Bend, OR May 2023

ARTS + CULTURE

RPA THEATRE DIRECTOR

BALANCES ROLES AS A TEACHER, DIRECTOR, MENTOR AND MOM

STYLE + BEAUTY

LOCAL ARTIST CREATES

NATURE-INSPIRED JEWELRY

HEALTH + WELLNESS

A CLINICAL APPROACH TO AGING GRACEFULLY

• Contoured seating provides body-hugging, ultra comfort lasting day after day and year after year.

• Power reclining to effortlessly change from upright to fully reclined position with the touch of a button.

• Fully padded footrest and divided back cushions.

• Sloped arms and deep-set back wings for sleek and modern design.

• Mixed seating options provide plenty of room for relaxing with company.

The Women’s Issue

While working on this Women’s Issue, I reflected on how grateful I am for all the women in my life. The photo shown here was taken years ago when my mother was still with us. Although I miss her every day, I’m grateful for the love, laughter, happy memories and profound impact she’s had on my life. I’m also grateful for the strong bond I have with my two sisters — how they are always there for me even though we live far apart, and the times we share together. I'm blessed with a beautiful daughter and wonderful friends. Where would we be without the women in our lives?

It is that strength and female bond that is the focus of this issue. Read the following pages to get a glimpse of what women are up to here in our community. Meet Kate Torcom, educator and high school theater director at Redmond Proficiency Academy (RPA), and how she balances life as a mom, teacher, theater director and mentor. Learn about wellness retreats to explore new pathways to health, healing and personal growth with retreats offered by Amy Erber, medical director of Brightmind TMS and transformational coach Samantha Morse of Ascend in Bend.

Meet Lexi Dudoit, BSN-RN, CANS, owner of Central Oregon Aesthetics, who offers state-of-the-art options for aging gracefully. Discover the beautiful artistry of Trisa Lovejoy, whose passion for nature inspires her Silver Gypsy brand of unique jewelry designs.

We hope the stories in this issue inspire you and help you take notice of the amazing women in your own life. Thank you for spending time with us.

May 2023

PUBLISHER

Jane Rial | jane.rial@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Lynette Confer | lynette.confer@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sue Baldani, Lynette Confer, Julie E. Furnas

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Miguel Edwards, Maile Mason, Natalie Stephenson, Orion Tupper

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

photo credit: Miguel Edwards

San Juan National Forest, Molly Susla and Stio Ambassador Simi Hamilton stay on stride // Fred Marmsater

BEND LIFESTYLE

You’re reading this ad. So is the Bend community. Our targeted reach enables savvy business owners to share their stories with a relevant, engaged audience that supports local. Discover how Bend Lifestyle is an unbeatable way to build your brand. +

+ jane.rial@citylifestyle.com

CityLifestyle.com/Bend

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1: Hearts Unknown Education (HUE) founder Nicola Carpinelli (l) with Lindsay Borkowski, Sunriver Resort Sales & Marketing Director. Bend Lifestyle and Sunriver Resort partnered together to celebrate HUE at a March 16 event. 2: Lisa Riley (r), HUE Board Member, purchases a painting from HUE student Jasper. 3: Hue Board President Megan Pettibone (holding mic) speaks with HUE students who shared what HUE’s creative wellness art classes mean to them. 4: (l to r): Photographer Miguel Edwards, Carpinelli and Bend Lifestyle Publisher Jane Rial. 5: (l to r): HUE student Jasper, Carpinelli and HUE student Rowyn enjoy some time together. 6: Carpinelli explains the origins of HUE and their mission to serve local youth. 7: Carpinelli explains what this work with his students means to him.

ORION TUPPER

MIGUEL EDWARDS

MIGUEL EDWARDS

ORION TUPPER

MIGUEL EDWARDS

ORION TUPPER ORION TUPPER

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @bend.lifestyle

8: Dave Pettibone (r) acts as auctioneer selling HUE student Jasper’s art as part of a fundraiser for the organization. 9: Carpinelli enjoys time with some of his HUE students during the March event. 10: HUE Board President Megan Pettibone (l) and Sunriver Resort’s Lindsay Borkowski (r) raffle off art created by HUE students. 11: Carpinelli with his painting of Anthony Bourdain, the first painting in his “Dead Poets” series. 12: Bend Lifestyle Editor Lynette Confer (l) and Bend La Pine School District Grant Writer, HUE Board Member and former Bend Mayor, Bruce Abernethy. 13: HUE Advisory Board Member Amy Williams visits with fellow board member and guests. 14: The creative salmon dish was among many delicious appetizers prepared by Sunriver Resort for the March 16 event.

MIGUEL EDWARDS

ORION TUPPER

MIGUEL EDWARDS

ORION TUPPER

ORION TUPPER

ORION TUPPER

ORION TUPPER

KETAMINE-ASSISTED THERAPY: TARGETS ACUTE & CHRONIC MENTAL HEATH ISSUES. FACILITATED BY EXPERIENCED, LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS.

TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION: TARGETS CHRONIC DEPRESSION WITHOUT MEDICATION

Medicine is changing for the better, for both

Interventional radiology uses safe, minimally invasive techniques to treat a variety of conditions. With time tested procedures performed using real time imaging, we are changing men’s and women’s health one office-based procedure at a time.

PAE FOR MEN Losing Sleep?

Urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate is a problem faced by many men as they age. Waking up multiple times a night, urinary urgency and difficulty emptying the bladder can significantly effect our sleep patterns and quality of life.

Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is an option for men whom medication and other treatment options are ineffective, and offers comparable relief with little to no downside. During PAE, small particles are used to slow blood flow to the prostate, causing it to shrink over time relieving symptoms.

“Uterine embolization is an excellent treatment which is truly minimally invasive, allowing for fast recovery, requiring no incision, and performed as an outpatient.”

Dr. Benjamin English Interventional Radiologist VIS of CORA

UFE FOR WOMEN Get rid of the fibroids; keep your uterus.

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a procedure performed in our out-patient facility, allowing people to go home on the same day to recover. Modern imaging technology allows us to access the vessels feeding fibroid tumors, block them, causing them to shrink and thus, relieving associated symptoms.

“Most men report symptomatic improvement one to two weeks after the procedure with maximal benefit achieved at one to three months. I’ve seen how well it works and the significant improvement it makes in men’s lives.”

Dr. Garrett Schroeder Interventional Radiologist VIS of CORA

men and women.

May is

Awareness Month

Central Oregon has one of the highest per capita rates of melanoma in the country. “Fortunately, skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer and is highly treatable when detected early,” says Gerald Peters Jr., MD, FAAD, FACMS, of Peters Dermatology Center. He recommends minimizing mid-day exposure, seeking shade versus direct sunlight, wearing protective clothing and effective sunscreen. Monthly self exams are essential, and regular visits to your dermatologist are highly recommended. PetersDerm.com

Art Meets Wine in the High Desert takes place May 15-20 with both virtual

and live events. Virtual events include a cooking class with Kasia Wilson from Market of Choice in Bend, or a virtual wine-tasting with unique winemakers. The grand finale is the “Live!” wine-tasting event at the SHARC in Sunriver on May 20 which includes food pairings, art, music, silent auction and raffles. This event benefits the Philanthropy Program of the Sunriver Women’s Club.  ArtMeetsWine.org

StarCycle Opening Soon in Northwest Crossing

StarCycle announces its new indoor cycling studio opening soon in Bend’s Northwest Crossing. Mother/ daughter team Rachael (right) and Amanda O’Haver (left) are excited to offer this new workout experience to our community. Featuring a candle-lit studio with no technology, this is a space where everybody – and every body – feels welcomed and supported. With 45-minute, beat driven, cardio spin sessions, you will leave feeling stronger and more empowered. Childcare available. 2838 NW Crossing Dr., Suite 2.  StarCycleRide.com

Scan to read more.

Photography Maile Mason Photography

EXPLORING NEW CONNECTIONS AND PERSPECTIVES FOR HEALTH, HEALING AND PERSONAL GROWTH

As women, we are wearing more hats than ever in our busy lives. It’s important to hit pause and create space to ask important questions: How can I live in greater alignment with my true self? What limiting beliefs are holding me back?

Amy Erber, Medical Director of Bright Mind TMS, an integrative psychiatric practice in Bend, and Samantha Morse, a transformational coach at Ascend in Bend, have created Rhizome Retreats to help people explore themselves through a vibrant combination of ketamine ceremonies, creative practices, movement and intentional time in nature.

WHY GO ON A RETREAT?

Amy: Giving ourselves a retreat provides space to reconnect with our authentic selves and reestablish balance within. By intentionally separating from multi-tasking and juggling our many roles, we gain a new perspective that is grounded in presence. From there, we are able to shed habits and patterns that are not serving us, deeply listen to our voice within, and explore ways to express what our soul truly wants and needs.

RETREAT INTO WELLNESS

TELL US ABOUT RHIZOME RETREATS.

Samantha: A rhizome is a horizontal underground plant stem reaching outward to create connections of shoots and roots. There’s no beginning or end — it’s in a constant state of transformation. Structures that are no longer serving the network die and new ones grow. It’s an inspiring metaphor for what is common during a transformational retreat: shedding old stories and growing new ones.

In addition to ketamine journeys, a Rhizome Retreat also includes intentional practices — yoga, nature walks, music, art, writing, and breath work — that help awaken creativity and ultimately tap into the language of our soul.

We are especially committed to creating a retreat community, so healing is done in a compassionate, relational container. And we can’t overemphasize the importance of nature. Our retreats are held in beautiful locations, allowing us to connect more deeply with the Earth.

Amy: We open the retreat experience before we depart to allow ample time for preparation. We begin “tilling the soil” together by meeting weekly via Zoom to begin practices like journaling, intention-setting, breath work, and establishing group rapport. After the retreat, we follow-up with group integration sessions for ongoing support.

HOW DOES KETAMINE HELP US EXPLORE CONSCIOUSNESS AND HOW MIGHT THIS CONTRIBUTE TO HEALING AND PERSONAL GROWTH?

Amy: Ketamine helps relax the defensive framework we move through the world with. Our defenses likely served a practical purpose at some point, but when they become our default way of thinking, they contribute to habits of mind that drive our limiting beliefs and depressive symptoms. In this relaxed and expanded state, we may release unresolved emotions, and our deepest imbalances may rise to the surface to be worked with. In this state of increased clarity and

Medical Director for Bright Mind TMS, Amy Erber, PMHNP, FNP supports patients with depression and anxiety through new and innovative therapies.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAILE MASON PHOTOGRAPHY

awareness, we may connect with our innate healing intelligence and receive insights that help us resolve inner conflict. Most things in their natural, undefended state inherently move towards balance.

Biochemically, ketamine promotes neuroplasticity, so as people start resuming healthy habits that promote balance, the neurons that are firing together have a better chance of wiring together. These healthier habits can become the new default.

Samantha: People often experience and emerge with new perspectives and less attachment to old stories about themselves and their relationships. Importantly, this feels true; it's not something you intellectually “force” yourself to believe. Integration is the process of translating the insights from the medicine journey into actionable and durable change that supports continued balance and wholeness.

JOIN US FOR A RHIZOME RETREAT: WWW.RHIZOMERETREATS.COM

• Divine Feminine Retreat, May 11-14, 2023; Oregon

• Tierra Medicine Retreat, September 23-27, 2023; Mexico

• Brave Earth Retreat, October 2023; Costa Rica

BrightMindTMS.com, AscendInBend.com

Music, art, writing, nature walks and breath work are some of the intentional practices that make up wellness retreats lead by Erber and Morse.

Samantha Morse, PhD, a transformational coach with Ascend in Bend, works closely with Erber to offer wellness retreats.

The High Desert landscape offers boundless opportunities for wellness retreats.

Creating Happiness with Artistry

A NEW BRAND OF NATURE-INSPIRED UNIQUE JEWELRY

For Trisa Lovejoy of Silver Gypsy, pulling stones, sitting with them and mixing the shapes and colors to find the right fit is how she begins the process of creating her unique jewelry pieces. After the stone selection, Lovejoy cuts wire and begins to wrap the stone with scalloped bezel wire using flat nose pliers to make perfect bends to fit the stone’s exact shape.

This ring features White Buffalo and Royston turquoise stones set on a bias to represent river rocks balancing on a band with a textured flower pattern.

A blue, oval Apatite cabochon along with an off square petrified coral cabochon stone are set in a pendant design with a heavy patina.

Lovejoy created this ring using 22 gauge silver wire and sterling silver beadwork with a heavy patina to show depth and texture.

Seen here hammering her business name stamp and 925 stamp onto a sheet of Sterling Sliver, Lovejoy begins a new piece of jewelry for Silver Gypsy.

Silver Gypsy

While growing up in Bend, Trisa Lovejoy’s mother brought her to natural rock shows. “It was something fun that my mom liked to do and it sparked my interest in rocks, gems and minerals and creating art with something that's natural,” she says.

Lovejoy comes from a highly creative family. Her grandmother was a master gardener, her grandfather painted cars, her father was a creative builder, her mother an experienced florist and her brother has a degree in art. “For me, using natural elements in my art was a no-brainer. I just gravitated towards it.”

As an adult and single mom, Lovejoy had to put art on the back burner for over 20 years and work as a hair stylist to support her daughter. Three years ago, her passion for artistry became more of a priority. “I decided that I was going to do something that makes me and other people happy,” remarks Lovejoy. Her jewelry brand, Silver Gypsy, does just that.

“I coined the name a few years ago. I started doing DNA research on where my family was from and they were kind of gypsies; it stuck,” she says.

What also motivated her to dive deeper into jewelry making were the comments she would hear about her unique jewelry, along with requests for her to make something special for others. She incorporates everything from turquoise and quartz, to aquamarine, jasper and amethyst into her pieces.

The metals she uses are mainly silver-focused, but she also works with gold, copper and brass for accents. She uses her silversmithing talents to do repairs for clients, too.

For design inspiration, she again turns to nature. “I’ll walk by a river and look at patterns and how things are balanced or imbalanced in the natural world. I'm very analytical, so when

I'm looking at something, I'm really looking at how it's structured and how and why it works. I try to bring that into my jewelry.”

Check out Silver Gypsy jewelry on Etsy, at many local festivals around town and on Instagram @silver_gypsy1. Her most popular pieces are the simple ones that may take her a day to make, but she would like to find a market for her favorites too, which in her words are “big, funky, artsy and cool.” These can take a week or more to create and she wants to find the right clientele to show them off and love them.

“You can wear my pieces either daily or when you're out skiing or hiking to connect you into that natural balance or imbalance in nature,” offers Lovejoy. @silver_gypsy1

Trisa Lovejoy, the artist behind Silver Gypsy, creates unique jewelry with inspiration she finds in the natural world.

Teacher, Director, Mentor and Mom

Local Educator Finds Balance and Strength Along Life's Winding Path

ARTICLE BY LYNETTE CONFER

RPA Theatre's spring 2023 production of "CHICAGO" featured six sold out shows over a two week period.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAILE MASON PHOTOGRAPHY

In celebration of women, Mother’s Day, and our Women’s Issue, we sat down with educator and Redmond Proficiency Academy (RPA) High School Theatre

Director Kate Torcom to hear of her journey that led her back to her roots in Central Oregon. A journey that found her pursuing her long-held vision of a career on the professional stage in Chicago, then finding the courage to change the course of her life to follow a new path.

Chicago born, but Oregon-raised, Kate Torcom grew up with a deep love for Oregon. “From the time I was born, we spent every summer in Oregon,” reflects Torcom. Before her sophomore year of high school, her family made a permanent move to Redmond where Torcom attended Redmond High School.

After high school, Torcom attended Southern Oregon University (SOU) in Ashland. During college, she worked with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF), both on stage and with their educational programs. Then, in her junior year of college, Torcom had the opportunity to teach at Northwestern University’s Cherubs program in Chicago, a renowned summer intensive theatre program for high school juniors.

In 2012 Torcom graduated from SOU with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre. Her goals were clear and her mind made up. She was headed to Chicago to pursue a career on the professional stage. But, a call from her former Redmond High School principal, Jon Bullock, by this time the Executive Director and co-founder of Redmond Proficiency Academy (RPA), was the first fork in the road for her. “The day after graduation Jon called and offered me a job teaching theatre at RPA Middle School,” Torcom explained. Having lost her dad during her freshman year of college, Torcom decided this teaching opportunity would allow her to move home to support her mom, and also save money for her move to Chicago.

“Looking back I had no idea what I was doing that first year, but I did love it,” she recalls. However, after one year of teaching, Torcom set off to Chicago. “I had a plan, a track to follow and I was set on that.”

During her time in Chicago, Torcom worked with Second City Theatre and Shattered Globe Theatre, gaining experience and success along the way. As many artists do, she also worked several day jobs. It was at one of these jobs that she met her husband, Mike Swiatkowski. “I kept telling

him that we weren't going to date," Torcom laughs. "After all, I had a plan!"

Meeting her husband was not the only turning point for Torcom. She described one moment on stage when her mind was on a former student who had called for advice. “The stage lights were on me and I did the thing you are absolutely not supposed to do on stage . . . I was not living in the moment with my monologue the only thing in my head,” Torcom reflects. “I loved being on stage, but for the first time ever I caught myself doubting. I realized that maybe I could be doing even more with my life. It just sort of snuck up on me and hit me all at once.”

Soon after, Torcom and Swiatkowski made a move to Central Oregon where she had been offered a position as Theatre Director for RPA High School. The two were married at Sparks Lake in 2019 and their son, Chase, was born in 2021.

“Sometimes you are stretching for different things when something amazing comes along,” notes Torcom. “It’s important to plan and know where you are going, but you always have to be ready, be flexible and willing to pivot. Sometimes what you find is miraculous. My life now is everything to me.”

Mom, director, teacher and mentor... just a few of the hats Torcom wears in a day, here during rehearsals for the 2022 production of "URINETOWN."

Photo credit: Donna Torcom

One of Torcom's greatest life lesson's so far, and one she shares with her students is, "Who you are is always inherently enough, in any moment."

Torcom’s son, Chase, enjoys the magic of theatre and watching his first play, RPA Theatre’s fall 2022 production of “James and the Giant Peach."

photo credit: Kate Torcom

Torcom believes in allowing her students the freedom to experiment on stage and take ownership of their work, finding that is when magic happens on stage.

Students attending RPA come from all over Central Oregon, many drawn to the school for their arts programs.

“SOMETIMES YOU ARE STRETCHING FOR DIFFERENT THINGS WHEN SOMETHING AMAZING COMES ALONG."

– KATE TORCOM, RPA THEATRE DIRECTOR AND TEACHER

“I never really understood what moms went through, and now my respect for women as a whole is endless,” states Torcom. “But also, as a teacher, I thought I cared about my students before.  Chase is the best thing that ever happened to me, and all these kids are the best thing that ever happened to these parents . . . they trust me with their kids.” This trust, and what Torcom has learned from her journey of motherhood, is one of her greatest gifts. Through these experiences, she has also gained a new appreciation for her own mother, a person she says taught her that every relationship matters.

When it comes to her work as an educator and director, Torcom has more than proven herself.  “Kate brings to RPA and to the students a real sense of what the theatre and creative arts world looks like out in the real world. And she has proven to be a very passionate educator,” states Bullock. “She has great drive for the success of the students, and her ability to motivate students to chase their dreams is really powerful, and it empowers the students.”

“I don’t have a lot of interest in directing at the professional level. Working with these students at this level is magical.” Torcom remarks. Her philosophy with her students is, “I allow them to ‘throw spaghetti’! I give them space to be themselves, to offer ideas, to make mistakes and the freedom to experiment. The biggest thing is student ownership. It took me a long time to learn that letting go and letting them make their own discoveries actually took them to the best places."

Under Torcom’s leadership, RPA Theatre has become a widely acclaimed performing arts program. In February, RPA won 42 medals at the regional thespian competition, with many of these students going on to compete at the Oregon State Thespian Festival. “One of our greatest accomplishments on paper is that we are an eight-time international award-winning theatre department,” Torcom states.

“It’s pretty miraculous.” RPA Theatre also brings to stage two continually sold-out shows per year at their McClay Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Redmond.

According to Lydia Carter, a senior at RPA and fourth-year theatre student, “Torcom creates a safe space for us where we can be our real, true selves. She teaches us how to be a decent human being at work, at school, in life. The number one thing I learned from her, from RPA, is how to accept myself through achievements and through failures and flaws, to accept that I am human and I am good enough, that the work I do is good enough.”

Torcom admits that she constantly strives to find balance in her life. “I’ve learned so much about myself through my journey and I’m proud of where I am right now,” she explains. “I’m working to find balance in life as a director, a teacher, a mentor and a mom. Seeking balance has allowed everything to soften. I think there’s a lot of strength in softening that a younger me would not have understood.”

To manage stress and stay healthy, Torcom relies on support from her family, physical activity, time outdoors and regularly utilizes acupuncture. “I do think it’s important to acknowledge that balance comes and goes in life,” she remarks. And, she’s learning to be ok with that.

“I was so one-track minded in college . . . I saw my life, my goals, my future in a narrow way,” reflects Torcom. “I saw myself on stage, the end. While being on stage is amazing, being a mom is way cooler. I had no idea how badly I wanted and needed that in my life.”

Probably the most important lesson learned so far is, “That I am enough, we are all enough,” Torcom firmly states. “That does not mean you don’t have to work hard, you still have to put in the work. But, who you are is always inherently enough, in any moment.”

RPAcademy.org

A Clinical Approach to Aging Gracefully

Local Medical Spa Offers High Quality Skin Care Treatments

ARTICLE BY JULIE E. FURNAS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAILE MASON PHOTOGRAPHY

(l to r): Gen Gallagher, Patient Care Coordinator, and owner Lexi Dudoit, BSN-RN, CANS of Central Oregon Aesthetics.

When looking for a medical spa that has the perfect blend of state-of-the-art technology, high-end skin care products and a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere, Central Oregon Aesthetics offers options that can compete with some of the top clinics in the country.

Lexi Dudoit, BSN- RN, CANS owner and operator of Central Oregon Aesthetics, is an Oregon native and understands the culture of our community. She is also sharply focused on the atmosphere and the ever-changing nature of her business.

“Everything from the scent when you walk in the door, to the beverage service, to the time we take with each client—we are focused on quality more than quantity. The client relationship is something that is important to us,” explains Dudoit. “We see our clients for [several] years and having a connection with the individuals is an important aspect.” Central Oregon Aesthetics’ services range from ultra-hydrating facials, Neuromodulators, to Dermal Facial Fillers, to Microneedling and LED light treatments. The medical grade, non-invasive skincare, and science-based technology is very client specific and centered around the individual’s long-term skin care goals.

In the clinical aesthetic industry, education, training and customer service are the keys to success. After pursuing a nursing degree, Dudoit spent 15 years in the Seattle area working for a reconstructive surgeon, assisting in the operating room, learning facial anatomy while assisting with skin flaps and skin grafts. She then transitioned to working for one of the most prominent surgeons in the greater Seattle area and specialized in pre and post-operative care as well as customer service, while gaining knowledge and experience in the consultation process.

When offered the opportunity to learn the science and craft of Botox and Facial Dermal Fillers, Dudoit

accepted this new challenge and began the process of intense private and group trainings, learning from the top medical aesthetics practitioners in the country. Dudoit went on to get her CANS (Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist) certification. CANS is recognized and highly regarded by the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board and awarded to aesthetic nurses who have completed intensive comprehensive training, required clinical hours and then passed the CANS National board exam. Dudoit has been performing injections for ten years and has hundreds of hours of hands-on experience.

After several years in Seattle, Dudoit and her family were looking for a lifestyle change and made the decision to move to Bend last summer. “I always knew I wanted to open my own medical aesthetic clinic one day,” reflects Dudoit. “I didn’t know when, but then we decided to move to Bend and I knew this was my time,” she says. Soon after their move, Dudoit opened Central Oregon Aesthetics in Bend’s Northwest Crossing. The clinic atmosphere was very important to Dudoit, with her goal that it be a place where everyone felt welcomed and encouraged, a comfortable and inviting space where patients could experience a calm approach to anti-aging treatments performed by highly trained specialists. “I feel like my clinic embodies all of that,” she adds.

Central Oregon Aesthetics offers a conservative approach to aging gracefully with safe, non-surgical treatments. They also carry some of the most effective home skin care products on the market, which are essential in between skin treatments. Looking forward to the future, Dudoit plans to keep up with state-of-the-art technology, practices and the latest clinical treatments.

CentralOregonAesthetics.com

“We are focused on quality more than quantity. The client relationship is something that is important to us.”

– Lexi Dudoit, BSN-RN, CANS and owner of Central Oregon Aesthetics

Make an Impact for Mom

Memorable ways to celebrate the mother figure in your life

The moms and the mother figures in our lives mean everything to us. They deserve the best every day, of course. But at least one day out of the year, we get to shower them with the same love and thoughtfulness they give to us so selflessly.

This year, we hope you’ll consider some memorable ways to make lasting memories with the mom or mother figure in your life. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!

Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Mom feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your mom, wife, sister or maternal figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.

Take a Flower Arranging Class Mother’s Day arrives just as spring is in full bloom. Take advantage of the season by going to a flower arranging class with mom.

Play a Family Board Game

If Mom likes strategizing, challenge her to a friendly board game competition. (And, no, you don’t have to let her win just because it’s Mother’s Day.)

Pick Your Own Fruit

This activity is especially fun if you have a lot of kids who want to get in on the action. Then, when you all get home, you can whip up a treat for Mom with your selections. (Maybe give her a strawberry in a Champagne glass while she waits.)

Book Her a Weekend Away

There’s no day like Mother’s Day to be impulsive! Book a weekend trip for the two of you at a cute B&B in a city Mom has always wanted to visit.

Complete a Jigsaw Puzzle

Find a puzzle with an image you know your mom will love (or make a custom one using a photo of the two of you) and put it together over wine and snacks. You’ll be amazed at how much chatting you can get done while puzzling.

Get Theater Tickets

Go to a play or a musical — lots of towns even host outdoor theater events.

STUNNING TRANSFORMATIONS TALENT AND TECHNOLOGY LOVE THE WAY YOU LOOK.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

MAY 3RD

'Way Back Whensdays' with Revival VintageTiny Desk Performances

REVIVAL VINTAGE, 1824 NE DIVISION ST, SUITE I, BEND

6:00 PM

Every FIRST Wednesday, Revival Vintage will be throwing it down with ‘Way Back Whensdays!’ Each month, Revival will host a live ‘Tiny Desk’ sesh, performed by a fresh rotation of local musicians and DJs. As per usual, FREE local bevs and bites will be provided, and the vintage shopping will be ample. RevivalVintageBend.com

MAY 9TH

MountainStar Family Relief Nursery's Community Table

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST

FELLOWSHIP OF CENTRAL OREGON, 61980 SKYLINE

RANCH RD, BEND | 5:30 PM

Join MountainStar in their efforts to protect young children from abuse and neglect. Take a seat at the table together to explore how to strengthen vulnerable families. Free event with donations accepted; serving a light dinner, drinks and dessert. Consider bringing a friend or hosting a table for eight. MtStar.org

MAY 13TH

SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle

MT. BACHELOR TO BEND

9:00 AM

Pole Pedal Paddle (PPP) is an annual multi-sport all-day event that starts at Mt. Bachelor and ends at The Old Mill. This event is the largest fundraiser for the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation (MBSEF), which provides life-changing programs to

over 800 athletes annually. Events include Alpine and Nordic skiing, Cycle, Run, Paddle and a sprint to finish. PPPBend.com

MAY 18TH

Central Oregon Youth Orchestra Spring Concert

THE TOWER THEATRE, BEND

7:00 PM

Revel in local music! This assembly of 35 music students of all ages from across the region is led by COCC music professor Travis Allen and conducted by Redmond Proficiency Academy’s Jonathon Moore. The Central Oregon Youth Orchestra is a regional youth orchestra program educating and inspiring young musicians through exceptional ensemble training and performance opportunities. COYOMusic.org

MAY 20TH

The Saving Grace Heroes Celebration

RIVERBEND PARK, 799 SW COLUMBIA, BEND | 9:00 AM

The Saving Grace Heroes Celebration is an outdoor party celebrating the Heroes who make their life-saving work possible. Featuring music DJ’d by local legend, Dustin Riley, various food trucks, libations, awesome raffle prizes, mini-fitness classes hosted by local businesses, vendors and more! This event is FREE and coincides with the annual Happy Girls Run. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saving-Grace.org

MAY 21ST

Think Wild 3rd Annual Wildlife Baby Season Baby Shower

BEND CIDER COMPANY, 64649

WHARTON AVE., TUMALO

3:00 PM

Join Think Wild at Bend Cider Co. on May 21 to help this local wildlife hospital raise funds and supplies to care for injured and orphaned native wildlife in need this baby season! Featuring live music, food, raffles and a silent auction; $3 every cider purchase will support Think Wild! Find ways to donate supplies and funds on their website. 3-6 p.m. ThinkWildCO.org

Look for signs of melanoma/skin cancer. Notice any changes in the shape or color of your moles or freckles? Do you have any new blemishes that are larger than 1/4-inch, varied in color, irregular or asymmetrical in shape? If so, you may have melanoma or another form of skin cancer and you should see a dermatologist. Left alone, melanoma will spread throughout your body and eventually kill you. Melanoma can be successfully cured if caught early. Okay, you can put your clothes back on now.