Lane County MOM | December 2022 / January 2023

K I D S N W h a s p r o u d l y s e r v e d t h e I / D D c o m m u n i t y i n g r e a t e r O r e g o n s i n c e 2 0 1 9 .

W e s p e c i a l i z e i n p r o v i d i n g h i g h q u a l i t y , r e l i a b l e s u p p o r t s t o t h e f a m i l i e s w e s e r v e .

O u r c a r e g i v e r s r e c e i v e p r o f e s s i o n a l l e v e l , a d v a n c e d s k i l l s t r a i n i n g , b a c k e d b y o u r h i g h l y q u a l i f i e d b e h a v i o r a l s u p p o r t t e a m

T o s t a r t s e r v i c e s w i t h K I D S N W v i s i t : w w w . k i d s n w . o r g / f a m i l i e s

what‘s inside It’s that counts

Meet the MOM experts ... 4 They know what they’re talking about.

Because I said so 5 A message from MOM

Cover MOM: Stephanie Lovdokken ... 10 This mom gets real. Vacation MOM 18 Get your Real ID or be left behind. MOMs’ favorite local places

More ways to love your MOM

Advertise today

Want to get the word out about your business? Contact Linda Blair at linda@mommag.com

Photos by Fremouw Photography

meet the experts

Health

Healthy MOM with Megan Lewis, CNM, page 6

Support

Support for Families with Audrey Benson, page 17

Focus

Focus on MOM with Dr. David Hackett, page 7

Vacation

Vacation MOM with Donnita Bassinger, CTC, MCC, page 18

Say Cheese

Say Cheese with Dr. Brad Chvatal, page 8

Beyond the Bin

Beyond the Bin with WasteWise Lane County in collaboration with Marigold Cooking Collective, page 9

Nurture

Nurture with Dr. Emily Little, page 26

Smile

Something to Smile About with Dr. Erin Estep, page 27

Pets

Pets are Family with Dr. Emily Kalenius, page 30

[They know what they’re talking about]

Published by GO Creative, LLC

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Editor-in-Chief Managing Director

Audrey Meier DeKam audrey@mommag.com

Mid-Valley & Lane County Business Development Manager

Linda Blair linda@mommag.com 541-231-7250

Salem Advertising Representative

Kim Leighty kim.leighty@mommag.com 503-510-9036

Designer Sean Carver s.carver@oregonwebpress.com

Because I said so!

MOM Magazine is sustainably delivered throughout the community thanks to pedalersexpress.com

MOM MagazineTM is produced by GO Creative, LLC. © 2022

All rights reserved. Any reproduction, in whole or part, without written permission of the publisher, is prohibited. Information in the magazine is provided for general information purposes only with the understanding that none of the content constitutes professional advice.

Opinions expressed by the writers or advertisers are not necessarily the opinions of the magazine or the publisher. Inclusion in the magazine does not constitute endorsement of information, products or services.

I’m just a small town girl

You know these lyrics

I’ve always loved small towns, having spent my coming-of-age years in a tiny, zero-stoplight one in Wisconsin. Big cities are a blast to visit, but home for me is when I see at least one person I know on grocery store runs. There’s something comforting about being braided into the fabric of the place where you live.

At my first real job out of college, I was tasked with buying office supplies and told to visit a small shop in downtown Corvallis. But why, when we could get them delivered with, at the time, newfangled internet shopping? I was given a short tutorial on what it means to shop local, then sent down the street to Lehnert’s Office Supply.

This old store, long gone now, smelled like a heady mix of pencil shavings and dust motes. If memory serves me right, the wood floors had wide cracks between them, and the place was run by an older gentleman who kept his entire inventory in his mind only. It was a bit of a mess. Receipts were written by hand. I loved it immediately.

Our local businesses make our cities unique. No shade to the big box and chain retailers, with their many conveniences. But small is beautiful and special with an essence that can’t be replicated. It’s why we started asking our cover MOMs to tell us about

their favorite locally owned places, and in this issue, we’ve compiled some of their favorites. It’s part of how we celebrate and support all things local.

We’re a small, local business, too, in case you didn’t realize it: we’re comprised of one full-time and three half-time employ ees. We’re part of Oregon Web Press, a three-generation family business in Albany for 33 years. And MOM Magazine is coming up on our 20-year anniversary in 2025, which will be here in a hot minute.

I may not have taken the midnight train going anywhere, nor did I find a city boy born and raised in South Detroit. My husband was born and raised in Corvallis, and our kids were born here, too, so I have more than put down roots in the Willamette Valley. I’m definitely not living in a lonely world — this is exactly where I want to be.

This season and all year long, we hope you enjoy the many delights of where we live. Bonus if you find local businesses with a sleepy shop cat or friendly dog.

Happy holidays and cheers to the new year!

Audrey Meier DeKam Editor-in-Chief

BEYOND DELIVERING BABIES

When most people hear the word “midwife,” they think of birth. But did you know that certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) can do a whole lot more than catch babies and provide prenatal care?

While many only associate midwives with pregnancy and birth, nursemidwives are in fact primary care providers. That means that we have the same training as a women’s health nurse practitioner and can provide care for anyone from menarche (the first period) through menopause — whether it’s for wellness exams, Pap tests, contraception, pelvic pain, infertility, STD treatment, you name it. We’re even trained in general primary

care and can treat a wide range of conditions, from a sinus infection to depression to hypertension.

Many people prefer to see a nursemidwife for their gynecologic and wellness care for the same reasons they choose them during pregnancy.

At McKenzie Midwives, we offer holistic, relationship-based care with more time during visits (as much as an hour) to get to know you and discuss your health concerns.

We also strive to be trauma-informed and inclusive, knowing that many people, especially those with a history of trauma or who don’t identify as women, have a great deal of anxiety

about annual visits and pelvic exams. Did you know you don’t need a pelvic exam every year, or that they can be done without putting your feet in stirrups? We aim to make every patient feel comfortable, informed and empowered during their visit. We know that there is no “one-sizefits-all” approach, and we believe in informed decision-making, trusting you to be the expert in your own health. This means that we take the time to explore all your options and discuss the risks and benefits of each, but ultimately we know and respect that you have the final say.

Megan Lewis, CNM

McKenzie Midwives & Lactation Services

960 N. 16th St., Ste 104, Springfield (541) 744-8660

Brought to you by:

mckweb.com mckenziemidwives.com

Nurse-midwives provide care for total health

Brought to you by:

David A. Hackett, OD, FCOVD

Lifetime Eye Care a division of Sterling Vision 1011 Valley River Way Suite 110, Eugene 541-342-2201 or 866-4EYELUV sterlingvision.com

Just what is eye gunk?

Most of us are familiar with the sharp, sandy feeling of having “sleep” in our eyes. Our tears are a salty solution. When it evaporates, it leaves salt crystals which can feel sharp and uncomfortable. These can be wiped off with a clean, damp washcloth; be careful to brush it away from the eye, not into it.

A small “eye booger” is not cause for alarm, but persistent discharge that is not clear is worth a visit to the eye doctor. This can be urgent if the white of the eye is also red. Call your eye doctor and tell the office staff if the person has pain, vision changes, typically wears contacts, has been swimming, or had an eye injury. Colored, mucous discharge can mean bacteria are involved.

Many offices will work-in a patient with urgent concerns. Consider taking a photo to bring to the appointment if the problem only occurs at certain times. Again, you can clean the mucous away with a clean, damp washcloth. But if you are headed straight to the office, and as long as it is safe to do so, consider leaving it for the doctor to evaluate and remove. As always, be sure to schedule your children’s yearly comprehensive vision and eye health evaluations.

Is thumb-sucking a problem?

I’m often asked, “When should my child stop using a binky or sucking his thumb?” Consider that as you read this, your tongue is likely on the roof of your mouth. This position acts to shape the roof of your mouth in a broadened and natural form.

When your child has a pacifier or thumb on the roof of their mouth, the shape is formed around it, causing the palate to narrow and force the front teeth forward into an overbite. This can lead to speech problems, irregular wear of the teeth, asymmetric growth of the jaws, and crowding.

Science and research points us toward the answer of when to stop, and that’s as soon as reasonably possible. I know that’s often easier said than done. However, if you can stop thumb sucking or pacifier use prior to age 5 or 6, the adverse side effects can often reverse on their own.

If it persists longer, the side effects are completely correctible with orthodontic intervention. This consists of reshaping the bone with a device called a rapid palatal expander and partial braces. If this intervention is done prior to age 7 or 8, it’s unlikely there will be any long-lasting problems.

Call your orthodontist today to start the discussion on how to help your child stop sucking their thumb or pacifier in a positive way.

HOMEMADE TURKEY STOCK & TURKEY SOUP

Don’t throw away those turkey bones or scraps from your Thanksgiving cooking. Make homemade turkey stock!

FOR THE STOCK:

All the bones, giblets and neck from your turkey

Any vegetable scraps (onion skins, garlic skins, carrot tops, celery, parsley, parsnips)

1 tsp. whole black peppercorns (optional) 3 bay leaves (optional)

Fill your largest stock pot with turkey and vegetable scraps. Submerge the scraps in water and bring to a boil. Lower to a simmer. If any foam rises to the top of the stock, skim it off and discard.

Once you’ve discarded the foam, add peppercorns and bay leaves and allow the stock to simmer for 6-8 hours; overnight is fine, just keep a lid on it. Remove the stock from heat and allow it to cool before straining. For a richer flavor, keep the fat in stock. For a lighter stock, cool completely and skim all of the fat that rises to the surface.

A new holiday tradition: reducing food waste

In collaboration with Marigold Cooking Collective, we turned to Gracie Schatz, the collective’s executive director.

At Marigold Cooking Collective, minimizing food waste is not just an ecological imperative. It is essential to our ethos and can lead to some of the most delicious and creative dishes we teach. You can use leftover chicken bones to make a nourishing broth, dice chard stems into a vibrant relish, or develop a unique way to repurpose what could be considered waste.

One of my favorite childhood memories is making turkey tamales with my aunt Elva after Thanksgiving. All the family members worked together in an assembly line, preparing the big bags of masa and packaging the tamales for each family to take home. This ritual led to many more fantastic meals in the weeks and months after the holiday. This year, I challenge you to get creative with your leftovers: make pierogi filled with leftover mashed potatoes, a hearty turkey soup with homemade stock, turkey tamales, or a new culinary masterpiece. Find ways to transform, share and store holiday leftovers for later enjoyment. This holiday tradition will be good for your palette, wallet and planet, too.

FOR THE SOUP:

1 tbsp. butter

1 tbsp. olive oil

2 large onions or leeks, diced 6 stalks celery, diced 4 large carrots, diced into ½" cubes

4 large russet potatoes, washed and diced into ½" cubes

1 head of garlic, peeled and finely chopped

1 bunch of thyme, picked from stems

4 quarts turkey stock

1 8 oz. can of crushed tomatoes

1 cup white wine

1 lb. leftover turkey meat Salt and pepper to taste

In a large soup pot over mediumhigh heat, melt butter and add oil. Add onions and a pinch of salt and sauté, stirring frequently until slightly translucent, about 5 minutes. Add celery, sauté two minutes; add carrots and potatoes and sauté until they are tender, about 8 minutes, stirring constantly.

Add garlic, thyme and turkey meat and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add homemade turkey stock, crushed tomatoes, and wine and reduce heat to low. Cook for another 15 minutes so the flavors can marry. Add salt and pepper to your liking. This soup will keep for months in the freezer.

To learn more about Marigold Cooking Collective and its upcoming classes and events, visit marigoldcookingcollective.com.

Gracie Schatz is the executive director of Marigold Cooking Collective, a Eugene-based nonprofit with the mission of building a resilient community through sharing skills, stories and food.

Stephanie Lovdokken

PROFESSION: Teacher, TAG coordinator & tennis coach

COMMUNITY: Springfield

PARTNER: John Lovdokken, teacher & tennis coach

CHILDREN: James, age 18, and Colleen, age 16

PHOTOS BY: FREMOUW PHOTOGRAPHY

LAUGHTER, FAITH AND HER TRUSTED SERVICE DOG GET THIS MOM THROUGH A PACKED SCHEDULE.

Family comes first.

All families are unique. Tell us about yours. My husband, John, and I met almost 21 years ago and it was truly love at first sight. Only three weeks after we met we knew we wanted to get married, and a year later we were. He’s a history teacher at Thurston High School, runs a firewood business and enjoys blacksmithing. Last year he built a blacksmith shop on our property and makes incredible items to share with friends and families.

James and Colleen, my son and daughter, are such a blessing and I could not imagine life without them. James is quiet, energetic and has a heart full of compassion. His love for precision has driven him to attend Oregon State University pursuing a degree in chemistry, math and physics. Along with school, James played almost all sports throughout his lifetime and his junior year of high school found a love for tennis. Colleen has always been independent and determined. Until she was around age eight, Colleen didn’t speak with many people outside our family and was diagnosed with selective mutism. In third grade, she came to us and said she liked her teacher but wanted to drop out of school because she felt that she wasn’t understood by others around her. She asked to acceler ate a grade level, as she was part of the Talented and Gifted program, and when provided the opportunity, she succeeded.

Huey is my service dog and constant companion. He’s a diabetic alert dog from a non-profit organization called Early Alert Canines. My previous EAC service dog, Ozark, retired at the end of April at the age of 12-and-a-half. Huey and I were then placed together, and he’s been amazing at his job since day one, just as Ozark was. Huey is a loving and kind companion with boundless energy. He alerts me about 15 to 20 minutes before even the most recent technology can detect a change, as his

incredible sense of smell allows him to detect a chemical change before we recognize it. Not only does he alert for my blood sugars, he has also started to pick up and alert on my anaphylactic reactions. He’s beginning to notice when the allergen is in the air or nearby, and alerts me to stay away from the area. The bond I have with both service dogs is incredible.

Every family has its own traditions, rituals or inside jokes. What are some of yours? One of the most unique traditions our family has is selfies in the ambulance and making the paramedics laugh. After Colleen was born, I was diagnosed with several anaphylactic allergies, one being an airborne allergy to rice and the other being an allergy to all insect venom except honey bees. Although I try hard to avoid these allergens, both of them are prevalent in the world around us. After an ambulance ride, as soon as I can breathe, we ask to take a selfie to send to the family. Sometimes the paramedics join in and other times they don’t, but it always lightens the mood.

Tell us about one of your most humbling mom moments. Although I have taught for years and given much advice to families, I knew I needed more tools to raise my own kids. Due to several health issues and multiple trips to the hospital in an ambulance, both my kids had some PTSD. Going to see a counselor and neurofeedback specialist with my kids was the best choice I ever made. We found a counselor who we all connected with and worked with us all to understand one another better. She also recommended some fabulous books that changed me as a mom and teacher.

What is the most surprising thing you have found wedged between the sofa cushions or behind a car seat? The stale hotdog that we found under a car seat. We figure it must have been there for at least six months and still looked the same, just a little harder. Gross!

MOMs Love Local

We love locally owned businesses, restaurants, places and organizations. Share your favorite…

…shop to pick up a gift for friend: Thurston Flowers, Sweet Salvage

…coffee spot: Old Crow Coffee, Crema and Bloom

…spot to get a good workout: Thurston Hills, Eugene Swim & Tennis Club

…place to treat yourself to a mani/pedi, massage or other personal service: Divinity Salon

…restaurant to take the kids: Torero’s Mexican Restaurant

…restaurants for a date night: Chow’s on Main

…take-out, food truck or quick bite: Burrito Amigos

…meetup spot for happy hour: PublicHouse

…boutique to find a new shirt or home décor item: Real Deals

…event in your community: Springfield Education Foundation Night of 11,000 Stars

…any other local places you love: Tavern on Main

No one works harder than mom.

Tell us about your work or volunteerism outside of the home. I’m on the Springfield Education Foundation Board, team mom for the high school dance team that my daughter has been a part of since her freshman year. I’m also the assistant tennis coach at THS, part of the Bushnell University Education Advisory Council, and a Life Group & High School Leader at First Baptist Church of Eugene.

Tell us about a recent achievement you’re proud of, or a personal passion or talent. The most recent achievement I am proud of is receiving the Innovative Educator Grant through the Springfield Education Foundation to provide Bare Books and supplies to students in grades three through five. These are blank, hardcover books that students can write in, which encourages engagement.

Do you have a goal you’d like to accomplish in the next five years? I would like to continue to grow in my profession, learning how to navigate the world students live in and

provide a secure foundation for their futures. I also hope to continue to grow in my role as a mentor for Early Alert Canines, and to continue to make an impact on the SEF board.

As both my kids plan to attend OSU next year, I’d like to join the OSU parent community. I also plan to continue coaching tennis, taking tennis classes myself, and pursue professional development courses to become a better tennis coach.

If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.

Tell us about your upbringing. How did it shape the mother you are today? I grew up in a strong Christian family. My dad traveled for work, which left my mom to take care of all our activities and sports throughout the week while working part time. She always made sure we had everything we needed and was there for us in a heartbeat. My dad called every night to

MOM's Favorite...

Tell us about your favorite…

…family game: Scrabble

…binge-worthy TV or podcast: Schitt’s Creek

…way to get out of making dinner: Ask everyone if they want Papa’s Pizza

…time-saving app or digital tool: Amazon Prime check in on us, and when he was home his full attention was devoted to us. They worked together to compromise, divide and conquer. My parents’ love was unconditional and they always told us they loved us even if they didn’t agree at the time with the choices that were made. Through all of my medical trials, they were by my side learning and fighting along with me.

What is one thing you never had that you want for your kids? One thing that I wanted for my kids was reading with them every night when they were growing up. My dad would read to us when we were little, and I remember loving the times he was home and able to read a book to us. From the time they were little until they entered high school, we sat together and read. Even though we don’t read together now, we’ll read some of the same books and articles so we can discuss them.

What are your superpowers? Organization and speed walking. I tend to walk fast everwhere I go, even if there is no hurry, as there’s is always something to do. I love to organize and prep for everything as I’m running around.

What keeps you up at night (apart from kids, of course)? My diabetes keeps me up at night more than anything else. Even with all the advances over the last 23 years that I have had the disease, my blood sugars will still choose to do what they want in the middle of the night. On good nights, Huey will wake me and my alarm will go off only one or two times in a four-hour period. On rough nights, Huey and my alarm sometimes wake me up every 30 to 45 minutes for the entire night. I’m pretty good at working through the

exhaustion but every once in a while it gets to me. I can count the number of times I’ve actually had eight hours of sleep (maybe once or twice a year) and it always feels like such a blessing. I have learned to live with the sleep deprivation, but sometimes it gets to me and I get exhausted.

What keeps you sane? Laughter. My faith, family, friends and students all provide joy in my life and make me smile and laugh each and every day.

What is your least/most favorite household chore? Cleaning out the animal habitats for our dwarf hamster Merlin, our leopard gecko Miss Chomps, and our fish Bluey.

Who is your favorite real-life hero?

My favorite real-life hero is my twin sister Sabrina. She’s the Global Head of Invest ment and Wealth Solutions at London Stock Exchange Group, and she and her husband started a nonprofit in Sierra Leone called Grow for Hope. Their vision is to empower women through employment

and education. Even though we can’t talk all the time due to differences in time zones and family time, I know that she is there for me whenever I need her.

Listen to mom.

Is motherhood what you expected? What surprised you the most? Yes, motherhood is everything I expected and more. What surprised me the most was the love and bond I would have with my kids as I would lay down my life for them. The joy and laughter they bring me is beyond anything I could have hoped to experience in life. The personality differences also have surprised me as we have two kids, raised in the same house, who both have such unique personalities guiding them to become adults who will change the world.

Who and what has influenced the mother you are today? My mother, grandmothers and faith have influenced me to be the mother

I am today. My faith has given me the strength to carry on even in the toughest times. My mother and grandmothers showed me that you can love through all. You may not always like what your child chooses, but you can love them and help them through the tough times and consequences that may come their way.

What advice would you give your younger mom self? What do you wish you knew then that you know now? I would tell my younger self to just enjoy each day as it comes. Even the longest days will come to an end, and you’ll wish you had them back. The kids will remember the fun and crazy times you create together, even if they are a little messy.

AVOIDING TRANSITION TANTRUMS

We’ve all been there: While rushing to make it in time for that playdate, appointment or last-minute trip to Target, the dreaded transition tantrum takes hold. Holidays can make this extra hard, with school schedules changing and nap time going awry; sometimes it’s just too much for our little ones.

Changing activities and environments can be difficult, and neurodivergent children may face additional struggles with this. However, with a few proactive steps, we can help ease the stress of transitions.

1. PROVIDE A VISUAL SCHEDULE: I’m lost without my phone’s calendar, so it’s no surprise that kids do best when provided with a schedule as well. A visual schedule can be as simple or as detailed as you would like.

Simply list out the activities that your child will be participating in, and add a picture if needed for visual learners or early readers. Take a few minutes to review the schedule with your child once or twice daily to ensure success.

2. TRANSITION WARNINGS: We all need a little reminder — and some of us need a lot! Providing a verbal reminder for your children will help get them ready for a transition. The more time you can provide, the better. I like to start reminders for my kids an hour before we leave the house or our next big activity, and every 15 minutes after that. If I’m also trying to get ready, I ask my Alexa to do these for me.

3. BE PATIENT AND FLEXIBLE: I remind myself that it’s hard o be a kid and have little control over what activities are planned for the day. Adding some extra time in the schedule for big feelings is important, and an extra five minutes to finish up that super cool coloring page never hurt either.

Brought to you by:

KIDS NW connects families with compassionate caregivers, specially trained in serving individuals with disabilities.

DONNITA CAGLE BASSINGER, CTC, MCC

• Proof of identity and lawful status

• Proof of social security number

• Two proofs of current physical address

• Proof of legal name changes

On May 3, 2023, every adult age 18 and up flying within the U.S. must present a Real ID Card, passport, DHS Trusted Traveler Card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST) or other federally approved ID.

If you plan to fly anywhere after May 2, 2023 know that the federally mandated Real ID Act will be enforced and a standard driver license or ID card will no longer be accepted for domestic flight s.

The state of Oregon began issuing Real ID driver’s licenses and ID cards last year. It’s predicted there will be a rush and delays before the May 3, 2023 deadline. You must apply in person at the DMV, and the cost is $30 plus the regular license renewal fee of $40. In addition to the fees, you must present multiple official documents (see sidebar)

GET A PASSPORT INSTEAD

The easiest way to avoid the chaos is to obtain or renew your passports. Everyone is required to have a valid passport book (not card) for travel outside of the U.S. and its territories of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam and the North ern Mariana Islands. The current cost is $165 for ages 16 and over (valid for 10 years) and $135 for under age 16 (valid for 5 years). Both parents are required to be present when applying for a passport for a minor.

During the pandemic, passport processing times were extremely long and many people had to cancel trips because they could not obtain passports in time. Currently it takes eight to eleven weeks to receive a passport. You can pay an extra $60 per person to have your passport expedited which should take five to seven weeks. The U.S. government recently piloted an online renewal program; check travel.state.gov for updates.

TSA PRECHECK

The Eugene Airport’s renovation in 2018 included many changes to make the flying experience better for everyone. One big

improvement is the dedicated TSA Pre Check screening line. The program lets pre-approved citizens breeze through airport checkpoints without removing shoes, laptops or liquids at more than 200 airports in the U.S. for domestic and international travel.

The cost is $85 per person for a five-year membership. Children age 12 and under can join their parents in the PreCheck line for no cost. There is now an IdentoGo enrollment office in downtown Eugene to make it easy to participate in the PreCheck program. Please note that TSA PreCheck does not qualify as Real ID.

GLOBAL ENTRY

If you plan to travel outside of the U.S. over the next five years, it is worthwhile to apply for the Global Entry program instead of TSA PreCheck. The cost is $100 for five years of Global Entry and it includes TSA PreCheck. Global Entry membership and fees are required for all ages. To apply for Global Entry, you must have a valid passport, create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account, complete an application, pay the $100 fee and attend an in-person interview at the office in Portland. The entire process could take a few months, so begin early.

MEET VACATION MOM

As a parent you know that being prepared can help minimize hassles and make things run smoother. When traveling this is especially important. Taking the time to get passports along with TSA PreCheck or Global Entry for your family now can make flying so much easier for future years.

WEBSITES FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION

Rules change often so check the following sites for up-to-date info.

Real ID: tsa.gov/real-id

TSA: tsa.gov/travel/ security-screening/ identification

Trusted Traveler Programs: ttp.cbp.dhs.gov

Passport info: travel.state.gov/content/ travel/en/passports

Vacation MOM is brought to you in partnership with Eugene Airport

Contact Donnita at 541-913-5272

@VacationMOMpage

Donnita Bassinger has been a travel agent for three decades, and she enjoys sending families on vacations around the world. She is mom to three boys and lives in Eugene with her husband. Tropical vacations are her specialty and she would love to help you plan a great vacation.

local

Eugene area

...shop to pick up a gift or something for yourself:

Hirons Pharmacy

Luxe

Passionflower Design

Provisions Market at the 5th Street Public Market

Rescued Living Real Deals on Home Decor Rhythm and Blooms Stingray Botanicals

...coffee spot:

Allan’s Coffee

Max Porter’s Coffeehouse, Junction City Meraki Coffee Co.

Sweet Tree Cafe & Espresso Vero Espresso Perugino Coffee House

...place to treat yourself to a mani/ pedi, massage or other personal service:

Bello Day Spa & Salon

Chikara Salon & Spa

French Nails & Spa

Gervais Salon & Day Spa

Number One Nails & Spa

Reflections Salon

Tips & Toes

...restaurant to take the kids:

Benny’s Pizza Joint

Chula’s Restaurant and Cantina

Viking Braggot Company

Southtowne Pub Killer Burger

MM McMenamins

North Bank

Steelhead Brewery Papa’s Pizza Parlor

...restaurants for a date night:

Ambrosia Restaurant & Bar Hacienda Amigo Mio Beppe & Gianni’s Trattoria

Black Wolf Supper Club Café Soriah

Long Timber Brewing MM Marché

Memo’s Mexican Restaurant North Fork Public House Sabai Cafe & Bar Sushi PURE

...take-out, food truck or quick bite:

Beergarden

El Super Taco El Taco Express Dos Banderas

Fruteria Lalito

MM Beer Station Saigon Cafe Sushi Ya Tradewinds Café

...meetup spot for happy hour:

B2 Bar & Grill

barTini bistro

Provisions South MM SideBar

Thinking Tree Spirits Wetlands Brew Pub

Salem area

...shop to pick up a gift or something yourself:

Aunt Bee’s House

One Fair World

Salem Saturday Market

The Find

Top Drawer

The Arbor

...coffee spot:

Bentley’s Downtown

MM: Broadway Coffeehouse

French Press

IKE Box

Just Us Girls

Urban Grange

...restaurant to take the kids:

Annette’s Westgate

BeeHive Station Food Pod

Bo & Vine Burger

La Hacienda Real Sushi Kyo

...restaurants for a date night:

Azuls Taco House

MM DaVinci Ristorante

MM Gamberetti’s Italian Restaurant

Jubilee Champagne & Dessert Bar

Rudy’s Steakhouse Venti’s

...take-out, food truck or quick bite:

Beehive Station Food Pod

Dalia’s Taqueria

Momiji Sushi Restaurant Super Pho

MM The Yard Food Park

...place where the kids can let off steam:

MM Awesome Indoor Playground

Get Air Trampoline Park

Minto-Brown Island Park

Salem’s Riverfront Carousel

...place to treat yourself: Envy Lash Studio

Ivy Nails Salon

Simply Blissed

...view or scenic lookout:

Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge

Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge

Silver Falls State Park

Willamette Valley Vineyards

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ANKENY

It’s no secret that the U.S. is behind other countries when it comes to paid work leave for new parents. The Pew Research Center reported that the U.S. is t he only country among 41 nations that does not offer paid parental leave, while countries like Estonia, Bulgaria and Hungary provide over 58 weeks.

About a dozen U.S. states have worked to change this by offering their own programs, and in 2023, Oregon joins the list. The effort in Oregon has been formally in the works since at least 2016, and it passed the Oregon Legislature with bipartisan support in 2019.

We turned to Karen Madden Humelbaugh, Director of Paid Leave Oregon, for answers to common questions.

How does this benefit moms? Are there benefits that go beyond the financial component?

Yes, paid leave helps parents, as well as children! The introduction of paid maternity leave in five U.S. states lowered rates of low birth-weight and preterm births. The introduction of paid family leave in California also is associated with increases in the duration of breastfeeding, reductions in hospitalizations for infants and improvements in mother’s mental health.

Beyond the financial benefits for moms, studies have also shown that paid leave programs help women re-enter and stay in the workforce. It allows for important bonding time for families, impacts breastfeeding duration, enables parents to get prompt healthcare for their infants, improves mother’s postpartum physical and mental health, and strengthens parent-child bonds. The physical and mental health benefits to mothers has been well documented, as well as for partners and the children.

Is it going to take money from my paycheck? And if so, how?

Most employees working in Oregon contribute to and receive benefits from Paid Leave Oregon. It’s a program we all contribute to, so the funds are available when people need to take leave. The overall contribution rate for 2023 is 1% of gross wages. The employee pays 60% of that 1%. For example, if you make $1,000, the employee

pays $6. Large employers, those with 25 or more employees, pay the other 40% of that 1% contribution rate. Small employers do not pay into the program, but their employees still pay into and benefit from the program.

What if I’m done having babies; do I still have to pay into it?

Most employees in Oregon pay into Paid Leave Oregon. The program isn’t just parental leave for bonding with a child: it also covers family leave for caring for a family member with a serious health condition, medical leave for your own serious health condition and safe leave, for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, harassment or stalking. Most of us don’t know when we may have a life event that requires us to take time off — we can’t always plan for a family member who is very ill or our own serious medical condition, for instance.

Do I have to do anything special to sign up for it?

Most employees are automatically in the program and will be contributing through payroll deductions starting in January 2023. Your employer will withhold and pay your contribution as part of the payroll process. In September 2023, employees can start applying for benefits if they have a qualifying life event. They will apply for paid leave benefits through our new online portal, Frances Online.

What about dads? Do you have to be married, or can my boyfriend/girlfriend take it too, even if they aren’t a biological parent?

Family leave is for a mother or father, or their domestic partner, who needs that time to bond with their child in the first year after birth, or through adoption or foster care.

I thought Oregon already had family/ medical Leave. How is this different?

In Oregon, employees may have access to the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the Oregon Family Leave Act (OFLA). These programs have many differences from Paid Leave Oregon in terms of who is covered and for what amount of time. This biggest difference is that our program is paid . FMLA and OFLA offer job

protections but they are unpaid leave. Also, many other types of leave are only available to full-time workers or people who work for larger companies. Paid Leave Oregon is available to anyone who makes at least $1,000 the prior year, whether they are full-time, part-time or seasonal.

What is Safe Leave?

Safe Leave is protected, paid leave for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, harassment or stalking. It allows someone to take paid leave to take time to seek safety, support and resources in what can be a very frightening and stressful time.

What if I’m self-employed?

Self-employed people and independent contractors are not automatically covered by Paid Leave Oregon, but they can choose coverage starting in January 2023. If they choose coverage, they pay the same contribution rate as an employee of a business (60% of 1% of wages). They can go to paidleave.oregon.gov to learn more about choosing paid leave coverage.

“The urgent necessity for paid parental leave,” American Psychological Association, Abrams, 2022 “Among 41 countries, only U.S. lacks paid parental leave,” Pew Research Center, Livingston & Thomas, 2019

PAID LEAVE OREGON IS PAID LEAVE FOR:

Family Leave

Birth of a child

Bonding with a child:

• In the first year after birth

• Through adoption

• When they’re placed in your home through foster care

To care for a family member with a serious illness or injury

Medical Leave

To care for yourself when you have a serious illness or injury

Safe Leave

For survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, harassment, or stalking

Visit paidleave.oregon.gov to learn more.

Visit our new Perinatal Lounge at 56 East 15th Avenue in Eugene.

Brought to you by:

Emily Little (she/her), PhD, is a perinatal health researcher, educator, and advocate. She is the founder and executive director of Nurturely, a nonprofit promoting equity in perinatal wellness and strengthening cultures of support for infants and caregivers.

nurturely.org / info@nurturely.org Text/phone: 541-579-8941 / Whatsapp: 541-579-8941

We can do better

The US remains the only high income country where paid postpartum leave is not federally mandated. This lack of nationwide investment in postpartum health and wellness reflects a valuessystem where prevention is not prioritized — where the health of birthing people and babies is brushed aside rather than viewed as a fundamental component of a thriving society.

We’re proud and excited that Nurturely’s home state of Oregon is launching three months of paid leave in 2023, joining the other states who have already stepped up to fill this gap: Washington, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island. But this is still not enough.

At Nurturely, we made an active decision to prioritize postpartum health by fully funding six months of paid postpartum leave for all employees, even part-time. Importantly, this policy applies to all outcomes of pregnancy, inclusive of families who experience stillbirth and other forms of loss. After the six months, employees are welcomed back with unlimited paid bodyfeeding breaks and a babies-at-work policy.

This is just a starting point on our small, startup budget — and it’s possible simply because we are committed to making it happen. We believe that health equity starts at birth, and that supporting an equitable society starts internally, in our own teams and organizations.

Sweater weather is better together

The right dental tools

When it comes to your child’s dental health, it’s important to start early, be consistent and use age-appropriate tools. With babies, a finger brush or a washcloth helps your baby get used to the feeling and idea of having their mouth cleaned. A silicone brush helps with oral motor sensory development, and it’s an easy proposition when babies want to put everything in their mouths. Be sure to use one made specifically for your baby’s age and ability.

In early childhood, a soft bristle toothbrush helps remove plaque and keep gums healthy. Avoid hard, stiff bristles. Toothpaste with fluoride helps prevent cavities, which is especially important if your child is at a higher risk of dental caries. Floss picks are great for getting out the stuck bits between teeth and helping your child learn the value of flossing.

When your child is older, around age 7, electric toothbrushes work well. String floss works best to curve around each tooth. Flossing takes some practice, but your child will get there with guidance. Mouth rinse is nice for fresh breath when children understand how to spit, and it’s practical for families who do not have fluoridated water.

Brought to you by:

Dr. Erin Estep is a board-certified pediatric dentist who owns Treehouse Kids Dentist in Springfield. She and her staff are committed to making sure your child has an amazing, safe, memorable dental experience.

treehousekidsdental.com 1611 J street Springfield, OR 541-515-6631 office@treehousekidsdental.com

10 big reasons to have your baby at McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center:

• All-in-one labor, delivery & recover rooms (including whirlpool tubs)

• Water birth available

• State-of-the-art newborn safety system

• 24/7 in-house laborists (OB)

• 24/7 on-call certified nurse midwives and lactation services

• 24/7 on-call pediatric hospitalists

• Level II special care nursery

• Maternity Care Coordinator

• Childbirth education/classes

• Nitrous oxide option during labor Visit mckweb.com, maternity services for more information

Adapted from @the.dentistmom on Instagram.

Ready to roll on busy mornings

MAKE-AHEAD BREAKFASTS

For many moms, weekday mornings are an exercise in chaos. Someone overslept, another one hates all of their clothes and didn’t you know there was a basketball uniform you were supposed to have washed?

These premade options can be eaten in the car, for mid-morning snack time or even saved for lunch. If you get the big box of freezer sausage biscuits, no judgment from us. Just know you can save money on a healthier option you make at home, and without all that packaging.

THIS IS NOT A COOKIE.

These oatmeal not-cookies are an easy sell.

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 eggs

1 mashed ripe banana

2 teaspoons of vanilla

1 cup brown sugar

3 teaspoons orange zest

1 3/4 cups wheat flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

3 cups rolled oats

1/2 cup raisins

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream together oil and eggs, then mix in banana, vanilla and brown sugar. Add orange rind and raisins, then set mixture aside.

In a separate mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder and oats. Gradually stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until combined.

Roll into about ¼ cup-sized balls and bake on an ungreased baking sheet for 18 to 20 minutes. Allow to cool on wire racks.

EGG BITES

1 cup diced ham, bacon or sausage

3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella

3/4 cup broccoli, chopped fine

3/4 cup tomatoes, de-seeded and chopped

1/3 cup of onions, diced

6 eggs

1/4 cup milk

2 Tablespoons water

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/4 teaspoon dried parsley

Generously grease a 12-muffin tin. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

To each muffin holder, sprinkle a bit of the cheddar and mozzarella. Don’t press down on it: it’s actually better if there are air pockets for the forthcoming egg mixture to fill in.

Add to each a sprinkle of the meat, broccoli, tomatoes and onions.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, milk and water. Add the garlic salt, basil and parsley, and whisk until combined.

Pour the egg mixture over each muffin, filling to about ⅔ full.

Bake for 18 to 20 minutes at 350 degrees.

Allow to cool for 5 minutes before running a small silicone spatula around the edge of each egg bite before removing. Using a soft spatula versus a knife saves your nonstick pan from getting scratched. Cool completely on a wire rack.

These will keep in the refrigerator for 5 days, and can be reheated in the microwave for 30 seconds. To freeze: store in freezer-safe container and freeze until ready for eating. Each egg bite can be microwaved 1 to 2 minutes wrapped in a paper towel to absorb moisture.

BREAKFAST BURRITOS

8 medium tortillas

8 eggs, scrambled with salt and pepper to taste

2 cups shredded cheese of your choice

2 cups chopped ham or 8 sausage links

Diced yellow, green and/or red peppers, if your kids don’t reject them

Spread the tortillas out on a clean surface so you can batch-prep. In each tortilla, add equal amounts scrambled eggs, cheese and diced peppers. Add either 1/4 cup of bacon to each, or two slices of sausage links to match the length of the other ingredients.

Fold each tortilla into tight burritos, wrapping each tightly in aluminum foil. They can be stored in freezer bags until ready to eat. Remove foil from each before microwaving one to two minutes until heated thoroughly.

What to do if your dog gets skunked pets are family

Getting sprayed by a skunk sometimes happens to curious canines who stick their noses where they don’t belong. The up-close and personal smell is a far cry from the one on the side of the road — it’s an acrid chemical that grasps your lungs and hurts your eyes.

If you have this reaction, imagine what dogs, with their highly sensitive noses, feel. If your pet gets skunked, this is the best formula* we’ve found:

1 quart 3% hydrogen peroxide ¼ cup baking soda

1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap

Mix the formula in a clean plastic bucket and apply it immediately (do not store it in a bottle as it may explode). Wash your dog as soon as possible in the solution; outside

and with gloves on is best. Before wetting the dog, work the solution into the fur, being careful to avoid the eyes. Leave the solution on for 5 minutes and then rinse it with lukewarm water.

Wash the dog as many times as it takes for the dog to smell like a wet dog rather than a dog sprayed by a skunk. Severely skunked dogs should be monitored closely for 12 hours for signs such as lethargy, weakness or lack of appetite. Rarely, extremely severe cases can cause damage to red blood cells resulting in anemia. Contact our 24/7 emergency veterinary hospital if your dog looks ill.

*Safety Warnings: This mixture is flammable. Toss what you haven’t used – do not store it in a bottle or it will explode. The solution will bleach out fabric. Keep the solution out of your pet’s eyes.

Wilvet South 24/7 urgent care 444 B Street, Springfield, OR 97477 wilvetsouth.com

Brought to you by: Emily Kalenius, DVM

WILVET IS NOW OPEN IN SPRINGFIELD!