August/September 2010
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Celebrating Active Dads: A Father's Day Contest Reveals Local Heroes by Annette Benedetti 
This last April, we sent a call out to our Facebook and Twitter followers as well as our e-newsletter subscribers requesting nominations for our Active Dad contest. Central Oregon is renowned for its ease of access to a plethora of outdoor activities and healthy lifestyle opportunities, so in honor of Father's Day we decided to reward two dads for not only choosing an active healthy lifestyle but also for modeling this way of life for their children.
When we announced this contest we knew we would have a great response, and while it was hard to choose, two dads' stories stood out. Jim Domings won our first place package after his 13 year old son sent in a heartfelt and compelling e-mail about his father. His winnings included a private climbing lesson/session from First Ascent for him and his family along with a multitude of other goods including an Oakley Backpack from Skjersaa's; a bamboo shirt from Oregon Body and Bath; a 60 minute massage from Professional Massage Therapy; a brewing class from The Brew Shop; an evaluation and treatment from High Desert Chiropractic; a one-time rental from Mountain Valley Supply of Oregon; and gift certificates to Apsect, Jackson's Corner, Kebaba, Parrilla, Patagonia in Bend, and Fleet Feet Sports. Erik Hammer, our second place winner, had three nominations from family and friends! His second place package included a Little Deschutes River float trip from Central Oregon River Adventures; an evaluation and treatment from High Desert Chiropractic; a 30 minute massage from Michelle Rear at Professional Massage Therapy; a Sector Hat from Aspect; Sanuk flip flops from Skjersaa's; and gift certificates from Jackson's Corner, Kebaba, Parrilla Grill, Patagonia in Bend, and Fleet Feet Sports. These two dads are heroes to their family members as well as other children and parents alike. The following excerpts from their nomination letters explain why, and may even inspire some to become active parents, aunts, uncles, or grandparents as well. 
Jim DomingsNominated by sons Cam (13), Jake-Henry (9), and Shae (5) Our dad, Jim is a great dad to have.... There are three of us boys and he started us all out skiing in New Hampshire when we were 2. Now we are really good at skiing and snowboarding. We also started hiking and camping and fishing when we were young.... Last fall my dad and I hiked up South Sister. It was by far one of the best experiences of my life, just me and my dad. This year we are going to let my middle brother Jake go too.... [Dad] is always running off to do something, but he always takes us with him. He says he doesn't have any fun if we aren't with him. I don't think there is anything my dad won't do. When we lived in New Hampshire he worked with kids that had gotten in trouble and he taught them how to kayak and rock climb. He did this because when he was a kid he got involved in some bad stuff and his parents sent him to Outward Bound. He had to live in the mountains in Vermont in the winter for like two weeks. That really changed him and ever since then he has felt like kids that have a love of the outdoors and are active have a better chance at not getting into trouble. My dad also coaches sports. He started out coaching me in baseball, then he coached my brother Jake in baseball and soccer and now he is coaching my littlest brother in T-Ball. Everyone loves him as a coach because he is strict but really fun. When I was little he was my Cub Scout leader, and took us on so many fun hikes and trips to different places, even an old battleship. So me and my two brothers think that he is a great role model to kids and to other dads. He puts all his energy into his family and that is why we love him so much. 
Erik HammerNominated by wife, Karen Hammer; friend, Melissa Johnson; and friend Angelica Evers. Karen's nomination: Ever since I can remember, Erik wanted to influence his children in an active and healthy way. Fast forward 6 years and 3 daughters later...he manages to include my daughters in his activities along with introducing them to new and exciting adventures.... As a family we can be seen strolling downtown with our "bike train" or flashing our pool pass 5 times a week at Juniper pool, but it is the other active opportunities that Erik allows our daughters to partake in that keep the girls interested. Some of Elsa's, our 6yr old, favorite "Daddy time" activities include, skiing at night to the fire huts at Winnoga, conquering the ski lift at Mt. Bachelor along with the Carousel run, and successfully swimming across the deep end of the pool... Emery, our 4 yr. old...loves to bike ride to the mermaid, which is a garden statue on her and Erik's bike route out east, [and] hiking at Shevlin Park looking for walking sticks. Eden [the youngest] is Erik's running partner...[she] still fits in the Chariot stroller, so she does many runs up the Butte with dad.... Erik always has the loudest cheering section at his competitions...because he has taught his girls that with hard work, dedication, and a splash of fun....being active isn't work — it's a way of life! 
Melissa's Nomination:
Erik is quite possibly Super Dad. Almost every night...he is at Juniper Swim and Fitness, swimming with his 3 girls.... Sometimes he will take along my son, Leo [4], or any other friend who may be spending time with his girls. He bikes all of them to JSFC...then he will bring the kids home showered, shampooed and dressed in pajamas and totally tired out. Last year...the entire Hammer family participated in the Tour Des Chutes.... He pulled all 3 girls behind him the entire way! Year round, Erik chooses riding his bike over driving and is known to pick up the kids for play dates with his bike and trailer. Leo adores Erik and looks up to him like he would a Superhero. He was so proud [when he] rode his bike to BLENDERZ, The Hammer family business, to show Erik his new skills on the bicycle. Recently Erik constructed a "bike blender" to use his boundless energy to spin up some healthy fruit smoothies at the many festivals or community events their business participates in every year. [Erik] deserves the recognition because his active lifestyle...is an integral part of him, like loving or breathing.
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