Bend, OR May 2024

LIFE + CULTURE

STANDING TALLONE WOMAN'S STORY OF RESILIENCE

Women's Issue

FITNESS EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH FITNESS AND SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING

ARTS + CULTURE

LOCAL ARTIST PAINTS STORIES OF WONDER

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Our 100th Issue!

This issue marks Bend Lifestyle’s 100th issue. This milestone surprised me, as it doesn’t seem that long ago that we launched our first issue in February 2016. Time flies!

Over the years I’ve been blessed with a talented team of editors, writers, photographers and designers to help create each issue. I could not do this without their dedication, time and talent! I’m grateful for the relationships we’ve built with our community and especially the local businesses who make this magazine possible as advertising partners. I’m inspired by all the stories we’ve been able to share with you over the years about people making a difference in our community. Thank you, for taking the time to read Bend Lifestyle!

May is our Women’s Issue and we can’t wait for you to read about some amazing ladies in our community. On the following pages we share with you one woman’s story of resiliency, as we introduce you to Lauren Henderson, a mother, entrepreneur, dog trainer and survivor who beat all odds.

I learned of Lauren's story a few months ago. My family and I had been struggling for the past year with what seemed like an impossible, untrainable puppy, and Lauren came to our rescue. Thanks to Lauren’s training expertise, we can now enjoy our dog and keep him safe. He now gets a lot of “good dog” praise throughout each day.

This issue introduces you to Melanie Martinson, owner and trainer of 30 Minute Hit in Bend. Melanie has created a space to empower women that goes beyond fitness — her training focuses on building inner strength and confidence and learning skills to stay safe. She is truly an inspiration for women in our community.

And, meet local artist Megan Myers in this issue. You may have admired Megan’s artwork around Bend over the years, perhaps her paintings and murals, or you may have purchased her prints, children’s books, postcards and much more. Her unique style conveys a sense of wonder. Be sure to read her story to learn more about her passion for art and community.

We hope the stories in this issue help you take notice of the amazing women in your life.

JANE RIAL, PUBLISHER @BEND.LIFESTYLE

May 2024

PUBLISHER

Jane Rial | jane.rial@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Lynette Confer | lynette.confer@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sue Baldani, Lynette Confer, Angi Hockett

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Sierra Confer, Miguel Edwards, Janie Jones, Maile Mason, Natalie Stephenson

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

WELCOMING

Dr. Renee Lamkin

Ravvivare Health & Wellness Opens in Bend

Ravvivare Health & Wellness recently opened its doors in Bend’s Old Mill District. With a focus on aesthetics and an unwavering dedication to safety, innovation, and excellence, Ravvivare strives to create a sanctuary where modern science and artistry converge. Medical Director Cecily Reynolds, MD, a former ER doctor (left), and Practice Manager and Client Concierge Brandi Garcia (right) are co-owners of Ravvivare and strive to empower their clients along their journey toward holistic well-being and enhanced self-confidence. RavvivareHW.com

Photography by Natalie Stephenson

Active Water Sports Opens New Showroom and Pro Shop in Redmond

Active Water Sports (AWS) celebrates its Grand Opening on May 17 at their new showroom and pro shop at 1598 South Hwy 97 in Redmond and a special boating event at Lake Billy Chinook on May 18. The new showroom offers boat sales on select, high performance boat lines including Malibu, Axis and Barletta, full-service repair, maintenance, concierge service and storage. With over 40 years in Oregon, AWS is the largest boat dealership in the PNW. 541.480.3085. ActiveWaterSports.com

Scan to read more

Natalie Stephenson Photography Celebrates 20 Years of Portraiture

An award-winning photographer for children and families, Natalie Stephenson is celebrating 20 years of portraiture in Bend. She offers a luxury program called The Motherhood Membership in the studio, documenting

Dr. Richard Mac Donell, MD

Founded in 2006 by Dr. Mac Donell, MyMD is now the most established, premier concierge practice in Bend.

Personalized healthcare is our focus.

You deserve the best medical care from the most qualified doctor. That’s why Dr. Richard Mac Donell at MyMD focuses on providing personal, intentional, and comprehensive care for a small group of patients. Board-certified in Internal Medicine, Dr. Mac Donell also works as your advocate, coordinating care among specialists and providing a unique and thorough approach to all your health care issues. Call to learn more today.

Membership includes:

• 24-hour phone access

• Same or next-day appointments

• Minimal to no wait times

• House calls available

• More!

“My experience with MyMD has been above and beyond. I have total confidence in my doctor and his support staff. They listen and solve any issues we might have—instant results!”

- Gary Wheeler,Bend MYMD MEMBER SINCE 2020

24/7 PERSONALIZED CONCIERGE HEALTHCARE

Strategizing How To Benefit Someone You Dearly Love But Haven’t Met Yet?

monthly

pregnancy through baby’s first year. Additionally, she provides branding and outdoor sessions for seniors and families. Natalie is passionate about serving her clients and is always ready with a warm smile. She specializes in heirloom products ensuring clients have something tangible to cherish for a lifetime. NStephenson.com

Central Oregon Radiology Associates Opens New Westside Location

Cascade Medical Imaging and Central Oregon MRI, affiliated with Central Oregon Radiology Associates, recently opened a new location on Bend’s west side, located at 1693 SW Chandler Ave. With a welcoming, modern feel, this location offers the latest advancements in outpatient imaging services, including MRI, CT, ultrasound, mammography, and DEXA (bone densitometry). To learn more about imaging services and locations provided by Central Oregon Radiology Associates, call 541.382.6633 or visit: CentralOregonRadiology.com

Tumalo Farmstand Announces YearRound Operation

Announcing they are now open yearround, Tumalo Farmstand offers local, quality, fresh produce and more to the Central Oregon community. Located at 64677 Cook Ave., Tumalo Farmstand was founded in 2017 on love, community and a passion for healthy foods. Owner Molly Hughes (above) works closely with local farmers from Central, Eastern and NW Oregon to the Tri Cities and Yakima, Washington to provide a variety of produce fresh from the farms to your table. TumaloFarmStand.com

Sunriver Women’s Club Announces Art Meets Wine in the High Desert

Art Meets Wine in the High Desert returns on May 4 at the SHARC in Sunriver. Get ready to indulge in tastings from carefully selected wineries representing different varieties and regions of Oregon. This all-inclusive event will offer exquisite wine from 10-12 wineries, as well as art, music, and delicious food. Also enjoy an online auction, raffles, and more. Tickets are $75. This event benefits the Philanthropy Program of the Sunriver Women’s Club. ArtMeetsWine.org

Old Mill

Brandi Garcia

Good News for Bad Knees

Meet Lenny Holmes, 67 years young, yet dealing with chronic knee pain. Although this avid skier, golfer, runner, and motorcyclist had a meniscus repair five years ago, he was still experiencing increasing pain in both knees. Then he injured his knee further while skiing.

“My orthopedic surgeon said my next step was a total knee replacement,” Lenny recalls.

But Lenny wasn’t ready to commit to major knee surgery. A neighbor told him about Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE), a minimally invasive procedure that can delay the need for knee replacement surgery. GAE works by pruning the inflammatory capillary beds around the knee joint. These abnormal capillary beds are caused by inflammation and also, contribute to progressive inflammation. Through a tiny nick in the skin, an interventional radiologist accesses these arteries and injects tiny particles via a catheter, reducing blood flow in these capillary beds which leads to decreased inflammation and pain.

As it turned out, Lenny was a candidate for the procedure and had both knees treated by Dr. Garrett Schroeder at Vascular Interventional Specialists of CORA in Bend, Oregon. Within two weeks, he was experiencing a marked improvement in knee pain.

“At six weeks, he described his knees as feeling ‘normal.’”

Lenny Holmes, GAE patient

Looking back, Lenny says the decision was an easy one. “It was either thinking about a major, aggressive and invasive surgery that was going to take me six to nine months to get back where I was (and only for one knee) or GAE. I was able to accomplish this in such a wonderful way, and I think I have better outcomes with this (GAE) procedure.”

Lenny says he is doing everything he wants to with no limitations.

“The most exciting thing is to see a flight of stairs and be able to walk up and down without holding the handrail,” he adds.

Dr. Schroeder explains that complications from GAE are usually mild and temporary and while the procedure does not replace knee surgery, it gives patients relief for the in- between period when more conservative measures like NSAIDs and injections aren’t working, but they aren’t quite ready for surgery.

What’s next for Lenny? Hitting the slopes again this spring, for starters. He confesses, “Now I don’t even think about my knees.”

Please call our team of IR Coordinators at (541) 312-5522 to schedule a consultation with one of our providers. Patients may also schedule their own initial consultations to assist facilitation within their health care team.

DR. GARRETT SCHROEDER Interventional Radiologist

PA-C

You’re reading this ad. So is the Bend community. We enable savvy business owners to reach a targeted, engaged audience that supports local. Our Marketing Partners will be featured in an upcoming issue and on our website.

Discover how Bend Lifestyle is an unbeatable way to build your brand.

Paw 2 Paw team (l to r): Owner/Founder Lauren Henderson and daughter Kennedy, Trainer Maya Larkin and Trainer Joyann McNee on a pack hike.

STANDING TALL

One Woman’s Story of Resilience

What would you choose to do if you were given only one year to live? And you had given birth to your first child three days before?

And, you were a single mom and owner of a new small business?

This was the scenario local dog trainer Lauren Henderson faced in January 2023. Her first child, daughter Kennedy, was born on January 18, 2023. Three days later, Lauren was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She had just founded her dog training business in Bend, Paw 2 Paw, in June 2020.

“Having my daughter, that was my motivation,” reflects Henderson. “She was my first child and the transition to being a new mom is hard enough, but to add cancer and

treatments starting when she was three days old was a challenge. I honestly don’t know how I made it through, but having my daughter gave me a reason.”

“I wanted to keep my business open, to keep a roof over our head during treatment,” notes Henderson. “I didn’t have anything to leave for her as a single parent, so I told myself I was going to push through this and leave her with whatever I could… because they gave me one year to live. So, I had this timeline.”

A lifelong connection and love for animals, from horses to dogs, fueled Henderson’s drive to work with animals. “I graduated from OSU Cascades in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and biology,” she says.

ARTICLE BY LYNETTE CONFER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATALIE STEPHENSON

“I remember taking an entomology class my senior year and just realizing how much I loved studying about every single creature, even the smallest.”

“My mom always said I had this natural ability with animals and that I should go into animal training. I just didn’t believe her,” Henderson admits. “I knew I loved animals and that I could train them easier than other people.  But I didn’t know anyone who trained animals as a profession.  It was a passion, but I wasn’t sure if I could use my passion to feed myself.”

Henderson’s cancer diagnosis was not the first health challenge she had faced in her life. In November 2019, after graduating from college, she suffered kidney failure. After surgery and treatment at OHSU, Henderson returned home to Bend. She had worked as a nanny and server throughout college and been a wildland firefighter for 10 years, from 2010 – 2019. But, she knew she had to find a new job. “I just started brainstorming at my kitchen counter wondering what the heck I was going to do next. I was looking for a way to pay my bills. I was really stressed, I was scared. I needed to be pushed, and I was.” That is when Paw 2 Paw was born.

When she was younger, Henderson spent a lot of time at a local ranch. “When I was 14, I trained my first horse, a mustang from Warm Springs named Allie. She was so naughty, but taught me so much,” Henderson laughs. It was not until much later that she realized the extent of what she learned working on the ranch and the true value of it.

Henderson admits she knew little about entrepreneurship or business management before starting her business. However, one of her college professors had a huge impact on her life. “When I would get really confused or did not understand the material, he would say, ‘Keep working the problem and you will find a solution. I don’t care if you do it wrong, just keep working the problem.’ That’s helped me tremendously in life, and in dog training.”

While a student at OSU Cascades, Henderson got her first dog, a husky mix named Sasha. “Working with Sasha was how I decompressed from school,” says Henderson. “With Sasha, I learned how to do everything wrong. So, I signed up for classes and learned positive reinforcement, which I used exclusively for the first few years of Sasha’s life. Until I saw her get hit by a car for the second time.”

It was then that Henderson realized that positive reinforcement training was only getting them so far. “I started to research, specifically, championship dogs,” she notes. “What are they doing differently?” Henderson began to research, study, and mentor with other trainers. And discovered balanced training.

A Day in the Life of a Paw 2 Paw Dog Trainer

• 7:00 – 8:30 a.m. – Day begins. Dogs go outside for potty break/exercise. Dogs are fed. Dogs coming in for the day are dropped off.

• 8:30 a.m. – Pick up dogs coming along for the daily pack hike and dogs whose owners were not able to bring them for the day.

• 9:30 a.m. – Pack Hike begins at designated spot.

• 11:30 a.m. – Pack Hike ends. Dogs along for the hike are dropped off.

• 12:30 p.m. – Arrive home and get dogs settled.

• 1:00 p.m. – Private lessons, evaluations for incoming dogs and/or administrative tasks.

• 5:00 p.m. (fall/winter) and 7:00 p.m. (spring/summer) - work with clients ends.

• Evenings – extra board and train sessions, administrative tasks or just hang out with board and train dogs.

Henderson with her daughter, Kennedy, and malamute, Kaya.

The Paw 2 Paw team on a pack hike with a group of happy dogs.

Jasper (l) and Aston (r) enjoy some time in the water on a recent pack hike.

Addie (l) and Kaya (r) relax in their travel kennels after an afternoon hike.

“Sasha was a fantastic teacher. My goal was to protect her and give her the best quality of life, meet her needs,” Henderson notes. “I knew that when I called my dog, she needed to turn on a dime and come to me.” Sasha was the inspiration behind what Henderson does now.  “The photo of my hand with Sasha’s paw is the one we use on our website and the one that inspired the name of my business, Paw 2 Paw.”

Balanced training is based on neuroscience… and engages both sides of the dog’s brain. Positive reinforcement only uses one side. Henderson’s favorite dogs to work with are those with aggression issues or bite history. “I am passionate about balanced training because I know it works. We have seen dogs on euthanasia lists for bite history completely rehabilitated with this training method.”

During her serious health struggles, Henderson admits that her business saved her. “Animals are therapy, they take away stress, there is an energy exchange. I also knew keeping my business open would push me to walk and push me to get out of my bed to show up for clients,” explains Henderson. “There were days that I thought I might go to bed and my heart could stop. But my community really showed up for me with meals, to help with Kennedy, and so much more. My first employee, Joyann, kept things running for me and made it possible for us to stay open while I was going through treatment.”

Her prognosis? Henderson is currently cancer free. “I had surgery and chemo. I just got my chemo port removed. My oncologist wanted to go past remission to ‘curative remission.’ I just had my six month checkup and everything looks good.”

Paw 2 Paw, IACP certified, continues to grow. “Up until the end of 2022 when I hired Joyann, it was just me. I wanted to have a small company and be able to offer a personalized approach, be hands on with my clients all the time,” states Henderson. That is still the goal of Paw 2 Paw. “This past summer we started growing steadily. We just hired our third trainer, Maya, in July.” Along with Henderson and the two trainers, Paw 2 Paw has three additional employees.

“We believe in training the dog in front of us,” Henderson states. “That just means that each client, dog and handler together, receive a customized training plan to meet their needs. We recognize that every dog is different, with different motivators, sensitivities, drives and responses.” Even within a breed, each dog is different and requires a different training method.

“I took a chance on something I loved. I had a lot pushing me,” notes Henderson. “Things are going so well. I love animals. I also love medicine and healing people. Maybe healing dogs and people just go hand in hand.”

Paw2PawDogTraining.com

Paw 2 Paw Services Offered

• Board and Train: Dogs are kept in the trainer’s home for several weeks, the final week is training with dog and owner. Training includes areas where each dog struggles, including home and out in the community. Customizable program; pricing varies.

• Private Sessions: Both in-person and virtual sessions. Pricing varies.

• Pack Hikes: Offered almost daily in the summer and on certain days during the winter, a great way to make sure your dog gets regular exercise and safe socialization. Pick up and drop off available. Dog must have solid recall. $40 per hike.

• Boarding: Many options for boarding, structured as if your dog is part of the family. $75 per calendar day.

A Perfect Hit

Empowering Women Through Fitness and Self-Defense Training

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAILE MASON

Owner/trainer of 30 Minute Hit, Melanie Martinson focuses on fitness techniques, as well as selfdefense education for women.

Martinson and her trainers encourage and empower clients, helping them build confidence.

Melanie Martinson, owner/trainer of 30 Minute Hit in Bend, has one main goal these days – to empower women by giving them the tools they need to be fit and stay safe.

“We’re more of a boutique martial arts studio than a fitness studio,” she says. “We want to provide a very safe, friendly environment for women of all ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels to be able to come and learn valuable skills.”

Fitness, says Martinson, has literally saved her life over the years. “I was exposed to a lot of negative things in my career and being active and able to release endorphins and gain energy built my confidence.”

She was in the U.S. Air Force for about six years, working for the Office of Special Investigations. “I worked in a very male-dominated career field – I was the only female in my detachment when I first started – and I had to learn how to navigate my way through that. I then went into criminal investigations for the NASA Office of

Women of all levels, ages and backgrounds are welcome at 30 Minute Hit.

the Inspector General for another eight or nine years and afterwards did anti-trafficking work for a number of years.”

Martinson has seen first-hand why it’s important for women to have tools to protect themselves. In addition to her experiences during her career, about 10 years ago she was attacked in her home. Luckily, she was able to protect herself, and wants to ensure other women can do so as well.

“I think we have a unique demographic here in Central Oregon because a lot of people are already active and love being active,” notes Martinson. “At 30 Minute Hit, they’ll not only get a great workout, but be able to learn some very useful skills.”

During the 30-minute full-body workouts, a certified instructor works with a group, as well as giving one-on-one tips and encouragement. “With my instructors, I look for people that one, love being active, and two, love working with people,” Martinson states. “Every single one of them wants to be here because they want to help women, they want to see them grow and provide skills to help them on their fitness journey.”

The other thing she looks for is somebody who has a lot of energy – she wants that energy to be contagious. Martinson is an instructor as well. “I like to engage with everybody,” she says. “I love being here.”

Classes are held in what’s called an open circuit. “We don't have any set class times, so members don't have to worry about booking a class or paying a cancellation fee if they can't make it,” notes

“I love empowering the women of this community. They can let go of any fear that they have and embrace their inner power and inner strength.”

— Melanie Martinson, Owner of 30 Minute Hit

Martinson. “Instead, we have blocks of time that we're open, and our members can come in during those times. It's really convenient since we have morning and evening classes too.”

For moms, there’s also a children’s play area in the corner of the room so there’s no need to look for a babysitter.

For Martinson, opening 30 Minute Hit last August has been extremely rewarding. “I love empowering the women of this community. I want them to build strength and confidence so they feel like they can live their best lives. They can let go of any fear that they have and embrace their inner power and inner strength. That means a lot to me.”

30MinuteHit.com

30 Minute Hit Team, pictured from l to r: Owner/Trainer Melanie Martinson, Trainer Steven and Trainer Kathleen. Not pictured, Trainer Katie and Trainer Alida.

ARTICLE BY LYNETTE CONFER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIGUEL EDWARDS

of Art The Gift

Megan Myers stands inside her working studio space at The Workhouse in Bend.

"Campfire Dreams" painting, for sale as stickers, post cards, various sized prints and more. Contributed photo.

To gaze upon a painting by local artist Megan Myers is like looking through a window into another world. One inspired by nature, animals, and her audience she loves so much. Each painting tells a story, but not one with a single message. Instead, Myers paints with the goal of allowing each person to connect to their own story.

“My paintings don’t tell a full story, but I think in them you are caught in a moment where you don’t know what was going on before and you don’t know what will happen next,” says Myers. “I like to lay them out like that. I think art is a gift to an audience and I don’t want to define what they see, I want them to project their experience and come out of that moment feeling connected with their own story.”

A native Oregonian, Myers grew up in Medford an only child whose parents supported her artistic endeavors from an early age. After high school, Myers attended Seattle University, graduating in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Art. “College was a great experience. Our learning was imbued with the question, ‘What’s the biggest thing you are going to do for the world with what you are studying?’ I began thinking about how I wanted to touch the world with art,” Myers reflects.

After college, Myers worked in public and cultural arts administration. In 2008, she became a project manager for Dale Chihuly, a world-renowned glass artist. “I worked there for five years and learned so much. It really informed what I am doing now, running my own business.” Myers moved to Portland in 2012 and worked as a sign maker for Trader Joe’s. “This job was like graduate school,” Myers says. “I spent seven hours a day just painting in the back of the store, and I just improved so much.”

An avid trail runner, Myers moved to Bend in 2015 to take advantage of the outdoor opportunities found here. It was at this time that she founded her business,

Myers' studio space provides ample natural light for painting, and space to display work for sale.

Nature-inspired themes have a deeper meaning for Myers and her audience. Contributed photo.

In December 2023, Myers moved her art and studio into The Workhouse, which is open seven days a week, 9-5.

Megan Marie Myers Art & Illustration. Myers truly began making a living as an artist.

“I’ve always used art as a way for me to connect with people, but also as a way to bring people together so that they feel connected to each other,” explains Myers. “Most of my subject matter is children, animals, nature… but they are more like symbols, not literal. It represents nature and our connection to the natural world around us. For me, the children in my work are representative of the child within us all.”

Myers notes that it’s easy, as we get older, to lose wonder. “We get into routines and patterns and obligations, and those things weigh us down,” she says. “I make art that sort of makes people remember those times in their lives when they were really awestruck or experiencing something for the first time, or connecting with something that wasn’t necessarily human, but is part of our world.”

For Myers, Bend was the perfect place to start her business. “When I first got here, I loaded up a wagon and pulled it downtown and asked shops to sell my art. It was amazing… Bend is overwhelmingly supportive of local businesses.” In turn, she believes in supporting local for her manufacturing needs and more. Myers' paintings are reproduced as stickers, postcards, prints, canvasses, calendars and puzzles.

Another passion project for Myers is the local running club for creatives she founded over two years ago, Creativity Shakeout. “I was looking for a way to create a space for artists to connect and share ideas and lift each other up. I read a story that research shows evidence that walking or running outdoors can clear creative blocks and open doors to imagination,” explains Myers. “I am so excited about this project. We meet on Tuesdays at 7 a.m. at Pioneer Park, creatives of all kinds, painters, writers, musicians, chefs, and more to run or walk, to share. The response has truly been mind-blowing.”

“Good Morning, Mother Nature”, the second children's book illustrated by Myers, was released in April.

Photo credit: Sierra Confer Myers is exploring new horizons, such as taking on three commissioned paintings for the first time.

“She taught me how life could be lived in  flash and sparkles like a snapping campfire, how even the smoke that lingers could be exquisite.”

Myers gives back to her community as much as possible. She donates what she can to schools, auctions, and nonprofits. She is also committed to the environment and a proud business member of 1% for the Planet.

One of her favorite projects was creating three large murals for the local Ronald McDonald House. She has also illustrated two children’s books with local author, Lucas Alberg, the most recent of which, Good Morning, Mother Nature , was released in April 2024.

In December 2023, Myers moved her studio to The Workhouse. “It’s been the most magical thing. My paintings were in storage. At The Workhouse, they are on display, and I have this beautiful space to work that is open to the public seven days a week. This is a true collaborative community here.”

“There is no bigger gift than being able to do what I love. I’ve had a really tough year, and yet I still feel like I am one of the luckiest people in the world,” Myers shares. “I have found that connecting with other people and giving the gift of art is one of the most wonderful things in my life. What I do would not be fulfilling if others did not find meaning. It’s all a gift.”

MeganMarieMyers.com

This 4’x5’ original painting is Myers’ favorite piece and currently on loan to a local therapy office for children. Contributed photo.

MAY 2ND - 4TH

Mt. Bachelor RendezVan

Mt. Bachelor | 10:00 AM

RendezVan is the celebration of our amazing community of RVers, campers, and van-lifers who make the annual pilgrimage to Mt. Bachelor in the springtime to enjoy soft spring laps and sunshine. Families, skiers, riders, and all travelers are welcome — even the dogs are invited! Camping, music, vendors, skiing, activities and fun competitions. Come for the weekend or the day. RendezVan.com

MAY 4TH

Bend Women's Expo

Seventh Mountain Resort | 10:00 AM

Join us for a day of empowerment, education, and entertainment. Celebrate the diversity, resilience, and strength of women while fostering connections and creating lasting memories. Get ready to explore diverse areas tailored to specific interests, ensuring an immersive and fulfilling experience for every attendee. A portion of the ticket sales will go directly to our beneficiary, In Our Backyard BendWomensExpo.com

MAY 4TH

3 Sisters Equine Refuge Gritty Girl's High Tea

The Miracle Barn, 65599 Tweed Rd., Tumalo | 11:00 AM

Join 3 Sisters Equine Refuge, a 100% volunteer run organization, for a rustic tea party brunch featuring "Petals for Ponies" flower baskets and a local vendor marketplace. This fundraiser is focused on raising funds for critical-needs orphan foals. Tea and a special themed cocktail will be served. 3 Sisters apparel and swag available for sale and raffle will be held. 3SistersEquine.com

MAY 11TH

Saving Grace Heroes Celebration 2024

Riverbend Park | 9:00 AM

With exciting carnival games, vendors, libations, music, activities, food trucks and so much more! Come on down to Riverbend Park on May 11, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to cheer your favorite Happy Girls Run participants on, while enjoying a beautiful day of fun with your family and friends. This event is FREE to attend, but there will be amazing raffle prizes for you to purchase tickets for! Saving-Grace.org

MAY 11TH

Mother's Day Market at the Distillery

Oregon Spirit Distillers, 740 NE First Street, Bend | 12:00 PM

Bring mom (or friends, grandparents, acquaintances or yourself!) to the 2024 Mother's Day Market. Featuring local vendors, as well as a food truck, raffle giveaway and more. Enjoy sipping on a cocktail while browsing the wares of local makers — need a last-minute gift for mom? We recognize that motherhood comes in all forms, all are welcome! 12 - 5. OregonSpiritDistillers.com

MAY 18TH

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

• REJUVENATES

• RESULTS ARE

• JUMP-STARTS

• QUICK AND EASY WITH

Handmade Soap

Add a spa-like feel to your home with this refreshing soap recipe that's simple to make at home.

ARTICLE BY ANGI HOCKETT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

lavender honey lemon soap

ingredients directions

• 2 lb. goat’s milk melt-and-pour soap

• 1 lemon rind, zested

• 3 tablespoons of dried lavender buds

• 2 tablespoons of honey

• 15 drops of lavender essential oil

• 6 drops of lemon essential oil

• jar or bowl for melting soap base

• Silicone mold

Chop soap into smaller pieces. It will melt faster this way. Place in bowl and microwave (or double boil). Be careful to watch soap and not let it burn.  If you are using microwave, heat in 30 second increments, stirring frequently. Once soap is melted add your essential oils first. Once essential oils have been added and mixed thoroughly, add the lavender buds, lemon zest and honey. Have your mold ready to go, on a flat, even surface. You’ll want to move quickly before the soap cools too much. Mix everything thoroughly again, and pour mixture into mold. Let the soap cool for 2-3 hours until bars are completely solid. Wrap or package however you like.

Recipe from Sisoo.com

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.