2 | Winter 2010 | U MAGAZINE
Magazine Table of Contents Contributors ........................................................... 4 Welcome to the Rest of Your Life ........................ 5
Section 1: Enlightened Kick-Starting Confidence ..................................... 7 Help Develop Reading Success ........................... 10 What We’re Reading ............................................. 11
Section 2: Relationships The Privilege of Giving ........................................ 12
Section 3: Well-being Clearing Up Mammogram Confusion ............... 14 Olive It! .................................................................. 17 Olive-specific Recipes .......................................... 18 Make It a Workout ............................................... 20
Section 4: Image The Little Black Dress ........................................ 22 Pamper Yourself .................................................. 24
Section 5: Achieve Taking On the Fashion World ........................... 25 Women’s Groups & Organizations .................... 28 Workplace Advice ............................................... 30
Editor’s Note
To Try is Priceless Confidence comes from exiting your comfort zone. Jules Moratti-Greene called me a couple of months ago to pitch a story idea for U Magazine. Her daughter, she said, has a black belt in Taekwondo, and she thought it would be nice if we did a feature about Central Oregon girls in the martial arts. I admit, at first I was slightly less than enthusiastic. As the editor of a publication for women, I realized early on that readers are generally unimpressed with the following story formula: woman + predominantly male activity = interesting. A good story — for magazines, newspapers, and even novels — must be able to elicit a reaction beyond, “Well, whaddaya know.” At the same time, I was happy to listen to her idea. I have a daughter of my own, and so I can appreciate a parent who enjoys a little boasting about her child’s accomplishments. During our discussion, though, she said something that hit close to home. “We’re proud of what she’s accomplished in Taekwondo,” she said. “But what’s really made a difference to us is how it’s taught her confidence in herself. It’s tough being a teenage girl today, so any activity that helps them build inner strength is priceless.” Indeed. Right now, I’m the father of a 2year-old girl. In slightly more than a decade, I’ll be the father of a teenager — a young woman.
U Magazine
is a product of The Bulletin’s Special Projects Division, P.O. Box 6020, Bend, OR 97708. All content is the property of The Bulletin/Western Communications Inc., and may not be reproduced without written permission. Story ideas may be submitted to editor Ben Montgomery for consideration. Contact him at 541-383-0379 or bmontgomery@ bendbulletin.com.
I’ve looked into it, and despite how perfect she seems today, there’s nothing I can legally do to stop her from growing. OK, I can live with that. The pains that go with said growth ... that’s what I’d like the ability to prevent. As a parent, though, there’s only so much I can do about things like bullies, peer pressure and the like. No matter what I teach my daughter, ultimately the ball will be in her court when she’s faced with these issues. She’ll need the ability to stand on her own two feed — to make and live with her own decisions — without the help of Daddy. A heavy dose of confidence and self-esteem is an invaluable tool for any child learning his or her way through life. For Jules, much of the confidence she sees in her daughter came from her participation in Taekwondo. I can certainly see how learning self-defense can be an empowering experience at any age. But I can also see how any extracurricular activity can empower a child — our daughters — to believe in herself and her value to others. The confidence you get from venturing away from your comfort zone and learning something new about yourself is a truly priceless experience at any age. Learn more about Jules MorattiGreene and her daughter, Taylor, on page 7 of U Magazine.
—Ben Montgomery, U Magazine Editor
Staff members for The Bulletin’s special projects division include: Martha Tiller, Special Projects Manager; Ben Montgomery, Special Projects Editor; Nicole Werner, Special Projects Assistant; Clint Nye, Graphic Designer; Stacie Oberson, Special Projects Coordinator; Lyle Cox, Photographer. Published: Saturday, November 6, 2010. Cover photo by Lyle Cox; Cover Model: Dona Upham Clothing provided by Mary Jane’s, Downtown Bend Makeup by Maria Anderson, Lemon Drop Salon U MAGAZINE | Winter 2010 | 3
CONTRIBUTORS
U Magazine
ANNISSA ANDERSON, a freelance writer and public relations consultant, also studied culinary arts and worked as a pastry chef in another life. Though she’s lived in the Northwest for the past 20 years, she spent her childhood living abroad.
KATHY OXBORROW owns Oxborrow Consulting, which assists public and nonprofit agencies. She grew up on a Nevada cattle ranch and returned to her roots after stints in San Francisco and Portland. She lives near Sisters and enjoys riding her horse Sara.
SONDRA HOLTZMAN is a record keeper of an evolving life. A professional artist and founder of The Traveling Studio, her journals and sketchbooks reflect explorations afar and close to home. Sondra is a published author, storyteller and travel writer and loves kayaking with her miniature longhaired dachshund, Scout.
RACHELLE PURCELL is a freelance writer, graphic artist and, hopefully someday, a novelist. She loves to write, travel, laugh, read, run and explore Central Oregon with her chihuahua, Dylan. A native of southwest Washington, she has lived in Bend since 2008.
GAIL ELIZABETH KRETCHMER is a local freelance and fiction writer whose work has been published in the High Desert Journal and various other publications. She teaches therapeutic and creative writing workshops throughout the community. Gail holds a Master of Fine Arts in Writing degree and is a member of The Association of Writers and Writing Programs as well as the National Association of Poetry Therapy.
SUSAN THOMAS SPRINGER began her journalism career as a TV news reporter. She worked in corporate marketing, managing communications for a bank and launching high-tech products. Today, she’s a freelance writer living in Sisters where she and her husband enjoy raising their twins.
ANDREW MOORE formerly covered the arts and business for The Bulletin. He lives in Bend with his wife and three young children.
BUNNY THOMPSON is an internationally published writer living in Sisters. She cruised on a sailboat for six years and 40,000 miles where she wrote a novel and published travel and adventure articles in national and international magazines such as Sail, Cruising World, Southern Boating and Island Scene.
4 | Winter 2010 | U MAGAZINE
Welcome to the rest of your life.
by Lori Gleichman, for The Bulletin
A simple, civil reminder
In a society filled with negative distractions, keep in mind that it’s never OK to be rude. Welcome to the rest of your life … realizing that being nice to others is important. That’s not very profound, but it’s something I think we need to be reminded on occasion. And the recent situation with the Chilean miners did just that. Recently, 33 miners were rescued from a 2,050-foot deep gold and copper mine in northern Chile after being trapped for 69 days. The rescue was covered by hundreds of media members from throughout the world. Live video of the rescue was delivered to our livingrooms via several television networks. As the drama played out, I was fascinated not only because of their will to survive, but also because of their almost instinctive ability to create a civil society nearly onehalf mile deep into the earth. Luis Urzua, the shift boss who emerged as the leader through the ordeal, said, “It was not easy to keep our composure” when they realized they were cut off from the surface by tons of fallen rock. “We thought this was going to be difficult.” That seems an extreme understatement to me, but instead of panicking, it appears the 33 men trapped in a 600-square-foot space did some immediate and conscious planning. They quickly established roles and rules and resolutely remained committed to both for 69 days. In other words, they established the foundation for a sustainable civil society. That was key to their survival, according to experts, and offers some lessons for us all. According to the London School of
Economics, a civil society is formed through collective action guided by shared interests, purposes and values. It differs from state institutions and market forces in that the actions are voluntary, driven by an enlightened sense of community rather than coercion or capital gain. An “enlightened sense of community” defines what the miners did. They had to voluntarily cooperate because if even one refused, it was likely many of them wouldn’t survive. We won’t really know what they talked about and how the agreements were reached until the movies and books hit the market, but we do know a few facts now. The miners quickly established zones for clean and dirty to contain waste, and they managed to share very little food and liquid equally. They established routines to give some structure to the endless days, and they assumed jobs to keep busy. They maintained civility in a cramped, humid, hot and continually dark space for almost three weeks until they were finally located. Then came the news that it could be months until they were rescued, and I wondered if the civil society would survive. Wouldn’t there come a time when hunger, anxiety, fear and physical strain would cause tensions to rise and a keen sense of self to take over? After all, most of us can barely get through a single day without being rude to someone or being the recipient of someone else’s selfishness. Coincidentally, Whoopi Goldberg has just published a book about what it takes to
The moment you realize that life can, and does, change in an instant is a profound moment in the journey of life. Sometimes we learn that lesson as a child; sometimes we’re older. Sometimes we get pretty far along in life before circumstances hit with a force you never expected, shifting perspectives and
make or break a civil society. In “Is It Just Me?: Or is it nuts out there?”, she writes, “Have you noticed that things aren’t as civil as they once were? Or that rudeness is no longer an exception but a lifestyle? Sure you have. All you need to do is set foot outside your door to see that bad manners are taking over everywhere.” Goldberg goes on to deconstruct the most common ways we are rude to each other every day in traffic and on airplanes, with cell phones and at movies, as neighbors in the park and as strangers at spectator sports. It’s a bit of rant, but it’s still so true in so many ways. Don’t we all get tired of the daily confrontations which could be avoided with some basic consideration for others and good old fashioned manners? So, what do the miners and Whoopi’s book have in common? Each is a reminder that we are not alone on this planet. At the most fundamental level, our very existence depends on sharing space and resources. In the case of the miners, their very survival depended just as much on making sure the fabric of their society didn’t tear as it did on the food, supplies and rescue plan that eventually freed them. But up here in the rest of the world, isolated in our own little spaces defined by smart phones, iPods and single-passenger cars, I think we forget how much we do depend on others. I think we forget that we each play a role in maintaining a civil society. I think we forget that it’s not OK to be rude.
priorities forever. And the funny thing is that when this moment arrives, it’s usually never of your own making. Otherwise, this column would be called “Welcome to the life you planned ...” Instead, it’s a chance alignment of forces that make you realize this is the new normal. In other words, “Welcome to the rest of your life.” — Lori Gleichman U MAGAZINE | Winter 2010 | 5
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Kick-starting
CONFIDENSE
Local parents find Taekwondo, self-defense help boost confidense and self-esteem in their daughters. Jules Moratti-Greene (above-right) with her 16year-old daughter, Taylor. Photos by Lyle Cox.
by Susan Thomas Springer, for The Bulletin Special Projects Bend mom Jules Moratti-Greene will always remember when her then 10-year-old girl competed for a Taekwondo belt with a flying side kick that broke a wooden board. That success was one of several which earned now 16-year-old Taylor a second degree black belt along with a healthy amount of self-respect. “We didn’t want her to see herself only as a beautiful little girl; we wanted her to know she can do anything,” said Greene. Taekwondo could be called a sport or be taken for self-defense. However, parents of girls who attend Taekwondo classes say the benefits that go beyond the physical—the building of self-esteem—are perhaps more worthwhile. This martial art can help 5-year-olds (called Little Dragons) as well as teenage girls with black belts feel confident through difficult passages such as peer pressure and academic milestones. It requires consistent practice and parental involvement, yet it brings children a sense of self-worth and achievement. Dan Graff, chief instructor at High Desert Marshal Arts, is Taylor’s teacher. In addition to the fitness and self-defense benefits, Graff instills the five basic tenants of Taekwondo: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self control and indomitable spirit, which is the belief that regardless of insurmountable odds or difficulties, one can overcome them and
Six-year-old Alexis Fitton wears her Taekwondo uniform with pride.
U MAGAZINE | Winter 2010 | 7
“That is the neat thing — that the lessons [of taekwondo] carry over to her regular life like listening, coordination, courtesy and respect.”
achieve success. Graff adds that it takes years of practicing drills and developing the skills necessary to avoid getting hit or to counter attack. “Through hard work and accomplishment, we start to feel good about ourselves,” said Graff, who sets high goals for himself and his students. Also, he hopes for high rewards. “One goal of Taekwondo is happiness through life,” he added. Taylor’s parents both work in emergency services so they are especially aware of the need for self defense. They
know their daughter will soon head out into the world armed with additional awareness on how to avoid potentially dangerous situations, the means to defend herself if necessary and the confidence that comes with her achievements. “Taekwondo teaches goal achievement and how each step builds toward that goal,” said Michael, Taylor’s dad. “There’s that sense of being able to complete something and be self driven,” said Jules. Jules added that Taekwondo has helped the couple to raise a daughter who thinks independently rather than
About
seeing herself as part of the crowd. Instead of sitting on the sidelines, these parents, along with Taylor’s younger brother, practice Taekwondo. Another dad who took Taekwondo as a teenager sees the benefits for his Little Dragon. Chris Fitton tells his 6-year-old daughter, Alexis, that if she does her best, she may win a medal. Fitton is pleased that his kindergartener, who recently competed in a stadium filled with a couple hundred spectators, is learning the valuable lesson that practice is required to both earn a
Taekwondo
camouflage belt and to learn letters and numbers. “That is the neat thing — that the lessons carry over to her regular life like listening, coordination, courtesy and respect,” said Fitton. He appreciates that Graff brings a feeling of family to his classroom. Bend mother Marcy Anderson is starting her first grader on the Taekwondo path after training in it herself. Anderson says both her girl and boy were inspired when they saw mom earn her black belt last year. At this age, daughter Taryn is interested in everything
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art popular around the world. It can be closely translated as “the art of kicking and punching.” It is known for its kicking techniques which break boards and bricks and, as with many martial arts, is a combination of combat, self-defense, sport and philosophy. Students advance in rank and earn colored belts by demonstrating techniques in front of their teachers or a panel of judges. The sparring style is an official Olympic medal event governed by the World Taekwondo Federation. 8 | Winter 2010 | U MAGAZINE
from tap dancing to ballet to rock climbing. Anderson is happy to coordinate an afterschool activity, which can help bolster her girl’s selfesteem. “I watch these children thrive as they learn coordination and achieve success after success,” said Anderson. Tayor Greene’s 10 years in Taekwondo have given her a “can do” attitude. “I feel a little more brave to try things I haven’t before,”
said Taylor, refering to such things as advanced placement classes and rock climbing. Taylor sees Taekwondo as part of her future and appreciates that it has given her the chance to teach younger students. “You gain experience, and you also gain a family and friends,” said Taylor. “Of course the most important part is being a good, confident, healthy person,” added Graff.
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RAISING THE BAR
9 easy ways to help your child become a reading success. enjoy riddles and jokes that rely on wordplay. Laughing together on trips or during errands can be both enjoyable and memorable to you and your child.
Research has shown a link between a child’s academic success and his or her reading experience at home. “The more children read, the more they’ll enjoy reading and the better readers they’re likely to become,” said Sheila Reed, director of Sylvan Learning Center in Bend. Reed offers the following tips for parents searching for ways to engage their child in the wonderful world of reading: 1. Read together regularly. Reed recommends that parents spend an average of an hour a week — 10 to 15 minutes a day — reading with their children. This establishes a regular, daily habit. 2. Encourage your child to build his/her own library. Help your child do this by including a
visit to a local bookstore in your weekly or monthly shopping outings. 3. Provide different kinds of general interest magazines for your child. Read an article together and help your child with different words and abstract concepts. 4. Visit your local library and introduce your child to the children’s librarian. 5. Get a riddle book at the library or bookstore. Children
6. Create a vocabulary game. Compile a word list, or ask your children’s teacher for a word list, and make a daily or weekly game on index cards. 7. Make a book. Encourage your children to write original stories and illustrate them with their own drawings. It’s a great way to increase comfort and familiarity with words. 8. Learn words on the road. Use every new experience to introduce new words to your child. 9. Search for reading activities on the Internet.
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According to Reed, an abundance of websites exist to provide reading lists for children. Book Adventure, for instance, is an interactive site that allow students to choose their own books to read, then provides comprehension quizzes, parent resources and tips to help children develop a love for reading. Visit the Sylvan-sponsored site at www. bookadventure.com.
What We’re Reading
by Bunny Thompson, for The Bulletin
Learn what some long-time Central Oregon book clubs are reading and how they feel about their selections. “Storm of Steel” by Ernst Junger
Sunriver Historical Book Club A memoir of astonishing power, “Storm of Steel” presents the horrors of World War I through the eyes of an ordinary German soldier. “I saw steel helmets approaching through the craters. They seemed to sprout from the fire-harrowed soil like some iron harvest,” Junger said. One of the couples in this group recently traveled through Belgium and France viewing the relics of trench warfare from WWI and added insight to Junger’s account. The discussion centered on the dismal life of trench warfare and the camaraderie between the opposing forces and the number of injuries the author suffered. The group posed some perplexing questions such as “Is war in our nature?” and “Will we always be at war somewhere?” The discussion was followed with a dinner of pork and sauerkraut.
“Animal Dreams” by Barbara
Kingsolver
BIBLIOBABES This suspenseful love story uses a combination of flashbacks, dreams and Native American legends to explore life’s
largest commitment. This book group marveled at Kingsolver’s ability to work in issues of social consciousness (in this case, Nicaragua in the 1980s) through Codi’s sister’s journey. “We loved Kingsolver’s sensitive and deep descriptions of the Southwest setting and the Native American rituals and lifestyle and her deep commitment to environmental issues,” said a book group member.
“The Last Child” by John Hart Pine Meadows Readers
A year after 12-year-old Alyssa Merrimon disappeared on her way home from the library in an unnamed rural North Carolina town, her twin brother, Johnny, continues to search the town, even visiting the homes of known sex offenders. The lead cop on Alyssa’s case keeps a watchful eye on Johnny and his mother, who has deteriorated since Alyssa’s abduction and
her husband’s departure soon afterward. When a second girl is snatched, Johnny is even more determined to find his sister. What he unearths is more sinister than anyone imagined and puts Johnny’s own life in danger. This book group met at the Sylvia Beach Hotel in Newport on the coast. “It’s such a funky place and full of readers from all over,” said a member.
“The Left Hand of Darkness” by
Ursula LeGuin Fair and Tender Ladies
A science fiction by one of Portland’s most famous authors, Ursula LeGuin, this book will definitely expand your horizons. On a planet where people are of no gender — or both — Genly Ai’s mission is to bring the planet back into the fold of an evolving galactic civilization. In her usual fashion, LeGuin explores her characters and their philosophical beliefs with verve. The Fair and Tender Ladies had a lively discussion about the dualities presented: a two-season planet and a gender neutral society. They loved the idea that this fictional society had never seen war.
Guest Reader: Taffy Gleason, Executive Director, Bend Community Center “The Tao of Now: Daily Wisdom from Mystics, Sages, Poets, and Saints” by Josh Baran In this book of daily meditations, Josh Baran shows readers that nirvana is staring them in the face. Nirvana happens when ordinary, everyday experience is freed from perpetual seeking or wishing for conditions to improve. This book contains some of the greatest ancient and modern teachings from such notables as Eckhart Tolle, Rumi and Pema Chodron. “I love books like this because it helps to keep me grounded in daily reality and reminds me to always be grateful for what I do have,” said Gleason. “It helps me to understand or be reminded that whatever challenges I’m going through isn’t the end of the world, but a temporary situation designed to challenge me to be a better person in one way or another.” Gleason said this is the type of book you can pick up and read a few excerpts before you mediate or use it for inspiration when you’re angry, stressed or feeling down. “A quick read through a few pages always puts me in a calmer, more positive state of mind and allows me to move on with more compassion or courage or joy. It also helps me to keep a more compassionate perspective on those who irritate me by reminding me that we are all human, we all make mistakes, and to forgive is the healthiest, sanest way to keep an open and loving heart.” U MAGAZINE | Winter 2010 | 11
Photos by Lyle Cox
The Privilege of Giving After surviving her own share of personal struggles, Taffy Gleason founded the Bend Community Center to help others ‘at a critically important level to them.’ by Andrew Moore, for The Bulletin Special Projects On a recent Sunday morning at Bend’s Community Center, the morning rush at the weekly food kitchen had slowed to a trickle. A few latecomers sat in the dining room and leisurely ate plates heaped high with hash browns, pancakes and biscuits and gravy, while others sipped coffee and watched football on the big screen TV. Things weren’t nearly as tranquil in the kitchen. An army of volunteers cleaned dishes and hovered over sinks and stoves preparing chili, corn and macaroni and cheese for lunch. In the middle of the fray was the center’s 12 | Winter 2010 | U MAGAZINE
executive director, Taffy Gleason. She taught one volunteer how to use the dishwasher, then darted into the walk-in freezer to fetch a sauce for one of the cooks. After dispensing cooking instructions, she asked another volunteer to prepare to break down breakfast, and then politely pleaded with another volunteer to stay for lunch. “You can go if you want, but we’d love to have you if you can stay for lunch,” Gleason said to the volunteer. Gleason, 56, will tell you that it’s the volunteers and donors that make it possible for her nonprofit organization to feed more than 1,200 homeless people per week. But it’s hard to imagine such a feat
without Gleason’s drive and vision. Once nearly homeless herself, Gleason founded the center in 2002 with the goal of simply helping people in need, by serving a hot meal, offering a hot shower or providing clean clothes. It’s her way of giving back to the community, but it also is a statement of sorts. The former owner of Conscientious Living, a community newspaper, Gleason decided to start the center when she realized writing about poverty wasn’t as effective as physically doing something about it. “Everybody talks about ending poverty but they don’t do anything about it, but for those who want to walk the talk, this gives
“Everybody talks about ending poverty but they don’t do anything about it, but for those who want to walk the talk, this gives them a place to do it.” them a place to do it,” said Gleason. Gleason has seen more than her fair share of adversity. She bore two daughters and divorced twice before she was 21. There were times, Gleason said, when she and her daughters “ate potatoes three times a day” and had to walk a mile to the nearest store because she didn’t own a car. With the help of a friend, Gleason was later able to find work. But a horrendous car accident in the ‘90s sidelined her for two years. Unable to work and in constant pain, Gleason lost her home, her business and her savings. If not for another friend who took her in, she would have been homeless, Gleason said. A turning point came when a doctor told Gleason that she ought to apply for permanent disability. “I got angry,” she said. “I just didn’t believe that was my fate. I’ve worked hard my whole life and paid my bills and raised my kids, and to not be able to do that, it’s humiliating.
But the worst thing is knowing there’s no one to help you.” Gleason quit a regimen of painkillers and therapy and started doing “what I thought felt right.” She still suffers chronic pain from her accident but soldiers through it. By 2002, Gleason had rebounded and was a successful business owner. But there was a need in the community for a place to feed and care for the homeless. For awhile, Gleason ran both her newspaper and the community center, but she soon had to pick between the two. “Both needed me full time or they would fail,” she said. “I was writing another article about poverty when it clicked, and I said, ‘I’m done writing, I’m doing. I’m going to walk the talk.’” It’s not easy, though. Gleason said it’s a constant struggle just to keep the lights on and pay the mortgage. Donors and volunteers make it possible, but there are plenty of days when she wonders if the center can survive.
Somehow, it works, she said. Restaurants donate food, farmers share portions of their harvest, and 4-H kids butcher an animal on the center’s behalf. Volunteers, who spend anywhere from four hours a month to 40 hours a week, keep the center humming. For Gleason, the important thing is providing help when seemingly nothing else is available. She said her reward is seeing someone eat a hot meal for the first time in three days, or being able to offer someone a hot shower after days on the road. “They are so thankful, so grateful,” she said. When asked if she’s found her life’s calling, Gleason paused. “I guess,” she said. “I never dreamed of doing this, but I can’t imagine a more rewarding job. Given the privilege of helping people at a critically important level to them, it’s like the volunteers say, ‘We all get more out of doing this than what we give.’” U MAGAZINE | Winter 2010 | 13
Clearing up Confusion about our
Breasts
Local doctors disagree with controversial mammogram recommendations. On the third of May the blunt forefinger of a doctor pokes at a tumor he says is in my breast. His voice turns the new grass yellow. — From the poem “Diagnosis” by Joan Halperin in “Her Soul Beneath the Bone: Women’s Poetry on Breast Cancer”
14 | Winter 2010 | U MAGAZINE
by Gail Elizabeth Kretchmer, for The Bulletin Special Projects We fear the day we might hear that diagnosis. We take precautions to mitigate that risk. We run and swim and practice yoga; we eat colorful fruits and cruciferous vegetables. We cut down on wine, avoid tobacco, and supplement our diets with fish oils, soy products and a variety of botanicals. We meditate and we pray. And we willfully subject ourselves to the pain of breasts f lattened
between cold plastic and metal plates for our annual mammograms, following standard medical guidelines. But late last year, a government task force changed the recommended guidelines about mammograms, and now we’re not sure what to do. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), which is an independent panel of experts sponsored by an agency of the Department of Health and Human Services, now says that women with normal risk levels for breast cancer should begin having mammograms at age 50 rather than 40, and that they should have these tests every other year instead of annually.
Why the New Mammogram Recommendations Were Delivered
Contrary to popular assumption, the new recommendations were not made because of concerns about the safety of mammography, as some women have assumed. The USPSTF report states that radiation exposure is only a minor concern, and the American Cancer Society says a woman’s radiation exposure during a typical fourpicture mammogram X-ray is equivalent to a passenger’s radiation exposure on a one-way airline flight from New York to California. Some rumors have circulated that the USPSTF’s new recommendations were motivated by incentives to cut health care costs. However, the section of the report that addresses film mammography does not address costs, and the USPSTF Vice Chairman Diana B. Petitti stated that the task force does not address issues of insurance or cost effectiveness. Finally, the USPSTF does not refute the fact that mammograms reduce the risk of death from breast cancer. It points out, though, that there is greater “absolute reduction” in mortality for women aged 50 to 74, and that there is a risk of psychological harm, especially for younger women, in the event a mammogram produces a false positive.
What the Experts Have to Say
The American Cancer Society (ACS) disagrees with the USPSTF recommendations. Any unnecessary tests or biopsies, anxiety, and distress that stem from false positive mammogram results are outweighed, according to the ACS, by the fact that mammograms are instrumental in identifying calcification, or tiny mineral deposits, and tissue masses that
Mammogram and Breast Exam Recommendations for Women with Normal Risk Levels for Breast Cancer USPSTF
American Cancer Society
Local Radiologist Stephen Shultz
Local Oncologist Cora Calomeni
50
40
40
40
Biennially
Annually
Annually
Annually
Women over 74
No
Yes, if in good health
Individual decision
Yes
Self Exam
No
Optional
Yes
Yes
Age to begin mammograms Frequency
could be cancerous. Furthermore, the ACS claims, the new guidelines could result in delayed diagnosis, resulting in fewer treatment options, for women with breast cancer. Therefore, the ACS still suggests mammograms annually beginning at age 40. The Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization is less specific in its reaction to the recommendations. Although it emphasizes that mammography is still the best overall breast cancer screening tool, it says the timing and frequency of such tests should be left up to each woman and her doctor. It also stresses the importance of each woman knowing her breasts well and reporting any suspected changes to her doctor. Dr. Cora Calomeni, a Central Oregon oncologist, said the new guidelines are unpopular. She follows the older standards. “I would recommend that women 40 years of age and older have mammography annually,” she said. Dr. Stephen Shultz, radiologist and co-chair of Central Oregon Radiology’s Women’s Imaging Division, agreed. “Most of the people in my field were not in favor of the guidelines,” he said, adding that a recent Swedish study showed that there was in fact a 30 percent higher chance of survival for women aged 40 to
49 if they had mammograms during those younger years. Shultz also said that mammograms identify 85 percent of all breast cancers, and they are quite safe. “Mammography is unusual in that it’s regulated by the government,” he said. Equipment is examined, facilities are inspected, and
radiology personnel must continue in their education to be allowed to practice in this field. The psychological and physical harms associated with false positives, as referred to in the USPSTF report, also tend to be minimal and temporary, according to Shultz. Today’s stereotactic biopsies
U MAGAZINE | Winter 2010 | 15
are highly accurate and minimally invasive, and clinical staff tend to be much more attentive to the emotional needs of a patient nowadays. Shultz also said some industry experts believe that cancers grow faster in younger breasts, which would further support the benefit of women having annual mammograms beginning at 40. Bend resident Carol
women did not start until age 50,” she said. “In three years, that cancer could have spread to anywhere in my body, so I think it would be safe to say that I would not be here if those were the circumstances.” Of course, women with higher risk factors need to evaluate their mammography needs along with their physicians. Calomeni said, for example, that
examinations could lead to false positive results, anxiety and unnecessary medical exams and tests. The report also said that evidence surrounding the benefit of clinical breast exams, digital mammography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was inadequate and that the potential harms of such procedures could include over-
recommendation to not teach self-examinations makes sense. “Women should be mindful of changes in their breasts,” Calomeni said. Lizzi Katz can attest to the importance of this. Katz, the survivorship coordinator at St. Charles Cancer Center, was diagnosed at age 40, not because of a mammogram but because she had noticed unusual swelling. She reported
“If I had not noticed the swelling and not gotten any screening until 50, I probably wouldn’t be here telling this story,” Northrop’s story underscores the value of earlier and frequent mammograms. Her two daughters were less than 5 years old when she was diagnosed with stage IIa, triplenegative cancer at age 47. While neither she nor her gynecologist felt the tumors, the cancer was already in her lymphatic system when it was discovered through a routine annual mammogram. “Imagine if the screening for
16 | Winter 2010 | U MAGAZINE
women with a family history of breast cancer “need to be screened differently, starting earlier and including MRI.”
Other Findings and Debates
The USPSTF also recommends against teaching breast selfexamination to women, as evidence suggests it does not reduce mortality and such
diagnosis, false positives and the excess expenditure of financial resources as well as clinician time. But 15 percent of breast cancers are missed by mammograms, according to Shultz. “No one’s done a scientific study to prove that women who examine their own breasts live longer,” he said. But that doesn’t mean the
her symptoms to her doctor, and from there she went for a digital mammogram, ultrasound and a biopsy. She also went for an MRI test after her initial diagnosis to assist with her treatment decisions. “If I had not noticed the swelling and not gotten any screening until 50, I probably wouldn’t be here telling this story,” she said.
Olive It!
Olives maintain a tasteful legacy throughout history. by Annissa Anderson, for The Bulletin Special Projects
Green and black, salty and briny, the mighty olive packs a tasty punch. Native to the Mediterranean area, the small, oily fruit that contains a pit is more than a food. The olive tree is deeply embedded in the history and mythology throughout the regions where it has grown for centuries, particularly in Greece, Italy, southern Spain and France. The oldest olive tree in the
world, more than 5,000 years old, is believed to be on the Greek island of Crete. Olive trees probably originated in the Middle East, but moved along with human settlement into the Mediterranean, where the fruit and the oil it produced were considered sacred and were woven into the daily diets and rituals of the area’s inhabitants. Olive fruits and oil, besides being used as food, was also considered a balm for the ill, a skin cleanser and fuel in lamps. In Greek and Latin churches, the consecrated oil used for
ceremonial lamps was from olives. The term “extending the olive branch,” which today still signifies a gesture of peace, is rooted in the rich history of these ancient, gnarled trees. Today, olives are grown in North and South America, Australia and New Zealand, and even in India and China. No longer confined to jars in the grocery isles, olives are more often than not being offered in packaging for fresh consumption and in olive “bars” which offer a selection of olive types, but also
a variety of preparations that incorporate marinades, cheeses, herbs and spices. Why are olives suddenly so opulent? It more than likely has to do with their beneficial health properties. As Americans try to reduce their saturated fat consumption, health practitioners are singing the praises of olive oil. The popularity of the so-called Mediterranean diet and other regimens that make use of olive oils for substituting “bad” or animal fats with “good” or vegetable fats could be responsible. Research has shown that the incidence of heart disease is dramatically lower in Mediterranean countries, where olive oil is a dietary staple, than in areas where consumption
U MAGAZINE | Winter 2010 | 17
Olive Varieties
• Olive trees have an average life span of about 500 years.
• Greece consumes more olive oil per capita than any other country.
There are hundreds of varieties of olives, but some are more commonly used for eating and for use in recipes. Following are a couple types of olives, from the main producing areas of France, Greece, Italy, Spain, and the U.S. that you might try.
France
PICHOLINE originated in the south of France. It is green, medium in size and elongated. Its flavor is mild and nutty. Picholines are also grown in the U.S. NICOISES, the famed tiny, meaty olives from Nice, are tree-ripened to create their intensely rich flavor.
Greece
KALAMATAS are of a dark eggplant color and have a flavor that can be rich and fruity. They’re often slit to allow the wine vinegar marinade in which they’re soaked to penetrate the flesh. MT. ATHOS green olives are naturally fermented. Grown in the Halkidiki Peninsula. The olive is mellow with a rich, buttery flavor and great texture.
Italy
CERIGNOLA are huge, green or black olives with a perfect balance of salinity and acidity. Cured in mild salt water, these fleshy giants are mellower than traditional brine-cured olives, yet are meaty and full-flavored. GAETA is a small, Italian olive that packs a salty, flavorful punch. When brine-cured, Gaetas are smooth and a brownish-purple color. They are fun to snack on but difficult to pit.
Spain
EMPELTRE black olives are soaked in sherry. MANZANILLA is the familiar mediumsized green olive from Spain. Brine-cured, they offer a refreshing crispness and a slight smoky flavor. These are the olives that are most often put in martinis.
California (U.S.)
MISSION olives are the common black ones that are ubiquitous in supermarkets, pizza parlors and salad bars. The variety is unique to the United States. Though the canned olives do not have as much character as European black olives, some olives are oil-cured for additional flavor. SEVILLANO is a large, green, brine-cured olive that is crisp. Sevillano olives originated in Spain and are still grown there for export.
18 | Winter 2010 | U MAGAZINE
of olive oil is less voracious. In fact, residents of Crete have the world’s highest consumption of olive oil per capita, and the lowest death rate from heart related diseases. Researchers have now determined that olive oil, as a monounsaturated fat, increases HDL, or good blood cholesterol. While there is no cholesterol in olive oil, it is important to remember that olive oil is still a fat and should be consumed in limited quantities. Olive oil averages about 120 calories per tablespoon, depending on the variety. Ten medium black olives have 50 calories and 4 grams of (monounsaturated) fat. Underripe olives are always green, whereas ripe olives may be either green or black. Raw olives are not edible, green or ripe, and must be
• More than 90 percent of world olive production is used to make oil, and almost 98 percent of the acreage is in the Mediterranean region.
treated with lye or cured in brine or dry salt before being edible. The wide range of tastes in olives is attributed to how they are processed. For example, Greek olives are not treated with lye. They are stronger tasting because they are packed in dry salt, or pickled in brine for 6 to 12 months (where they undergo a process of lactic fermentation). Alternately, Spanish green olives are picked before they are ripe and treated with lye, then placed in brine and allowed to ferment. California black olives are treated to set the pigment, treated with lye and then packed immediately in brine and sterilized. They do not undergo the fermentation process. Instead, the sterilization “cooks” them, resulting in a blander-tasting olive more agreeable
Red Snapper with Tomato-Kalamata Olive Salsa (Serves 4)
A fresh, colorful medley of Mediterranean flavors tops this sautéed fish entrée. Quick and healthy, this is an excellent recipe to try on a busy weeknight.
Ingredients:
Four 6-ounce red snapper fillets 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 1 cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved 2 tablespoons chopped basil 1 teaspoon minced red chile
Method:
1. In a medium bowl, rub the fish fillets with 2 tablespoons each of the lemon juice and olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Let stand at room temperature for 20 minutes. 2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, toss the olives with the tomatoes, basil and chile. Add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and the remaining 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. 3. In a large, nonstick skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil until shimmering. Pat the fish dry and lay the pieces flat in the skillet. Cook the fish over high heat until the flesh is browned, about 4 minutes. Turn and cook until the fish is just white throughout, about 4 minutes longer. Transfer the fish to plates and top with the salsa.
• There are 500 million olive trees in Europe. With 50 million olive trees, California produces less than 5 percent of the world crop but more than 70 percent of the ripe olives consumed in the U.S.
to typical American tastes. Cooking with cured, brined and/or fermented olives, and with extra-virgin olive oils, is an easy way to add flavor without resorting to ingredients that contain saturated fats. Olives can be added cold — in the case of salads and appetizers — or hot, as in sautés, stews or sauces. If the olives might be hidden in the dish, it is best to use pitted olives to avoid choking on or biting into the pits. Some olive varieties are hard to find pitted, so if that particular flavor is what you are striving for, take the time to cut slits in the olive and remove the pit yourself. The best flavor combinations when cooking with olives
• The olive tree can grow from 15 to 30 feet tall and is an evergreen.
are those natural to the Mediterranean areas from whence the olive came. Fresh fish, canned anchovies, tomatoes, fresh herbs, peppers and lemons top the list. Meats stewed with olives are a specialty in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean countries. Olive oil, often drizzled over salads and fresh cheeses, can also be used in most any kind of cooking, including desserts. It can take as long as 40 years for the mighty olive tree to grow to full maturity, and several years before it bears its meaty fruit. Take some time to give homage to the olive — a quintessential Mediterranean ingredient — by including it in your next feast.
Photo by Lyle Cox
Olive-Artichoke Tapenade (Serves 6) This milder-tasting variation of the standard tapenadez made with black olives and anchovies) has its own appeal. The fresh, healthful ingredients combine to make an excellent topping for toasted baguette rounds.
Ingredients:
1 14-oz. can artichoke hearts, well-drained 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted 8 brine-cured green olives, pitted 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Method:
Finely chop the first five ingredients in a food processor or chopper/ blender. Add 1 tablespoon of the parsley and all of the olive oil; puree until a coarse paste forms. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a small bowl. Sprinkle with remaining parsley and serve.
Photo by Lyle Cox
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U MAGAZINE | Winter 2010 | 19
Make it a
Workout Photo by Nicole Werner
Getting in shape is a popular priority following the holiday season. Why not before? by Sondra Holtzman, for The Bulletin Special Projects
1460 NE Medical Center Drive • Bend, OR 97701 • 541-382-9383 www.corapc.com • in conjunction with: www.cascademedicalimaging.com 20 | Winter 2010 | U MAGAZINE
Although getting in shape is an aspiration to honor any time of the year, it remains one of the most neglected priorities we have around the holiday season. The combination of holiday festivities, end-of-theyear stress and the abundance of sweet, tasty treats sets many of us up for one of the new years’ most popular resolutions: to lose weight. But why wait for January? Starting an exercise program today can combat both weight gain and stress as the holidays approach. According to local fitness experts like Tom Watson of Peak Performance Physical Therapy in Bend, one of the keys to getting (and staying) in shape is setting realistic goals.
“Compliance is the most difficult part,” he said. “It’s important to set goals that are obtainable, such as being able to ride on your stationary bicycle for 25 minutes without becoming short of breath.” Tim Schliebe of Body by Schliebe in Bend adds that it’s important to take into consideration any previous personal injuries that may prevent some activity. “Consult a doctor to confirm your ability to undertake certain fitness programs,” he said. “It’s important to listen to your body — rest when needed, but keep moving forward at your own pace.” So how do you go about selecting a program you can stick with? Watson recommends beginning with a low-resistance, exercise with fewer repetitions,
then gradually increasing resistance and repetitions to improve strength, endurance, range of motion, speed and coordination. Creating and maintaining an effective fitness program requires a vital mix of ingredients such as time commitment, health considerations, exercise knowledge and preference, and realistic goals. “Never allow others to dictate their vision for you,” Schliebe said. “Believe in yourself, and good things will follow.” For those who are just starting a fitness regimen, Watson and Schliebe share the following tips: • Determine your fitness goals and set aside a specific time for exercise each week. Design an exercise program with activities you enjoy, such as riding a stationary bike, resistance training on a circuit course, swimming or jogging. Cross training is ideal. • Create a plan. Ask yourself how much time you can commit to your fitness program and identify your goals with regard to muscle tone,
inches, reductions, weight loss and better nutrition. • Consider joining a gym. Specific trainers can show you how to use the equipment, how to progress through a circuit and how to perform each exercise correctly. They can also assist you in achieving success with cardio exercises on an elliptical, treadmill or stationary bicycle. • Be realistic. Start with small goals, the baby steps to success. • Keep a journal. Track your progress, weigh and measure the areas you want to lose or tighten. Write down what you eat. Don’t fall for fad diets or overnight promises of success. Getting in shape takes time and commitment. • Mix it up. Seek out programs that allow a variety of workouts instead of the same one all of the time. • Be patient with yourself. If you belong to a gym, be consistent with attendance. Strive for small victories, one workout at a time.
U MAGAZINE | Winter 2010 | 21
Classic
Elegance Since 1926, the little black dress has played a critical role in women’s wardrobes for its elegance, versatility and timelessness. by Rachel Purcell, for The Bulletin Special Projects Black is timeless. Black is sexy. Black is slimming. There is no piece in a woman’s wardrobe as versatile and chic as the little black dress, according to Marie Norkunas, fashion consultant for Bella Moda in Bend and local aficionado of this wardrobe necessity. “It is the dress you pull out of your closet and add some accessories like jewelry and a scarf when you want to feel chic,” Norkunas said. “It is the dress you wear with a jacket and simple pumps when you go to the office. It is the dress you wear high heel shoes with when you want to feel irresistible.
Photos by Lyle Cox
22 | Winter 2010 | U MAGAZINE
silk dress with no buttons, no collar, no lace and no fringe in incomparable, eternal black. Today’s little black dress can come in a variety of fabrics with different touches and details, but they are all variations of the original.
Selecting a Little Black Dress Its mood depends on the accessories you choose to wear with it.” Elegant and sophisticated, the black dress can be worn for a variety of occasions
When choosing a classic black dress for your wardrobe, it is important to select a style that you are comfortable with. Lengths vary, and you should think about how much skin you want to
wild as you will run the risk of it becoming dated, according to Norkunas. The simpler the dress, the easier it is to accessorize for different occasions. And you can rest assured
and elegance. What’s in store for the little black dress in the future? Marie referenced contemporary designer Paco Rabanne, who just released a collection using synthetic materials and metallic colorways, catering to the next generation of clientele. But no matter what the future holds, the little black dress will never lose the connection to Chanel’s legendary original. The little black dress has been a staple in women’s closets for the past 85 years because it’s classic, sophisticated
“Above all, the little black dress is the eternal symbol of good taste.” and can take on various roles and personalities, depending on how you accessorize.
The History
For 85 years, it’s stood the test of time through changing trends and fads, and though the fabrics and detailing may vary, they are all reminiscent of the clean lines and simple elegance of the 1926 original, created by none other than Coco Chanel. Historically, what set the little black dress apart and continues to do so is the length. It can be short to just below the knee, but the classic black dress never reaches ankle length. Chanel’s original was defined by its simplicity; it was a short
bare — whether you want the hem above or below the knee. Some modern black dresses are more youthful with designs featuring sparkles and sequins. Others remain simple and classic. Beware of choosing little black dresses that are too
that it will always be in fashion.
Versatility
Marie herself has seven little black dresses, including a Chanel silk that she says she could never part with. They are her go-to pieces for so many aspects of her life. In the mornings if she is unsure what to wear, she simply pairs one of her black dresses with a sweater or jacket for a sophisticated day look. When she has a party to go to and is unsure of its level of formality, she chooses a black dress knowing that she will be safe. And she who chooses to wear black will always get noticed, said Norkunas, as it lends a woman an air of alluring mystery
fashion that is accessible for everyone. Black will always be in style, and no woman’s wardrobe is truly complete without this essential piece from fashion’s past, present and future. “Above all, the little black dress is the eternal symbol of good taste,” Norkunas said.
U MAGAZINE | Winter 2010 | 23
Pampering that Heals the Body As the holiday season approaches and stress levels begin to rise, it’s important to take some personal time to calm and heal your body, according to Holli Frederick, massage therapist at Oasis Day Spa in Bend. “Specialized massages can promote a healthier you by addressing areas of need for healing and de-stressing,” Frederick said. Here a four therapeutic procedures that can accomplish these goals:
Cupping Massage
Cupping is used to increase blood flow, decrease pain and pull blood to areas of your body for healing purposes, said Frederick. “The pressure from a cupping massage can help remove block-
ages in various systems of the body such as the lymphatic or circulatory system, increase circulation and decrease the inflammation of tissues,” she said. “This may help control pain, improve flexibility and increase range of motion.” The pressure from a cupping massage can affect tissue up to four inches below the skin. Patients suffering from conditions such as fibromyalgia or arthritis can benefit, according to Frederick.
ick added that releasing pinched muscles or nerves also aid in detoxifying the muscle. “It restores muscle to a natural state so that optimal health benefits can be achieved,” she said. “Benefits range from pain relief and an increase in flexibility to an improvement in circulation, energy levels and immune system function.”
According to Frederick, a cold stone massage can be helpful for soothing sporting injuries, tendinitis, colds and migraines.
This type of therapy focuses on applying pressure to “knots” in a muscle to relieve pain and dysfunction in the body. Freder-
“Cryotherapy (cold therapy) soothes inflammation in muscles and joints by radiating through
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the pained area,” she said. “It helps alleviate anxiety and tension when placed on the body, and the marble stones help the mind focus on the body rather than dwell on mental stress.”
With a facial and scalp massage, a detox body wrap pampers both the body and the mind. Along with moisturizing and relaxing the skin, the body wrap pulls toxins, edema and cellulite from the body.
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Photos by Lyle Cox
Taking on the Fashion World From serving drinks to filling international orders for her jewelry, Beeson-Straw continues an extraordinary journey toward growing success. by Kathy Oxborrow, for The Bulletin Special Projects She was tending bar on the Oregon coast when patrons kept asking her about the jewelry she wore. Between pouring drinks, Heather Nashelle Beeson-Straw would tell admirers that it was jewelry she had designed and made. From those humble beginnings grew Nashelle, a successful and fast-growing Bend business that sells its locally made line of highend fashion jewelry throughout the U.S. and internationally. Beeson-Straw, in fact, just returned from the Mercedes
Benz Fashion Week in New York City, one of the biggest extravaganzas in the fashion world where all the spring trends in clothing, shoes, handbags and jewelry are shown. She had front row-seating at this celebrity attended, invitationonly event where she watched models prance down the runway wearing her new line of wood jewelry, Urban Forest.
A Journey’s Beginnings
An Alaskan native, BeesonStraw said she was obsessed with fashion from an early age. She didn’t gravitate toward traditional education, but she did spend her days reviewing
singing and dancing. Returning to Juneau, she took her first formal art class — metal arts — at the University of Alaska, where she said she absolutely fell in love with the process. “I lost track of anything that was bothering me,” she said.
fashion trends in the Juneau library. “I would get every magazine and book in the library and just sit day after day studying,” she said. Beeson-Straw left school at age 16 and traveled around the country snowboarding and expressing her artistic talents via U MAGAZINE | Winter 2010 | 25
On December 2, from 2 to 9 pm, Nashelle will hold its third annual Peas and Love Trunk Show at 61511 American Lane, offering merchandise at reduced prices. The public is invited to bring canned goods that will be donated to a local charity.
“I didn’t care what time it was; I was just lighting torches and soldering.” Leaving Juneau again, she started her stint as a bartender in Cannon Beach. Word spread about her designs, and women would come to the tavern for showings of her jewelry, which she kept under the bar. Eventually, stores in Cannon Beach and Portland started selling her creations. On her way to San Francisco for more training, she came through Bend on what she thought would just be a “pit stop.” She ended 26 | Winter 2010 | U MAGAZINE
up falling in love with Bend and her nextdoor neighbor, to whom she is now married and with whom she has three young boys. After moving to Bend, a friend who had a clothing store next to the Pine Tavern offered her space for a downtown gallery. That lasted for two years, and Beeson-Straw said things were going great. She was about to give birth to her first child when the building owner decided to sell, leaving her with no place to display her jewelry. “I got really sacred because I thought I had a lifestyle for myself and my baby, and all of a sudden I didn’t,” she said. Heeding the advice of a colleague, BeesonStraw decided to try to market her jewelry at a Los Angeles trade show. But she only had one day to produce a line and mail it off for a juried review in New York City. “I went home, and my husband and I made a collection through the night,” she said. Once accepted, she had a week to prepare for the trade show. She didn’t have any marketing collateral, only a “makeshift business card” when she toted her threemonth-old son and her jewelry to LA. With her jewelry displayed on a clothcovered card table while her son sat beneath, she wrote orders worth $43,000. The most she had ever sold in a month until then was $1,000.
She arrived back in Bend with a stack of orders and “just started crying,” overwhelmed with all the work that lay ahead. She and her husband managed to literally “bang out all the orders” in her living room. At the time, Beeson-Straw said she didn’t know what QuickBooks was and hand-wrote all her invoices, adding little notes with hearts drawn on them thanking the buyers.
Today’s Success
The days of making jewelry in her living room are long gone. She knows about QuickBooks now and employs 32 people, including two designers, a marketing team and a recently hired chief executive officer, who all work in a warehouse in southeast Bend. The
P O H E Introducing Our
site includes a retail showroom. A New York public relations firm promotes her business, seven showrooms around the world display her designs and her reps write multi-million dollar orders. But some things haven’t changed. Nashelle Jewelry is still handmade right here in Bend. There have been growing pains, and at the end of 2009, overwhelmed with the rapid growth of Nashelle and dealing
with major surgery for her third son soon after birth, she considered selling the business. But that’s all in the past. When asked what lay ahead for Nashelle, her response indicates no lingering will to quit “I want to take on the world,” she said. With the launching of the new wood jewelry, she plans to expand that collection, plus start designing and marketing handbags, shoes and dresses.
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(541) 647 - 1646 2041 NE Williamson Court, Suite B • Bend U MAGAZINE | Winter 2010 | 27
Networking, Philanthropy & Friends in Central Oregon
Women’s Groups & Organizations Compiled by Sondra Holtzman, for The Bulletin
American Association of University Women, Bend Branch
President: Kathi Dew, howardkathidew@msn.com Membership VP: Emily Bleck, e-mail: ejbleck@ bendbroadband.com Website: bendbranchaauw.club.officelive.com Members: 59 Dues: $75 annual fee, including national, state and local. AAUW of Bend, founded in 1931, breaks through educational and economic barriers so all women and girls have a fair chance at life. The Bend branch hosts monthly meetings with a speaker, offers a variety of interest groups and supports girls’ equity projects. It offers scholarships to two-year COCC graduates continuing their education at a four-year college.
American Association of University Women, Redmond Branch
Contact: Susan Maffai msmaffai@gmail.com Website: aauw-oregon.org Members: 34 (open to graduates with an associate or higher degree) Dues: $75 annual fee AAUW promotes advances in equity for women and girls through advocacy, lifelong education and societal growth. Monthly meetings offer presentations specific to women’s issues. This branch awards scholarships to Redmond High School graduating seniors and a woman returning to college. Members also assist a Latina student’s tuition costs to COCC.
Beta Sigma Phi
Contact: Judy Ralston, 541-382-0893 National Website: www.betasigmaphi.org Dues: varies by chapter Members: approximately 40 in four chapters within the city council of Beta Sigma Phi. Beta Sigma Phi, the largest organization of its kind in the world, is an international women’s friendship network for women of all ages, interests, educational and economic backgrounds. The social group carries out its mission of life, learning and friendship by volunteering for service projects including the Ronald McDonald House, Alyce Hatch Center and area high schools. 28 | Winter 2010 | U MAGAZINE
Daughters of the American Revolution, Bend Chapter
Contact: Alice Miles, Bend Chapter Regent E-mail: twomiles43@msn.com Website: rootsweb.ancestry.com/~orbchdar DAR is open to any woman who is at least 18 and can prove lineal, bloodline descent from an ancestor who aided in America’s independence. The Bend chapter, formed in 1942, offers scholarships to students in the nursing program at COCC, gives awards to outstanding seniors in the junior ROTC program in the schools and supports the Chemawa Indian School in Salem. They offer genealogy workshops, assist with cemetery records, volunteer at historical societies and sponsor historical essay contests in the schools.
League of Women Voters of Deschutes Co.
Co-presidents: Anita Elliott, 541-318-6331, youngelliotts@ hotmail.com and Dalyte Hartsough, 541-322-0469 Deschutes Co. Website: www.lwvdeschutes.org State League Website: www.lwvor.org Members: 45 to 50 (male members welcome) Dues: $65, and $32.50 for additional person in household The League of Women Voters in Deschutes County works to improve government through the political process by studying the issues of the time. The League is nonpartisan because it does not support or oppose candidates or parties. The League is open to men and women 18 years or older.
Network of Entrepreneurial Women
President: Lisa Sloan E-mail: lisasloan@wradvisors.com Website: www.networkwomen.org Voice mail: 541-388-9787 Members: 136 (guests welcome) Dues: $150 annual fee The Network of Entrepreneurial Women is an independent, nonprofit organization founded in 1986 to connect and empower women in business and in life. The group meets monthly to provide professional and personal growth opportunities for all women in a non-competitive, gender specific environment of support and compassion.
Newcomers Club of Bend
Contact: 541-610-5003 Website: www.newcomerclubofbend.com This organization is a source for new friends, fun activities and a way of becoming familiar with the vibrant Bend community. Membership is open to women in Bend and the surrounding areas. We have monthly Hospitality coffees, luncheons (with informative speakers/programs) as well as more than 30 interest group activities including book clubs, Wine Downs, potlucks, card/game groups, walking, skiing, snow-shoeing and hiking.
Quota International of Central Oregon
Contact: Gwen Hogue, 541- 382-8234 E-mail: ghoguecpa@bendcable.com Website: www.quotaco.org Members: 30 Dues: $142 annual dues cover international, district and local Quota International Inc. is an international service organization that links its members of all ages, occupations and nationalities to share their time, talent, resources and a desire to make the world a better place to live, especially for those who face unfair challenges. For more than 28 years, Quota International of Central Oregon has been committed to community service through financial support for programs for speech and hearing impaired and disadvantaged women and children.
Soroptimist International of Bend
E-mail: info@sibend.org Website: www.sibend.org Soroptimist International of Bend is dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls throughout the community and the world. Local service projects include providing financial assistance to help women rebuild their lives by achieving financial independence, education and a world free from violence. International projects include support of women caring for children in extreme poverty.
The Woman Opportunity Award is given to a woman who is the main financial support in the family and is returning to college.
Sunriver Women’s Club
Co-presidents: Louise Wilson, 541-593-9908, e-mail: j wlw9g@chamberscable.com; Janie Williams, e-mail: j anew@kubark.com Members: 300 Dues: $20 for active members, $30 for associate members Maintains a club for fellowship and recreation, to engage in charitable fundraising and educational activities and to promote the social welfare of residents of South Deschutes County. The Sunriver Women’s Club will present the Sunriver Art Faire on August 12 - 13, 2011 as a fundraiser for its charities.
United Methodist Women
Soroptimist International of Prineville
President: Mickey Gray, 541-447-3529 E-mail: mickeygray@earthlink.net First Vice President: Marge Tommy Members: 21 Dues: $65 annual fee Prineville Soroptimist is a women’s volunteer organization whose members are committed to helping advance women and youths. The Prineville club’s focus is the Soroptimist Senior Center and the Neat Repeat Thrift Shop. The club also holds an annual golf tournament and Christmas bazaar to support four scholarships and awards for graduating high school seniors.
First United Methodist Church, 541-382-1672 Contact: Chris Mitchell, 541-389-9787 E-mail: vecris@bendbroadband.com Website: www.bendumc.org Members: 110 Dues: Personal financial pledge each year United Methodist Women (UMW) is a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus, to develop a creative, supportive fellowship and expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries. Locally, the group holds the Fall Boutique, with proceeds going to local charities for women, youth and children. United Methodist Women currently has six circles which meet monthly and appeal to a variety of interests. New members are always welcome.
Women’s Council of Realtors, Central Oregon Chapter President: Joy Helfrich 541-480-6898 E-mail: joy@bendproperty.com
Website: centraloregonwcr.org Membership: 34 Dues: $140 Women’s Council of Realtors is a network of successful REALTORS® empowering women to exercise their potential as entrepreneurs and industry leaders. The Council offers powerful programs and networking and referral opportunities at the national, state and local levels. Each year they produce a fashion show with proceeds going to the professional development of membership leaders and Habitat for Humanity.
Women in Tech (WoTech)
Contact: Jen Floyd, 541-480-6492 E-mail: jenfloyd08@gmail.com (Also on Facebook and Twitter) WoTech is a group for and about women who work in technology. It is a place for networking, educating, mentoring, building community, and sharing ideas. WoTech’s goals include bringing together innovative people and actively supporting initiatives to encourage and support women and girls in technical careers. They also offer informal monthly networking opportunities.
Women’s Resource Center of Central Oregon
Sally Sorenson, Board President, 541-385-0750 E-mail: info@wrcco.org Website: www.wrcco.org The Women’s Resource Center of Central Oregon (WRCCO) creates opportunities for all women to increase their personal and professional growth through skills training, personal counseling and workshops. Since 2003, the nonprofit organization offers referrals to community services/referrals to effect positive change. Services are feebased on a sliding scale. Financial assistance is available. Services also offered to men.
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L-R top; Carol Falleur 541-317-1111, Holly Allene 541-4800011, Reba Blair 541-410-6491, Aimy Wilson 541-8481445. L-R bottom; Jan Ernst 541-420-7713, Sarah Clark 541-815-5625, not pictured; Brenda Blankenship 541-4190431, Sharmin Crocker 541-420-8711
U MAGAZINE | Winter 2010 | 29
At the Workplace
by Connie Worrell-Druliner, for The Bulletin Special Projects
Maintain your workplace team Three (little) things that can wreck a team, and how to fix them Like any relationship, the one you have with your workforce doesn’t just happen overnight. Creating an environment where you and your employees work together, interact and relate to one another takes time and effort. But, building a great team is worth every second you invest. When you and your employees work well together, it fosters a more engaged, focused, happy and unified workforce, all of which positively impacts your company’s productivity, retention, recruitment and profitability. While it takes time to build a great team, it doesn’t take a lot to wreck one. Check out these three things that can bulldoze the team you’ve worked hard to build:
Miscommunication
Miscommunication at work can occur in an instant, but its lasting impact can be hard to overcome. Even the smallest overlooked word can cause conflict, hinder productivity and lead to distrust and disunity, perhaps leading to lost revenue and expensive turnover.
THE FIX: Keep miscommunication from wrecking your team by being resolute in creating a workplace atmosphere of clear and open communication. Lead the way in effective interaction by being mindful of how you communicate in even the briefest conversations. If, for example, you quickly 30 | Winter 2010 | U MAGAZINE
decide to ask for a report from an employee who’s passing by toward the break room, make sure they understand exactly what you need and when you expect it. Understand that even your casual request could unintentionally communicate to your employee a lack of respect or understanding of their time if the individual is experiencing a heavy workload or that your request may be more time intensive than you realize. If that’s the case, a scheduled meeting where you work together to find a solution that fits their workload and your deadline might be a better method of communication than a passing comment. Part of successful communication is determining the most effective medium for every message, whether it’s a meeting, conference call, or an email. It’s also important to remember that communication goes both ways. So take the time to really listen to your team. Ask for feedback and be receptive to employee input. Also recognize that occasionally you may be called upon to mediate between staff members when miscommunication occurs. Different generations in the workplace can further complicate communication. They all have different communications preferences. So you may need to tailor your efforts to suit the specific needs of each generation.
Distrust
Trust is the foundation of every good team and a crucial part of creating a reputation as a preferred place to work. Without trust, the structure of a team can crumble fast. Distrust often starts from something small—a misunderstanding or a forgotten promise. But once distrust sets in, it can be a long road to back to a trusting environment. Employers rely on their staff everyday, so businesses need employees they can trust to operate successfully. In return, employees need to be able to trust the leaders they follow. No one wants to work in an environment of suspicion, and employees won’t stay long at a company that lacks trust.
THE FIX: Trust took a hard hit in many organizations when the economic downturn led to layoffs and salary freezes in 2008 and 2009. The 2010 Ethics and Workplace Survey conducted by Deloitte LLP, a financial consulting firm, found that respondents who planned to seek new job opportunities cited loss of trust, lack of transparency in communication, and unethical behavior by employers as reasons for leaving. To establish trust in your workplace, act with integrity at all times because your actions will almost always speak louder than words. When you act with integrity and honor, you strengthen employee loyalty and dependability. Let your staff know that you
depend on them, that you trust them. The more trust you give, the more you’re likely to get back. In every interaction, be open, but more importantly, be honest. Leaving out vital information in your interactions can lead to speculation. Lack of honesty and openness forces employees to rely on hearsay and gossip, which often leads to misunderstanding and undermines trust. Rumors spread and secrets that can threaten the development of trust are whispered about at the water cooler and on coffee breaks. Communicating honestly can sometimes be a challenge, but it will pay off when employees know they can trust you. When you are in a position that you can’t share information, validate your team’s concerns by letting them know you understand their apprehension. Remember that trust has to be earned. Go to work every day with the resolve to earn the loyalty and trust of your team.
Disrespect
Great teams are built on mutual respect. But, respect can be an unintended victim of today’s fast-paced environment where stress, tensions and workloads are high. Disrespect often starts small. Common courtesy and civility sometimes disappear for the sake of approaching deadlines and the need to perform. Disrespect can create an atmosphere of criticism and condescension.
When disrespect invades a workplace, it can also lead to expensive legal and HR issues like bullying and harassment. Employees lose time and motivation by worrying about incidents that occurred, resulting in lost productivity. THE FIX: Businesses can’t afford for disrespectful behavior to go unchecked in the workplace. If disrespectful behavior is occurring between co-workers or managers on your team, address the issues immediately. Don’t wait for things to get out
of hand before you step in. Let your employees know that inappropriate behaviors will not be tolerated at work. Be the example you want your team to follow by being respectful in your speech and in your actions. Like trust, the more respect you give to others, the more likely they are to give respect in return. Stress is often one of the biggest catalysts for disrespect and rudeness in the workplace. Employees who are stressed out are more likely to engage in confrontation with other coworkers. So, find ways to reduce
stress in your workplace. Try adding play into your team’s day. Finding ways to make work more fun will help reduce stress and improve employee morale and engagement. Fun team building exercises or activities at the office or away are a great way to get started. Building a great team is important to the success of your company. So don’t let miscommunication, distrust, and disrespect wreck what you’ve worked hard to build.
WOMEN IN BUSINESS Sanna Phinney, Certified Exchange Specialist
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OWNERS & PROFESSIONALS
Lori Pintok-Snyder Snyder & Sons Unlimited is celebrating its 15 Year Anniversary and wishes to sincerely thank all those who have contributed in making it a success. Lori’s company provides a wide range of services including graphic design, web design, and printing. With 33 years experience, she can easily take your project from start to finish with confidence. Lori values her clients and is committed to providing them with the highest quality products and with excellent service, resulting in happy, long-standing customers. It’s all about the client!
541-330-1803
www.snyderandsons.com
Catherine Lundberg
Barbara A. Rumer, CFP , Owner
541-330-3938
Connie Worrell-Druliner is the founder of a locally owned business, Express Employment Professionals, offering human resource solutions. Express can help your organization, by finding qualified workers, solving your retention needs, and providing knowledge based training to your workforce.
Catherine graduated from Vidal Sassoon Academy in Los Angeles in 1982. Previously the owner of her own salon business in Santa Barbara for 21 years, she was also the house stylist for La Belle Modeling Agency. Catherine takes one client at a time allowing her to focus completely on your needs. She considers your lifestyle, body structure and facial features to create a look tailored just for you. Catherine listens carefully and gives helpful suggestions resulting with a finished hairstyle that’s exactly what you want.
541-848-1060
BARBARA A. RUMER, CFP®, LLC A Fee-Only Financial Planning Firm
2736 NW Crossing Drive, #140 Bend, OR 97701
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U MAGAZINE | Winter 2010 | 31