last for 30 seconds, with 10 second of rest intervals. The exercises train your chest, abs, arms and legs through body weight training, push-ups, sit-ups, and squats. You don’t need any equipment so you can do the exercises wherever and whenever. Apple Appstore | Google Play ✦

APRIL 2022

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

23

Discovery Box

E A R T H D AY APRIL 22, 2022

How You Can Celebrate

Earth Day

BY LEXIE BRIGGS MUSEUM OF NATURAL AND CULTURAL HISTORY

24

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

APRIL 2022

1 2

SPREAD THE WORD! Talk to your friends, family, and elected officials about how you feel about protecting the environment.

PHOTO ARK Come face to face with some of the world’s most charismatic animals through stunning photography at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History, now through May 29.

Discovery Box

S

TEWARDSHIP OF THE EARTH is worth celebrating all year round, but spring flowers and sunshine have a way of clarifying our relationship with the earth. In springtime, the world shakes off the dreary winter and snowdrops and daffodils begin to bloom. April is the perfect time to reflect on the world around us and consider how we can celebrate and preserve it. Luckily, there is a holiday for that!

Earth Day began in 1970 when politicians, environmentalists, and students banded together to hold teach-ins, protests, and parades promoting environmental action. Initially, Earth Day organizers intended the event to be relatively small with events on a few college campuses. But in 1970, environmentalism was building momentum and people realized that cleaning up the environment and saving animals from extinction were related, and they were ready to make their voices heard.

In the 1970s, the United States implemented several key laws, including the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Air Act, and the Clean Water Act, as a direct result of this increased interest in the stewardship of the planet. These laws helped to bring many species of animal back from the brink of extinction and decreased the levels of harmful pollutants in the air.

The work continues to this day. Many species of animals are still facing extinction from the destruction of habitats and the effects of climate change. More than 50 years after it began, Earth Day celebrations continue to be an essential part of the environmental movement.

This Earth Day, get inspired! Here are some ideas for how to spend Earth Day:

All Photos: © by Joel Sartore/National Geographic Photo Ark.

Endangered Malayan tiger Panthera tigris jacksoni Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo

Federally endangered Florida panther Puma concolor coryi Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo

TAKE A HIKE! Oregon has beautiful trails that are fun for all ages and skill levels. Make a scenic celebration of spring with a hike on Skinner Butte or Mount Baldy.

3

PICK UP TRASH IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD! Stewardship of the earth begins at home. Make your community a little cleaner by picking up trash in your neighborhood. Make sure you have gardening gloves and good walking shoes!

4

GET INSPIRED BY NATURE AND SCIENCE! The Museum of Natural and Cultural History is hosting an Earth Day Celebration Weekend, Friday, April 22 through Sunday, April 24. Celebrate our home planet—and the people who steward it—with hands-on bilingual English-Spanish activities for the whole family. While you’re there, be sure to explore the Photo Ark exhibit and come face to face with some of the world’s most charismatic animals through stunning photography. ✦

Coquerel’s sifaka Propithecus coquereli Houston Zoo

The Museum of Natural and Cultural History is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and until 8:00 p.m. on Thursdays. Stay tuned to our website (mnch.uoregon.edu) and follow us on social media for the latest on our new lineup of online and in-person programs.

APRIL 2022

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

25

A Dad’s Eye View

Bursting Their Bubbles

HOW MUCH BAD NEWS CAN KIDS HANDLE?

BY RICK EPSTEIN

O

UR CAT FELIX IS usually as cuddly as a teddy bear. But everyone has a dark side. My lovely wife steals Halloween candy from her children. My 7-year-old daughter wears her sister’s underwear. Our Felix happens to be a sadist. One afternoon, he had captured a mouse in the garden and was happily torturing it. He would back off and wait for the wounded mouse to crawl forward, then he’d pounce on its back. You know the routine.

Nature was taking its course, but this time a 4-year-old was watching in horror. “Felix! Stop it! I hate you!” Wendy yelled, as she swooped in like a medevac helicopter and snatched up the mouse. Holding it in her two cupped hands, she ran next door where my wife Betsy stood outdoors chatting with a neighbor.

Felix followed, feeling robbed, angry and watchful.

If the kid took one bite of the mouse, he would press charges. The mouse’s body lay motionless across Wendy’s little palms, its fur ripped and eyes blank. “It’s dead, sweetie,” Betsy said.

Wendy looked at the mouse.

Tears rolled down her cheeks and she sobbed, “I don’t understand.”

Betsy told her that all living creatures have an end and that the mouse’s life had ended because Felix had given it “a bad booboo.” And that Felix is not wicked; he had just done what cats do. “It’s his nature,” she

26

said, little suspecting she’d given Wendy her go-to excuse for all future misbehavior. She and Wendy brought the mouse into our back yard and conducted a short graveside service for it, which seemed to soothe Wendy.

It was her first brush with mortality.

And where was I during all of this? At work, which is just as well, because I am ten times the mouse-killer Felix is. I take no pleasure in it, but it is my relentless trapping, not Felix’s occasional gruesome exhibition, that keeps our

house from being overrun with mice. Call it MY dark side. But, please don’t tell Wendy her father is a serial killer; a kid should have to absorb just so much bad news at one time.

We have three children and each one is at a different place on the sad road to full disillusionment. Two of them know something about dangerous strangers, one of them knows about terrorism, and none of them knows much about the Nazi Holocaust.

Although I try to provide information they need for their personal safety, I’d like to fool them into thinking that the world is a nicer place than it really is. I’m afraid that full and early disclosure might knock them flat and make them give up. If my 11-year-old knew her share of the national debt, I doubt she’d be willing to come out of her room.

Call it kindness or cowardice, but I just hate to burst their bubbles. I don’t think I could say, “Wendy, remember the terrible news I told you about the dinosaurs? Well, there’s more. Lots more. You’d better sit down.”

A few months ago, we took Wendy to visit a farm. She got to pat a sheep’s back and feel its living sweater. She helped gather eggs and saw a cow being milked. She danced from

wonder to wonder, thrilled to be in the midst of such cheerful cooperation.

Betsy and I answered her many questions easily, except for one – “How do you get chickens to give you their meat?”

A straight answer was not in either of us. Shame has caused me to forget my exact reply, but I made my answer complicated enough to be boring, but not evasive enough to be intriguing.

(When our daughter Sally was 6, she thought that farmers waited until their cattle were asleep. Then they would carve steaks off them and sew them back up, undetected. In Sally’s little world, what the cattle didn’t know never hurt them, though I guess they woke up a little sore.)

Years ago, when our oldest daughter Marie was 4, she looked into the sky and asked me dreamily, “Where would a cloud take you?”

“Nowhere,” I’d said. “They’re thin as fog, and if you sat on one, you’d fall right through.”

“Oh,” she said quietly, and I felt like I’d grabbed her by the ankle and yanked her right out of the sky.

A few days ago, Wendy and I were cloud-gazing and, remembering what I’d told her big sister, I asked, “Where do you think a cloud would take you?”

She continued gazing up and eventually said, “Probably to Dreamland. You’d go there and get to visit your dreams.”

Anyone care to rebut? ✦ Rick can be reached at rickepstein@yahoo.com.

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

APRIL 2022

O

NE OF THE MOST important factors to making delicious pancakes and waffles is - the mix. A tried and true option like Pearl Milling Company offers delicious taste and light and fluffy texture. Simple, yet flavorful recipes like these bring the family together in the kitchen, which offers bonding opportunities, and valuable, kitchen savvy lessons for younger family members. Visit pearlmillingcompany.com for more recipes.

BUTTER PECAN WAFFLES

Yield: about 6 waffles (4 inches each)

BROWNED BUTTER:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter • ½ cup chopped pecans

WAFFLES:

• 1 cup Pearl Milling Company Original Pancake & Waffle Mix • ¾ cup milk, plus additional if necessary, divided • 1 egg • Pearl Milling Company Syrup, for topping • toasted pecans, for topping (optional)

HOW TO MAKE:

1. To make browned butter: In small skillet over low heat, place butter.

Increase heat to medium-low, stirring butter with heat-proof spatula. Cook and stir until butter reaches desired brown color. Remove from heat and stir in pecans.

2. Place pancake mix in large bowl.

Add 3/4 cup milk, egg and browned butter. Stir until large clumps of batter disappear. If batter seems too thick, add additional milk 1 tablespoon

at a time to reach desired thickness.

Let batter stand 4-5 minutes before cooking.

3. Pour batter into lightly greased waffle iron. Bake until steam stops or as directed by waffle iron instructions.

Top with syrup and toasted pecans, if desired.

BANANA WALNUT PANCAKES

Yield: about 20 pancakes • 2 cups Pearl Milling Company Original Pancake Mix • 1½ cups milk • 2 eggs • 2 tablespoons oil • 2 bananas, mashed

HOW TO MAKE:

1. Place skillet over medium heat.

2. In large bowl, stir pancake mix, milk, eggs, oil and mashed bananas.

3. Spread 1/4 cup pancake batter on skillet. When pancake begins to bubble, use spatula to flip. Cook until golden brown on each side. Repeat with remaining batter.

4. To make whipped cream: In small bowl, whip heavy cream and sugar until thickened.

5. Top pancakes with homemade whipped cream, banana slices, walnuts and syrup.

Recipes

Butter Pecan Waffles and Banana Walnut Pancakes

HOMEMADE WHIPPED CREAM:

• 1 cup heavy cream • 2 tablespoons sugar

TOPPINGS:

• 1 banana, sliced, for topping • 2 jars (5 ounces each) walnuts in syrup • 24 ounces Pearl Milling Company Syrup

T R I P L E P : T H E P O S I T I V E PA R E N T I N G P R O G R A M

Practical Tools for Every Parent Sign up for the Triple P Online Course Learn about parenting strategies to support your child with: • • • •

Bedtime Routines Tantrums Misbehavior And more!

Now f for al ree l Lan e Coun ty famil ies!

Find the strategies that work best for you and your family.

L e a r n m o r e a n d s i g n u p a t L a n e T r i p l e P. o r g

Tr iple P On l i n e i s f r e e f o r a l l L a n e C o u n t y f a m i l i e s ! • T r i pl e P e s t a d i s po n i bl e e n e spa ñ o l .

APRIL 2022

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

27

8 Ways

TO FIGHT SENIORITIS AND FINISH SENIOR YEAR

My

28

STRONG

TEENAGE SON HAS COME down with a curious affliction this spring. His symptoms include increased indifference and frequent use of the snooze feature on his phone’s alarm clock. I believe he is suffering from Senioritis, a common condition that strikes most seventeen and eighteen year olds in the waning days of their senior year. I bet my son, like so many seniors, wonders what these last few weeks and months matter anyway.

However, Senioritis can have real consequences for teens. They might see their grades plummet, which could affect merit aid or even an offer for admission at colleges that require a final transcript. Teens might stop preparing as well as they could for AP exams, which means they miss out on potential college credit. Not to mention that Seniors could lose out on overall learning and increase their odds of a challenging transition to college or the workforce after graduation.

So how can Seniors like my son finish the year strong? Check out these 8 ways that teens can conquer Senioritis:

BY KATY M. CLARK

1

MAINTAIN A ROUTINE. Teens should keep doing what they have been doing all year. Go to classes, virtual or in-person, and attend activities such as club meetings, team practices, and church or temple. Try to maintain a good sleep routine, too. Staying busy with day-to-day activities and getting enough sleep will combat the desire to check out.

2

STAY ORGANIZED. It is important for your Senior to keep track of test dates, meetings with a guidance counselor, and other events such as cap and gown fittings as they move towards graduation.

Encourage them to use a planner, whether in hard copy form or through an app on their phone, to log deadlines and other important events. This practice will reap benefits in the future, too, as they attend college or start a new job.

3

CELEBRATE AND ENJOY THIS SPECIAL TIME. Yup, having fun is a reward for hard work, provides something to look forward to, and can motivate teens to stay the course and finish strong. After all, life is not always serious. Maybe your senior can attend prom or host one last epic get together with friends. Or you could plan a special family event, such as a weekend road trip or decadent dinner from your teen’s favorite restaurant to enjoy in person or at home.

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

APRIL 2022

4

FOCUS ON FINALIZING COLLEGE, TRADE SCHOOL OR CAREER PLANS. Most colleges require a decision on attendance (as well as a deposit)

by May 1. And once your teen has decided which place of higher learning will be their new home, they will need to select housing, browse orientation dates, and contact an advisor for guidance on choosing freshman classes. For college-bound teens as well as those going to trade school or starting their careers, the simple act of focusing on their future plans, called future oriented thinking, has been shown by psychologists to predict better behavior in the present as well as increased success with future plans.

5

REST AND RECHARGE. Senior year can present an exhaustive pace of school and year-end events and some teens might be suffering from Senioritis that stems from just being tired. Making time for selfcare, such as journaling or creative activities like painting, will help your teen hit the reset button. Even as little time as a half hour or an hour a day to relax and unwind can leave your teen feeling refreshed.

6

STAY PHYSICALLY HEALTHY. Have your teen battle sluggishness with exercise, which releases endorphins and boosts energy. They can practice making healthy, fresh meals, too, especially since they are still under your roof and you’re footing the bill!

APRIL 2022

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

Your teen will notice a positive difference in how they feel after eating well and also gain confidence in this life skill.

7

TALK TO SOMEONE. Some teens may realize that they are checking out and suffering from Senioritis. Talking with their guidance counselor, who has witnessed the effects of the Senior Slide of Senior Slump time and time again, can help your teen get back on track. Or there may be a best friend, favorite teacher, coach, or parent (ahem!) your teen can confide in to help them plug back in.

8

FINALLY, SURROUND YOUR TEEN WITH LOVE. That could mean you spoil them with small gifts like gas cards or comfy socks or that you perform little actions like making their bed or their favorite breakfast, even though you know they are fully capable of doing those things themselves. Maybe you can’t stop staring at them with affection, soaking up this special time together before it changes. Teens will notice your love and the sense of security and specialness it generates. This will no doubt buoy them as graduation approaches.

Remember, if your teen can conquer Senioritis and stay engaged during the final weeks of senior year, then your teen will be one step closer to achieving their goals and dreams for the future, whether that includes college, trade school, the military or a new job. ✦

29

Rescue Spotlight

M

eet TUNDRA! He is a very beautiful black and white Husky mix with the cutest smile! At 2-years-old he has a lot of energy and would thrive in an active family that will provide him with consistent exercise and mental stimulation. He is very smart and loves to learn new things so he is looking for a family that can help him establish some manners and new tricks.

He can get overstimulated and jumpy but has already shown growth in these behaviors while at the shelter. Our staff love what an affectionate pup he is and how he lights up when he’s around his favorite people.

Tundra is looking to be the only pet in the home so he can get all the attention he deserves.

He would do best with teens as he is big and might knock over little ones. He weights between 55 and 60 lbs., is microchipped, neutered, and up to date on vaccines. This lovable goofball promises to be a loyal companion to his new family!

Greenhill Humane Society is open seven days a week, 11 am – 6 pm at 88530 Green Hill Rd in Eugene.

Cat adoptions are on a first come limited capacity basis. Dogs and specialized species adoptions are by appointment. For more information call (541) 689.1503 or visit www.green-hill.org.

T

he Cat Rescue & Adoption Network presents BARBRA STREISAND, a cute gray tabby female kitty with hints of tortoiseshell in her coat. About 1 ½ years old, Barbra loves to be around people, and is a friendly, curious, playful, and sweet-natured kitty. She’s not fond of other cats and will do best as an only cat. She loves to eat, and can get quite chubby if she’s not monitored.

Barbra is happy being an indooronly cat, and she enjoys cuddling and making biscuits on your lap. She’s spayed, vaccinated, microchipped, negative for FeLV & FIV, and in excellent health. To meet Barbra, please call 541-225-4955 option 1, or visit our website at CatRescues.org

Don’t Buy New, FiX iT! Visit the Online Directory with Over 200 Repair Businesses.

Check out the online map!

Bu si

Repair Sto r

ctory Dire ss ne

s ie

nts Calenda Eve r

FiX

Owner Bill Clark at Eugene Power Tool Repair

Lane County

www.fixitlanecounty.com 30

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

APRIL 2022

CCB #25790

WHAT CAN RON BUSH DO FOR ME?

Ron Bush, J.D., S.R.E.S. Licensed in the State of Oregon

Let’s find out.

With 44+ years experience as a real estate broker, plus a background as a Real Estate & Estate Planning Attorney (CA) you’ll know right away.

Get started TODAY. Call Ron at 541-514-1141 and/or please visit our website.

DownsizingEugene.com Visit our Website ronbush@equinoxrealestate.com or Contact Us Today 541-514-1141

SPECIAL OFFER: GET $25 OFF!

BEFORE

AFTER

DUCT CLEANING MENTION “OREGON FAMILY SAVES” WHEN YOU CALL TODAY

541-747-7445 · trustmarshalls.com

FREE SUPPLIES

F R T E CLASSR

Saturday April 23rd, 10am - 5pm Cottage Grove Armory 628 E. Washington Ave.

M A D MESC

L

FREE D L AD RECYCLED ART CURRICULUM

FREE + Family-friendly 40 + booths with demos, samples, raffle prizes for living an eco-friendly lifestyle Silent Auction • Workshops • Film Screening Bring a 10 cent returnable bottle or can at the door

Info: singingcreekcenter.org

Made possible by: Cottage Grove Community Foundation, the City of Cottage Grove and many local businesses

APRIL 2022

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

449 WILLAMETTE ST OPEN TUES-SAT 11-6 WWW.MATERIALS-EXCHANGE.ORG

31

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID EUGENE OR PERMIT NO. 679 ********ECRWSS******** POSTAL CUSTOMER

let’s reconnect Give yourself peace about your health.

peacehealth.org/reconnect 32

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

APRIL 2022