We started the OnPoint Savers Account for children 17 and under so that kids can get a head start on learning healthy savings habits. Just open your child’s membership with a minimum of $25 and we’ll deposit an additional $55*. Plus, they’ll earn 5.00%* on the first $500. Not a bad way to start for a beginner, don’t you think?
SANTA
CLARA SPRINGFIELD EUGENE Get started today. Visit onpointcu.com/onpoint-savers
*Rates subject to change. Stated APY (Annual Percentage Yield) is for balances up to $500; balances over $500 earn posted Regular Savings Account rate. Account must be established for members age 17 or younger by parent or guardian with a minimum $25 deposit. Parent or legal guardian must be on the membership and present to open the OnPoint Savers Account. When primary member attains the age of 18, accounts will be converted to Regular Savings Account, earning that account’s published rate at that time. Fiduciary memberships, including UTTMA and Minor Settlement Accounts are not eligible for OnPoint Savers. One OnPoint Savers Account per member/TIN. One $55 bonus per tax ID for new members only. Bonus will be included on a 1099-INT for tax purposes. Cannot be combined with other offers for opening a new membership, such as new branch promotions or Refer a Friend. Federally insured by NCUA. 7/24
Our Contributors
3 2 1 4 5
1. MARY ANN BLAIR
Mary Ann Blair is a freelance writer who lives with her husband and two boisterous boys in the Pacific Northwest. Besides chronicling parenting adventures on her own blog, she also has written for several parenting websites, regional parenting magazines, and book anthologies. Mary Ann loves the outdoors, reading, and all things crafty. You can find more of her writing at maryannblair.com.
2. KIMBERLY BLAKER
Kimberly Blaker is a freelance writer. She also owns an online bookshop, Sage Rare & Collectible Books, specializing in out-of-print, scarce, signed, and first editions; fine bindings; ephemera and more at sagerarebooks.com
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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
Oregon Family Magazine is distributed monthly in the greater Lane County area at over 150 high-traffic commercial locations.
What’s the latest in residential air conditioning? How can I stay cool but stay green this summer?
— JACKIE B., RENO, NV
THE ENVIRONMENTAL
impact of traditional air conditioning systems is significant.
Fortunately, there are several advancements in A/C technology that allow you to stay cool while minimizing your carbon footprint. Here’s are some eco-friendly cooling solutions and tips on how to stay green this summer.
One of the significant advancements in A/C is inverter technology. Unlike traditional units that turn on and off to regulate temperature, inverter models adjust the compressor motor speed to maintain a consistent temperature. This is more efficient and reduces wear and tear, extending the life of the unit.
utilize stable underground temperatures to cool in the summer and heat in the
that your air conditioning system is running efficiently by scheduling regular maintenance.
There’s never been a better time to invest in a home air conditioning system now that new technology has made A/C greener.
indoors cool—and reduce the load on whatever A/C system you have—is to improve insulation. Use fans to circulate the air inside to make it feel cooler than the actual ambient air temperature. And use curtains, blinds or reflective window films to block the sun’s heat during the hottest parts of the day. Plant trees or install awnings outside to provide shade and reduce heat gain. And open windows to circulate fresh air, which reduces the need for A/C anD also improves indoor air quality. ✦
Harnessing solar energy for cooling is a game-changer. Solar-powered A/C units use photovoltaic panels to convert sunlight into electricity, significantly reducing reliance on the grid and lowering electric bills. The initial installation can be costly, but the long-term savings and environmental benefits are substantial.
Another green option is geothermal heat pumps that
winter. These systems use up to 50 percent less power than conventional heating and cooling. Installation is complex and expensive, but the energy savings over time can be significant.
When selecting an A/C unit, look for models with high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios (SEER) and Energy Star certifications. These ratings indicate that the unit meets stringent energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ensuring reduced energy usage and lower carbon emissions. Meanwhile, ensure
Cleaning or replacing filters, checking for leaks, and ensuring the unit is in good working order can improve performance and extend its lifespan.
Regardless of the type of cooling technology in your home, investing in a smart thermostat can optimize your system’s efficiency. These devices learn your schedule and preferences, adjusting temperatures automatically to reduce energy consumption when you’re not home. They can also be controlled remotely via smartphone apps, allowing you to make adjustments on the go. Another way to keep the
CONTACTS: ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2024: Room AC, https:// www.energystar.gov/most-efficient/ me-certified-room-ac/results?is_most_efficient_filter=Most+Efficient; 5 Ways to Stay Cool During Extreme Heat, https:// www.fema.gov/blog/5-ways-stay-coolduring-extreme-heat; How to stay cool without air conditioning, https://www. cnn.com/2022/07/18/health/how-tostay-cool-without-air-conditioningwellness/index.html; How to Choose an Energy-Efficient Air Conditioner, https:// www.constellation.com/guides/appliances/ energy-efficient-air-conditioners.html
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
PHOTO: VHINES200, FLICKRCC
Places, Activities, and Toys for Active Minds
EDUCATIONAL IDEAS FOR YOUNG EXPLORERS
BY KIMBERLY BLAKER
DOES IT SEEM LIKE EVERY TIME YOU TURN around, your home has been taken apart by your little explorer? Don’t despair. It may only result from an extraordinary desire to learn. Who knows, your child may be a future scientist, inventor, or leader in the making.
BOREDOM BUSTERS
When your child needs to occupy her creative energy, have her try some of these fun, educational activities.
Make a Scrapbook. Put together a book of facts on personal interests such as dinosaurs, insects, rock bands, sports, or astronomy. Clip pictures and descriptions from magazines and Internet printouts. Then trace drawings from books and write about personal experiences with the topic.
Create a Scavenger Hunt. Make a list of easy to find items for your small children. Make it more challenging for older kids by providing them with a list of puzzles to solve to determine what items to find. Kids can also create a scavenger hunt for family or friends to try.
Play Restaurant. Have your child make up a restaurant menu with several simple dishes he can prepare. At dinnertime, he can seat the family, take orders, then prepare and serve the meals. (Suggestion: Bring along some reading while you wait).
Recycling Fun. Start a discard collection and teach your kids the importance of recycling and reusing disposable items. Then get their creative juices flowing. Save zippers and buttons from old clothing, plastic containers, fabric strips, packing materials, small scraps of wood, carpet and wallpaper scraps, and more. Then supply your kids with scissors, tape, and glue, and let them go to work. Offer ideas to get your kids started then let them come up with their creations. Make a United States Puzzle. Purchase several colors of clay and a United States map. Clip each state from the map, place a state clipping over the rolled out clay, and trace the shape into the clay with a toothpick. Cut out the shapes then write the name of the state with a pencil tip. Be sure to use a different color of the clay for each neighboring state, and then let the shapes dry or bake according to instructions.
Play Thomas Edison. Save old kitchen appliances, computers, DVD players, and other electronics. Give your child a supply of tools such as pliers, screwdrivers, and safety glasses, and let him go to work. Kids love this type of exploration and learn by taking apart and examining the inner workings of electronics. As a word of caution, cut the electrical cord before your child begins to prevent any mishaps. And supervise for sharp parts or mechanisms that could pinch fingers. Film a Video. Have your kids make up several humorous T.V. commercials using household items for props and dressing-up for the part. Once they’ve rehearsed their skits, set up a video camera and tape their production.
TOYS THAT TEACH
Keep kids entertained with these educational toys that won’t quickly lose their appeal.
Try K’nex. K’nex puts a new twist on building blocks. There are endless possibilities of what a child can create, from dinosaurs and airplanes to roller coasters, space shuttles, and motorized cars. Find K’nex in educational toy stores.
Go on a Dig. Archaeology excavation kits are found in many educational toy stores or online. Children can dig for ancient treasures from replicas of dinosaur fossils to Egyptian reliefs. Kids also learn about the history behind the excavated items through stories included with the kits. Once kids’ interest has been sparked, parents can print out additional articles from encyclopedias or the Internet.
Get a Scientific Kit. There are many award-winning kits that offer a variety of educational activities, experiments, and worksheets. They are available in the following themes: Ancient Greece: The Dawn of Modern Science, Galileo: Renaissance Astronomer and Physicist, Charles Darwin: The Life of a Naturalist, and many others. Look for these kits in gift shops, at science museums and in other educational toyshops.
EXPLORATION ON THE GO
Are you looking for some new and exciting places to take your kids? Try some of these spots.
Discover an Art Museum. They offer a variety of activities to spark your kids’ interest. Many offer art and craft workshops, traveling exhibits, book signings by children’s illustrators, and even musical performances and other arts.
Head to a Natural History Museum. Kids can discover the past from dinosaur displays and stuffed-animal exhibits to geology collections, ancient mummies, and astronomy. Also, ask what kind of workshops and educational programs are available for kids and any special events that are coming up.
Get involved with Youtheatre. Look for one in your region offering plays for children and family audiences. Area artists and educators conduct Pre-show “playshops.” Kids can explore the performing arts from puppet making to stage make-up and more. Ask about summer arts programs and more.
Get hands-on with science. Visit one of the many hands-on science museums around the country (such as the Eugene Science Center, or OMSI in Portland). These science playlands are great fun for kids and adults alike. They’ll keep your child mentally and physically active the whole day through, pushing buttons, winding cranks, playing instruments, experimenting, and building. When everyone is exhausted, enjoy a fun, family science show, the observatory, an IMAX movie, or simulator rides, all commonly found in these museums. ✦
A Dad’s Eye View
Casual Clothes vs. Formal Education
BY RICK EPSTEIN
IWAS WALKING DOWN the school corridor, and all the other kids turned to stare. “Hey Ricky,” said Pam Wintermute, a fellow fifthgrader with whom I was in love, “How come you’re wearing your P.J.s?” I looked down and, horrified, had no answer for her. I fled toward the classroom, wondering, “How’d I forget to get dressed? Why didn’t Mom say anything?” I had no idea what to do except sit red-faced at my desk and pretend nothing was wrong.
I had at least one going-toschool-in-pajamas nightmare each year I was in grade school. Some people have going-toschool-NAKED dreams, but I was too modest for that; I’d have died painfully in my sleep. Even so, these pajama dreams tended to be long and taxing, and I’d wake up exhausted. Little did I know that my dreams were prophetic: Someday children WOULD go to school in pajamas and other clothes with that kind of shapelessness and comfort.
A list of timesaving tips in a parents’ magazine suggests that, in order to ease the morning rush, kids could be put to bed in tomorrow’s attire. I guess it’d be up to each family to work out whether this universal 24-hour costume would be clothes or pajamas. Most kids strike a compromise. Instead of putting on shirts and pants or skirts suitable for sitting at desks and writing in complete sentences, nowadays kids (including mine) go to school in sweat suits,
T-shirts and blue jeans suitable for food fights and rolling around on the floor like puppies.
“Get this:” said my wife Betsy, checking our town’s Facebook page over breakfast. “Jane Wilson wants school uniforms.” (Jane is the president of our school board.)
“No way!” said 10-year-old Sally.
“They can’t make us wear them, can they?” asked 13-year-old Marie. She sat at the table wearing her usual teen camouflage –dark and loose.
Wendy, our kindergartner, sat behind her cereal bowl wearing an insane and flashy combination of unmatched floral prints. (Her outfit might be OK for strolling around the grounds, but she’d have to be talked into wearing something less remarkable before we’d let her go out through the main gate.)
Wendy offered no opinion on uniforms, but I knew they would streamline our morning routine.
“What would the uniforms look like?” asked Sally.
“Maybe orange jumpsuits like they wear at the county jail,” I suggested helpfully. The kids looked at me.
“Oh stop,” said Betsy, “They’d probably be dark green or blue blazers with plaid skirts like I used to wear to Catholic school.
Boys would probably have to wear neckties.”
“I can’t picture the boys in my class wearing TIES,” said Sally. “Flea collars, maybe.”
“What’s Jane’s official reason?” I
“She says it’d close the gap between the haves and the havenots,” said Betsy.
“What gap?” I asked. “EVERY kid in town goes to school looking like a bum.”
“Dad,” said Marie, “YOU don’t think we should wear uniforms,
This might be the last time she’d ever seek my opinion, but since she’d asked... “Well,
leotards help get ballerinas into the mood for leaping around. Maybe student clothes would help make a kid feel like listening to the teacher. It’s worth a try anyhow.”
That evening Marie posted her opinion on the Facebook page: “I am an individual, and I have a right to dress like one,” she wrote. (Luckily no one countered with: Show me a teenager who dresses like an individual, and I’ll show you a kid who lunches alone.)
Marie is disappointed that I’m not going to man the barricades with her, but she doesn’t know about the clinical research into School Clothes I did in my youth. Even though my mom dressed me up like a B-student, I earned only C’s. Some days, after my mom left for work, I’d run back upstairs to change into old blue jeans or something else casual – to match my attitude toward schoolwork. My findings? Good clothes did not enhance my performance, but bad clothes made me feel comfortable about being a slouch.
Every time I’d bring home a report card, my father could see that the B-student attire wasn’t working, and he’d threaten to send me away to wear militaryacademy gray. Dad may have been onto something, but we’ll never know. He never made good on the threat, and my Inner-Student remained in its pajamas, eating chips, with its feet up. ✦
Rick can be reached at rickepstein@yahoo.com.
Boredom
ABY SARAH LYONS
FTER THE END OF THE school year excitement fades and the thrill of a trip to the pool wears off, I begin to notice the first signs of summer boredom settling in. The kids start to bicker, they seem to be drawn more to electronics and less to fun outings, and getting them to pitch in around the house is a chore in itself. After checking the calendar and noting that the first day of school is still weeks away, something has to be done to battle the boredom.
CHANGE THE SCENERY
When the kids seem antsy and bored, try a change of scenery for a quick mood adjustment. Go for a walk, play in the backyard, hop into the car and do some errands, or even play in an area of the house that you don’t commonly use for play. We all get stir crazy if we stay in the same place too long.
TAKE A DAY TRIP
Speaking of changing the scenery, consider taking a day trip to break up the long summer days. Explore local attractions or travel a few hours to visit a nearby city. A trip to the zoo, amusement park, museum, or water park can give you and the kids something to look forward to and break up the boredom. If a bigger day trip isn’t in the
budget, pack a lunch and spend the day at a neighboring town’s park. Google to see what free activities are in your area. There are often seasonal activities that you may not be aware of.
GIVE IN TO ELECTRONICS
It won’t hurt to give in to the desire to play on tablets and watch TV once in a while. Plan a movie marathon or let the kids have extra
screen time to help kill the boredom of the end of summer days. Take a trip to the library to get some new books and exchange reading minutes for extra screen time. The kids will be happy with their bonus game time and they will sharpen their reading skills before school starts.
PICK A PROJECT
If your house is anything like mine, there are always unfinished projects to work on. Clean the closets, sort the toys, or work in the yard. Teach your kids how to bake a cake or encourage them to plan a menu and cook
dinner. You may need to assist depending on the age of your children. Give them chores they have never tried before so they have the benefit of learning something new and you gain the added bonus of a cleaner house.
PUT A CRAB IN WATER
An old friend once told me “Put a crab in water.” which is a solution for any age. A bath or shower can lighten anyone’s mood whether you are dealing with a fussy baby or an exhausted mom. Water play can also lighten the mood. Head to the pool, set up the sprinkler in the backyard, fill some water balloons, or visit the beach. A day playing in water can turn your kids from grumpy to happy in no time.
HOST A PLAYDATE
Invite some friends over for the day. Someone new to play with and talk to can lighten the mood and give siblings a much needed break from playing (and fighting) with each other. As a stay-at-home mom, I love to invite other moms and their kids over. The moms enjoy adult conversation while kids enjoy play time and everyone is glad for a break from the typical day. The end of summer may feel long now but before we know it the kids will be back in school and the schedule will be full of activities and we will be craving a day off.. In the meantime, make the best of the long, lazy days of summer and battle summer boredom one day at a time. ✦
Movie Night
Tell Me A Story
BY BONNIE L. HARRIS
ACTOR, DIRECTOR, writer John Krasinski launches himself into the world of family-friendly movies with the colorful fantasy called IF. That stands for Imaginary Friends and although we meet every shape and size of make-believe pal, the story is really about
IF Paramount Pictures Rated: PG Streaming on Amazon
revisiting childhood trauma and remembering the joy of being a kid. Many films aimed at children overexplain the plot while others allow their young audience to piece the story together as the action unfolds. Happily, IF is the latter kind of movie which makes it much more fun to watch, although it’s hard to imagine that 12-yearold Bea would be allowed to roam the NY streets by herself chasing clues and visiting her father in the hospital. But this is Hollywood’s version of a NY neighborhood, and Bea discovers that imaginary friends
inhabit every nook and cranny. After losing her mother when she was six, Bea now fears that her father’s heart surgery will also take him away. In her grandmother’s turn-of-thecentury house, she discovers a strange upstairs apartment and is suddenly tasked with reuniting abandoned imaginary friends with their former kid creators. Sounds like an easy job, right? But kids grow up into stubborn, non-believing adults and Bea must use every ounce of wit and imagination to succeed. She figures out that every adult
FOR the PARENTS
Flying High Romance
FLY ME TO THE MOON
Columbia Pictures, Rated: PG-13 In theatres
YOU’D NEVER GUESS that NASA had an image problem as they prepared Apollo 11 for its historic flight to the moon in 1969. But with the Vietnam war escalating, college students protesting, and the hippie generation dropping out, NASA finds itself without funding to complete their mission. Fly Me to the Moon tells the backstage story of NASA’s unusual predicament. Then a bright idea pops up! Let’s hire the best PR rep in the business to restore the shine to the astronauts and space program. Little do they know that by hiring a beautiful, stylish ex-con named Kelly Jones that she’d turn NASA upside down with her Madison Avenue marketing savvy. Kelly immediately outmaneuvers the old-boy network to regain not only the funding, but also the hearts and wallets of America. She also captures the heart of Cole Davis, the honest-as-the-day-is-long flight commander, who cannot fathom how telling untruths will help
has a trigger such as music, the wonderful smell of croissants, or a beautiful painting that can help them return to their happy memories. Along the way, we have a lovely third-act twist that even I didn’t see coming, which wraps up the story in genuine, feel-good ending. Hats off to Krasinksi’s costume designer, the soundtrack composer, and the stellar voice cast that makes guessing the voices just as much fun as the characters themselves. Pop some popcorn and enjoy this whimsical dive into the mysteries of the imagination. ✦
put a man on the moon. But the Feds are also worried about failure and they force Kelly to enact a Plan B in case Apollo 11 can’t get off the ground. Kelly must eventually choose between fact and fiction, and the Plan B that goes into action is a fun-filled, switcharoo that keeps everyone guessing. It’s a great summer rom-com that proves we love romance, NASA, and even the occasional black cat.
First job interviews.
New jobs for astronauts.
5 Stress Stress
SIMPLE TIPS TO ELIMINATE
Back-to-School Stress
BY MARY ANN BLAIR
THE ALARM RINGS, AND THE CHAOS BEGINS. YOU DRAG one kid out of bed, while your other one frets over which outfit to wear. It’s a scramble as you help your kids get dressed and ready to go, throw lunches together, eat a quick breakfast, and have everyone out the door on time. It is only when you are halfway out the door that you remember you didn’t take any back-to-school pictures. Sigh. If this sounds familiar, then try these five simple tips for making the first day of school go more smoothly.
1 START YOUR BACK-TO-SCHOOL ROUTINE A WEEK BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS. If you have been letting your kids stay up late during summer vacation, start setting the alarm for the time they need to wake up during the school year. Doing this for about a week before school starts will give their bodies time to adjust to a new routine. A well-rested child makes for a happier, more cooperative child! It’s also helpful to get into the routine of getting dressed and having breakfast right away in the mornings.
2 TAKE BACK TO SCHOOL PHOTOS THE DAY BEFORE.
Have your kids pick out their back to school outfits the day before, not the morning of. Have a quick photo shoot (you can make it silly and fun by adding props), and then you won’t have to worry about trying to snap photos as you are trying to rush out the door.
3
PRE-PACK BACKPACKS AND LUNCHES THE NIGHT BEFORE. Nothing is worse than scurrying around the house frantically trying to find things as the minutes tick by. And odds are likely if you are trying to throw together lunches at the last minute, you will suddenly forget which kid doesn’t like apples and which one only wants peanut butter on his peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The more you can do to get ready the night before, the calmer your morning will be.
4 DO A DRY RUN. If your kids are going to the same school or have the same bus route, this isn’t as vital, but if a new school or new bus stop is part of the picture, figure out the logistics ahead of time. Walk to the stop or drive the new route to see how long it will take. You don’t want to be late on the first day! For the older kids, if they have access to campus, it’s a great idea to walk their schedule so they can know in advance where their classes are.
5
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. With so many responsibilities, I know this can be a challenge, but you will help set the tone for the day. Back-to-school time can lead to a mixture of emotions. Do yourself a favor and try to get a good night’s rest yourself. You will want to be able to tackle the morning with a positive attitude and plenty of energy. (And perhaps a strong cup of coffee.) ✦
A well-rested child makes for a happier, more cooperative morning!
EDUCATION Resource Guide 2024
PRESCHOOLS
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
CHARTER/ONLINE SCHOOLS
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
PRESCHOOLS
Eugene Montessori School
2255 Oakmont Way Eugene, OR 97401
541-345-7124
www.eugenemontessorischool.com
Eugene Montessori School offers a quality education for children age 3 - Kindergarten. The individual curriculum fosters the child’s natural curiosity and love of learning while building self-confidence and independence. In our multi-age classrooms, children work together as a community caring for each other and the environment. For more information please call 541345-7124.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
St. Paul Parish School
1201 Satre St. Eugene, OR 97401
541-344-1401
www.saintpaul-school.org
St. Paul Parish School is a fully accredited Preschool through 8th grade elementary program in the best tradition of Catholic education. Our mission is to provide a Catholic education fostering spiritual growth and academic excellence in a safe, nurturing environment. In addition to a solid academic program, students receive instruction in the Performing Arts, Physical Education, Technology and Spanish. Currently accepting applications for the coming 23-24 school year.
ONLINE/CHARTER SCHOOLS
Ridgeline Montessori School
4500 W. Amazon Drive Eugene, OR 97405
541-681-9662 www.ridgeline.org
Ridgeline Montessori provides an academically rigorous public Montessori education. Students balance their freedom to explore and think for themselves with their responsibility to work and learn within a community.
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
Eugene Science Center
2300 Leo Harris Parkway Eugene, OR 97401
541-682-7888
https://eugenesciencecenter.org/
Visit Eugene Science Center for hands-on exhibits, state of the art planetarium shows, school group field trips, early education programs, and special events. Offering science outreach programs, no-school-day workshops, and camps designed to ignite your child’s curiosity.
(please see our ad on page 18)
Eugene Montessori School
St. Paul
FIELD TRIPS, OUTREACH PROGRAMS, BIRTHDAY PARTIES, AND MORE!
2300 Leo Harris Pkwy, Eugene, OR 97401 eugenesciencecenter.org | (541) 682-7888
www.mathnasium.com
Mathnasium of Eugene
1733 Pearl St, Ste A Eugene, OR 97401 541-357-5386
www.mathnasium.com/eugene Mathnasium is the #1 after-school math-only education program iin America & Eugene for kids in Pre-K to 12th grade, whether to get math help to catch up, or to get math enrichment to stay ahead. Mathnasium improves student performance on standards-based tests in 20 sessions or fewer, & improves student skills by an average of 2 grade levels in the 1st year. Contact Mathnasium of Eugene today to schedule a risk-free assessment.
MECCA: Materials Exchange Center for Community Arts 555 High Street Eugene, OR 97401 541-302-1810
www.materials-exchange.org
MECCA inspires our community to re-imagine materials while breaking down the financial barriers to arts and creativity. Free Recycled Art Curriculum is available for download on our website and our Teacher Resource Center houses a surplus of supplies available for the classroom and homeschool at no cost.
Museum of Natural and Cultural History 1680 E. 15th Ave. Eugene, OR 97403 541-346-3024
www.mnch.uoregon.edu/ Inspire wonder! The museum
We’re serious about math
Kids who learn to love math gain confidence for a successful year. Mathnasium students learn from highly trained, caring instructors in a fun and engaging environment. As their ability to think critically and solve problems increases, they grow in confidence as well. They’ll receive:
Kids who learn to love math gain confidence for a successful year. Mathnasium students learn from highly trained, caring instructors in a fun and engaging environment. As their ability to think critically and solve problems increases, they grow in confidence as well. They’ll receive:
• A customized learning plan based on their individual needs and goals
• A customized learning plan based on their individual needs and goals
• A variety of teaching techniques to accommodate how they learn best
• A variety of teaching techniques to accommodate how they learn best
• Games, activities, and rewards that inspire learning by raising the fun factor
• Games, activities, and rewards that inspire learning by raising the fun factor
Mathnasium of Eugene (541) 357-5386 • eugene@mathnasium.com 1733 Pearl Street, Eugene
Mathnasium of Eugene (541) 357-5386 • eugene@mathnasium.com 1733 Pearl Street, Eugene
Mathnasium of Eugene (541) 357-5386 • eugene@mathnasium.com 1733 Pearl Street, Eugene
is a place for kids of all ages to experience fun, inquiry-based learning in science and social studies. Kids can dig deep into Oregon’s geology, natural history, Native American history, and more. Visit our website to learn more!
Nearby Nature
P.O. Box 3678
Eugene, OR 97403
541-687-9699
https://www.nearbynature.org/
Join us for nature, science, play, exploration, art, and gardening -- all outdoors! Based in Alton Baker Park, Nearby Nature hosts Summer Daycamps, No-School-Day Adventures, the Natural Neighbors After School Program, and the Wonder Keepers Preschool. We also run field trips, school visits, preschool Green Start
Play Days, Nature Quests, and special events for families -including the October Haunted Hike! Nearby Nature is a partner in the Network Charter School and teaches classes for middle and high schoolers. Scholarship aid, membership discounts, and volunteer opportunities are available. Visit our website for current events and program registration.
31239 Lanes Turn Road
Coburg, OR 97408
541-579-8788
www.parkerlearninggardens.org
Parker Learning Gardens is a 33-acre non profit organic farm in Coburg, Oregon that provides child- led, project based learning experiences to youths 0-17 years old. Mom and Me Garden Club: 0-4
year olds. Children’s Garden Club: 5-11 year olds* Youth Discovery Project: 13-17 year olds* *12 year olds welcome depending on best fit.
Triple P, the Positive Parenting Program, is an online parenting course for parents of children ages 2-12. Triple P doesn’t tell you how to parent but gives you strategies you can adapt to your family’s needs. This program is free for
all Lane County families. Visit https://parentingnow.org/ triple-p-interest-form/ to sign up! (Triple P esta disponible en español.)
Waste Wise Lane County 3100 E. 17th Ave. Eugene, OR 97403 541-682-1223 www.wastewiselane.org
Waste Wise Lane County—a part of Lane County Waste Management—offers free sustainability and waste prevention resources for Lane County educators that seamlessly integrate standards-based activities, lessons and field trips into existing classroom instruction.
BUDGETFRIENDLY
7 Gardening Hacks
GARDENING CAN BE A simple way to beautify your yard, relieve stress and save money on your grocery bill, but like any hobby, you can get carried away buying necessary equipment.
Fun, frugal and environmentally friendly, these tricks can help you create a costeffective garden:
1
USE A YARDSTICK and permanent marker to mark inches and feet on the handle of your rake, shovel or hoe. The next time you plant, simply lay the marked handle along the row to create perfectly spaced holes for seeds.
2
LINE THE BOTTOM of a clay pot with a coffee filter to keep soil from leaking out the bottom.
3 USE EMPTY PLASTIC water bottles or clear milk jugs to fill the bottom of large pots. They reduce the weight of the pot and require less soil to fill.
4 TO TEST YOUR seeds to see if they’re still viable for this planting season, place a wet paper towel inside a zip-top bag, drop in 3-4 seeds and wait a week to see if anything grows.
5 ONE WAY TO help prevent weeds is lining your garden with a layer of newspaper. Just top two or three sheets of newsprint with a layer of pine needles, grass clippings or dried leaves for an eco-friendly and inexpensive weed barrier.
6 KEEP GARDENING TWINE handy. Nail a funnel to your potting bench with the spout pointing downward, feed the twine through and your string will never go
missing. For a more portable solution, place a ball of twine inside a canning jar, make a hole in the lid and feed the end of the twine through the hole. Now, you can take twine anywhere, tangle-free.
7 THERE IS NO need to buy expensive potting systems for starting seedlings. Place several cardboard toilet paper rolls inside a clean plastic clamshell, like those used for premade salads. Fill each cardboard tube with potting soil and plant. Once your seedlings grow too tall for the clamshell, simply tear off the top lid. ✦
Find more ideas for creating a garden without spending a bundle at eLivingtoday.com.
Grape Summer Gatherings
EASY RECIPES TO ENJOY AT WARMWEATHER CELEBRATIONS
CELEBRATIONS ABOUND THROUGHOUT SUMMER,
and if you plan on hosting your nearest and dearest for events large and small, you’ll need a tasty, convenient ingredient to elevate your entertaining all summer long. When that one ingredient also serves as a healthy, refreshing snack on its own, it’s a win-win.
Delicious, healthy and versatile, Grapes from California can be that special ingredient and pleasing snack. In recipes, grapes deliver sweet-tart flavor and crisp, juicy texture to appetizers, main courses, drinks, desserts and beyond. These recipes show the myriad ways this bite-sized fruit can bring out the best in warm-weather fare: a tasty frozen treat, a chic cocktail and a flavorful Southwestern-inspired salad that each add a special touch to any gathering.
In fact, while grapes complement a wide array of flavors – including sweet, sour, salty, spicy and smoky – that make them easy to use in recipes and serve alongside other foods, they’re also an ideal snack to serve by themselves. Grapes are inherently cool and refreshing, easily shareable and satisfying to eat.
Take your summer entertaining to new heights with additional recipe inspiration at GrapesFromCalifornia.com.
CHOCOLATE-DIPPED FROZEN GRAPE AND YOGURT CLUSTERS
YIELD: 7 MOUNDS
INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup black Grapes from California, halved
• 3/4 cup plain nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
PREPARATION
1. In medium bowl, combine grapes, yogurt and vanilla. Line 9-inch square metal baking pan with parchment
paper then, using 1-ounce scoop, place mounds of grape-yogurt mixture on sheet. Freeze until set, about 3 hours, or overnight.
2. Place chopped chocolate in small, wide microwaveable bowl. Microwave 1 minute on medium power. Stir and repeat. Stir then microwave 30 seconds, repeating as needed until melted and smooth.
3. Stir in oil. Dip bottoms of frozen clusters in chocolate to coat and return to pan.
4. Store frozen clusters in airtight container in freezer up to 1 week.
SOUTHWEST CHARRED CORN SALAD WITH GRAPES
YIELD: 4 SERVINGS (6 CUPS)
INGREDIENTS
• 2 large ears yellow corn on the cob, shucked
• 1/2 English cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise
• 1 cup large green and red Grapes from California, halved
• 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh jalapeno, minced
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 teaspoons cider vinegar
• 3/4 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 avocado, diced 1/2 inch
• 1 ounce cotija cheese, crumbled
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
PREPARATION
1. Over open flame on stove, directly under broiler or on grill, char corn, turning with tongs as needed, until roasted all around, about 3 minutes. Set aside to cool.
2. In medium mixing bowl, combine cucumber, grapes, black beans, onion, jalapeno, olive oil, vinegar, cumin and salt; toss well.
3. Working with sharp knife in wide, shallow bowl or pie pan, cut corn from cobs. Stand ear of corn upright in bowl and cut from middle downward, rotating to cut down 4-5 times. Invert cob and repeat. Repeat with remaining cobs.
4. Add corn, avocado and cheese to bowl with grape-black bean mixture. Sprinkle with pepper, to taste, and top with cilantro; toss well.
Rescue Spotlight
Meet YALE , a sweet hound girl looking for her forever family to make memories with! She enjoys hanging out with her people, going on adventures, and cuddling on the couch together. Like a typical hound, she follows her nose out on walks and loves to tell you all about her day! She’s extremely smart and has caught on to her manners quickly.
Yale is a 6-year-old black and grey beautiful girl who weighs about 64 lbs. She enjoys playing and meeting other dogs here at the shelter. She should meet any dog siblings at the shelter during the meet and greet. She should have a slow, supervised intro to any cats. We think she would make a wonderful companion as she is very loving, playful, and affectionate. Yale is spayed, microchipped, and up to date on vaccines. This adorable gal is ready to meet you!
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.
The Cat Rescue & Adoption Network presents BLACKIETOES , a big beautiful black & white tuxedo 3-yr-old male kitty who is polydactyl (extra toes on his front paws—a sign of being lucky). He’s a friendly boy who loves people and attention, and enjoys lap sitting and being held. He came to our rescue organization when his owner passed away, and he is looking for a second chance with a new family. He’s a calm fellow who adjusts quickly to new environments. He doesn’t mind dogs, but will do best as an only cat, He has been neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and is negative for FIV & FeLV. To meet Blackietoes, please call 541-225-4955 option 1, or visit our website at CatRescues.org for more info.
