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Winning

THE BIRD FEEDER BATTLE

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Embracing Winter THE HYGGE WAY

O R E G O N F A M I LY M A G A Z I N E

NOVEMBER 2023

British comedy legends James & Jamesy’s wildly successful holiday classic, 0 Christmas Tea: A British Comedy returns to Eugene this season by popular demand. As with many popular touring productions, some shows are one night only and tickets sell out quickly. e magical production will appear at Eugene’s Hult Center for the Performing Arts on December 9 and 10. For over a decade, the 3-time London Impresario Award-winning duo James & Jamesy (aka Aaron Malkin and Alastair Knowles) have been ooding theaters with joy and laughter with their multi-award winning tea-themed comedy. Reminiscent of classic British pantos, 0 Christmas Tea is rich with wordplay, comic physicality and cleverly craed interactive elements. Many say the real magic is found in the duo's boundless imagination and endearing chemistry

James and Jamesy have earned nearly every comedy award there is. Stepping away from their Oﬀ-Broadway run, the duo is now delighting audience members throughout the Northwest this season. Fans and critics alike rave about the duo's ability to elicit a sense of play in a room full of adults. “e unique production sends audience members home invigorated, rejuvenated and joyful that the child in you is now awake," says reviewer Christopher Hoile (Stage Door Toronto) in his ve-star review of the show. Juxtaposing British propriety with an unabashed love for the unexpected, 0 Christmas Tea casts away the conventions of theater and joyously breaks the fourth wall. In fact, just about the only thing these two don't break is their Royal Doulton tea set in this wonderful evening of play and whimsy.

"e Christmas season is the time of year when we are encouraged to dream big, embrace imagination, and celebrate child-like excitement for magic and merriment," says Alastair Knowles, who plays Jamesy. "With O Christmas Tea, we bring together multiple generations in the theater, laughing and enjoying each other's company — and ours."

“An absolute must-see.”

“A comedy masterpiece.”

“A total laugh riot.”

“Outrageously funny, magnificently written, beautifully choreographed.”

“Masterful physicality and quick-witted wordplay.”

“Fearless entertainers you can’t help but love.”

NOVEMBER 2023

O R E G O N F A M I LY M A G A Z I N E

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EARTHTALK® Climate Migration, What Is It, and Is It Already Happening? A DAD’S EYE VIEW Board Games: Are We Having Fun Yet?

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COMMUNITY Relief Nursery Nurturing Resilience in Children. Insights and Strategies For Parents NOVEMBER RECIPE Sweet Breakfast Treat: Cherry Coffee Cake HEALTHY MOVES Bringing Movement, Fitness, and Fun to Elementary Students FALL CRITTERS Birdfeeder Battleground Winning the War Against Squirrels MOVIE NIGHT Kids: The Portable Door Parents: Gran Turismo FAMILY HEALTH Embracing Winter the Hygge Way

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FAMILY MATTERS Relieving Family Stress During Holiday Gatherings RESCUE SPOTLIGHT Pupper: Pico Kitties: Tiger Lily

O R E G O N F A M I LY M A G A Z I N E

NOVEMBER 2023

What exactly is “climate migration” and is it already happening?

–B.T., VIA EMAIL

political instability. Another legally important issue is the term ‘migrant’. If the new turbulence of the environment is what forces people to move, wouldn’t it be best to call them climate ‘refugees’? That way the upheaved population would have greater protection, like

planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions, that there is a global responsibility to help those harmed by climate change.” And the situation could hardly be more urgent. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees has determined that natural disasters alone force an annual average of 21.5

Climate migration, which is already starting to happen around the world, could be one of the biggest impacts of our environmental profligacy.

access to legal services and planned relocation, although at the moment, the Refugee Act of 1951 does not cover climate displacement. The importance of definition and terminology is pivotal when it comes to the law, as well as recognition from host countries. Calling them refugees instead of migrants will, as the Council on Foreign Relations has said, “also be a signal from wealthier countries, which are most responsible for

O R E G O N F A M I LY M A G A Z I N E

million people from their homes across the globe. In one study conducted by The New York Times, ProPublica and the Pulitzer Center, an extreme scenario could see “more than 30 million migrants [...] head toward the U.S. border over the course of the next 30 years.” Climate displacement has begun, and will only increase with the coming years. The statistics are dire, and the consequences potentially

PHOTO: PEXELS

DISCUSSIONS OF THE climate crisis begin to shift from future tense to present, ‘climate migration’ has become a growing concern. But what is it? The question is stickier than one might think. By its simplest definition, the phrase refers to the voluntary or involuntary movement of people from one place to another due to adverse ecological conditions, usually caused by global warming. Conditions can include natural disasters, gradual desertification, rising sea levels or cropdestroying insect migration, to name a few. And therein lies the stickiness. For one, how can we be certain that adverse environmental conditions have been caused by climate change? To be certain, we would have to refer to the relatively new science of extreme event attribution, which is often inconclusive. Then, to call someone a ‘climate migrant’, the climatic conditions would have to be the principal motivation for their upheaval. Most often, it is a mixture of things that cause a person to pull up roots and move, and environmental factors are hard to separate from the rest: Climate change can also increase poverty, crime and

NOVEMBER 2023

EarthTalk

DEAR EARTHTALK

catastrophic, but host countries have the opportunity to twist the best out of a bad situation. Climate displacement could fix economic problems associated with aging populations, and fill holes in the job market. Gaia Vince of The Guardian predicts that “cities from Munich to Buffalo will begin competing with each other to attract migrants.” So, yes, climate migration is happening now, and will increase with the warming and ecological disasters coming our way. Legal protection and clearer definitions are needed, but it’s not all gloom. Climate migrants don’t only spell disaster, they also spell opportunity for those countries wise enough to see it. ✦ CONTACTS: The century of climate migration: why we need to plan for the great upheaval, theguardian.com/news/2022/ aug/18/century-climate-crisis-migrationwhy-we-need-plan-great-upheaval; Climate Change Is Fueling Migration. Do Climate Migrants Have Legal Protections? cfr.org/in-brief/climate-change-fueling-migration-do-climate-migrants-have-legal-protections; Show Me The Proof: Is Climate Change Definitively Causing Extreme Weather? emagazine.com/ show-me-the-proof-is-climate-changedefinitively-causing-extreme-weather/. 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.

Our Contributors 1

30 YEARS

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 1. JESSIE CARPENTER

Jessie Carpenter has worked at Relief Nursery for 16 years in a variety of roles, including Teacher, Home Visitor, Parent Educator, Supervisor, Trainer, and currently the Deputy Director of Quality Assurance. She is also the mother of a 14-year-old son. Jessie is inspired by how resilient, wise, and nurturing parents can be, even in the face of great adversity. She believes that when children and families have the support they need, the benefits to our whole society are far-reaching and profound.

her son was born and the reality of being a parent set in. She began teaching when her son was 3 years old while still feeling like she had no idea what she was doing. Teaching other parents while learning herself was a challenge and a blessing. Coming from an environmental and peace activist background she soon realized that in order to make profound change in the world we needed to find ways to break the cycle of abuse and childhood trauma. Jennifer lives in Vida OR with her husband. Her son is now 22 years old and living his best life.

2. RICK EPSTEIN

6. PAM MOLNAR

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.

3. MICHELLE FERGUSON

Michelle Ferguson is a passionate advocate for children’s well-being and mental health. As the Community Engagement Coordinator at Relief Nursery, she is dedicated to sharing Relief Nursery’s mission to create healthier, happier families. Michelle has two school-aged children and enjoys Lane County for its rich culture and outdoor adventures.

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

4. JENNIFER GERRARD

Jennifer Gerrard has been a parent educator and coach at the Relief Nursery for going on 20 years. She became passionate about parent education when

Pam Molnar is a writer, storyteller and mother of three. She enjoys writing about moments and events that bring people together. When she is not writing, Pam creates escape room kits and PowerPoint games which she sells in her Etsy shop, Pam’s Party Printables.

EDITOR Sandy Kauten GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT Springer Design & Illustration ADVERTISING Sandy Kauten • 541.683.7452 sandy@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

7. DENISE THOMAS

Founder of Healthy Moves in 2011 and Let’s Move Fitness Studio in 1988, Denise Thomas has been active in sports since she was a four-year, three-sport letterman athlete at Baker High School. She went on to earn a degree in Dance from the University of Oregon and studied in New York City at the Alvin Ailey School of Dance. A certified Alexander teacher and Yoga instructor, Denise has worked with people of all ages and abilities as a Dance Instructor, Conditioning and Alignment Coach, Fitness Specialist, and Trainer.

8. 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.

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1993 Opinions expressed by contributors or advertisers are not necessarily the opinions of, nor an endorsement by this publication. © 2023 Pacific Parents Publishing. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced without prior expressed written consent from Pacific Parents Publishing.

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NOVEMBER 2023

A Dad’s Eye View

Board Games

ARE WE HAVING FUN YET? BY RICK EPSTEIN

Y KIDS LOVE TO play games. In fact, one of them is playing a game right now. Every time I pause in my typing to marshal my thoughts, the 5-year-old hijacks the cursor by grabbing the mouse. And by the time I can bring the cursor back to where I need it, my thoughts are back in disarray. We could play this game for hours. In fact, we may have to. Compared to the games her older sisters want me to play, this one is fraught with excitement and meaning. While flirting with a certain amount of real danger, the cursor game tunes up a child’s reflexes and teaches those computer-mischief skills that are so necessary for 21st-century success. However, her big sisters adore the traditional board games. Digital versions are available, of course, but they prefer moving little pieces of plastic around a board. Chess is the best of the lot. I taught it to Marie when she was 10, and I don’t mind telling you that in our first game I beat her in just 20 moves. But I was reminded of her

youth when Marie started parading the chessmen around the board, having the pawns chase the knights for pony rides, etc. I still play chess with Marie, now 12, and Sally, age 9. None of us are very good, and there’s usually a child on the sidelines waiting for captured pieces to play with. Sally is a genius of the sideline game. If a bishop is captured, she makes him a Sunday-school teacher with pawns as his wayward and dopey pupils. But her best gambit is to get hold of a queen who then tongue-lashes the clumsy and disobedient pawns: “You fools! You idiots!” It’s a lively game, and much more

interesting than the plodding competition on the board. My least favorite board game is Monopoly. Endlessly collecting money, paying it out in rent, taxes and incomprehensible fees while going round and round the board – it’s too much like Life. And I don’t mean Milton Bradley’s game of Life. I mean MY life. But it’s my life with all juice, color and meaning sucked out of it, leaving only the fleeting possession of money. Wendy likes Candy Land. It is played without dice; a player’s progress depends on cards drawn from a stack that is like a pile of unopened mail. And when an unlucky card sends her back away from the finish line, she reacts as though to an afterChristmas credit-card bill. “It’s only a game,” I’ll tell my weeping child. But I’m tempted to tell her: “You win, you lose, it doesn’t matter. You’ll still be the same well-fed, well-loved little creature you were before you talked me into playing this game with you. You’ll still have the same parents, the same bedtime, the same share of the national debt. Nothing hangs in the balance.

You want to inject some real meaning into this game? Bet me 50 bucks you’ll get to the Candy Cane Forest before I do.” Another household favorite is Clue, a game in which each contestant tries to name the killer, the weapon and the room. The kids play an “after-game” like they do with chess. It consists mostly of disputes over who gets ownership of which rooms. But toward the end there is some relatively peaceful play involving the markers who go hopping from room to room, transacting felonies with the teeny-weeny rope, revolver, knife, etc. It’s a good game, but for suspense, action, and even a whiff of dark Oedipal tension, there’s nothing like a special little non-board game that my 5-year-old loves to play with her mom. Like poker, it involves counting and bluffing. It’s played for high stakes, and it never fails to quicken the pulse as the players – and sometimes a large number of spectators – wait breathlessly to see who’ll win. Yet somehow Parker Bros. hasn’t yet been able to package it and sell it on TV with happy, yelling children and a dunce of a dad slapping his forehead in good-natured stupidity. You know it, you love it, you’ve probably played it. It’s called: By The Time I Count To Ten! ✦ Rick can be reached at rickepstein@yahoo.com.

NOVEMBER 2023

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NOVEMBER 2023

Nurturing Resilience in Children INSIGHTS AND STRATEGIES FOR PARENTS BY RELIEF NURSERY STAFF: JESSIE CARPENTER, MICHELLE FERGUSON AND JENNIFER GERRARD

ARENTING IS A PROFOUND journey filled with both joy and challenges. One of the most valuable gifts we can offer our children is resilience—the ability to adapt, bounce back from adversity and thrive in the face of life’s challenges.

THE POWER OF EARLY INTERVENTION AND SUPPORT Early intervention plays a pivotal role in shaping a child’s ability to build resilience. For more than 45 years, Relief Nursery has been at the forefront of providing comprehensive early childhood services that empower families and strengthen children’s resiliency. Founded in 1976, Relief Nursery emerged in response to a pressing issue in the community—the need to strengthen families by providing resources and support to those facing challenges. Relief Nursery collaborates with parents and caregivers to develop resilience within both themselves and their children, thereby nurturing the strength of families. Other key supports for families include parenting classes, support groups, parent-child therapy, developmental pediatricians, and other specialists such as physical therapists and speech therapists. Relief Nursery also provides a wide range of supports including basic supplies like food, clothing, and diapers, as well as opportunities for families to connect and learn about child development. Children benefit when parents have a robust support system to turn to when challenges arise.

NOVEMBER 2023

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CO-REGULATION. Young children do not yet have the brain development to regulate their own emotions. This is learned through the consistent support of their caregivers through co-regulation. Sit with your child when they are experiencing big emotions. Be a safe, compassionate presence while they move through the full range of emotions. This will help them develop the neural pathways to regulate their own emotions as they get older. After your child has calmed down, help them reflect on what happened. For example, you might say, “You felt really sad when we had to leave the park. It looks like you are feeling better now.”

5 PARENTING TIPS FROM RELIEF NURSERY TO HELP YOUNG CHILDREN BUILD RESILIENCE The quality of the parent-child relationship has a profound effect on a child’s resilience. Even children who experience considerable stress can thrive within an environment of trust and support. Parents can draw inspiration from the approach embraced at places like Relief Nursery. Here are key practices that parents can incorporate into their daily interactions:

ALLOW NATURAL CONSEQUENCES. Avoid rescuing your child when they experience natural or logical consequences. If, for example, they leave their cookie on the floor and the dog eats it, don’t immediately give them another cookie. Instead, validate their emotions, help them regulate, and use this as a learning opportunity. Children need to feel the consequences of their actions and need you to help them understand and learn from the experience.

FOSTER POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS. Research shows that children who have at least one person in their life who makes them feel special is critical in building resilience. Show your child that you not only love them but also genuinely like them! You can achieve this through play, supporting their emotions, and spending quality time together. It’s equally important to model what it means to be in positive relationships with others in your life.

TEACH EMOTION RECOGNITION. Help your child recognize and name their emotions. This is the first step in learning specific strategies to positively manage big emotions. Naming emotions helps children connect a word to what they are feeling in their bodies. Make sure your child knows that it’s always okay to feel emotions. Feeling validated builds the understanding that emotions are safe and a natural part of life.

MODEL SELF-REGULATION. Children are always watching and learning from those around them. Practice positive ways to manage your own emotions aloud so they understand that everyone has big feelings sometimes and there are things we can do to feel better. For example, when a parent feels frustrated, they can say, “I am so frustrated right now! I’m going to take three deep breaths to calm down.”

ENCOURAGE ASKING FOR HELP. Teach your child to ask for help. When your child is frustrated, don’t immediately jump in to help. Instead, say to them, “I’m here if you need me.” In some cases, children are reassured to know you are there if they need you, but then they are able to solve their own problems. Giving the child the option to ask for help without assuming empowers them to communicate their needs and seek assistance when necessary.

BUILDING RESILIENCE FOR STRONGER FAMILIES Fostering resilience in children is a transformative journey that leaves a profound and enduring impact on their lives. By embracing positive parenting techniques and supporting their child’s social-emotional development, parents can inspire resilience in their little ones. These efforts, combined with community resources such as educational programs, support groups, child and family counseling, and quality early childhood education, empower caregivers to guide their children toward greater resilience. This path leads to stronger, healthier children who are better equipped to navigate life’s challenges.✦

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NOVEMBER 2023

Recipe

Savor a Sweet Morning Snack BY FAMILY FEATURES

ADD SOME SWEETNESS TO your breakfast routine with this delicious and easy-to-make Cherry Coffee Cake. Find more breakfast recipes at Culinary.netCulinary.net.

CHERRY COFFEE CAKE INGREDIENTS

• Nonstick cooking spray • 1 can (12.4 ounces) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing • 1 1/2 cups (21-ounce can) cherry pie filling • 1/2 cup slivered almonds or pecans (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 375 F. 2. Spray 9-inch round cake pan with nonstick cooking spray. 3. Separate cinnamon roll dough into eight rolls; cut each roll into quarters. 4. Place dough rounded-side down in pan. 5. Spoon pie filling over rolls. Sprinkle almond slivers or pecans over cherry filling, if desired. 6. Bake 25-35 minutes, or until golden brown. 7. Invert onto plate or cutting board. Invert again onto serving plate. 8. Remove lid from icing. Microwave 3-10 seconds. Stir icing and drizzle over warm coffee cake. 9. Serve warm.

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O R E G O N F A M I LY M A G A Z I N E

Healthy Moves BY DENISE THOMAS

O R E G O N F A M I LY M A G A Z I N E

NOVEMBER 2023

EALTHY MOVES IS A nonprofit organization bringing movement, fitness and fun to elementary students. Due to school budget cuts, many physical education programs have been eliminated and Healthy Moves trainers work with students and their teacher to demonstrate fitness activities and provide a model for the teacher to use in future PE classes. Healthy Moves provides fitness formats that can be used by all teachers of grades one through five. Healthy Moves was set in motion by Denise Thomas, a fitness specialist wanting to get involved with the national Let’s Move campaign on childhood obesity that is led by First Lady Michelle Obama. “I felt that the crucial attention that was starting to be given to children about not being physically active was so critical,” says an enthusiastic Denise, “and that people were blaming the kids, and at the same time not giving any aid to support the children in getting more active!” “In response to the continued concern from the public about childhood obesity rates, I thought, let’s get into the schools. We found that in the Bethel/Springfield school districts there were no physical education teachers at the elementary school level. And PE teachers were becoming extinct not just in the Eugene/Springfield area, but across the country!” Denise, the director of Healthy Moves, continues: “With the help of local school administrators, Healthy Moves started on a path to help local kids get more healthy.

NOVEMBER 2023

We began gathering fitness instructors, coaches, retired teachers, University of Oregon students and athletes, students from Lane Community College’s Fitness Specialist program, and people who have had experience with youth in physical activities into the Healthy Moves program.” So now, Healthy Moves can assist teachers in teaching a variety of physical activities to youth. And the kids benefit in ways that can make them more healthy now and throughout their lives. Physical activity supports healthy social,

O R E G O N F A M I LY M A G A Z I N E

cognitive, and physical development in children. National experts recommend that elementary-age children get 60 minutes or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each day. Yet, research shows that children are failing to reach even minimal benchmarks for age-appropriate physical activity. Among kids that are age 6-11, 13 percent are now obese, and this unhealthy number has been increasing. Healthy Moves for Kids provides fun ways for kids to get the physical activity that they need to be healthy. ✦

Birdfeeder Battleground WINNING THE WAR AGAINST SQUIRRELS

OR BIRD LOVERS, the sight of a bushy tail hanging off the side of a feeder means one thing: war. Love them or loathe them, most birders agree they don’t want squirrels in birdfeeders where they can devour seed meant for birds. Squirrels have to eat, too, and no one wants to harm the persistent critters. But that doesn’t mean you have to put up with squirrels scarfing down seed set out for birds, damaging feeders and bumping up your blood pressure. It’s possible to discourage

BY JOAN CASANOVA

squirrels – and even outsmart them – with the right seed mix and some nature-friendly squirrel-control tactics. Because squirrels love birdseed as much as birds do, both groups routinely battle for rights to the birdfeeder. It’s not an equal fight – most squirrels are bigger than the average bird, so chances are they’re going to devour the seed. Squirrels are one of the biggest problems for people who feed birds. They can eat large amounts of seed, destroy birdfeeders and chase birds away. When squirrels claim your feeder

as their territory, it’s hard to get rid of them. While they can be relentless in their perpetual pursuit of birdseed and don’t like to share, you don’t want to hurt them, just set them on the straight and narrow. One of the most effective tactics to keep squirrels out of birdfeeders is taste aversion – serving seed that birds find delicious, but squirrels consider downright distasteful. Simply put, if the seed you serve tastes terrible to squirrels, they’ll seek sustenance elsewhere. Put pesky squirrels on notice your birdfeeders are meant to be bird-exclusive by stocking them with products infused with fiery hot habanero chili peppers, like Cole’s “Hot Meats” that appeals to birds with top-quality sunflower meats and spicy taste but turns squirrels away with hot chilipepper oil. Another option, “Blazing Hot Blend,” combines the same chili oil formula with preferred seeds to attract a maximum variety of songbirds. Birds find the spicy taste delectable, but squirrels detest it. Studies show mammals, including squirrels, have receptors on the tongue and mouth that react to chili peppers by sending heat signals to the brain. Although there’s no actual harm, the sensation makes it seem like the mouth is on fire. Birds lack receptors that make chewing chili peppers such an eyewatering experience for mammals and they love the spicy flavor. Another easy option is Cole’s “Flaming Squirrel Seed Sauce,” a nutritional birdseed “hot sauce” that contains all-natural, 100% food grade ingredients with a hot and spicy flavor. It’s a safe, effective and humane way to feed birds and thwart squirrels. Remember, your feathered friends can’t taste the heat, but squirrels sure can.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF COLE’S WILD BIRD PRODUCTS

If you have a soft spot for those fluffytailed felons as amusing additions to your backyard, try diversion feeding, an effective tactic to lure squirrels away from the birdfeeder by providing them with their own food source. Set up a squirrel feeding station away from birdfeeders and make it easy for squirrels to access their own platform feeder filled with favored temptations. This can satisfy squirrels and allow for a “birds only” oasis at the birdfeeder. Try “Critter Munchies,” a blend of whole yellow corn, striped sunflower, peanuts in the shell, black oil sunflower and raw peanuts. If you’re among the bird lovers who have tried countless devices and gimmicks over the years to thwart seed-stealing squirrels, using taste aversion and diversion feeding tactics can help you win the age-old war at your backyard birdfeeders. ✦

NOVEMBER 2023

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Good thing our ER is so close. Accidents happen. And so do heart attacks, and strokes, and any number of unexpected situations nobody wants to think about. But isn’t it good to know we’re close by and ready to care for you when you need us. And because every minute matters in an emergency, we work diligently to have you initially seen by a medical professional within 30 minutes of your arrival in the ER.

Find out more at McKWeb.com/ER 1460 G Street, Springfield, OR 97477 If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1. McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center is owned in part by physicians.

Movie Night

Secret clues in maps.

Accidental Coincidence BY BONNIE L. HARRIS

ASED ON TOM HOLT’S long-running, fantastical book series, The Portable Door takes liberties with the original story, but remains true to the quirky magical adventures that the seven novels are known for. Set in present-day London, the film transports its main characters to yesteryear because the THE PORTABLE DOOR The Jim Henson Co Rated: PG Streaming on Amazon

company they work for refuses to upgrade to those clunky machines called computers or invest in cell phones. Left to their wits, the new interns, Paul and Sophie, must navigate the strange coworkers and outdated working conditions. But Paul is given a new task when it’s discovered that he’s good at finding things. Even though Paul is somewhat careless, accident-prone, and gawky, the company CEO, Humphrey Wells, chooses him to find a very valuable item somewhere in the building. The only problems are the item

doesn’t want to be found and it never stays in one place. But Paul refuses to give up because it would mean losing his job. Finding the portable door is just the first step into a world of wizarding intrigue, and Paul and Sophie soon learn that Humphrey Wells has an evil plan to enslave human souls. It’s all in the fine print of those sneaky little contracts that we sign, but in this world, those contracts are sold to the Bank of the Dead. It’s a game of cat and mouse, or rather

doors and goblins, to figure out how to cancel the contracts and capture Humphrey Wells. Eventually, the good guys and goblins win and Paul is promoted to junior executive in Lost & Found, while Sophie is fast-tracked to the Coincidence department. And what happens to the door is a funny, unexpected twist on how being careless with magical items can unleash a whole new adventure. Knock, knock, I’m looking forward to where the Portable Door takes the sequel. ✦

FOR the PARENTS

Race in Real Life

GT Academy elite.

GRAN TURISMO Columbia Pictures, Rated: PG-13 Streaming on Amazon

HE OPENING SCENES of Gran Turismo play like a cross between a speedway documentary and a video game, and I wondered if I was watching the right film. Yes, it’s all part of director Neill Blomkamp’s plan to lure his audience into the fascinating world of racing simulation and then hurl them into the fantastic true story of a young man who’s given a chance to take his gaming skills onto the racetrack. The GT Academy, sponsored by Nissan motorsports, began as a marketing ploy and quickly turned into a global sensation, but not without the extraordinary hard work and determination of a small group of world-class gamers. Jann Mardenborough leads the Academy pack and wins a chance to race for Team Nissan if he can qualify for his racing license. Uptick the hard work another notch when the nail-biting races almost land Jann in the pit as he outmaneuvers the professional circuit drivers.

It’s a dangerous sport and Jann’s chief engineer, Jack Salter, guides him through the aftermath of a horrific accident. Back on the track, Jann unites with his Academy friends to prove that gamers can drive with the best of the best. It’s a checkered flag and a big win for Gran Turismo! And be sure to watch the credits for the inside track.

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NOVEMBER 2023

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EMBRACE WINTER

the

Hygge Way BY PAM MOLNAR

INTER IS LONG, no matter where you live. The events of the holiday season are only a brief distraction from the cold, dark days of winter. We are left to face days with fewer hours of sunlight and cooler temperatures, which can often leave us anxious and depressed. Thankfully, the people of Denmark, who are forced to survive much harder winters than ours, have created a wonderful solution to get you through until spring arrives. Hygge, pronounced hoo-ga, is a Danish concept that loosely translates to a cozy atmosphere that makes a person feel content and comfortable both physically and mentally. Imagine yourself coming

in from a cold, wet day, putting on your favorite fuzzy socks and pouring yourself a bowl of hot soup that you enjoy in the presence of your family. You are not only warmer physically, but your spirits have brightened, too. Take some time to discover what makes you feel content and peaceful using some of these hygge ideas.

CREATE A HYGGE ATMOSPHERE Fill your spaces with things that bring you happiness. To set a hygge mood, consider bringing peace to all your senses. Start with incorporating the soft lighting of candles, holiday lights or the glow of a fireplace. Embrace your favorite scents with wax melts or diffusers. Play soft music or add sounds of calm like crackling fire or gentle rain. Warm up with cozy blankets or snuggle with family or fur babies. Whenever possible, bring in touches of nature – water, wood, sunlight or plants.

EMBRACE HYGGE ACTIVITIES Winter doesn’t mean you should settle in front of the TV until spring thaw. In fact, you should try to disconnect from the digital world. Hygge activities include spending time in small groups of family and friends or recharging by yourself. Playing board games or putting together puzzles are very hygge. Crafts like pottery, coloring, bullet journaling, knitting, woodworking or anything you can do with your hands are also popular hygge activities. Getting outdoors on sunny days to hike, work in the yard or just sit in the sunlight helps to fight against the long winter days. Don’t forget to take some personal time each day to read, nap or take a long soak in the bathtub.

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SPEND TIME IN THE KITCHEN Cooking and baking is very hygge. It not only nourishes your body, but spending quality time together and enjoying your creations with others, nourishes your soul. Appreciate the flavors of your favorite dishes and smell the deliciousness that fills your home. Pore through recipe books and scroll through Pinterest for comfort foods like soups, chili, roasts, baked chicken and hearty bread. Take time to indulge in fresh baked scones or muffins and stay warm with hot drinks like hot cocoa and teas, sipped from your favorite mugs.

WRAP YOURSELF UP IN A HYGGE HUG Even in the warmer climates, the evenings and early mornings are chilly. Stay warm by layering with cardigans or hoodies and slip on fuzzy socks. If you head outdoors, be sure to have warm and waterproof boots, hats, lined gloves and hooded coats. On rainy days, pack your umbrella and waterproof jacket, as being wet and cold is the opposite of hygge. When you get home, shed the worries of the day and snuggle up in your comfy pajamas, cozy robe and slippers.

CONTINUE HYGGE HABITS ALL YEAR LONG Hygge is about creating a lifestyle that supports comfort and well-being by finding joy in the little things. The slower pace of winter allows us to appreciate our surroundings, and practice gratitude and self-care. Fall back on your new hygge habits when life gets overwhelming and find strength in knowing that there is beauty in every season. ✦

NOVEMBER 2023

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Relieving R elieving Stress AT FAMILY GATHERINGS

HE HOLIDAYS ARE COMING, and along with them you may be expecting your stomach to churn and frustration levels to rise. Yes, it’s the dreaded family gathering where Uncle Tony will once again regale the group with his impersonations. Or… you fill in the blanks, everyone has difficult family members. What to do? Here are some tips on ways to decrease the suffering and actually enjoy time spent with extended family this year.

TAKE CONTROL You’re in charge of your own behavior. Choose to limit interactions with those you find offensive. Decide in advance what your responses will be when you must interact with them. You may even decide to forego a certain family event if that person attends. You deserve a peaceful holiday.

CHANGE YOUR THINKING BY SIMPLIFYING Much of the stress at holiday times is the effort to do too much in too little time. We become overtired and frustrated when things aren’t perfect. Decide to cook l ess, decorate less, spend less and choose only those activities you truly enjoy. The stress we feel is not necessarily related to people, but to our own expectations.

HOT TOPICS Avoid topics of conversation that bring conflict to the family gathering. We all know what they are. Often they relate to giving advice, political issues and the like. Be ready to take a short break from the gathering rather than engage in an argument or “scene.”

DON’T EXPECT MIRACLES Some things aren’t going to change. It’s important to remember that every one of us is imperfect. In the holiday season, go ahead and extend grace to those who irritate or disappoint. After all, it’s a season of love. Don’t expect the actual event to be “magazine picture perfect,” but do your best to make it pleasant. ✦

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BROWS

Little Metros Winter Indoor Skills Academy

LASHES W

3 weeks in December • 3 weeks in January Bob Keefer Sports Center • Tuesday - Thursday • Cost is $120

S K I N

Winter Indoor Camp

December 26-28, 2023 • Bob Keefer Sports Center 11am - 2pm • Cost is $150 or $60/day

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Lash Extensions! FREE FILL WITH FIRST SET

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Kick City Sports Park • Mondays (Dec and January) 5-6pm

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Elf

COMING IN JANUARY

A sparkly holiday jingle for the whole family

the musical

www.cottagetheatre.org

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F A M I L Y

EDUCATION e Resour ce Guid Call 541-683-7452 to Advertise NOVEMBER 2023

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December 1-23 Book by Thomas Meehan & Bob Martin Music by Matthew Sklar Lyrics by Chad Beguelin Based upon the New Line Cinema film written by David Berenbaum

700 Village Drive, Cottage Grove

(541) 942-8001

A Christmas Carol T H E M U S I C A L November 17 - December 16, 2023 Dinner, Desserts & Beverages Buy Tickets Online actorscabaret.org Call (541)683-4368 Music by Alan Menken Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens Book by Mike Ockrent & Lynn Ahrens Based on the story by Charles Dickens Directed & Designed by Joe Zingo Originally presented by Radio City Entertainment at the Theater at Madison Square Garden

Rescue Spotlight

eet 5-year-old sweet, gentle dog, PICO! Before coming to the shelter, he had a rough start to life and is looking for a relaxing home to receive endless love and comfort in. He loves big fluffy beds, treats, and going out for walks. A volunteer said, “He would enjoy a peaceful stroll around the neighborhood, hanging out in the backyard or in the house. He would also like to be your best buddy and will return your pets and belly rubs with tons of loves. He shares his happy and sometimes silly disposition with us volunteers. I so enjoy spending time with him!” Pico is a mixed breed dog with a beautiful black coat with a white spotted under belly. He weighs 81 lbs., is neutered, microchipped, and up to date on vaccines. He has a previous injury on his rear leg that will need management that our veterinarian can discuss further. He prefers to be the only dog in the home and enjoys the company of young adults who are gentle with him. Pico is a sensitive boy who deserves to be treated like royalty!

he Cat Rescue & Adoption Network presents pretty little TIGER LILY, a sweet, cuddly girl kitty about 1½ yrs old. She has lots of energy, and when she’s done playing and exploring, she’ll happily cuddle up with you. She takes a bit to warm up to new situations, but once she’s comfortable, she’s a bundle of fun. She’d do best in a quiet home with older cat-savvy kids, and she’d be fine with other playful young cats or a friendly, mellow dog. If you’re looking for a fun feline to give you lots of love, Tiger Lily’s your girl! She’s been spayed, vaccinated, microchipped, and is negative for FIV & FeLV. To meet Ms. Lily, please call 541-225-4955 option 1, or visit our website at CatRescues.org

Greenhill Humane Society is open seven days a week, 11 am – 6 pm at 88530 Green Hill Rd in Eugene. For more information call (541) 689.1503 or visit www.green-hill.org.

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