Categories
DISCOVER INDOOR FUN!

Youth Programs at Rogue Rock Gym!

Rogue Rock Gym was founded in 2005 by Ashland resident Matt Lambert, who recognized the need for a modern indoor rock climbing facility in Southern Oregon. Rogue Rock Gym is Southern Oregon’s first full service indoor climbing gym with 30ft tall walls, over 6,000sq ft of climbing terrain, 33 rope stations, qualified instruction, youth programs, and fitness equipment. Rogue Rock Gym’s mission is to provide our community with an exciting and safe climbing environment while providing the highest standard of rock climbing instruction and coaching for youth and adults. This year we celebrate our 10 year anniversary and our proud to say that we have hosted over 30,000 individual climbers on our walls!
Exposing children to the benefits and joys of rock climbing is one of the primary focuses of Rogue Rock Gym. Indoor rock climbing is a fun, healthy activity for kids in a safe and controlled environment. They build strength and self-confidence on our walls, and when they achieve the top of a climb they garner a sense of accomplishment that is long lasting. Our staff is very experienced working with children through our host of youth programs including private instruction, birthday parties, summer camps, youth climbing club, and a competitive climbing team.
Our rock gym offers Auto-belay devices, which allow climbers access to our tall walls without requiring any previous instruction or training. Parents can bring their kids in and with a 2 minute orientation to the device can be clipping their kids in to scramble up the walls! The device does all the work of catching the climber and lowering them slowly and safely to the ground. Kids love them! These devices are safe and reliable and have become a standard in the climbing wall industry.

Kids looking to try climbing for their first time are encouraged to sign up for “Climb Time” which is a hour and a half long session with one of our staff instructors who coach and provide technique tips for the child while climbing. Group pricing is available for multiple climbers. Please call ahead to schedule.

Anyone is welcome to visit our gym at anytime, we are open 7 days a week! We offer a drop in daily rate for kids under 18, equipment rentals, and for climbers who frequent the gym we have punchcard and membership options.
A parental signature is required on our Waiver release form on a child’s first visit to the gym.
For more information about our Youth Programs and Parties, please inquire with us at the front counter or give us a call at 541-245-2665!
Or for more information or to obtain our Waiver please visit our website at www.roguerockgym.com
Happy climbing!
Categories
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT HEALTH

WHEN SHOULD A CHILD FIRST SEE AN ORTHODONTIST

By Dana Nguyen Schmidl, DDS, MS

Orthodontists do more than just straighten teeth. We improve the harmony of the bite, mitigate issues associated with improper jaw alignment, and address aesthetic concerns such as facial symmetry and profile.

 As an orthodontist, the most common question I am asked by patients and dental colleagues is “At what age should a child be evaluated for orthodontic treatment?”

While braces are typically associated with teens, you may be surprised to hear that even children who are still donning some baby teeth may benefit from orthodontic treatment. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends for all children to be evaluated by an orthodontist no later than age 7.

There are several reasons for this recommendation. By age 7, the permanent first molars have erupted, establishing the bite. Also around this time, the permanent front teeth begin to emerge, allowing an orthodontist to evaluate if your child has crowding, spacing, an overbite or underbite. 

 Additional problems such as cross-bites, deep bites, open bites, and adverse dental habits can be detected.

While the majority of children do not need any orthodontic treatment at a young age, early detection can prevent more serious problems from developing and may make subsequent orthodontic treatment shorter and less complicated.

For example, detection and treatment of a prolonged thumb-sucking habit can prevent narrowing of the upper jaw, an open bite, and excessive protrusion of the front teeth.

 If a significant issue is identified during the initial examination, early interceptive (“Phase 1”) orthodontic treatment is recommended. Usually completed in less than a year, this treatment is typically done during the ages of 7-11 when children have a mixture of permanent and baby teeth. Children will then be monitored regularly and evaluated for a second phase of orthodontic treatment once all permanent teeth erupt, around age 12.

If you have questions or concerns about your child’s dental alignment or bite, schedule a consultation appointment with a local orthodontist or ask your family dentist for a referral. Consultations are quick, painless, and often complimentary.  A beautiful smile is right around the curve.

For more information visit Schmidl Orthodontics at https://www.schmidlorthodontics.com/

Categories
FEATURED

40th Annual Rogue Valley Railroad Show 

November 25-26, 2017

 

This is an annual fundraiser to benefit the Medford Railroad Park, now in the 36th year of operation to the public.

Held inside the Jackson County Expo there will be a dozen or more operating model railroads of all sizes. In addition there will be historic railroad displays, exhibits from RogueValley model railroad manufacturers, a swap meet, Operation Lifesaver, door prizes and raffles.

Venue: 

JacksonCounty Expo, 1 Penniger Road, Central Point, OR. 97502

Hours:

Nov. 25: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM    

Nov. 26:  10:00AM to 4:00 PM

Admission is $5.00 for Adults. Children ages 6-12 is $1.00.                                                Children 5 and under free w/paid adult.

Categories
SAFETY

Parent’s Guide to Gangs

Parent’s Guide to Gangs

By Lieutenant Mike Budreau, Medford Police Dept.

 

Research indicates that parents can play a pivotal role in keeping young people out of gangs. Parents can protect their children from gang activity through taking positive actions, such as monitoring their activities, fostering close relationships with them, and using positive discipline strategies. However, parents often lack       factual information about gangs.

The early adolescent years (11-14 years of age) are a crucial time when youths are exposed to gangs and may consider joining a gang. Parents should look for common gang identifiers such as:

Gang Style Clothing and Dress:

Gang members often use a particular style of dress to identify with a particular gang. This might include bandanas worn or placed in the back pocket and are of a certain color that is representative of gangs. Other signs to look for are pants worn well below the waist, gangthemed t-shirts, and beaded necklaces.

Graffiti:

Gangs use graffiti to mark their territory, brag about their reputation and threaten rival gangs. For this reason, graffiti can be very dangerous and should be removed as soon as possible.

Tattoos:

Tattoos often show an individual’s loyalty to his/her gang. These tattoos often include the name, initials, or symbols of a specific gang.

Hand Signs:

Gangs often use specific hand gestures to communicate their affiliation with the gang and issue threats or challenges to rival gangs.

What Parents Can Do:

  • Talk to your children about gangs and ways to avoid them. Let them know you disapprove of gangs and do not want to see them hurt or arrests.
  • Tell your children not to:

– Associate with any gang members

– Hang out where gangs congregate

– Attend any party or social event sponsored by gangs

– Use any kind of hand or finger sign that may be meaningful to gangs

– Wear clothing that may have a meaning to gangs

  • Get to know your children’s friends and the friends’ parents. Be aware of their attitude towards drugs, alcohol and gangs. When children start to feel pressure to use drugs or join gangs, it usually comes from their friends.
  • Set firm limits with your children and teens. Children and teenagers need to know clearly what is expected of them and the consequences of their actions.
  • Do not rescue your children from the consequences of their decisions.Plan family time. Make time for your family to play, eat meals together, take trips (even to parks or activities), keep family traditions and have family meetings to talk about plans, feelings, and complaints.

If you have any more questions or concerns, contact your local School

Resource Officer (SRO), or your local police department.

Categories
SAFETY

Guarding Against Online Predators

Are your children safe online? It seems like the online world is harmless right?

Most of the time your children are online in home and sometimes under your watchful eyes.
Did you know that one out of every five youth online is solicited? Did you know that one in four received an unwanted exposure in the past year to pictures of naked people or people having sex?

Very few of these incidents are reported to police and while many did not find these incidents disturbing, they were distressing to a good number of the youth involved. Of the people who participated in the research funded by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, only 17% of the youth and 11% of the parents could even name a specific authority or internet service provider to which they could even report an internet crime. This is
staggering. Do you know what to do if your child reports to you that he or she was sent pornographic materials on line? These crimes are widely under reported which means that we can’t fully understand the impact these crimes have on the children and families involved.

There are some signs that might be red flags that indicate your child may be connecting with an online predator. None of these signs are definitive but indicate that it may be time to talk to your child to further understand what
is going on. If your child becomes withdrawn or isolated from their friends and family you may want to check in with them. Other red flags include, finding inappropriate or disturbing material on the computer, your child
receives gifts, money, mail or phone contact from people that are not known to you or you see charges on your phone bill from numbers or people that you do not recognize.

If you think that your child is a victim of an on line predator you should reassure your child that it is not their fault. You should save the evidence.
Evidence might be emails, instant messages, or any pictures that might have been sent. You should contact your local law enforcement agency and make a report.

You can also make a report to the CyberTipline at www.cybertipline.com or 1-800-THE-LOST and include all information available, even if you do not feel it is important information.
Guarding Against Online Predators

Categories
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT LET'S EAT!

Sweet Stuff! Custom Cakes and more!

  Custom Cakes and More!

We here at Sweet Stuff work to make each special occasion cake or dessert the best we can.  We really believe in making each and every order special and unique, trying hard to really get what the customer wants in it. Be it a birthday cake for someone who loves high fashion, or a child who has an imagination and wants a pirate, princess, pony theme all in one cake, or a wedding cake in a steam punk theme for 20 or 500 people, we work with every person to get them what they want and within the budget they have. We can do wedding, baby or bridal shower, birthday, bachelor /bachelorette cakes, desserts, cupcakes, custom cookies, cake pops, and much more. We can work with any theme and with most budgets. Desserts for that special dinner or event is no problem and we offer a long list of things to choose from. We do offer Gluten Free and Vegan items.

With over 32 years of professional baking experience acquired here locally in the Rogue Valley, we  are always doing our best to keep up with current trends and techniques to create personal, one of a kind cakes. We were at the Ultimate Bridal Show this last October and will be at the Southern Oregon Wedding Show this upcoming January at the Medford Armory, with all kinds of information about what we do, in particular, wedding cakes, and will have lots of samples for everyone to try. We are currently booking into the 2016 season already, so if your interested in booking with us for an upcoming event, please get in touch as soon as possible by email, phone, or Facebook message.

We are also here to help out the other bakers in the area by selling baking, cake decorating, and candy making supplies at our booth currently inside the American Mercantile, at 1314 Court St. in Medford. We have everything from individual cake boxes and boards, to cake pans, chocolate candy molds, flavorings, food coloring, edible images, and more. We rent out cake pans, and cake/cupcake stands, and can print out custom edible images. We also sell our homemade buttercream frosting, fillings, and pre-made cake pop balls to order, so all the customer has to do is have fun putting their creation together. We offer custom private, individual, or group classes as well in baking and cake decorating. Call or email for information as each class is customized to the level of experience and techniques wanted to learn. Prices do vary according to class size and structure.

If, however, you just want a decadent salted caramel brownie to munch on or a cupcake to treat yourself with, we operate a booth at the Medford Growers and Crafters Market during the spring/summer and into the beginning of fall, season. You can also find our sweet treats at several other locations, like the Pit Stop Espresso in Ruch and at Fox Run Farms on Jacksonville Highway. But, you can always give us a call, or email us, at least a week in advance, to order a custom creation just for you!

541-772-4439

www.sweetstuffcake.com.

 

Categories
DISCOVER IT'S FREE! PARENTING

BABY RHYME TIME

BABY RHYME TIME is at 11:00am on Thursdays!

Baby Rhyme Time a socialization group for new parents with very young children (newborn up to 24 months). The group meets weekly at the Grants Pass branch of Josephine Community Library.
The one-hour group provides opportunities for new parents and their babies to meet other families and to learn through sharing ideas and play. We start out singing nursery rhymes with the babies and toddlers for about 20 minutes. Singing nursery rhymes and reading to infants and toddlers enhances their early literacy skills and supports the growing bond between parent and child. The remainder of the hour is spent playing and socializing.
Baby Rhyme Time was designed to give new mothers a place to get together on a regular basis for socialization and support. One in four new mothers suffer from depression, anxiety or panic disorders before or after their pregnancy.  Symptoms may include trouble sleeping, crying, irritability or nervousness, changes in appetite, feeling fearful and lack of interest in the baby, family or friends. Many new mothers are socially isolated in the first few months after their baby is born, which can contribute to postpartum symptoms. Getting together with other mothers is a great way to alleviate social isolation. Dads and grandparents are welcome to come too. The group is free and meets every week.
Please NOTE:  Baby Rhyme Time meets prior to the opening of the library to the public. Participants must enter through the back door of the library (on the West side) and follow the signs to the children’s library.
Find us on Facebook at Baby Rhyme Time – Grants Pass.
For more information contact:
Kelly Carter, LPC of SOESD/Early Childhood Services, (541)956-2059 x 4726
Bo Alderton from the Family Support & Connections program, (541) 474-3101 x232.

Categories
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT DISCOVER

THE BUG MAN COMETH

 

Interviewed and written by Lois Pierce

 

Natural History is an important part of ANY science program and it’s been brought to the Southern Oregon area for 7 years by a very POPULAR company that caters to ALL ages at ALL locations.

BUGS-R-US Educational Services provides hands-on fun and education to 5 counties in 2 states. Its owner, John Jackson, has done over 3000 programs in the past 7 years to over 160,000 visitors and is still going strong.

John contributes the success of BUGS-R-US to that simple fact that  ”People like to be entertained, educated and grossed out every chance they can get.” And that’s what he does with 15 different topics ranging from the most popular “BUGS and BUGS AS FOOD” , “WORMS and COMPOSTING” to “OWLS and OWL PELLETS” and the new “NATURAL HISTORY of the OREGON TRAIL.” “Every program we teach is just a big show-and-tell….the audience gets to touch EVERYTHING and that’s what makes it stick in their minds.”

BUGS-R-US Educational Services has worked for retirement communities, day-care centers, schools, churches, birthday parties, fund-raisers, Parks and Rec., Scouts, Homeschools, Garden Clubs and the list goes on. They have turned ALL of the 15 topics into Birthday themes. Your child’s Birthday Party can feature unique, unusual entertainment that is educational as well!

John updates the 15 topics on a regular basis and tries to keep them FRESH for new audiences. “We built the “NATURAL HISTORY of the OREGON TRAIL” program for 4th graders but quickly found out that it appeals to older folks just because of the history factor.” And that’s how his audience base continues to grow.

John and his son, Will, usually work 7 days a week and have to buy the new year calendar VERY early. “Some of our clients like to book 9-12 months out so that means I can look at the schedule a year out and know I’ll still have a job”, John jokes.

BUGS-R-US Educational Services website… www.bugsrus.org … has details about all 15 of their programs along with photos and videos.

“It amazes me that I get to educate and have fun with my students and it’s not really work”, John says. “It’s just me having fun with friends.”

BUGS-R-US Educational Services can be reached at (541) 772-3281 or through their website at www.bugsrus.org

Categories
HEALTH

Healthy Eating for Kids

You want the best for your family and food is a healthy way to interact with your kids.

 

Start young

School your children early with board books about fruits and vegetables. Involve them when you go grocery shopping identifying the fruits and vegetables and picking out healthy choices. Kids are more likely to eat healthy if they are engaged in the process of selection, planning and preparation of their meals. You can make meal preparation fun and creative that kids will look forward to. Make scenes with your food, pancake or sandwich faces, craft animals from celery sticks, peanut butter and apples or raisins.  We are taught not to play with our food but a little fun time can be good.

 

Where Food Comes From

A great way to teach kids about food is to visit the source. Maybe you have space for a garden and can involve your kids in the growing of the food they will eat. Or maybe you can visit a farm, a U pick, Farmers Market or even join a community garden. How fun it can be to grow, care for and pick fresh fruits and vegetables together.

 

Healthy Snacks

Keep a good choice of healthy snack options at home or when you are on an outing.  Carrot sticks, sliced apples or cucumbers, grapes or raisins, bananas, whole grain crackers, yogurt, popcorn. Seasonal fresh snacks of sliced watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple, berries, peaches and other sliced fruit is a treat.

Cheers

Maybe your child is picky about eating fruits and vegetables in the whole form. A good way to be sure they get a mix of fruits and vegetables is making fresh vegetable juice or a smoothie. Carrots, celery, beets and a little ginger make a yummy vegetable combination (you would need a juice machine for best results).  Bananas, strawberries (or other fruit choices) , yogurt and coconut water, almond or soymilk make a yummy smoothie and the variation of combinations of what is right for your family is limitless and a great way to introduce new fruits.  The end result is you are happy knowing your kids have drank their fruits or vegetables.

Be a Good Example

Let your child see you make healthy food choices. If your kids see you eating healthy that will become a norm in their lives. Maybe you can read ingredient labels together, if your kids see it is important to you then it will be important to them to develop healthy eating habits.

Try, Try Again

If your kids reject a new fruit or vegetable, don’t give up.  Take a break and offer at a different setting. There are many creative ways to incorporate fruits and vegetables into main dishes if you search for new recipes.- Zucchini noodles.  Banana and fruit pancakes, cauliflower crust pizza, etc…

Make it fun and start young.

 

Categories
PARENTING

Be A Super Hero: Reduce the Risk of Sexual Abuse Of the Children In Your Life

Be A Super Hero: Reduce the Risk of Sexual Abuse Of the Children In Your Life

One of the most anxious moments of my adult life was the first day I left my then two month old son in the hands of his daycare provider so that I could go back to work.  I knew what the risks were for my son.  I had worked in the field of child protection for nearly twenty years at that time.  I had seen the dark side of humanity and was feeling very overwhelmed at the daunting task of keeping my child safe from all harm.

Many parents face this same dilemma.  While there is nothing we can do to totally guarantee our child’s safety there are things that we can do to reduce the risk.

One of the most important things that you can do to reduce the risk of sexual abuse of your child is really quite simple.  Listen to your child. Talk to your child.

Not in the distracted I am busy kind of way but really take time every day to be present in your child’s life.  Pay attention to all the small stuff so they will come to you with the big stuff.  This will let your child know that you care about him.  It also builds self esteem.

Many children who are sexually abused are vulnerable because they lack self worth.  If they are not getting that attention from you, they may seek that attention from someone whose intentions are not pure.  Another very important thing that you can do is when you are looking for a child care provider, do your homework.

If you are using a daycare facility you should inquire about their employee screening process.  You should make sure that it includes a thorough background check.

If you are using an in home provider then you should require that anyone you hire have a background check.

If you are a single parent and are bringing other adults or older children into your child’s life, make sure that you know them and know what their backgrounds contain.

You should be very selective about who spends time alone with your child.  As a parent you should educate yourself about the signs of abuse and follow up if you think that you are seeing any of these signs.

If you do not know what to do, then seek advice from a professional at the Jackson County Children’s Advocacy Center.  You can learn the signs of abuse by taking a Darkness to Light class at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Jackson County.                                                                     

 Tammi Pitzen

Executive Director

Children’s Advocacy Center of Jackson County

 

www.cacjc.org