Bend Nest — Spring 2015

February 2015

Expert Advice Q&A with local pediatricians

Culture

Beauty & the Beast, and book reviews

Health Tips Rebooting for springtime

Calendars

For Spring Break

Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup Yields: 6 ser vings Ingredients: 1 onion, chopped 1 (15 oz.) can chili beans 1 (15 oz.) can black beans 1 (15 oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce 1 (12 oz.) can or bottle beer* 2 (10 oz.) cans diced tomatoes with green chiles, not drained 1 1/4 oz. Savory Spice Taco Seasoning 2 large or 3 small skinless, boneless chicken breasts Optional garnishes: cheddar cheese, sour cream, crushed tor tilla chips Notes: *Use a lighter style beer, like a lager or amber ale.

2 | FEB 2015 | BENDNEST.COM

Directions: Place onion, beans, corn, tomato sauce, beer and diced tomatoes in slow cooker. Add Savory Spice Taco Seasoning ; stir to blend. Lay whole chicken pieces on top of mixture, pressing down slightly until just covered by other ingredients. Set slow cooker on low; cover and cook for 5 hours. Remove chicken from soup and allow to cool long enough to be handled. Shred chicken; return to soup and continue cooking 2 more hours. (If you are not home to take chicken out to shred and return to soup, simply take it out when you get home, shred and return to soup to cook 10 to 15 min. on high setting before ser ving.)

Serving Suggestions: Ser ve topped with shredded cheese, sour cream and crushed chips, if desired. This soup freezes well.

This recipe has been tested for accuracy by the Savory Spice Shop Test Kitchen.

Old Mill District

375 SW Powerhouse Dr. Bend, OR 97702 (541) 306-6855 www.savoryspiceshop.com

Publisher Aaron Switzer Associate Publisher Angela Switzer Editor Phil Busse Associate Editor Amanda Klingman Contributing Writers Taylor Thompson Linda Knittel Freelancers Aimee Roseborrough

Alyce Pearce Kayja Buhmann Copy Editor Erin Rook Layout & Design Jennifer Hornstein Ad Design Katie Ball Jewel Images/Julia Kelleher Photography Jewel Images, Matt Fox Advertising Executives Kimberly Morse Ban Tat For sales, contact advertise@bendnest.com Chris Larro Amanda Klingman

coverphotography

bendnest.com

BENDNEST.COM | FEB 2015 | 3

the Associate

Publisher’s Note

Welcome to Bend Nest!

Do you feel like you’re just getting the hang of it? Only then to find the rules have changed, leaving you just as confused as ever?

Parenting is certainly a process, and one that is never quite mastered.

A time-out that worked a week ago may now have minimal effect, as your child’s little brain has found the word “no” to be a very effective shield.

Time to figure out the next strategy, right?

And isn’t that what makes it all so fun (and challenging)?

Here at Bend Nest, we are excited to present to you our second issue, and know you’ll find something for every phase of parenting. Contemplating who you are as a family as well as your parenting style, you will want to check out Erin Rook’s piece on Simplicity Parenting on page 11—some real food for thought for parents raising kids in the digital age. In addition, learn how and why wrestling is okay, in an informative article by Linda Knittel on page 10.

This time of year, we look forward to Valentine’s Day, Easter, warming temperatures and, of course, Spring Break. Learn ways to get your little monsters outside, hiking and enjoying nature in our Outdoors section (page 30), and don’t be left wondering how you’re going to entertain the kiddos when they take that long break from school. Check out our Spring Breakspecific calendar chock full of camps and classes (page 18).

And, spring is a rebirth of another kind: Yes, believe it or not, it’s time to look ahead to the next school year already! If you plan to enroll your child in one of the many alternative schools offered here, check out our magnet and charter school listings complete with school descriptions and the lottery deadline, March 20 (page 19).

And, we are pleased to present parenting tips from Bend Fire Chief Larry Langston in The Things I’ve Learned (page 34), as well my column, Leaving the Nest (page 33), where I discuss ideas for understanding your role in your teen’s decision-making process, specifically concerning teenage drinking. Yes. It is all part of the journey.

We are so grateful for all the enthusiasm surrounding Bend Nest and look forward to a long relationship with all of you.

Enjoy!

Ang e la Switz er

4 | FEB 2015 | BENDNEST.COM

CONTENTS

13

Love Notes

Our writers offer their own Valentines and puppy love memories.

PHOTO BY JEWEL IMAGES

UPFRONT

FEATURES

7 Expert Q&A 8 Ages & Stages 10 Trending 17 Calendar

22 Culture

COLUMNS 26 Adult Time 33 Leaving the Nest 34 Things I’ve Learned

Bend is filled with great mentors—with a theater production of Beauty & The Beast, and music education from some local pros at the Cascade School of Music.

29 Health

Local nonprofit The Children’s Forest has some practical ways to reduce screen time, and connect kids with nature.

30 Outdoors

Bill Warburton of Bend Endurance Academy specializes in getting Central Oregon’s youth off the couch and onto the bike trails.

bendnest.com BENDNEST.COM | FEB 2015 | 5

Your Beautiful Birth

Let Tanya Stirewalt, certified childbirth instructor, help you on your journey through birth to parenthood. Fun and informative childbirth preparation classes offered every month via COCC Community Learning.

Visit our website or call for more information and registration. www.cocc.edu/ContinuingEd/ChildbirthClasses/ (541) 383-7270

ing prung e Soup.

Come in early for the best selections.

We pay cash or store credit for your gently used kids’ items. Visit our website for details.

Spring NW Pence Lane #4 (off Newport Avenue and College Way) has Sprung Spring Spring Spring Sprung at Stone Soup. has has Sprung has at Stone Soup.Sprung

esoupkids.com info@stonesoupkids.com

at Stone Soup. at Stone Soup.

Come in early Come early Come in early for theinbest selections. for the best selections. for the best selections.

We pay cash or store credit for your gently We pay store for website your gently Wecredit pay our cash or store for your gently usedcash kids’oritems.

Visit forcredit details. used kids’ items. Visit our website details. used kids’ items.forVisit our website for details.

We pay cash or store credit for your gently kids’ items. Visit our website for details.

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541.323.7117

Come in early for the best selections.

You asked.

D

Local pediatrician Brooks Booker, Bend Memorial Clinic Pediatrics answers!

ear Dr. Booker: My 5-year-old son is obsessed with ninjas. At first, I was okay with it, but it’s taken over all conversations and play time and I don’t like the constant aggression and focus on good guys and bad guys. I rarely let him watch the shows but his school mates want to play ninja games and he has been given a ridiculous amount of ninja related toys. Is this an age-appropriate hobby? If not, how can I go back or at least tone it down at this point?

Dr. Booker: A 5-year-old boy wanting to be a ninja is totally age-appropriate behavior. Children at that age are very concrete. They like good and bad, right and wrong, black and white, so they’re drawn to imaginative play of this nature. That’s one of the main reasons that little kids play army, pirates, Star Wars, etc. The aggression is where you may run into some problems, but that can usually be remedied by limit setting and firm correction when he steps over the line. For example, “It’s ok to play ninjas outside with your friend Jenny, but only with your Nerf swords, no sticks.” Or, “You can’t play ninja with your brother. He’s a baby and he could get hurt.” Also control the things you can, but accept what you can’t. I’m with you on limiting the shows, especially if they cause him to get a little worked up. However, he’s still going to get exposure through his friends talking about it and playing at recess.

Dear Dr. Booker: My child has seasonal allergies that get worse in the spring and occasionally we have to give him Benadryl when he has a bad outbreak. Initially, he is very sleepy, but later in the day, he seems like he is wired. Is there a correlation? Is this a safe and effective way of dealing on occasion?

Dr. Booker: Seasonal allergies are no fun. You get a stuffy, runny nose, headaches, itchy, watery eyes, and they make you feel like you’re in a fog. There are a number of over the counter medications that can help you with these symptoms. Benadryl

Q&A

is one of them, but as you noticed, it can definitely make you sleepy. Some kids then bounce back a little wired and some even get a reverse reaction and are wacky right away. Zyrtec, Claritin, and Allegra generally are less sedating and all three are available in pediatric doses down to two years old. Some people still report a small amount of sedation with these (especially Zyrtec), but nowhere near as much as Benadryl. These also have the benefit of lasting significantly longer than Benadryl.

Now, if your child is having the itchy, watery, burning eyes that some people get with seasonal allergies, you may want to try some eye drops. Some people just need relief of the dryness, so a simple saline drop can help them. Others need stronger relief, so I usually recommend Zaditor or Alaway. Both of these work well and have the same active ingredient, so I would just choose whichever one is cheaper.

Dear Dr. Booker: My teenage son’s feet smell horrible. I constantly remind him to wash them, but as much as he does, they still have an off putting stench about them. Help!

Dr. Booker: Teenage boys are dirty, stinky creatures by nature, so you may be out of luck. However, there are a few things to do. The feet have a tremendous number of sweat glands. The damp and dark environment inside his shoes creates the perfect environment for microorganisms to thrive.

So besides making sure he’s washing his feet frequently, you should also make sure he’s wearing thick, natural fiber socks that can help absorb the sweat. Wearing a different pair of shoes everyday will allow them to dry out completely before he wears them again. In addition, check the bottoms of his feet for dry, slightly red, peeling areas. This may be especially prominent between the toes. If he has this rash, and it’s very itchy, he likely has Athlete’s Foot. You can find a number of creams, sprays, and powders over the counter that can help get rid of this condition. If those don’t work, come see your pediatrician and we can check him out further.

I love my doc.

BENDNEST.COM | FEB 2015 | 7

Most money spent on holiday candy, by holiday:

Ag es &

Stages

$2 billion

$2.1 billion Easter

$1 billion

Halloween

(7 billion pounds, according to the National

Valentine’s Day

Confectioner’s Association)

$1.4 billion

70% of kids ages 6–11 eat

Christmas

Easter jellybeans one at a time.

29% of boys eat them by the handful.

Most popular Easter candy:

16 billion jelly beans produced each year 700 million Marshmallow Peeps 90 million chocolate Easter bunnies

76%

88%

of chocolate bunnies are eaten by the ears first,

of American parents

Most Popular Month for Births

prepare an Easter

according to the National Confectioners Association. 4

basket for their

percent eat the tail first.

children

(and corresponding

800 million is

the number of Valentine’s Day cards exchanged by school age children, based on estimates by the U.S. Greeting Card Association. The most common recipient is the teacher.

$108 to $113, the increase per person from 2010 to 2013 in Valentine’s Day spending, according to the National Retail Federation.

Men tend to spend about twice as much as women do for the holiday, but both married men and women spend less than single ones.

8 | FEB 2015 | BENDNEST.COM

conception holiday)

1st: October (New Year’s Eve)

2nd: August (Thanksgiving)

3rd: September (Christmas)

12th: February (Memorial Day)

Source: Centers for Disease Control

54.7 % plan on purchasing at least one greeting card

51 % planned on a candy purchase

Source: National Retail Federation survey, 2013

36.6% on flowers.

58% of Americans plan to attend church on Easter (Fewer than 40 percent attend regularly, according to Gallup polls)

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BENDNEST.COM | FEB 2015 | 9

The Benefits of Trending Roughhousing

How horseplay might make for happier, more successful children

By Linda Knittel

I

walked in the door one sunny afternoon to find both my 6-year-old son and his father flushed and breathing hard. “We were just wrestling,” they told me smiling. I felt my body tighten.

Don’t get me wrong, I am all for being generous with loving physical contact, and I’ve been known to partake in a serious tickle fight or two, but wrestling just seems so aggressive—like it could lead to something negative down the road.

Fortunately, a growing a body of research suggests I don’t need to be so nervous about physical play. In fact, social scientists believe a moderate tussle here and there might actually make kids smarter, more coordinated, and even more likeable.

How horseplay builds smarts In their book The Art of Roughhousing: Good Old-Fashioned Horseplay and Why Every Kid Needs It, physician Anthony DeBenedet and psychologist Lawrence Cohen outline just how roughhousing can benefit kids. For starters, it triggers the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor or BDNF, which plays a role in cognitive and emotional function, as well as oxytocin, which makes kids feel loved. When released together, these chemicals promote the kind of new neural connections that make kids smarter.

But there is more to a good scuffle than just brain chemicals. Having to strategize helps children fine-tune memory, attention, and complex problem solving. The spontaneous nature of such friendly “fights” helps manage the unpredictable—a key piece of intelligence.

And of course the sheer physical nature of horseplay improves motor skill development.

How and when to rumble While even adolescents and teens can benefit from roughhousing, studies show kids between the ages of 2 and 8 reap the most reward. According to experts, the best tussles involve three parts: a start, active play, and a winddown period.

Perhaps the biggest factor in successful roughhousing is parent involvement, either as a gentle participant, or as a supervisor ensuring that horseplay between siblings stays fun. As DeBenedet and Cohen write in their book, when parents roughhouse, they teach kids how someone bigger and stronger holds back: “We teach them selfcontrol, fairness and empathy. We let them win, which gives them confidence and demonstrates that winning isn’t everything. We show them how much can be accomplished by cooperation, and how to constructively channel competitive energy so that it doesn’t take over.”

Overall, roughhousing is about building bonds and having a good time. There’s nothing like positive physical contact to show your kids you love them. Of course, that can come in the form of a big old hug or perhaps, a pillow fight.

10 | FEB 2015 | BENDNEST.COM

Step Away from the Screen Simplicity Parenting advocates for an old-fashioned approach

Trending

By Erin Rook

B

etween shuttling kids to various extra-curricular activities, monitoring their internet usage, and making sure they aren’t existing on mac and cheese alone, modern parenting can be overwhelming.

But, to borrow an iPhone slogan, there’s a philosophy for that!

Simplicity Parenting, the aptly named movement founded

by Kim John Payne—author of the book by the same name— seeks to remedy a parenting culture addicted to chaos, and replace it with values and practices ripped from the pages of history.

“Simplicity parenting is all about slowing down and taking time, dialing back on over stimulation and over scheduling, reducing high impact foods, reducing media and creating a simple, predictable family rhythm,” explains Erin Hansen, a Bend mother who serves on the board of the local Waldorf school. “By simplifying we can help protect childhood and allow children the opportunity for self-discovery.”

She goes on to point out that Waldorf principles, which emphasize a low-tech approach to education that relies on hands-on activities grounded it imagination and nature to convey ageappropriate lessons, closely align with Payne’s parenting philosophy—and, late last year, the school hosted the author.

Hansen points out that Payne’s theories are based on his decades of experience counseling busy families, and an observed connection between over-scheduling and over-stimulation and disorders such as ADHD and anxiety, which are diagnosed with increased frequency. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), children ages 8-10 spend an average of eight hours each day in front of a screen—including TV, computer, tablet and phone. For teens, that jumps up to 11 hours or more a day. The AAP recommends limiting entertainment screen time to one or two hours per day.

“At the core of Waldorf education is a curriculum brought forth with a strong rhythm which introduces concepts and information at the best time of day, the appropriate time of the year, and at the optimal time in a child’s life,” Hansen explains. “Children are really given the opportunity to explore their world, the information they are being introduced to, and to ask the questions which open up new ideas or thinking.”

She sees the approach as an antidote to an increasingly hectic world in which parents struggle to establish meaningful connections with their children.

For Hansen, the proof is in the pudding. She says that while her family may not adhere as strictly to the Waldorf approach as some, simplifying their lifestyle has made a remarkable difference.

“The biggest challenge for most parents is changing their perception of what is too much,” she asserts. “We are so programmed to think more, bigger, better, faster is the way to go, when in fact it is quite the opposite.”

And even when families overcome that philosophical hurdle, Hansen says it can take time to adjust to a new way of connecting.

In the long run, she says, it’s worth it. Though the typical distractions can give the appearance of convenience, Hansen says all that stimulation can increase stress and reduce connection.

“As parents, we all have hopes and dreams for our children. Who they will become in the future depends upon the strength, security and comfort we can provide for them now,” Hansen says. “If we can create better relationships with our children now by simplifying their lives and thereby lowering their stress levels, parenting can become easier and we can enhance the joy of being a parent.”

To learn more about Simplicity Parenting, visit simplicityparenting.com.

BENDNEST.COM | FEB 2015 | 11

PHOTO BY JEWEL IMAGES

Feature

s e t o N ve o L

out b a — s e n alenti V es. r i s e u h o t p n s e d p s an ers Our writ ren, f irst crushe ld their chi

12 | FEB 2015 | BENDNEST.COM

Puppy Love!

Oh, puppy love! It is so much like the love of a newborn or infant; genuine and intense. And like the other phases of a romantic relationship, I see so many parallels between the mother-child relationship.

In the beginning, things are dizzying. Hormones rage.

You stay up all night together, and still hyper-function the next day, floating on endorphins. The outside world disappears. Oddly, those early days are overwhelming, but also, seemingly, a lot simpler, clearer. Hours spent cuddling and staring adoringly into each other’s eyes; just breathing each other in and connecting. Your baby is your ultimate eye candy. A smile, and perhaps a glass of wine, make the crying, pooping, throwing up, and sleepless nights bearable. And, yes, much like a teenage boy, a boob pretty much solves all of the world’s problems for the baby. It is basic and beautiful, yet somewhat immature.

Phases come and go, and the relationship evolves.

The honeymoon stage ends and the relationship starts getting real. Snuggle time replaced with time out. “I’m bored” replaces the squeals of delight and outstretched arms that used to greet you at the door. Outside influences start to change your relationship and chip away at your time, patterns, values and traditions. Mom desperately yearns for a small break, a night out with the girls, but then spends the entire night thinking of her little darling at home, the one that said, “I love you butt crack,” before she left. There are arguments, negotiations, apologies and lessons learned. Your adorable little partner develops his own opinion and enjoys voicing it.

Compromise becomes the key to happiness and yet, the relationship grows into something that is truly rewarding.

You gain the knowledge that the little love of your life is secure enough to leave your side, explore the world and come back with his own thoughts and experiences.

Attempts at reasoning with your child become valuable lessons in personal growth. The back and forth of opinions leads to better understanding and more acceptance.

As the mother of a 5-month-old and a 5-year-old, I get to experience both of these phases, challenges and pleasures daily. Both relationships require constant nurturing. There is no autopilot. The constant attention that my 5-month-old daughter needs to survive can be exhausting, but she gives me butterflies with each coo and squeal. The independence and individualism that my 5-year-old son uses to challenge me also lets me know that I must be doing something right. And as with any truly solid relationship, you learn a lot about yourself and are able to give more than you could have ever imagined.

- Amanda Klingman

“Creativity now important in in “Creativity noweducation is isasasimportant as literacy.” educationSir as literacy.”

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One fish, two fish we have a new fish!

We are happy to announce that Dr. Maryam Aghchay has joined our team! Dr. Maryam is fluent in multiple languages, including Turkish, Farsi and Spanish and has traveled and lived all over the world. Her professional background includes a diploma in dental assisting, a B.A. in biology from California State University and a DDS from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry. She has been in practice for ten years and brings an expertise in managing complicated treatment for older children and teens to our team. We are excited to introduce her to our patient families and the community!

Dr. Cate & Dr. Maryam

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Dr. Maryam!

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Catherine Quas, DMD Maryam Aghchay, DDS John Frachella, DMD BENDNEST.COM | FEB 2015 | 13

Feature

Crushed!

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It was wo Wolf - Kirsteen

14 | FEB 2015 | BENDNEST.COM

First Love

After spen ding a mo mentous su beach with mmer at th my best fr e iend and h tantly retu er family, I rned home relucto mope a whilst pinin nd sulk in g for the b my room ronzed go fallen hop d with wh elessly in lo o m I had ve at the te “What’s th nder age o e matter?” f 15. my concern when I had ed father a settled in, sk ed and he no chipper se ticed my u lf to be ab sual sent.

“I’m in love ,” I sighed, unsure of reaction. his pendin g “Ah, fantast ic!” he dec lared, seem joyed at th e news an ingly overd motionin celebratio g for some n. sort of If you’re in love at any ter news is age, then really, wha there? t bet“There’s on ly one pro blem,” I ex lives 800 m plained, “h iles away.” e Unexpecte dly, this w as a bondin dad and m g time for e. He some my how saw o and joy of nly the be this young a u ty lo ve, and co the details. uld easily d Brainstorm ismiss ing numero me, he full us ideas w y supporte it h d a plan for including our reunifi speaking w c a ti it on, h the pare The end re nts on the sult was a p h C o h ne. ristmas gif a plane tic t in the form ket to Colo ra o f d o (no he d with me!) id not com where I wo e u ld be joining dreams fo r a ski vaca the boy of tion! Why my encouragin was my da g in keepin d so g this love a the power live? His b of love and elief in his favorite it!” really sa saying of “G ys it all. o for - Angela S witzer

Feature

Dirt Clods and G litter!

My first experience with unrequited love was at age 7. For months, I tried to chase down Nathan, a stocky second grader with a rat-tail haircut. But he thwarted my attempts and, in my final effort, he made his disinterest very clear—with a dirt clod thrown directly in my face. I was heartbroken and confused, but one thing was clear: Nathan didn’t like me back.

A quarter-century and a few cases of unrequited love later, my own daughters are 6 and 9. I keep waiting for word of a first crush, or an attempted kiss on the playground. Thankfully, it has yet to happen.

My eldest daughter, when quizzed about boys and crushes, responds that crushes would only complicate her friendships with the boys in her class. My youngest simply responded, “Boys are disgusting.”

Clearly, they are already smarter than me.

However, as Valentine’s Day approaches, I wonder how I’ll handle those first loves—and heartbreaks— that definitely don’t feel little or anything like a “puppy” when they’re being experienced.

My first instinct would be to approach the situation with a joke; the standard “stay away from boys until you’re 30.” But, in fact, most parenting experts agree that downplaying or making a joke of your child’s first crush is a good way to cause her to withdraw from talking about it. No, instead, those first feelings of love and rejection are confusing and very real (even if they’re not paired with a dirt clod in the face). Instead, I’m planning to reassure my girls that they will have many, many crushes in their lives, and introduce them to the tried and true heartache cures: a bowl of ice cream, a silly movie, and a hug from mom.

Today, as my 6 year old meticulously cuts and glues Valentine’s Day cards for her classmates, I can’t help but notice that one card is significantly larger than the others, covered in glitter, and emblazoned with a heart and one word in the middle: “James.”

- Kayja Buhmann

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1/15

Children‛s Speech & Language Therapy Articulation • Late Talkers • Language Disorders Stuttering • Tongue Thrust • Apraxia of Speech

Stephanie "Vina" Marz, MA CCC-SLP Speech-Language Pathologist

Stephanie@BendSpeechExpress.com

541.420.7358

www.BendSpeechExpress.com

BENDNEST.COM | FEB 2015 | 15

Accepting applications for the 2015-16 school year.

Visit www.cascadesacademy.org or call 541.382.0699 to learn more!

For a New Beginning • Learning Differences • Struggling Teens • Insightful Evaluations

Sanford Shapiro, M.Ed. DIRECTOR

SanfordShapiro@bendlearningcenter.com 404 SW COLUMBIA ST, SUITE 140

404 SW COLUMBIA ST, SUITE 140 BEND, OR 97702 BEND, OR 97702

541-383-3208

Does your bright child struggle with dyslexia Cogmed for Attention and Memory or other learning differences?

Call Sanford Shapiro for a no-cost initial consultation: Call for a no-cost initial 541 383-3208

16 | FEB 2015 | BENDNEST.COM

consultation: 541-383-3208

Hot Cocoa Run: Part of the 2015 Oregon

WinterFest. A short run that starts with a crown that each Prince or Princess can decorate, and a mad dash to make the best cup of hot cocoa imaginable! Kids will run from station to station collecting the ingredients, and as they cross the finish line they will get the final touch of hot chocolate. Ages 3-10. Feb. 14, 1 pm. Les Schwab Amphitheater, 344 SW Shevlin-Hixon Dr. Price includes WinterFest Admission, $11.

Children’s Tent at Winter Fest, February 13 – 15

Active Bodies Tubing Hill: SHARC Tubing Hill uses an artificial ski

surface that allows for year-round tubing in Sunriver even when the conditions may be variable. Hours vary, visit sunriversharc.com for more information.

Snowshoe Tour: Join a naturalist on a snowshoe

tour at Mt. Bachelor and learn about Cascades Range alpine environments and the natural features. Wear snow boots and warm winter clothing. No previous experience required, and snowshoes will be provided. Meet at USFS snowshoe hut near Mt. Bachelor’s West Village Mountain Gateway building. Sat.-Sun., 10-11:30 am and 1:30-3 pm, through March 29. Mt. Bachelor, 13000 Century Dr. 541-383-5530. Free.

MoMuLa: Movement Music Laughter: Music to

inspire movement and laughter, performed and guided by two mamas with ukuleles and a trumpet. Open to ages 3-7; 5 to 7-year-olds can be dropped off for the hour while parents relax. Register for all six classes or drop in.

Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30 pm. Feb. 3 – Mar. 10. Sunny Yoga Kitchen, 2748 NW Crossing Dr. 541-977-2665. $10 dropin, $5 for siblings. $50 for all 6, $45 for siblings.

WinterFest Children’s Tent: Part of the

2015 Oregon WinterFest. Face painting, cake pops, balloon art, a petting zoo, interactive snow sculptures, kids adventure race, and bigger, better bounce houses!

Fri., Feb. 13, 5 -8 pm. Sat., Feb. 14, 11 am-8 pm. Sun., Feb 15, 11 am-6 pm. Les Schwab Amphitheater, 344 SW Shevlin-Hixon Dr. $6 adv., $10 at gate for entry into WinterFest. Information at OregonWinterFest.com

Black Light Blast: Come get your glow on with

black light and glow runs, laser lights show, music, and hot drinks! The tubing hill will be lit up with blacklight and lasers for this colorful evening of fun—snow or no.

Wear white or neon-colored colored clothes to enhance the black light experience. Reservations required. Feb. 14 and 15, 6:30-8:30 pm. SHARC, 57250 Overlook Rd. 541-585-3147. $15 general, $12 w/ member ID.

Jr. Snow Ranger: Snowshoeing, winter safety,

exploring snowflakes, wildlife tracking, winter ecology, and the joy of winter fun are planned for the day. The program mission is to inspire youth to embrace a life-long relationship with the winter environment. Designed for 4th and 5th grade, but includes activities appropriate for 7-11 year olds. Sun., Feb. 15, 1-4 pm. Sun., Feb. 22, 1-3 pm. Sun, March 15, 1-3 pm. Skyliners Lodge, 16125 Skyliners Rd. 541-383-4771. Free.

Eagle Watch: The Cove Palisades State Park.

February 21-22. Open to all ages.

Nature Days: Bring your family out to enjoy a fun

day exploring and learning about nature. Explore the water, meet incredible birds of prey, play fun games, learn about local plants and birds. Sat., March 14, 10 am1 pm. Cline Falls State Park, near Redmond. Sat., April 11, 10 am-1 pm, Pine Nursery Park, Bend.

St. Patrick’s Day Fun Run: The Mt. Bachelor

for the fastest ducks in each heat.

Egg dive open to toddlers through age 12. Saturday, April 4, 9am-noon. $10/per event or $15 for both events.

Pre-registration and payment is required, call 541585-3147. Visit sunriversharc.com/ calendar for more information.

Calendar

Little Fry Run: Put on during the Salmon Run, your little fry can join the salmon migration and festivities. All participants will receive a ribbon. Ages 3-5, 100 meter dash. Ages 5-7, 500 meter dash. Ages 8-10, 1.5K (0.9 miles) run. Sun., April 12. $5 entry fee or free with adult entry.

Kayak Lessons: Learn to kayak with a series of

fun pool-based lessons after school on Wednesdays.

Upcoming classes include Learning to Wet Exit (April 29), Hand Paddling and Games (May 6), Gear and Hydrology (May 13), Edging and Using a Paddle (May 20), Foundations of Rolling (May 27) and More Strokes and Roll Practice (June 3). For more information, visit bendkayakschool.com.

Rotary Club St. Patrick’s Day Dash is a family friendly 5K fun run in Bend, Oregon to benefit KIDS Center, a nonprofit child abuse intervention center serving all of Central Oregon. Register at bendstpatsdash.com. Sunday, March 14. 10 am. Deschutes Brewery & Public House.

Active Minds

Family Mud Run: Join other mud loving families

Together For Children Parenting Group: Parent education, support and fun for families

for the Third Annual Sunriver Mudslinger Spring Break Mud Run on Sunday, March 22. This course is packed with obstacles for all ages and abilities. A competitive category is available for adults only but the main event is the non-timed event, which is designed for families and friends to complete together. Register at sunrivermudslinger.com.

Story Time: Second Friday every month, 11 am.

Barnes and Noble, 2690 NE Hwy 20. Free.

with children under 4 years old. Meet weekly for two hours with an hour of playtime and an hour of separate parenting group. Parents can enroll after the start of the term and cost will pro-rated. Mondays, 9:30-11:30 am, through March 16. Summit High School, 2855 NW Clearwater Dr. 541-410-8110. $150 for 10 weeks, prorated for later starts.

Teen Night at SHARC: Enjoy a night of fun with

other teens at the SHARC indoor pool on Wednesday, March 25 from 8:30 to 10:30 pm. Includes root beer floats and a night packed with pool games and challenges.

Ages 12-18 welcome. $12/per teen, advance registration requested at 541-585-3147.

Valentine’s Day Doggie Social: Bring your

Underwater Egg Dive and Rubber Duck Race: Participate in an underwater egg

Alchemist: Kids will explore the inner and outer

dive. Children are grouped by age and depth of water and redeem the eggs collected for prizes. All ages are welcome to participate in the rubber duck race. Each person receives a white duck and a decorating station is available for dressing up your duck. Prizes are awarded

furry Valentine to Bend Pet Express for “sweets,” treats and meets! Goodies, photo booth, and professional photographer for photos of your “Soul-Mutt.” Feb. 14, 1-3 pm. Bend Pet Express Westside, 133 SW Century Dr.

world of alchemical reactions in this potent journey outdoors. We will be dying yarn with natural materials and weaving a project to take home. Each child will also create a delicious tea blend! Ages 6-10. Feb. 16, 9 am-3:30 pm. Skyliners Lodge, 16125 Skyliners Rd. 503-680-9831. $59.

Continues on the next page BENDNEST.COM | FEB 2015 | 17

MARCH 21 through MARCH 28

Calendar East Bend Animal Adventures: Live animals, stories and crafts with

High Desert Museum. Ages 3 and up. Tues., Feb. 17, 9:30 am, Tues., March 3, 9:30 am and Tues., March 17, 9:30 am. East Bend Public Library, 62080 Dean Swift Rd. 541-330-3760. Free.

Fiesta de Pijamas: Evening story time and pajama party in Spanish! Ages

0-5. Tues., Feb. 17, 6:45 pm, Tues., March 3, 6:45 pm and Tues., March 17, 6:45 pm.

Redmond Public Library, 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond. 541-312-1050. Free.

Don’t miss our owls, hawks, falcons and more in flight at this exciting and informative Spring Break program.

TWO SHOWS DAILY 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM MEMBERS: $3 w NON-MEMBERS: $5 (PLUS ADMISSION)

Spring Break Hours: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm—This week only!

Tickets available online or at the Museum.

La Pine Animal Adventures: Live animals, stories and crafts with High Desert Museum. Tues., Feb. 17, 11:30 am, Tues., March 3, 11:30 am and Tues., March 17, 11:30 am. La Pine Public Library, 16425 First St. 541-312-1090. Free.

Nelson Illusions: A one-of-a-kind theatrical spectacle that combines rare

and original illusions from around the world with award-winning, jaw-dropping magic.

Recommended for ages 9 and up. Feb. 21, 7 pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St. Children, $15. Adults, $25.

Click Clack Peep Story Time: Story time and activities featuring Click

Clack Peep! From the award-winning creator of Click Clack Moo comes an adorable story of a cute little duckling that won’t quiet down! Feb. 21, 11-11:30 am. Barnes and Noble, 2690 NE Hwy 20. 541-318-7242. Free.

Chinese New Year: Mask making, Chinese carnival games, traditional tea 59800 SOUTH HIGHWAY 97 | BEND, OREGON 541-382-4754 | HIGHDESERTMUSEUM.ORG

ceremony, Lion Dance and appetizers from local restaurants. Performance by Oregon Tai Chi Wushu, and musicians playing the Pipa and Ehru. Benefiting education for Chinese orphans. Feb. 28, 2-5:30 pm. Bend Elks Lodge, 63120 Boyd Acres Rd. 541815-2899. $30 family (up to six members), $12 adult, $10 seniors and students.

Celebrate Black History: In celebration of Black History Month, a story

time and activities featuring two notable figures with the titles “I Am Rosa Parks” and “I Am Jackie Robinson.” Feb. 28, 11 am. Barnes and Noble, 2690 NE Hwy 20. Free.

There is another way...

• Mediator • Arbitrator

Redmond Animal Adventures: Live animals, stories and crafts with

High Desert Museum. Ages 3 and up. Mon., March 2 and March 16, 10 am. Redmond Public Library, 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond. Free.

Redmond Pajama Party: Evening storytime with songs, rhymes and crafts.

• Child Custody, Parenting Plans and Child Support

Wear your PJs! Ages 0-5. Tues., March 3, 6pm. Redmond Public Library, 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond. Free.

Rockie Tales Puppet Show: Learn about the world through puppets and

• Finances, Property and Spousal Support

stories. Ages 3-5. Tues., March 3, 1:30 pm. Downtown Bend Public Library, 601 NW Wall St. 541-617-7097. Free.

• Drafting of Court Documents/ Agreements and Court Filing

Animal Adventures: Live animals, stories and crafts with High Desert

Museum. Ages 3 and up. Wed., March 4, 1-2 pm. Downtown Bend Public Library, 601 NW Wall St. 541-617-7097. Free.

Sunriver Teen Territory: Strategy games, crafts, Wii and more! Ages

“Respectful and Attorney-Facilitated Resolution of Your Family Law Concerns.”

12-17. Wed., March 4, 1:30 pm. Sunriver Area Public Library, 56855 Venture Ln. 541312-1080. Free.

The Voetberg Family Band: Made up of eight siblings ranging in age from

45 NW Park Place • Bend, Oregon, 97701 541-318-0221 • www.bendfamilymediation.com 18 | FEB 2015 | BENDNEST.COM

13 to 26, the Voetberg Family Band puts on a show that displays a cohesive variety of musical styles and a developed musicianship beyond their years. Recommended for ages 9 and up. March 13, 7 pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St. Children (12 and under) $13, adults $18.

LEGO Universe: Start with a little inspiration and build away! All ages. Sat., March 7,

1-2 pm and Thurs., March 26, 10:30-11:30 am. Downtown Bend Public Library, 601 NW Wall St. 541-617-7097. Free.

Deadly By Nature: Poison and Venom: Snakes, lizards, centipedes and even

For the most up-to-date calendar Bend Nest recommends checking out the Kids Stuff section of the Source Weekly in print or online, bendsource.com. Have fun!

ocean creatures that use venom and poison to survive. Special Kids’ Day on March 25 with activities throughout the day. Through June 29. High Desert Museum, 59800 S Hwy 97. Free with museum admission.

Kids’ Drum Making Workshop: In this workshop participants will come away with a 10-inch rawhide drum, instructions on how to use the drum, and knowledge of how to make more! For ages 7 and up accompanied by an adult. April 4, noon-4 pm. Skyliners Lodge, 16125 Skyliners Rd. 503-680-9831. $120 per child or $111 per child—early bird discount through February 25.

Beaver Builders: The basics of shelter building will be covered and actively applied as the children build a home base for their team. Children will learn the importance of living near the riparian zone, who their nearest animal and plant neighbors are, and what resources are available for use to create a comfortable village experience. Ages 6-10. April 9, 9am-3:30 pm. Skyliners Lodge, 16125 Skyliners Rd. 503-680-9831. $59.

Wizards: Welcome to the Wildheart School of Wizardry!

We will be developing our magical skills during this intensive training day. Subjects include potion making, care and study of magical creatures, intuition, and transfiguration into different local animals. Join us for a day of wonder, mystery, magic, and fun! Ages 6-10. April 10, 9 am-3:30 pm. Skyliners Lodge, 16125 Skyliners Rd. 503-680-9831. $59.

JEWELRY DESIGN

“Concepts in Fusing”

Patterned, Textured and Oxidized Silver with 18k gold fused to the Surface $300 and under.

15% off ALL current inventory.

Waylon Rhoads 541.213.2320 waylon@rhoadsjewelry.com www.rhoadsjewelry.com

835 NW Bond St. Suite 200 • Downtown Bend

BENDNEST.COM | FEB 2015 | 19

March 25, 9 am-3 pm. Register online: bendparksandrec.org.

Exploring Archery

Calendar

Explore various styles of archery including recurve and compound bows, 3-D targets and field targets. A great introduction to the sport! Open to ages 10-16 at Competitive Edge Archery Center. $20.

March 23, 24, 25 or 26, 10 am-11:30 am.

Register online: bendparksandrec.org.

SPRING BREAK PLANNING Time to plan ahead for the kiddos to have some excitement in and out of doors over Spring Break. (Kids are out of school March 23-27).

Art Station Camps • School’s Out: Clay Town

Build your own clay city! You’re the planner and engineer in the studio. Learn a variety of hand-building techniques to create your own town. March 23-27, 9 amnoon (ages 6-9), 1 pm-4 pm (ages 8-13) $97.75 Arts Central member, $115.00 non-member.

• School’s Out: Abstract Painting

Create colorful abstract paintings to capture movement and color. Explore tempera paint, oil pastels and collage techniques to develop your personal style.

March 23-27, 9 am-noon (ages 8-13), 1 pm-4 pm (ages 6-9).

Athletic Club of Bend

Spring Break Camps at the Athletic Club of Bend. Camps offered for 3-12 year olds including Out of this World Explorer Camp ages 3-6 and Youth Tennis and Soccer Camps age 6-12. Go to www. athleticclubofbend.com for details and information or email jennifer@ athleticclubofbend.com. Members and non-members welcome.

Bouncing Off the Wall

Open Spring Break, Mon.-Thurs. 10 am-6 pm, Fri. 10 am-5 pm. $8, first child, $7, second and subsequent children, $4, bouncing adults. Children under 1 and non-bouncing adults are free.

Crazy Chemistry

Fizz!Bang!Pop! Create crazy concoctions while learning the basics of chemistry in a safe fun environment! Open to ages 6-11 at Cascade Middle School. $45.

20 | FEB 2015 | BENDNEST.COM

High Desert Museum Spring Break Camps All camps March 23-27, 9 am-3 pm, members $160, non-members $185.

Register online at highdesertmuseum.org/ kids-camp. Extended care available.

• Out on a Limb (ages 5-6)

Bring your young nature lovers to the museum for a week of hands-on exploration. We’ll create nature-inspired arts and crafts, build shelters for stuffed animals, play in a tree house and explore the great outdoors!

• Eureka! (ages 7-8)

Calling all budding scientists! We invite you to play, construct, design and experiment this week. Join us for a week of hands-on wild science. Engineer a spaghetti skyscraper, create a marble slide and explore modern technologies used to track and monitor wild animals.

• Camping Cookout (ages 9-10) Become a high desert chef! Explore different foods and cooking methods of yesterday and today and explore the science behind turning raw ingredients into culinary delights. From Native American staples to Dutch oven cooking to the science of oven-baked pizza, this week will have you asking for seconds.

Horse Camps (Call for Spring Break information) Diane’s Riding Place, 65535 Cline Falls Highway, 541-385-7933 Rhinestone Ranch, 24375 Dodds Road, 530-588-4780 Silver Horse Ranch, 63950 Tyler Rd., 541-408-4080

Juniper Swim and Fitness Center School’s out, swimming is in! Call for Spring Break hours: 541-389-7665.

KPOV Radio Camp

Have a rockin’ great time as you learn to be a radio DJ! Your produced show will be broadcasted on 88.9! Open to ages 10-12 KPOV. $105, March 23-27, 9 am-noon (ages 10-12). March 23-27, 1-4 pm (ages 12-14).

Register online: bendparksandrec.org.

Moviemaker Madness Spend one fast-paced week diving into film production. Learn video camera operation, basic cinematography, editing, mixing audio and more! Open to ages 11-14. $195. March 23-27, 9 am- noon.

Register online: bendparksandrec.org.

Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center Did you know that Mt. Bachelor has one of the longest cross-country ski seasons in North America? Come glide across the 56 kilometers of world-class trails machinegroomed daily. Guests who purchase a single day, full-price alpine lift ticket receive a free nordic trail pass! (Same day use only.)

Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort Kids 12 and under ski free the same number of days as their parents with the purchase of a 3-or-more day adult lift ticket. One free kid’s ticket per paid parent. Must be purchased at least four days in advance. Visit mtbachelor.com.

Ninja Training Spring Break Camp Join us for a crash course in everything NINJA! Includes self-defense and martial arts training, ninja skills obstacle course, a full day of training outdoors, costumes, history lessons, calligraphy and a ninja photo shoot! Open to ages 7-13. $125.

March 23-27, 9 am-noon at Sortor Bushido Kai Karate. Register online: bendparksandrec.org.

Piggy Bank Finance Learn about making good money choices while making a see-through piggy bank.

Set your savings goal and you are off and running on your way to finance it! Open to ages 8-11 at Hollinshead Barn. $30.

March 23 9 am-noon or March 24, 1-4 pm.

Register online: bendparksandrec.org.

Ponderosa Skate Park It’s Spring Break! Time to break out those boards and hit the park. Check out all the new features. Located at 225 SE 15th St. Open dawn to dusk. (No bikes allowed).

Shevlin Park Explore one of Bend’s beautiful natural parks just outside of town. With meandering paths and footbridges that cross Tumalo Creek, the park provides hours of active entertainment for young explorers! 18920 Shevlin Park Road.

Open dawn to dusk.

Sports Camps at Cascade Indoor Sports We will be playing different sports and games during the entire camp including

soccer, kickball, skating, ultimate frisbee, flag football, dodgeball, floor hockey and tons more! Bring your friends, open to girls and boys in grades 1-5, March 23-26, 8:30 am-noon. Visit cascadeindoorsports. com to register.

Spring Break Music Camp We’ll sing, dance and play instruments of all kinds and stage a short production at the Cascade School of Music. $125. Ages 6-8, March 23-27, 9 am-noon. Ages 9-11, March 23-27, 1-4 pm. Register online: bendparksandrec.org.

Sunriver Nature Conservatory Kids dig it when they can prowl through the woods, track a porcupine, touch a reptile or go eye-to-eye with a great horned owl. Check out the hands-on activities, programs and exhibits. Stop by for some teachable moments! In Sunriver: 57245 River Rd. Call for specific Spring Break hours and programs: 541-5934394.

The Big Play Thing Located in Cascade Indoor Sports is Central Oregon’s largest indoor play structure, with more than 3,000 square feet of climbing fun! Check out the foam forests, tubes, tunnels, web crawls and elevators, Tarzan bridge, and more! Open to children 4 and older. $5/child, free for parents. Go to cascadeindoorsports.com for more information.

Wanderlust Tours Lava Tube Cave Tours: Outfitted with helmets and headlamps, guides will help you discover secret rooms, great cave history and what lives and grows in the caves. Tours depart daily, from 9 am-1:30 pm. $65 per adult, $55 for children under 12, children 5 and older welcome. Go to wanderlusttours.com

Wanoga Sno-Park sledding hill Bring the whole family! Located just off Century Drive, you’ll find the perfect place to ride your sled, toboggan or boogie board. Free! Parking available with the purchase of a Sno-Park parking permit.

Woodland Faerie Training Camp Lots of outdoor exploration included and a bit of the magic you create will go home with you! Located at Hollinshead Barn. $30. Open to ages 8-11. March 23, 1-4 pm, or March 24, 9 am-noon. Register online: bendparksandrec.org.

Applying for Magnet and Charter Schools Although this school year may be entering its final lap, now is actually the time to consider various school options for the 2015-2016 year if you are considering an alternative, magnet or charter schools. The deadline for the lottery is March 20, 2015.

Children gain entry to the following schools by submitting an application to the school of their choice. Applications are available at the various school sites. The lottery takes place March 31 and letters of decision will be mailed to families on April 3. Students may only apply to only one of the following schools.

Amity Creek Magnet School at Thompson Established in 1995, Amity Creek is an elementary school organized around a child-centered approach to learning. The present enrollment is 175. Parent information sessions are March 4 at 2:30 and 5:30 pm. Parent tours are available upon request.

437 NW Wall St. 541-355-2800 Highland Elementary School at Kenwood Using the Scottish Storyline method of teaching, Highland has a commitment to high academic standards and unique learning experiences.

Enrollment at the school is 389. Parent information sessions are Feb. 10 at 6 pm and Feb. 25 at 3 pm. Parent tours are Feb. 13 at 1 pm and Feb. 27 at 1 pm.

701 NW Newport Ave. 541-355-1900

Westside Village Magnet School at Kingston Westside Village School is a K-8 school with a non-graded, mixed-age learning community whose vision includes a learning environment that establishes a nurturing, stimulating and democratic foundation for the world we aspire to live in. Parent information sessions are March 3 at 6 pm, March 11 at noon. Parent tours are available upon request.

1101 NW 12th St. 541-355-2000

Rimrock Expeditionary Alternative Learning Middle School (REALMS Charter School) REALMS is a public charter school for 6th through 8th grade students who are seeking a small, active, and challenging educational environment. Contact the school to find out more about tours.

63175 OB Riley Rd. 541-322-5323 Bear Creek Elementary School Dual Immersion Program Beginning in Kindergarten, the Dual Immersion Program is structured to enrich Spanish-speaking children’s heritage language while acquiring their second language—English. English speaking students also maintain their first language while acquiring their second language—Spanish. Enrollment is 709 students. Parent information sessions are Feb. 23 at 6 pm at Bear Creek, March 16 at 6 pm at Bear Creek, and March 11 at 6 pm at Juniper Elementary.

Parent tours are Feb. 24, March 10 and March 17 at 9 am. Please note that families may apply to Bear Creek and a magnet school.

51 SE 13th St. 541-355-1400

PHOTO BY KURT ARMSTRONG BENDNEST.COM | FEB 2015 | 21

Culture

More Beauty Than Beast Thoroughly Modern Productions is maturing young actors

By Phil Busse

22 | FEB 2015 | BENDNEST.COM

O

n a recent Tuesday evening, about two dozen children run through the paces, darting from one side of the room to the next in packs of three and four.

“My son is a spatula,” announces one mom, who is sitting toward the edge of the carpeted room. In context, her proclamation is not entirely odd or surreal. She is explaining the role that her son is rehearsing for an upcoming production of Beauty & The Beast, a fairy tale that includes various magical touches, like kitchen utensils—including, yes, spatulas—coming to animated life.

In the middle of this maelstrom, David DaCosta, the director and founder of Thoroughly Modern Productions, stands calmly.

“I don’t want so much chaos,” he says matter-of-factly.

“Come in, scare them, let them react, then chase them.”

He is wearing a blue zip-up sweatshirt, blue jeans and full day’s stubble. Growing up near New York City, he was in Shakespeare Youth Theater in fifth and sixth grades, and routinely attended stage productions at Lincoln Center Children’s Theater.

In spite of the scurrying of will-be plates and knives and forks, he seems relaxed.

One of the small boys suddenly stops, and looks as confused as a deer in headlights. “You’re with the plates,” directs DaCosta. “Over there,” he points to the young boy.

Founded three years ago, Thoroughly Modern Productions started hosting workshops for youth 8-18 last summer. Three

months long, with three meetings each week, the workshops teach acting as well as dancing and singing. These workshops matured into a staged production of The Wizard of Oz last summer. Although not exclusively a “kids’ production,” more than half of the cast for The Wizard of Oz were under 18—and, amazingly, the reviews were glowing; not just, oh-my-kid-wasgood-as-a-flying-monkey said from one mom to the next, but truly solid reviews from local theater goers and critics that these stage productions are on par with any other professional production.

“I’m going slower than the music will be,” DaCosta chimes in, patiently snapping his fingers to an easy-going beat, and then clapping his voice to start the action. His voice doesn’t fluctuate, yet conveys steady enthusiasm. “Knife, spoons, tea cups,” he announces. “Come on, salt and pepper shakers, let’s go.”

Although none of the two dozen children play lead roles in the production, they are a constant presence on stage— and the interaction with the adult performers who do hold the lead roles is an informal, but highly effective mentoring program. The children are far more than props, and are treated as integral parts of the production—an inclusion that teaches them theater skills and seems to bring them back; from the group that played in The Wizard of Oz,” more than half of the kids have returned for another round of workshops with Thoroughly Modern Productions. The current workshop culminates with a six-night performance of Beauty and The Beast at the Summit High auditorium.

7:30 pm

Friday & Saturday, Feb. 13•14•20•21 3:00 pm

Sunday, Feb. 15•22 Summit High School Theater. $18.50 for seniors and children under 12. $22.50 for adults.

PHOTOS BY MATT FOX

BENDNEST.COM | FEB 2015 | 23

t Where beautiful smiles are par of a healthy, active lifestyle.

Dr. Jeff Johnson and Dr. Maureen Porter www.BendDentalGroup.com | 541-389-1884

901 NW Carlon Ave (Find us at the intersection of Colorado, Broadway and Carlon, just northeast of the Colorado Ave. bridge)

SHARC Sunriver Homeowners

Aquatic & Recreation Center

Open For Spring Break!

Water Slides & Lazy River 12-4pm March 21-29

e b u T Yo u er Style Sunriv

Year-Round Indoor Swimming & Tubing Hill • Season & Corporate Passes

541.585.5000 • www.sunriversharc.com 24 | FEB 2015 | BENDNEST.COM

Note By Note

The contributions of Cascade School of Music

By Phil Busse

Culture The

BookShelf Mimi and Maty to the Rescue!

Book 1: Roger the Rat is on the Loose!

Every year, Cascade School of Music works with nearly 500 students—which is, quite simply, teaching more than one youth in Central Oregon about music every single day of the year.

The school teaches youth of all ages, from all walks of life, in all types of instruments—from piano and violin, to drums, guitar, and woodwinds. And it is not only music—and the fun and joy that playing music brings—but it is a critical contribution to individuals’ psychological and neurological development, as research has clearly indicated that learning music helps develop robust cognitive and concentration skills.

Fittingly, the tagline for Cascade School of Music is “the sound of human potential,” a slogan that Arlene Gibson, the school’s director of development, marketing and events, says starts with the idea that “humans have tremendous creative potential, and that unlocking that potential is a big part of realizing who we are.” She adds, “Students are so expressive when they play an instrument, even when they are just beginners.”

Gibson talks about a recent recital in late January, when Cascade’s “School of Rock” bands performed at 2nd Street Theater. She points to one student in particular—a pre-teen who, she says, clearly had natural talent. But, Gibson adds, the teachers also discovered that the boy had been abused and abandoned by his birth parents.

“The one thing that really stood out about him was that he never smiled,” she recalls. “Even though his instructor was one of the funniest people at our school, nobody could get this kid to even grin.”

But at the recent recital, this young boy fronted one of the rock bands.

“Following his performance,” explains Gibson, “when the theater lit up with applause, so did this kid; it was the first time anyone from the school had seen him smile.”

She adds, “We know music is changing the lives of all of the students here.”

Private and group, band and orchestra, from birth to adult, lessons are available at Cascade School of Music. For more information, visit ccschoolofmusic.org

Mimi and her best friend, Maty (her three-legged shelter dog) have teamed up to offer you their sharp sleuthing skills should you ever find your beloved pet gone missing. Local Bend author, Brooke Smith, does a first-rate job of capturing the adventuresome, yet kindhearted nature of youth, while offering a captivating easy read for children. Kids and adults too will laugh and smile as they follow this adorable detective story. Equipped with a special notebook (thanks, Aunt Bee!), and a readiness to help all things furry, this dynamic team is off and running with its first case: Roger the Rat is missing from his cage while his owner and best friend, Otto, is on vacation to Disneyland. You’ll love the detailed rat facts, methodical listing of clues, run-ins with Icky Vicky and Dicky, as well as the fun-filled illustrations by Alli Arnold.

Wildwood A tome. At 541 pages, this book is a commitment, but it remains a bestseller (especially at Powell’s in Portland) for a reason: Written by the Decembrist’s lead singer Colin Meloy and illustrated by his wife Carson Ellis, the story is a gripping tale of black magic that incorporates many of Portland’s landmarks, like Forest Park, and creates a tone of selfempowerment for the heroine, Alexandra. “It is a little scary,” says Maddy Oldread, 9, “but it’s a great adventure.” Her 7-year-old sister Molly agrees that it is an enchanting story, but disagrees that it is scary. “Not at all,” she says bravely.

BENDNEST.COM | FEB 2015 | 25

Adult Time

Keeping the Extended Family Involved . . . . . .Even when they don’t live there

By Aimee Roseborrough

M

any of us are transplants to Bend (myself included, I’ve been here four glorious years). As a mother of two children, I like to keep our extended family as involved as possible in my kids’ lives. But since my children’s grandparents and extended family live throughout the United States, they can’t just pop around the corner for a quick visit, or to babysit for an afternoon.

There are, however, plenty of ways to stay in touch, and to keep your extended family part of your children’s lives.

26 | FEB 2015 | BENDNEST.COM

Old School: Write Letters!

Even if your family is tech savvy, letters are an easy and fun form of communication. My children’s grandparents send cards for most holidays, and the kids love it. If your kids are too young to write letters back, have them make artwork to send extended family members—it is sure to be treasured.

Another great idea is to keep a photo album of extended family members. Soft sided photo albums are available so even the youngest member of your family can enjoy the photos.

Extended family can periodically send pictures to add to the albums. Mail may be “old school,” but it provides real, tactile, treasured memories for children and extended relatives.

21st Century Communication For tech-savvy relatives, Skype, Facetime and Google Hangouts are great options. Skype allows free video calls from computer to computer, and is downloadable for free, at Skype.com. Both parties will need to download and install the software on their laptop or mobile device, but it allows real-time interaction—and all the joy that facial expressions and tone of voice add to a conversation. If you have relatives overseas, Skype also provides low cost phone calls through your computer.

Facetime is an Apple product that allows video calls from any Apple device to any other Apple device. For instance, you can call from an iPhone to a Mac or an iPad to an iPhone, etc.

Google offers a similar service called Google Hangouts. Even though this services have been around for years, they still feel as futuristic as Star Trek.

Text Messaging We’ve found text messaging or emailing video messages to relatives to be a great way to send immediate “thank you’s.” It’s so nice for relatives to see and hear the children enjoying their presents—and a way to wash away some of those geographic differences and create an immediacy. Once your child is old enough to write, texting can be fun. My 7-year-old loves to text with her grandparents from my phone and especially to add emoticons!

In-Person Visits Finally, the most expensive and time intensive option is, of course, a visit. Fortunately, we live in an inviting and fun place to visit. Although the Redmond airport is small, it is convenient and has many flight options. There are daily flights from Denver, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and Portland. Relatives can get here from just about anywhere within one or two stops. But as exciting as mountain excursions and river trips can be, one recommendation is to make sure to integrate visiting relatives into daily life: Let grandma and grandpa walk your young one to school. It helps make these visits seem not so much like vacations, but part of normal life. And, if they come visit and love Bend, there’s always the chance they’ll move out here! So many families I know have had relatives follow them.

Aimee Roseborrough owns the popular online moms community Bend Moms for Moms: bendmomsformoms com.

BENDNEST.COM | FEB 2015 | 27

small class size

Most Oregon parents, 96%, disapprove of students their child’s age drinking alcohol.

For Deschutes County information contact: Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention 541-330-4632

Oregon teens choose not to drink.

28 | FEB 2015 | BENDNEST.COM

open enrollment begins March 2nd for info and to schedule a tour please call 541-382-2049

Spring Reboot Unplug the family and get outside

By Alyce Pearce

I

t is enough to make any Enter: The Children’s Forest, conscientious parent wince: a pioneering local nonprofit that According to the National strives to reconnect kids with naWildlife Federation, the averture, and in the process, combat age American child spends four obesity with a healthy dose of to seven minutes in unstructured exploring the outdoors. play per day, but more than “With kids spending as seven hours per day in front of much as eight to ten hours an electronic screen. a day in front of screens, it’s Even worse, little of that time more important than ever that is spent playing hide and seek: we give them opportunities to Only one-quarter of children build a connection with nature play outside on a daily basis, throughout their childhood,” says compared Katie Chipco, to nearly coordinator “We want kids to threefor Children’s quarters Forest. “This develop a sense of just a single can be in a wonder and place, generation corner of the ago; and, find confidence and backyard, not just in in a local spend time with the cities, park, on a friends and family but in rural hiking trail, or areas as well. while developing an beyond.”

The Chipco appreciation for the reassures modern culprits parents natural world,” are many: that they says Katie Chipco Visceral don’t have video to launch a games. Prolific technology. major expedition to the top of Mt Narrowing educational Bachelor to be physically active curriculums that ditch science and find nature. Within walking for test scores. Abandoned lots distance, she points out, almost and wild spaces replaced by every Bend resident has access neighborhoods that leave little to to parks and natural spaces— the imagination. DVD road trips and, if they don’t, Children’s instead of families playing “I Spy” Forest can help, providing free out the window together. parent resources and accessible, inspiring activities to keep kids Even Bend kids, growing up connected to nature and being with unparalleled outdoor ophealthy close to home. portunities, are not exempt from the disturbing national statistics For more information about of childhood obesity, with 21 perChildren’s Forest Central Oregon, cent of ninth graders overweight including information about or at risk for obesity in Deschutes snowshoe trips, check out childCounty, according to a recent rensforestco.org Oregon Health Teen Survey.

So, what’s a parent to do?

Health Four years ago, then-Gov. Ted Kulongoski recognized both the increasing lethargy of American youth, and the remarkable outdoor beauty in the state, and proclaimed an “Oregon Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights,” which emphasizes that every child in Oregon should have opportunities to: climb a tree, camp under the stars, walk barefoot on the beach, or simply play in a nearby park.

A few easy, inexpensive ways Central Oregon families can turn off technology and tune into nature: Build a Fort…and You Can’t Do Your Homework Until You Do!: Create a routine where kids have to be outside for a minimum of 20 minutes a day.

Nature-spotting: Pack a picnic, choose a natural setting and hang out. Skip rocks. Go nature-spotting on bikes. Try Riverbend Park, the Deschutes Canal, Shevlin Park, Drake Park and Pilot Butte. Keep a family log of the birds, insects and animals you find.

Plant a Seed: At home, all you need is a flower pot and a few seeds for homegrown horticulture and an up-close encounter with nature at work. For inspiration, check out Hollinshead Community Garden where families can adopt their own garden plot.

Charades, anyone?

Designate Family Movie Night: It may be painful at first, but try to pare back screen time and carve out more connecting time by choosing only one night per weekend for media.

BENDNEST.COM | FEB 2015 | 29

Nature vs. Technology How to win the battle for conservation

By Taylor Thompson

30 | FEB 2015 | BENDNEST.COM

Outdoors

O

nce upon a time, in a world free of iPads and smartphones, there lived a young girl whose outdoor spirit was wholesome and unhindered. Day after day—come rain or shine—she would frolic in nature, savoring every minute of daylight (and moonlight, too) that she possibly could…

Did I mention this was 1990-something, in a world not so free of Gameboy and Sega Genesis?

Okay, so maybe the times have been a-changin’ since my childhood, as the phrase “Mom and Dad, I’m going outside to play!” now seems obsolete. But still, when it comes to the battle of Nature vs. Technology, our bets shouldn’t be wavering.

Kids these days—they’re in desperate need of some fresh air. And as parents, our job is to give it to them.

“Parents should encourage their children to be outside every day,” says Bill Warburton of Bend Endurance Academy. “It benefits the child and the parent.”

Warburton, who specializes in getting Central Oregon’s youth off of the couch and onto the bike trails, believes that ample outdoor exposure is the key to improving a child’s eating habits, sleeping patterns and behavioral tendencies.

And the best way to succeed? Well, some would say the sooner, the better, like Aimee Roseborrough, an experienced climber who first introduced her children to the climbing scene before their second birthdays.

“Getting out in nature is healthy—both physically and psychologically,” Roseborrough says. “Since my older daughter has been climbing for so long now, she’s able to climb better than many kids her age and older.”

And thanks to all that time on the rocks, Roseborrough has also watched her daughter thrive on goal orientation.

“She finds a climb that she wants to [summit] and

sometimes has to work hard to do it, but she feels very accomplished when she makes it,” she explains.

Another firm believer in the start-‘em-young approach is local naturalist Jim Anderson, whose children have been exploring and appreciating nature since the day they were born (literally).

“My kids are now doing the same thing with their kids,” Anderson says. “They approach everything with respect, wanting to know how and why it works in the world around them.”

Talk about a crucial factor for conservation. I mean, how else can our little ones (and their little ones, and so on) learn to preserve and protect? They must first get acquainted with the outdoors, which—according to Anderson—requires plenty of discovery, endless respect and minimal fear.

“It doesn’t matter if what you discover gets in your hair, flies over your head or tries to bite your ankle—it’s all about the diversity of life and doing everything you can to make sure it keeps working,” he says.

“Conservation will happen, and it won’t need to be preached.”

Even if your kiddos aren’t fresh out of the womb, there’s still time to get on board (not to mention a plethora of local opportunities). So whether it’s a spring sports league, a camping trip to Tumalo State Park, or a youth program at Bend Endurance Academy, just get them out of the darn house and into the great outdoors.

“It’s even more important now,” says longtime climber Mike Rougeux, who currently coaches climbers at the Academy. “As we move deeper into the technological age, we’re connecting more with electrical outlets than we are with the outdoor world. If we get kids to explore and play outside, we’re starting the foundation for the next generation of responsible caretakers and recreation users.”

BENDNEST.COM | FEB 2015 | 31

Outdoors

The Gear

For the climbing rookie Petzl SIMBA, $59.95 Contain your little mountain goats with this adjustable full-body harness.

Intended for youngsters ages 5-10, the Petzl SIMBA offers high tie-in points to keep those kiddos upright.

Mountain Supply, 834 NW Colorado Ave, 541-388-0688.

Compiled by Taylor Thompson

For the tiny cyclist Classic Strider, $99 Forget about training wheels; this little 6.7-pounder is paving the way for pedaling perfection! The concept?

Balance, coordination and speed control—exactly what your pint-sized athletes need to gain confidence for those big mountain trails.

Hub Cyclery, 1001 NW Wall, #102, 541-647-2614.

For the artsy adventurer Pakems Kids Extreme Bodie Edition, $45 Comfortable, lightweight, packable design… Water-resistant, ripstop fabric… Customizable appearance... This may just be the perfect footwear. I mean, what kid wouldn’t want to scribble all over a brand-new pair of shoes right before jumping through a field full of mud puddles?

For the traveling family GoPro HERO, $129.99 GoPro Junior Chesty, $29.99 Why? Because recording your own National Lampoon’s Vacation doesn’t get much better than strapping a miniature, waterproof/shockproof/vomit-proof camera to your child’s chest.

REI, 380 Powerhouse Dr., 541-385-0594.

For the newbie parents Boba 4G Carrier, $125 With this super-comfy, ultrasupportive, pocket-friendly infant carrier, you can now take your 7-pound newborn to the summit of South Sister.

Hopscotch Kids, 1303 NW Galvelson Ave., 541-213-2245.

For the happy/nappy camper KidCo PeaPod Plus, $99.99 Designed specifically for the minicampers (ages 1-5), this lightweight travel tent comes fully equipped with a Microlite sleeping pad, adjustable window screens and UV protection.

Yay, naptime! Baby Phases, 749 NE Greenwood Ave. #1, 541-389-3549.

32 | FEB 2015 | BENDNEST.COM

Keeping A Lid on Teen Drinking

By Angela Switzer

Y

our kid is growing up. It’s exciting to see her move gracefully into adolescence, taking steps toward independence. With a considerable amount of time spent away from the family, she’s able to explore new situations with friends in her ever-expanding world. You trust your child, so why worry?

Well, for many youths ages 12 and up, adolescence is the time for experimenting with alcohol. Twelve may sound a little young, but believe me, it is happening.

Although drinking among high schoolers overall has decreased over the past two decades, according the Oregon Student Wellness Survey, teen drinking rates in Deschutes County have been routinely higher than state averages since 2004. In Bend, one of the most prolific beer towns in America, local parents have an even more keen responsibility as the local culture here can seem to encourage drinking.

The risks are worth understanding: According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), youth who drink are more likely to experience school problems as well as social problems, including withdrawal from youth activities. Add to that, potential legal problems.

Sure, many parents consider teenage drinking to be a rite of passage. You drank in high school, right? A little partying?

No big deal! That way of thinking, however, can be detrimental to your child’s path in life—physically, mentally, and developmentally.

The teenage brain is a work in progress. The frontal lobe—the part of the brain responsible for decision-making, inhibition and impulse control—is not fully formed until around age 25. Unlike adults, teens are more likely to make decisions based on emotions rather than reasoning.

Because of this developmental phase, the effects of alcohol on the teenage brain are very different from those on the adult brain. Alcohol can interfere with the normal processes vital for healthy brain development, and may have long-term negative effects. Teenage drinking over a long period of time may even damage the frontal lobe permanently.

In a recent study by Susan Tapert from the University of San Diego, brain scans revealed visible damage to the brains of middle schoolers who binge drank, and a direct correlation between taking up binge drinking and declining intellectual performance.

The good news—and, yes, there is good news—is that as a parent, you are very influential when it comes to your child’s decisions. Talking with your child openly about alcohol is the first step toward prevention. Being clear about your expectations is vital. Although you may feel the opposite to be true, the majority of youth say their parents are the ones who shaped their attitudes about drinking at a young age.

Leaving

the Nest

In addition to conversations with your child, look at your own behavior when it comes to drinking.

Children are perceptive. If you drink, drink responsibly. Be careful hosting parties where alcohol is abundant. Are you modeling the behavior you want your child to mimic in her adolescent years and later? If you’re hanging off the beer trolley, yelling at your teenager’s friends, probably time to re-assess.

Moreover, the source of alcohol for most youths is either their own home or their friends’ homes. This has several implications: First, it may seem elementary, but if there’s no alcohol around, teens are not as likely to be drinking. Second, the concept that it’s acceptable for children to drink at home has its flaws. Sure, the European model, where youths are allowed to drink under their parents’ supervision, may seem appealing, but the part of the story often untold is that most European countries actually have a higher incidence of teenage binge drinking than the United States. The CDC underscores this problem, explaining that youth who start drinking before age 15 are five times more likely to develop alcohol dependence or abuse later in life than those who begin drinking at or after age 21.

Equipped with up-to-date information regarding the dangers of underage drinking, you are ready to purposefully steer your child in the right direction. Even if your teen’s refrain these days is, “Everyone’s doing it!” you’ll be comforted to know that “everyone” in this case refers to only about onethird of high schoolers who use alcohol regularly. Remind your teen that she does in fact have a choice in the matter, and that plenty of high schoolers wait until the legal age of 21 before taking that first drink.

For more information on talking with your kids about drinking, visit ShareFutureCoalition.org

BENDNEST.COM | FEB 2015 | 33

Things I v’e ’ Learned

gs L a rr y L a n

ton

f e i h C e r i F d n e B f o y t i C

Parenting is like rushing into a burning building. Both can be stressful and leave you with a feeling of being a little bit out of control. Firefighting requires a team working together and covering each other; so does parenting. Good firefighters never panic, and I suppose that applies to good parenting.

I was hopeful, but I never pushed my children to become firefighters. They were encouraged to find their own way. Both of my children have, however, followed the path of public service.

Our daughter is a teacher, and loves it. Our son is a Marine Corp/ Navy pilot. He considered a Fire Service career, but his heart was in aviation. Candidly, I must admit I would love to see him on a fire engine.

There are no cat skeletons in trees, they figure out a way down eventually. As fire fighters, we don’t climb up in the tree to rescue a cat. That is true for parenting, too; allowing the child to go through difficulties on their own is “okay.”

The one thing that my children may bring up in therapy, is: “Did my dog really run away?”

I have found the most common thread for destroying teamwork is arrogance. Arrogance is too often a short step away. We as parents need to stress the appeal and value of true humility. So, team sports were what our family was all about, because team sports nurture teamwork and trust. At Bend Fire, we currently look for humility and a history of teamwork when interviewing new firefighters. Our guys spend one third of their lives together. They need to count on each other in difficult and dangerous situations; teamwork is at the foundation of their work.

I have never known a career firefighter who I could not trust when the chips were down.

Fire chiefs last an average of three years, according to National Statistics. If a chief thinks, “I am always right,” he or she will find themselves on the short term list. Like a fire chief, keeping an open mind and being a good listener as a parent is not always easy, but it is necessary. That doesn’t mean we give up our base values; it is just that we recognize the world has a lot of grey. When they—the employees or the kids—quit coming to you for advice, it is probably because they are working around you. That ends up bad for everyone.

Negotiating with the Fire Union is far easier than negotiating with my children. Our children were experts at getting their way.

Especially my daughter, she worked me like you wouldn’t believe.

With firefighters there is a line they won’t cross. There are no lines with children. If we don’t say “no,” anything goes.

34 | FEB 2015 | BENDNEST.COM

PHOTO BY MATT FOX

BENDNEST.COM | FEB 2015 | 35

bump ahead. congratulations!

Overwhelmed?

Thrilled?

Anxious?

Whatever emotions you’re feeling or questions you have about the new life growing inside of you, we are here to help. At the new St. Charles Center for Women’s Health we not only provide the very best in preconception through postpartum care, we also help educate moms-to-be through pregnancy, childbirth education and breastfeeding classes.

To schedule an appointment, give us a call at 541-526-6635.

NEW LOCATION | 340 NW 5th St. in Redmond StCharlesHealthCare.org/womenshealth 36 | FEB 2015 | BENDNEST.COM