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EDITOR’S NOTE:
As temperatures slide into the mid-summer temps of 90-degrees, people living in cities are asked to conserve water while Oregonians with wells are able to draw up to 15,000 gallons per day. The disparity is complicated. Sarah Isak-Goode examines the tug of war over water rights. Also a profile about a former NFL player hoping to make a difference in the lives of local youth and a musical that’s “Voiceless.” Thanks for reading!
— Nic Moye, Managing Editor
LIGHTMETER:
Sarah Isak-Goode
OPINION
With Home Fire Prevention Efforts, Expect a Future of Patchwork Regulations
Alot of people cheered when the Oregon State Legislative Assembly this session repealed the controversial wildfire risk map that some allege was a factor in rising insurance rates for their homes. Insurance companies we talked to for an earlier story assured us they have their own maps to assess risk — and anyway, a bill that passed in an earlier session was aimed at preventing insurance companies from using state maps to change rates.
Maybe a repeal of the risk map will help some people feel a little better — at least for a little while, because while they cheer about a step backward in terms of fire risk and statewide fire prevention efforts, the risk is just continuing to increase. Our warm seasons are hotter and drier, and no presence or absence of a map is going to change that. With or without a map, insurance companies that have to continue to pay out massive sums due to loss of homes are certainly
Now that the water has been thrown on the debate about the state’s wildfire risk map, we can only hope that more communities will begin to focus on the things that have the potential to keep insurance costs down, and prevent fires, too. Case in point: the City of Sisters, which recently became among the few towns in the state to adopt some of its own codes around defensible space.
In an effort to make homes less fire prone, new homes in Sisters have to come with a buffer between the home and any flammable vegetation on the property. Next, leaders in Sisters hope to adopt building code standards that further protect homes from fire, including the use of certain materials that resist fire.
The debate on whether those materials
will increase the cost of building a home is raging; some say they’ll raise the cost of a new home by thousands, while others say those materials may actually cost less. Developers say their margins are already tight, and any additional cost is going to be something they’re likely to oppose. However, will it be more costly to rebuild a community where fire-resistant materials were abandoned, all to increase developer profit?
In any case, this is where we are at now: Local control, with a patchwork of local rules around fire risk. City and town leaders who now have the political audacity to push through with home hardening and defensible space standards, such as Sisters is beginning to do, are going to lay the groundwork for more fire-resilient neighborhoods in their towns.
Elsewhere, residents may be on their own — perhaps taking steps to create defensible space and harden their own homes, all while battling rising insurance rates and watching their neighbors stick their heads in the sand and do nothing.
But hey, at least the state isn’t telling you what to do.
The City of Sisters recently adopted its own defensible-space codes for new construction. With the repeal of statewide wildfire risk map legislation that included a home-hardening and defensiblespace regulations, municipalities have to adopt their own.
Letters
ANOTHER MAGICAL EVENT
Spring gives us Homegrown. Fall, Roots. And now, thanks to Chicago Bob Dougherty, summer gives us Bend Blues Fest.
On a chilly Saturday at Silver Moon music lovers were treated to a remarkable day of nonstop blues. The talent was undeniable, and the joy displayed by the bands was reciprocated by the dancing crowd. Everyone there ignored the weather and realized we were part of something truly special unfolding before our eyes and ears.
Thank you Bob, and all of the sponsors that helped make it happen, as well as Silver Moon for hosting. Already excited for next year.
— Mike Covey
SUPREME DISSATISFACTION
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Trump administration in his challenge to constitutional amendment 14 S1.1.2 (Citizenship Clause Doctrine), running cover for Trump’s attorney general to ignore lower court orders. This court doesn’t even bother putting together a coherent or honest majority opinion anymore. For that reason, they often don’t write them while using the shadow docket as cover, reverse engineering the Constitution to twist whatever precedent they want to overturn to their desired outcome. This is as partisan as the court always has been, but now on steroids. The majority of this court has few bedrock principles, so don’t expect any consistency from them for a Democratic executive. But if they are derelict in reigning in Trump, they will be as complicit in his lawlessness as Congress now is. They all better start taking their oath to the constitution seriously.
— Jeff Cole
HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY? Send your thoughts to editor@bendsource.com. Letters must be received by noon Friday for inclusion in the following week’s paper. Please limit letters to 250 words. Submission does not guarantee publication. Opinions printed here do not constitute an editorial endorsement of said opinions. Letter of the week receives $5 to Palate!
CORRUPTED BEYOND HOPE OF REPAIR
In a July 3 letter one of your readers observed that each Republican president has initiated military action in the Middle East in his adult lifetime, calling it “Groundhog Day.” The groundhogs may be more prolific than he imagines. Barack Obama, the Democratic president awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, conducted bombing campaigns against seven countries throughout the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, including Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Somalia, and Pakistan. Under Muammer Gaddafi, the head of state overthrown by Obama’s imperial adventurism, Libya had experienced the highest Human Development Index - a composite of health, education, and income - in Africa. After Gaddafi’s deposition there were reports of open slave markets. My point is not to defend Trump, who is indefensible, but to stress that both parties have been corrupted beyond hope of repair by money and militarism. Even if one side might be marginally better than the other (depending on whether your glasses are rose or violet-tinted), they both are abysmal. The sooner we come together to accept that reality, the sooner we might move toward fixing it.
— Matt Orr
THE PAIN BEHIND THE SHOW
There are currently 172 worldwide organizations (approx. 80% in USA) that are opposed to the cruelty and abuse of animals in rodeos. Many animals are injured and even killed in rodeos. Animal cruelty investigators are only able to attend a very small percentage of rodeos each year. Therefore, only a very small percentage of injuries or deaths are documented. Rodeos frequently try to cover up animal injuries and deaths.
Katie Chipko
Injuries may not be immediately visible, especially from the distance of the bleachers. These injuries may include sprains, broken bones, muscle pulls, saddle blisters, spur and flank strap wounds. Essentially, if the animal doesn't drop dead in front of the bleachers, the audience usually doesn't know anything is wrong.
In the last few years some rodeos are banning video from their events in an effort to thwart documentation of rodeo cruelty, and the resulting injuries and deaths. So you have to ask yourself why would the Central Oregon TV Networks support rodeos? A week or so prior to an upcoming local rodeo event the networks bombard us with rodeo footage. It is hard to believe these stations are not aware of the animal abuse associated with rodeos. This false portrayal of a fun family event is misleading.
Animal abuse at rodeos is wrong, pure and simple.
— J Tinker
THE 4TH OF JULY
Thank you Bend for another fantastic Fourth of July! The day was for the memory books, dogs, chickens, goats, snakes, Guinea pigs, horses, oddly small horses, all in the best pet parade ever!
Music was everywhere, people were smiling and so happy to visit our gorgeous town!
Thank you new owners of 7/11 on Galveston for $1 hot dogs! It was a party and a celebration!
Thank you everyone who climbed Overturf Butte last night to see the fireworks, please don’t tell anyone that it is the best place in town to watch the show.
On my early morning walk up the butte today there was no sign of any trash. It looked perfect!
Thank you neighbors and friends.
Thank you for loving Bend every day and caring for this beautiful place we are so lucky to call home.
— Liza Petzke
Letter of the Week:
Liza as Letter of the Week, you can stop by our offices at NW Georgia and Bond for a gift card to Palate coffee.
— Nic Moye, Managing Editor
BLM to Address Human-Caused Fires in La Pine Basin
The Bureau of Land Management has announced the mobilization of a National Fire Prevention and Education Team to address humancaused fires in the La Pine Basin. It’s composed of fire prevention specialists from the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service.
The team will develop fire prevention messaging; increase awareness by engaging with the La Pine community; initiate positive community involvement; and develop a fire prevention strategy.
“This proactive approach is crucial for safeguarding our communities and natural resources against the risk of wildfires,” said Jona Ensley, BLM assistant fire management officer. “By working closely with local residents and organizations, we can create a culture of prevention that aims to reduce fire risks to communities and infrastructure.”
Bend Teen Wins National Title in Bouldering
A climber from Bend Endurance Academy won a National Champion title, earning him a spot on the U.S. Youth National Team and an invite to Youth Worlds in Helsinki, Finland. Nathaniel Perullo won the Male U19 Bouldering category during the 2025 USA Climbing Youth National Championships held June 26-July 2 at Portland Rock Gym in Beaverton. He also placed 4th in the Lead category. It’s the highest level of youth climbing competition in the country. Perullo will represent the nation in Bouldering at the 2025 IFSC Youth World Championships in Finland held from July 28-Aug. 3.
— Nic Moye
15,000 — How many gallons of water rural well owners can pump daily in “When Wells Run Dry.”
Nearly 500 ODOT Workers Laid Off Amid Transportation Crisis Budget failure forces massive job cuts, threatens Oregon's road maintenance
By Sarah Isak-Goode
On Monday, 483 current Oregon Department of Transportation employees received notices that end their employment effective July 31. The employees include maintenance crews, support staff and critical operational roles across the state. Additionally, the agency is eliminating 449 vacant positions, further reducing its capacity to provide services. In total, 932 positions will be cut as a result of the budget crisis prompted by the Oregon legislature’s failure to pass an ODOT funding bill.
This comes as a significant blow to the state's ability to maintain its vast network of roads, highways, railroads and bridges. The layoffs come after lawmakers failed to pass a desperately needed transportation funding measure at the end of the legislative session that ended June 27, despite multiple attempts and a last-ditch effort by Gov. Tina Kotek. The funding crisis has been building for months as lawmakers repeatedly failed to agree on any version of a multibillion-dollar transportation package.
“Consequences to essential transportation services are imminent across the state. This is not business as usual. These layoffs constitute an emergency in Oregon’s transportation system that will hurt every part of Oregon,” Kotek wrote in a Monday press release.
Workers Bear the Brunt of Political Failure
Of ODOT's nearly 5,000 employees, about half belong to the Service Employees International Union, including 1,700 workers in maintenance, operations and headquarters positions, as well as roughly 800 at the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services.
ODOT's budget bill reveals that the layoffs will broadly affect the agency's maintenance crews. These workers perform the essential job of keeping 8,000 miles of state highways and 2,700 bridges safe and in good working condition. Maintenance teams do everything from clearing snow and ice to repairing potholes and maintaining bridges. They are also responsible for managing the communication systems that keep travelers informed about road conditions through services like TripCheck and the 511 phone system.
Melissa Unger, executive director of SEIU Local 503 told Nigel Jaquiss of the Oregon Journalism Project that the union is working frantically to save jobs, saying, "Workers are very stressed out." She added, "Did elected officials do what they needed to do to keep our roads, highways and bridges safe and our traffic moving? The answer is no."
Counties Face Domino Effect
next five years won't be able to be delivered at the time frame that we've represented to the public."
While the cutbacks may not immediately affect certain aspects of the City of Bend, they certainly have a broader impact on Oregon's transportation infrastructure.
In a press release from July 7, ODOT announced that it will close 12 maintenance stations across the state, including one in Sisters. According to Kotek, fewer maintenance crews will mean a delay in “essential tasks like pothole repairs, pavement maintenance, and road striping. Vegetation management, including brush clearing and fire prevention work, will also be scaled back, increasing wildfire risk and reducing visibility along roads.”
Oregon has limited flexibility in spending its funding, with most resources already committed before ODOT can address these maintenance needs. Oregon has limited flexibility in spending its funding, with most resources already committed before ODOT can address these maintenance needs. State law requires nearly half of all highway fund revenue to flow directly to cities and counties, while more than half of the remaining funds must be used to service existing debt and finance new construction projects. This leaves only about 20 cents of every dollar available actually to keep the state's highways in good shape.
Crumbling Roads, Shrinking Budgets
“I could fully start walking this journey of what I want to do for MY life.”
— Cornelius Edison on leaving the NFL and moving to Bend in Outside.
ODOT partners with the City of Bend and the Bend Metropolitan Planning Organization on various transportation projects.
“This does not affect the City of Bend’s next biennial budget,” City Council Coordinator Claire Conklin told the Source. “The existing funding allocations to the City of Bend from the State of Oregon are unaffected by what occurred at the end of the legislative session.” The same goes for Deschutes County: "There's nothing that we'll have to put the brakes on immediately," said Chris Doty, Deschutes County's road director. "But certainly projects that we've planned in the
ODOT's spending cuts have come about due to declining gas tax revenue, increased inflation and restrictions on funding. According to ODOT's website, current funding levels can maintain state highway maintenance "roughly stable until the middle of 2025." After that point, without additional revenue or significant changes to how transportation is funded, "Oregonians will see a rapid decline in the safety, quality, and reliability of their transportation system." The problem extends beyond state highways – a study by the Association of Oregon Counties found that more than 4,400 miles of county roads – nearly 29% of the total – were already rated in "fair" or "poor" condition. Although it has not been confirmed, there is discussion of a special session in the legislature to seal up the cracks in this funding issue.
Road construction in Deschutes County will be impacted by the ODOT budget cuts.
Deschutes County
Interim Sheriff Candidates Speak of the Future of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office
Union-approved candidates shared their visions at a July 7 public forum
By Peter Madsen
Integrity. Transparency. Accountability.
Five candidates recommended by the union representing the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office employees spoke about their qualifications for the interim sheriff position at the Elks Lodge in Bend on July 7.
The mood was anything but contentious as the five candidates, selected by the Deschutes County Sheriff Employee’s Association, touched on themes of institutional transparency, rebuilding public trust and — not least of which — avoiding the explosive headlines in local media, which followed former Sheriff Shane Nelson and exiting Sheriff Kent van der Kamp through their tenures. Van der Kamp, will leave the post by July 31. By that time, Deschutes County commissioners will have appointed an interim sheriff, who will serve until the 2026 election cycle.
Four people have applied for the interim sheriff position, including Undersheriff Aaron Wells, DCSO Detective and Special Services Commander Ty Rupert and DCSO Detective Lt. James McLaughlin. Those are three of the five candidates shortlisted by the DCSEA. Other candidates include Deron McMaster, a former DCSO Captain and Cory Darling, the director of campus safety and emergency management at Central Oregon Community College.
Wells, who spent about 17 years with the Redmond Police Department, where he rose to captain, acknowledged he’s only worked at DCSO for seven months.
“How can you trust me?” Wells said. “I’d say, go ask — go ask the community. Ask my co-workers. Ask my former co-workers. Because it’s hard to say I can promote trust by saying really nice things about myself — your reputation precedes you.”
Rupert answered by evoking the firm-handshake approach to life that his grandparents instilled in him.
“Without trust, we have nothing,” Rupert said. “The people I work with have to trust me.”
The DCSO captain, who joined in 2005, said the agency needed to return to the high bar of trust it enjoyed in 2007, when the public voted to grant DCSO a permanent levy — the first instance in the state, he said.
“That trust has been lost over the years. I don’t want to go into history, you can Google it. Everybody knows it; we were in the news quite often,” Rupert said. “We can’t be in the news quite often. I work with incredible people who do incredible stuff who get tired of being on the news for stuff they didn’t cause. A lot of times, it’s been former command staff that caused it.”
with recent mistakes, McMaster didn’t hesitate to speak about his past support of Sheriff Nelson.
In 2015, McMaster was promoted to captain when Nelson became interim sheriff and subsequently won the 2016 election. Yet McMaster’s run at the DCSO was cut short when he resigned, claiming in a lawsuit that Nelson concealed evidence during an internal investigation and retaliated against McMaster after he spoke out, the Source reported in July 2023. McMaster received a $265,000 settlement from DCSO in September 2024.
“At the time, I was encouraged by the things [Nelson] said. I thought he was going to turn out to be a good sheriff,” McMaster said, adding that he contributed to his 2016 campaign. “And, as you all know, that turned out to be a huge mistake. I didn’t see it coming, and I didn’t realize it until things got really bad.”
Balancing the DCSO operating budget was also a primary concern.
McMaster acknowledged his near four-year absence from DSCO, yet he cited his experience overseeing the budgets of the jail and the detective division for two years each, including general budget conversations, particularly with the county. While not having access to all past budget information, McMaster alluded to a looming budget crisis in the coming years, promising to huddle with DCSO leadership and staff to find solutions.
The fourth person who filed with the County is Gabe Burchfiel, a digital forensic detective with DCSO.
Union President Danny Graham, who is also a DCSO patrol sargeant, told the Source that the union’s board will rank-vote to recommend a candidate to the Deschutes County commissioners, whose ultimate responsibility it is to pick the interim sheriff.
Throughout the two-hour forum, moderated by Graham, candidates alluded to past allegiances to — and feuds with — Nelson and van der Kamp, whose tenures were marred, if not derailed, by high-profile scandals.
After individual introductions that made mention of career highlights that included military service (Rupert, McMaster and McLaughlin), private sector experience (Rupert and McLaugh lin), and a stint as a pastor (Wells), candidates took turns answering Graham’s questions.
Wells, the current undersheriff whom van der Kamp picked to join his command staff in January, talked about restoring trust:
“In the past few years, I learned a lot about what we’ll call extreme ownership,” Wells said. “It’s about owning your mistakes and moving forward. I would begin with admitting — yeah, there were some mistakes made. I’m not necessarily saying it’s everyone, but the reality is, our leader made some mistakes. That’s affected us all. I think we have to [admit] that to the public and apologize. We were a part of that decision making.”
As a present command staffer, Rupert said the agency’s rank-and-file deserves a trusted leader with a clear vision.
“They need a leader where they say, ‘Hey, I trust him, I’m going to go with him,’” he said. “‘Ty Rupert knows what he’s doing. Let's go.’”
Key components of that internal trust will foster a two-way channel of input and forego institutional favoritism.
“We have people who have been treated differently, depending on who you are,” he said. “It’s not OK. Everybody needs to be treated equally. ...If I mess up, I will hold myself accountable. I will say I messed up.”
Rupert also posited that a reduction in blood pressure prescriptions among staffers, along with fewer spousal separations and divorces, would serve as signs of improved agency morale.
McLaughlin, a DCSO detective lieutenant, said DCSO can alleviate the public’s distrust by heightening its engagement with the media.
“I have watched the public’s trust be built up, then erode, then built back up, then erode again.” McLaughlin said, adding that the restoration was owed to the integrity of the rank-and-file employees, including patrollers, corrections officers, investigators and sworn and non-sworn staffers.
Wells distanced himself from van der Kamp.
“I don’t think that the Sheriff, in no way, shape or form, represents the agency I work for,” Wells said. “I think it's an important first message that the other people who work there have been doing the work with integrity and with a high level of efficiency and ability.”
“We cannot have restoration without contrition — senior leader contrition,” McLaughlin said. “That means meeting with some of you fine folks in the media, where we have one-on-one interviews where I beg you to ask me hard questions. I want hardballs so we can have some contrition so I can join the ranks of those building public trust and keeping it."
Addressing one of Graham’s questions that dealt
Darling also described his budget history, which includes the Sunriver Police Department and COCC’s, as conservative. He said he’d funnel any savings back to personnel by bolstering wellness programs, which has a trickle-down effect to the community.
Moderator Graham also asked candidates whether they intend to run for the sheriff position in the 2026 election cycle. Rupert said he would run only if he deemed his stint as interim sheriff a success — and he felt supported by personnel. Darling said he has no interest in being a politician. McMaster was unclear on whether the interim sheriff is allowed to campaign for sheriff (they are) but would consider running to continue improving the agency he said he loves. Wells declined to answer directly, saying he would be focused entirely on interim sheriff, if appointed.
McLaughlin said full-throatily that he intends to run.
“Let’s be clear, I will be running in the 2026 Special Election. I’ll get that out there right now. It’s not ‘if I do really good,” McLaughlin said. “I already made that determination long before I decided to throw my hat in the ring for interim sheriff.
“But the problems we face, and the professionalism and proficiency of the men and women in this room and the people they serve demand someone who says, ‘I have a thousand-day vision, not a hundred-day vision,” McLaughlin said. “I am tired of people sprinting to do something to look good in the moment because there is an election coming. I want longevity, I want to make a generational change.”
—This story is powered by the Lay It Out Foundation, the nonprofit with a mission of promoting deep reporting and investigative journalism in Central Oregon. Learn more and be part of this important work by visiting layitoutfoundation.org.
Ty Rupert
Aaron Wells
James McLaughlin
Photos byPeterMadsen
TREDMOND NEWS
African Rhythms Come to Redmond
Youth Marimba ensembles bring Zimbabwe’s musical traditions to library concert
By Sarah Isak-Goode
his month, the Redmond Library hosts a live marimba performance featuring the Baduku and Bahuru marimba bands from Richland, Washington. The concert is Thursday evening, July 24 on the library's civic patio. It showcases the distinctive sounds of African marimba music performed by two accomplished youth ensembles.
Redmond Library’s Elsa Hager coordinated the event.
“It is exciting to showcase the work of young musicians, and we’re happy to bring live music to the library. Due to the Redmond Library renovation, we now have ample patio space for this performance, so we look forward to offering an outdoor concert to the public.” The newly renovated library is also double the size of the previous library and includes a DIY space, meeting rooms, and a children’s discovery area.
Baduku and Bahuru are both part of the Tri-Cities Steel Drum Band Association, comprised of middle and high school students. The groups maintain active performance schedules during the academic year and participate in national touring opportunities during the summer months.
The ensembles are part of a growing trend in American music education that brings world music traditions into school programs. Through their performances, the young musicians introduce African marimba music to audiences who might not otherwise encounter this musical tradition.
“All I really want for an audience to get from one of our performances is just to enjoy the music, on whatever level they enjoy music,” Director Walt Hampton explains. “Some people can follow rhythmic or harmonic complexities. Some people just like ‘the beat.’ Some like the melody or have no idea, but they like it. A lot of people find it refreshing (or even inspiring) to see young people doing something beautiful and group-oriented, instead of just staring at their phones.”
Understanding African Marimba
The marimba is a xylophone-style instrument with deep roots in Africa and South America. Zimbabwean marimbas are typically played in ensembles with each instrument adding its own voice to create rich, layered music. Traditional marimbas feature wooden bars mounted over hollow calabash gourds that create a distinctive buzzing, polyrhythmic sound when struck with mallets, though modern versions often use metal resonator tubes of varying lengths instead of the natural gourds.
African marimba produces what musicians describe as a "big, rich, earthy sound" that differs significantly from other percussion instruments. The wooden bars generate warm, full-bodied tones that create a unique auditory experience. This instrument serves as the foundation for music that spans from traditional Zimbabwean compositions to contemporary arrangements.
Blending Traditional and Contemporary Sounds
Hampton brings 34 years of public-school music teaching and a passion for percussion in guiding both marimba ensembles. While he's known around the region as a guitarist with bands including The Knockdowns and Groove Principal, percussion remains his first love. His performance background spans everything from symphony orchestras to jazz groups and rock bands across the Pacific Northwest. Hampton has become a go-to resource for marimba education through his published works, "Hot Marimba" and "Marimba Mojo," which adapt African music for elementary school programs and have helped shape marimba teaching in schools. “I like seeing the audience's reaction to the music,” Hampton says. “It's unlike anything else they've heard, and people find it fascinating. I've played songs a million times over the years, but watching the kids and the audience enjoy the music is very satisfying.”
Baduku and Bahuru Thu., July 24, 5:30-6:45pm Redmond Library 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond dpl.libnet.info/event/13382437 Free
ROCK CHUCK OPEN PICKLE MANIA!
Hosted by the Redmond Rock Chuck Pickleball Club, the annual open tournament is celebrating its fifth year. The weekend will include multiple events in women’s, men’s and mixed divisions, along with cash prizes going to winning teams. Fri., July 11, Sat., July 12 and Sun., July 13 at Sam Johnson Park. 333 SW 15th St., Redmond. $50.
AND DEFIANCE
A recently published anthology, “Defiant Moments,” celebrates the resilience of LGBTQ+ individuals in the face of numerous forms of oppression and discrimination. During the presentation, contributors to the anthology will share excerpts from their transformative stories. Sat., July 12, 3-4:30pm at Redmond Public Library. 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond. Free.
The lively sounds of marimba can be enjoyed by audiences outdoors, like at the Redmond Public Library.
Tri-Cities Steel Band Association
When Wells Run Dry
Oregon cities have tight controls over water consumption. In rural areas, there’s little oversight on excessive consumption use.
By Sarah Isak-Goode
What happens above ground stays above ground, but below the surface, water doesn't recognize fence lines. The aquifer beneath Deschutes County operates as a single, interconnected system where water use in one location directly affects availability throughout the region. Nearly 35,000 residents—approximately 16% of the county's population— depend on private wells that tap into the same underground sources as those supplying municipal systems.
Yet, while city residents in Bend and Redmond face monitored consumption limits and targets to reduce usage to 143 gallons per person per day by 2040, rural well owners can pump up to 15,000 gallons daily without metering requirements or oversight. This regulatory disparity persists despite mounting evidence of the system's vulnerability: groundwater levels near Bend and Redmond have dropped 20 feet over the past two decades, leaving at least 200 rural households with dry wells between 2022 and 2023 alone.
The Oregon Water Resources Department projects that if levels drop another 5 feet, more than 3,500 domestic wells across the county could fail. Efforts to implement basic monitoring through water meters face significant resistance from property owners, who view such measures as government overreach. This leaves water managers unable to distinguish between modest household use and excessive consumption, even as the shared resource continues to decline.
In an interview on the Source’s podcast Bend Don't Break, Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch explained, "We have 20,000 exempt wells in the Deschutes [River] Basin, authorized to get 15,000 gallons a day without any regulation, any input at all from the state. When you look at what the authorized use is, if you take all of the cities in Central Oregon, we are authorized to use about 9 billion gallons of it a year. If you take the exempt wells, they are authorized to use 90 billion gallons a day."
However, the difference is not just between rural and city areas. Between well owners, there can be a major difference in water distribution.
Deschutes County's water system operates on a "first in time, first in right" priority, where the oldest rights holders receive water first, leaving newer users without guarantees, even when an excess supply exists. Local farmer and the President of Oregon Family Farm Association, Matt Cyrus, explained in a recent interview that, “A water right is a real property right, just like land. There’s a lot of laws around how it is treated. Normally, those who want to redistribute water are those who don’t have it. When people buy a piece of property, they should research their water rights. There’s a lot of people who don’t understand water rights.”
Water rights are permanently tied to properties and their initial agricultural purposes. The most established water entitlements in this region date back to the 1870s-1880s and were originally designated for potato cultivation. The agricultural focus has shifted over the decades due to plant diseases and market demands, and common crops now include wheat, rye, and alfalfa. These historical water
privileges hold value even when properties move away from active farming; property owners risk losing their rights if they stop using their allocated water. This "use it or lose it" principle leads some landowners to deliberately consume as much water as possible to protect their entitlements, resulting in wasteful practices like maintaining enormous residential lawns in areas such as east Bend. Since no new rights can be allocated, existing rights have become valuable assets, maintained even by non-farmers, which in turn inflates property values.
To make matters worse, if a well goes dry, many owners are placed on a waitlist for drilling, which can cost thousands of dollars.
Understanding the Deschutes Watershed
Water from melting snow in the Cascade Range seeps underground instead of flowing over the surface like typical streams. Snowpack is the largest contributor to streamflow in the Deschutes watershed. Melting snow soaks into the ground to recharge the groundwater aquifer and feeds the Upper Deschutes primarily through springs.
This underground path feeds the Deschutes River through natural springs, creating more consistent water levels throughout the year compared to rivers that fluctuate dramatically with weather patterns. According to the Deschutes River Conservancy, nearly 80 inches of snow and 10 inches of rain account for the total annual precipitation in the Basin. This precipitation joins the water network via natural springs (underground water) or through creeks and waterways (surface flow). Because of its strong link to underground water sources, the Deschutes River has maintained consistent water levels, even in Central Oregon's semi-arid climate.
Human water management has disrupted this natural balance. Reservoirs now capture winter water for agricultural use during dry summer months, creating an artificial seasonal reversal — less water flows in winter when nature intended more, and more flows in summer when natural levels would be lower. This timing mismatch disrupts the natural rhythms of the river ecosystem. Downstream from Bend, farmers divert substantial amounts of summer water for irrigation, further reducing river flows. Tumalo and Whychus creeks already run low naturally during summer and fall, but irrigation demands make these seasonal shortages even more severe. Similar reservoir management throughout the Crooked River system creates comparable disruptions to natural flow patterns.
Declining Water Levels
Groundwater levels near Bend and Redmond have plummeted dramatically over the past two decades. Hundreds of rural Deschutes County households have already experienced dry domestic wells recently, and the Oregon Water Resources Department has warned that continued declines could leave thousands more wells without water in the coming years. While the immediate crisis is clear, understanding its root
Proper irrigation conserves water while keeping plants healthy.
Sarah Isak-Goode
causes reveals a complex web of factors. This decline in water levels is primarily due to climate change. According to the Oregon Water Resources Department, "Although there have been individual years of wet conditions over the past two decades, on average conditions have been drier than any other 22-year period in the past thousand years." The Deschutes Basin Board of Control expressed cautious optimism at its recent town hall, citing a strong snowpack this season as reason for hope, while remaining guarded about potential improvements to natural streamflow.
Despite having enough snow in the mountains, the area still struggles with major system problems that cause water loss. The Deschutes County Planning Commission reports that this continued decline is affected by pumping (20%) and inefficient water transmission systems (10%). Irrigation canals also lose 40% to 60% of their water through seepage and evaporation, with only about half of the redirected water reaching its intended destination. Water waste from irrigation, including overspray and runoff, is a significant concern.
The effects can be seen throughout the region, such as in the North Unit Irrigation District, located near Madras. Most of the world's carrot seed supply is produced there. However, because the irrigation district holds a junior water right among the other irrigation districts in the Basin, it can have trouble getting enough water to its farmers.
Agricultural Impact
The water shortage becomes more concerning when considering the county's agricultural landscape. Deschutes County leads Central Oregon with over 1,000 individual farms, compared to 680 in Crook County and 480 in Jefferson County. Deschutes County farmers rely on substantial amounts of water to produce crops such as hay or alfalfa. Declines in water affect crop production, livestock feed and income for farmers.
Additionally, Deschutes County experiences widespread confusion regarding proper water use practices, with many agricultural operators employing inefficient flood irrigation methods, applying water to unsuitable terrain, including rocky areas and poor soils, and messing up irrigation equipment operations.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends employing a systematic approach to agricultural practices, including using drip irrigation, reducing runoff and installing a water meter to protect water resources. The USDA notes that, "if the water supply stops keeping up with demand, it may be caused by an increase in water demand, a well capacity (the amount of water produced) problem, or a pump problem. The water meter can be used to identify an increase in demand."
Looking for Solutions
Other regions facing similar challenges have taken varying approaches to water management. Fresno County, California, which receives similar annual precipitation (10.95 inches compared to Deschutes County's 12 inches), has implemented mandatory well metering and permitting programs to manage groundwater resources. Since the Fresno-area North Kings Groundwater Sustainability
Agency’s new policy began in May, the number of registered wells has more than doubled. The North Kings GSA has pointed out that, "without knowing where wells are located, what depths they are drilled and perforated to, and other construction information, the GSA (Groundwater Sustainability Agency) cannot effectively assess impacts of groundwater level declines on well owners. This information is essential for the continued reliability of both domestic and production wells."
In Oregon, state laws do not require exempt wells to be metered. Oregon classifies wells as exempt from water right permit requirements when they serve specific purposes: stock watering, non-commercial gardening on half an acre or less, or certain domestic and commercial/industrial uses. Domestic wells qualify for exemption when daily usage stays below 15,000 gallons, while commercial and industrial wells receive exemption for usage up to 5,000 gallons per day. As Oregon Water Resources Department Public Information & Resilience Specialist, Jason Cox, explained to the Source: "Water supply wells have exempt uses under state law that do not require a water right permit. Commonly referred to as exempt wells, they can only be used for specific purposes and need to be beneficial, without waste. OWRD has the authority to ensure water usage from exempt wells is consistent with state law, and can require measurement devices if we feel it necessary to protect groundwater and ensure compliance." Proponents of water meters argue that monitoring is essential for understanding usage patterns and protecting the shared groundwater resource.
Water meters are controversial in many rural areas. Property owners cite concerns about privacy and questions about government oversight. As Matt Cyrus put it: “Whiskey’s for drinkin’, water’s for fightin’.” Water meters, he adds, “are a hot-button issue and probably should be done on a case-by-case basis.” In Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch's opinion, the biggest hurdles Central Oregonians face are the costs of labor and staffing.
Fitch feels strongly that some of these outof-date policies need to be reassessed, saying, "We have to have some metrics that are agreed upon to implement water conservation, a per-capita use that encourages the best stewardship of water in cities. Outside of cities, I do think we need to reassess the exempt wells." OWRD’s Jason Cox added: “Water meters on residential wells can be useful in ensuring water from exempt wells is being used legally, and the department can require measurement of water use for individual well owners. Generally, OWRD would deploy this tool when we are concerned about potential unlawful water use. Meters are also helpful to anyone who wants to monitor their water use and conserve groundwater, which is declining in the Deschutes Basin. We always encourage all water users to do their part to conserve this vital and limited resource.”
One step toward resolution was addressed in Oregon House Bill 3419, which would have standardized water measurement and reporting while providing cost-sharing between the government and irrigators for measuring devices. However, the bill did not get a vote this session and will need to be reintroduced in the next legislative session in order to move forward.
This water well diagram shows the different components that make up a well.
Oregon Department of Water Resources
It is a common misconception that the Deschutes River is the main source of water in Deschutes County.
Just 10 minutes from Downtown Bend!
SOURCE PICKS
THURSDAY 7/10
FEMME FORWARD
NEW MONTHLY EVENT SERIES
Head to Bunk+Brew for a new event series aimed at supporting women and women’s rights initiatives. Featuring vendors and live music by Kourtni (Not Your Ex Lover), Mari (Mari & The Dream) and Bella Cooper (Chiggi Momo), half of all proceeds will go to Planned Parenthood—this month’s chosen organization. Thu., July 10, 6pm at Bunk+Brew. 42 NW Hawthorne Ave., Bend. $10.
THURSDAY 7/10
MITCHUM YACOUB
INFECTIOUS ENERGY, UNDENIABLE RHYTHM
Mitchum Yacoub, Egyptian-American multi-instrumentalist, producer and DJ based out of San Diego, brings his unique feel for roots and dance music to Bend this week. Expect a blend of deep grooves, vibrant horns and Afro-Latin percussion. Thu., July 10, 7pm at Silver Moon Brewing. 24 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend. $16.
FRIDAY 7/11
THE BEND BACHELOR
A COMEDY SHOW AT HOSMER BAR
A Bits n Skits production, hosted by local comedians Christine Keefer and Christine Rogers, this is slated to be a very fun Bachelor-themed night. Hosmer Bar is located in the lobby of the Waypoint Hotel and offers a variety of tasty food and drink options. Fri., July 11, 7pm at Hosmer Bar. 1415 NE 3rd St., Bend. $15.
ALLAH LAS WITH SEPE
BREEZY ROCK 'N' ROLL AT THE VOLCANIC
The sound of Southern California oozes from the Allah-Las’ guitar riffs. Somewhere in the realm of vintage psychedelic and alt-pop, the band will have you on your feet, grooving to timelessly catchy tunes. Fri., July 11, 6pm at Volcanic Theatre Pub. 70 SW Century Dr., Bend. $30-$40.
SATURDAY 7/12
GRAND OPENING PARTY
CELEBRATE WITH UPP LIQUIDS
The team at UPP Liquids will host an all-out summer bash this weekend with drink specials, yard games, flash tattoos, local vendors, a dunk tank and live music by The Jugulars, Funk Around and Find Out and DJ Unreal. Sat., July 12, 4-9pm at UPP Liquids. 550 SW Industrial Way, Bend. Free. SUNDAY 7/13
9TH STREET VILLAGE MAKERS MARKET
LOCAL GOODS AND EATS
Every second Sunday between May-September, Bevel and its neighbors host a community-centered market dedicated to local artists and handmade goods. With excellent food carts onsite and refreshing beverages to sip, it’s a great way to spend a summer weekend afternoon. Sun., July 13, Noon-4pm at Bevel Craft Brewing. 911 SE Armour St., Bend. Free.
SUNDAY 7/13
BROKEN TOP BLUEGRASS
STRING TUNES AT RIVER'S PLACE
In the spirit of traditional string band music, but with an energetic and original sound, Broken Top Bluegrass remains a favorite of the local music scene. Sun., July 13, 6pm at River’s Place. 787 NE Purcell Blvd., Bend. Free.
TUESDAY 7/15
AC SAPPHIRE & GUESTS
COSMIC AMERICANA
A gifted songwriter, shredder and storyteller, Ac Sapphire channels the spirit of Laurel Canyon through heartfelt lyrics, celestial harmonies and wide-open sonic vistas that echo her years in the southwest. With a voice that cuts through chaos and songs that cradle memory and momentum, Sapphire stands among the genre's most compelling modern torchbearers. Tue., July 15, 7pm at Silver Moon Brewing. 24 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend. $15.
TUESDAY 7/15
BIRDWATCHING AT LAPINE
AN EVENING ADVENTURE
Hosted by Deschutes County Library, learn to identify birds by sight and sound, as well as their habitat preferences. Be prepared to walk up to two miles on uneven terrain, bring binoculars if you have them and wear weather-appropriate clothing. Tue., July 15, 7:30-9:30pm at LaPine State Park. 15800 State Recreation Dr., La Pine. Free.
Another Believer
Ac Sapphire
Bevel Beer
Allah Las IG
Mitchum Yacoub
S SOUND
D'Voiceless: A Musical'- Speaks and Sings to the Power of the Voice
Freeing the voice is Deena Kamm’s passion, brought to life in her first musical
By Julie Hanney
eena Kamm is on a mission to help people sing, sing loudly, and live with the freedom that comes with using your full vocal expression in every area of your life. She’s a vocal coach, founder and director of Sing Bend as well as the Public (Rock) Choir, and now, co-writer of a full-length musical titled “Voiceless: A Musical.” You can catch one of the eight performances at Caldera Theatre located in Caldera High School, from July 24 through Aug. 3.
the Source: Have you ever written a musical before?
Deena Kamm: No, but I have written three fulllength albums with my band, and I’ve written many, many songs and soundtrack music… I mean, I’ve been a songwriter since I was about 21 or 22. So, I’ve been writing songs forever, but I actually got bored with writing little three-and-a-half-minute songs. So, I stopped writing songs and I finally just looked into the exact opposite. I wanted to do something bigger that had a little more meat to it, so that the songs connect. I didn’t really want to do a concept album because, you know, the music industry changed so much with the internet that concept albums are kind of irrelevant, because everybody is putting out individual singles. And I wanted to do something that just kind of mattered more. And to have more time to say it, because in a three-and-a-half-minute song, you basically only get to say four things, and that’s it. So, I wanted to explore a topic fully, and I’m getting that with this musical.
tS: The topic is something many people may not know about, which is Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD). What interested you about this topic?
DK: I’m a voice coach, so I work with people with all kinds of disorders. And I had never heard of MDS specifically, but I had worked with people who have other forms of dysphonia [alteration of normal voice quality]. My writing partner, Anne Fenn, this is her story. She had written an article, and it popped into my Google feed. I read the story, and because she was already a comedy writer, she had written for TV. She was a stand-up comedian, she teaches comedy and writing… and she knows how to write scripts, so I contacted her and said, I love your story and I would love to do this, because you are “my” client, the kind of people I work with every day. The reasons behind MTD are very important to me. It’s my passion, my work. It’s what I
want to change in society.
tS: Can you explain MTD?
DK: MTD is a very extreme version of what most people have, which is fear around their voice. And then MTD comes in and wipes out the voice completely. You can’t talk, it freezes your vocal chords. It’s basically years of misappropriation of muscles and how you are coming at your voice is usually not ergonomic. It's not how it’s built to vocalize. So you keep reinforcing the wrong muscle set, and I’m writing a whole book about this. So if you use your voice the way it’s built to work, it’s dominant [and loud]. And if you don’t feel your voice is allowed to be dominant, then you will “fix” it with different kinds of muscles when you sing, speak or yell. Almost every single person I work with has a version of this.
tS: If someone reading this article has the realization that they aren’t using their voice fully or they are habitually being too quiet and not using their voice in the way they should, what would you suggest to them?
DK: I would say really embrace your voice. The theme of our show is “use it or lose it.” If you don’t use your voice, you will lose it, and your voice is everything about your personal self-expression. It’s who you are. It’s emotional, communicative, esoteric, physical. It’s
not just the physical voice. What happens when you stop using your voice is your diaphragm breaks down. So, if we start using our voice properly again, we actually fix quite a lot of health problems that we pop pills for all day long.
tS: Is this why you founded the Public (Rock) Choir?
DK: Yes, this is 100% why. I don’t tell people all of this. I just want to give people a place to come and vocalize. Singing is the only time your diaphragm is fully contracted at length, and your parasympathetic nervous system is triggered at length. It’s the only natural thing we do that does that.
tS: What else excites you about your upcoming musical?
DK: There is a very large neurodivergent piece to the show. The show is set in a company called Spectrum Services that hires autistic people to do the work. So we use autism as a way to show honest ways of communicating, because many, if not most autistic people don’t have that filter of “people pleasing,” so they are honest. We use their honesty in the musical to show how dishonest neurotypical brains are. And how we’ve trained ourselves to be so dishonest about who we are and what we’re doing and how we feel. So that’s a big piece of the show that I feel is important.
tS: I have the urge to get in my car and do some loud singing now. What singers do you suggest people try to sing along with or emulate?
DK: Whitney Houston was the best. She’s always my go-to, and anybody who has worked with me knows I talk about her voice all the time. Beyonce is a powerhouse of diaphragm and voice, she uses her whole voice. She uses all different sounds from very low, up to her big opera voice. If we are talking about a male singer: Freddie Mercury, Elton John, Billy Joel, Harry Styles and Benson Boone— he has a great, great voice. Just anybody who uses a full throttle voice, and everybody has access to it, every single person.
Voiceless: A Musical July 24-Aug. 3, 2 and 7pm Caldera Theatre
60925 SE 15th St. Bend Home | Voiceless: A Musical $30-35
Carol Sternkopf
Deena Kamm and Anne Fenn, co-writers of "Voiceless: A Musical."
CALENDAR
9 Wednesday
Bunk+Brew Backyard Open Mic Mondays Bring the energy and hit the stage! Sing, rap, tell jokes or vibe out with the crowd. Killer eats from food carts and beer truck flowing all night. 6-10pm. Free.
The Astro Lounge Karaoke Get here early to put your name on the list! Drink specials every night. 9pm-2am. Free.
Bevel Craft Brewing Broken Charley Broken Charley rocks hits from the ’70s to 2000s. 6-8pm. Free.
The Capitol The Capitol Karaoke Music Weekly Karaoke at its finest! Central Oregon’s premiere karaoke experience has just moved locations! Now at the Capitol! Drink specials! Air guitars! Come see for yourself. 8pm-1am. Free. Elixir Winery and Tasting Room Locals Music Night and Open Mic Bend’s friendliest open-mic! All genres welcome. Oregon and international wine, beer and tapas menu available all evening. 6-9pm. Free.
JC’s Bar & Grill Karaoke Karaoke kicks off at 8pm with our awesome host Van! Come early to get a prime seat. Happy hour lasts all day and our pool tables are free Mondays. 8pm. Free.
Deschutes Brewery & Public House Head Games Trivia Night Eat. Drink. Think. Win! Head Games multi-media trivia is at Deschutes Bend Public House every Wednesday. Win prizes. Teams up to six. 6:30-8:30pm. Free.
On Tap Locals’ Day Plus Live Music Cheaper drinks all day and live music at night, get down to On Tap. 11am-9pm. Free.
Hayden Homes Amphitheater Collective Soul & +LIVE+ - Summer Unity Tour Since launching a major label career in 1994, Collective Soul has charted a path that most rock bands dream of, but only few achieve. They cut through a noisy 1990s rock scene with a knack for stickto-you-like-glue melodies, roof-shaking guitars, and a touch of Southern grit. Behind enduring singles like “Shine,” “December” and “The World I Know,” the band hit the ground running for what would not be a short-lived sprint, but a steady marathon of uncompromising – and always catchy – albums. 5:30pm. $54.50+.
Silver Moon Brewing Beertown Comedy Open Mic Voted #1 Open Mic and Locals Night, Beertown Comedy’s Open Mic happens every Monday at Silver Moon Brewing. Free to watch and perform! Sign-ups at 6:30pm, show at 7pm. With 20 spots available, bring your best jokes and get noticed for paid gigs. Laughter guaranteed! 6:30-9pm. Free.
10 Thursday
The Commonwealth Pub CyDefects Formed in 2017 as a casual musical gathering, CyDefects has evolved into a serious jazz fusion act, bringing a dynamic blend of funk-oriented grooves and rock energy to stages across Central Oregon. 7-9pm.
Elements Public House Trivia Tuesdays at Elements Public House UKB Trivia is experienced, independent, locally owned and operated! Team up to win house gift cards! 7pm. Free.
The Astro Lounge Karaoke Get here early to put your name on the list! Drink specials every night. 9pm-2am. Free.
LIVE MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE
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M&J Tavern Karaoke Sing your heart out in downtown’s living room. 8pm-Midnight. Free.
Austin Mercantile Live Music Every Thursday Join at Austin Mercantile for live music every Thursday. Offering a light happy hour menu — daily flatbread, chili, charcuterie, soft pretzels and more! 4:30-6:30pm. Free.
Mountain Burger Trivia Tuesday at Mountain Burger Come to Trivia Tuesday at Mountain Burger! Fun and prizes await! 7:30-9pm. Free.
Bar Rio Live Music at Bar Rio Grab your favorite bites and sips and relax into the music— ranging from jazz and blues to pop and flamenco. 6-8pm. Free.
Blacksmith Public House Karaoke with DJ Chris Join us on our indoor stage for Karaoke night! Every Thursday from 6:30-8pm. We have plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, great drink options, and lots of food trucks! Family and dog friendly. 6:30-8pm. Free.
Bridge 99 Brewery Trivia Thursday at Bridge 99 Hosted by Useless Knowledge Bowl, it’s no ordinary trivia night. Team up to win house gift cards! Great brews, cocktails and more. 6:308:30pm. Free.
Bunk+Brew Femme Forward Introducing a new monthly event called Femme Forward! Each Femme Forward event will donate to a nonprofit that supports women and women’s rights. This first one will support Planned Parenthood with half of all ticket sales donated to the organization. Vendors, plus live music from Kourtni, Bella Cooper & Mari 6pm. $10.
Sisters Library Accordionista Robin Werdal
Hear songs from some of the many genres of music that accordions are loved for: polkas, waltzes, folk, Latin, pop and French songs. Learn the basics of how an accordion is organized, what the inside of an accordion looks like and how the music is made. 3-4pm. Free.
The Cellar Live Irish Trad Music with The Ballybogs! Join us for a night of live music featuring Bend’s Irish Trad band, The Ballybogs! Every Thursday at The Cellar. Seats fill up, so get there early if you can! 6-8pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub Caveman
Dave Caveman Dave is a songwriter, cigar box guitar-builder, graphic artist and one-man band. Since 2014, he’s toured the country, performing at pubs and festivals. New album “Sequoia Tree” out this August! 7:30-9:30pm. Free.
Crave Bend COMEDY OPEN MIC NIGHT
Comedy Open Mic Night on the SW side of Bend! Adults only encouraged. Intimate, smaller venue, healthier food and beverages, and an interactive night of comedy every Thursday! Hosted By Hopper. 7-9pm. Free.
The Dez Lounge Open Mic Join Joyful Lane at open mic night! Enjoy NA cocktails, charcuterie and dessert while listening to local talent! 6-9pm. Free.
Dogwood At The Pine Shed Let’s Have a Kiki A weekly 2SLGBTQIA+ night hosted by Cliché, with a new featured resident DJ each month. Kicking off the series in May with DJ Lunallday. Let’s have a kiki! 7-10pm. Free.
Drake Park Munch & Music The Munch & Music free concert series in Drake Park, presented by The Source Weekly and Hayden Homes, celebrates its 34th season! Music starts at 5:30pm on the Boss Mortgage stage and ends around 9pm. Every Thursday, July 3-Aug. 7. 5-9pm. Free.
Elements Public House Trivia Night at Elements Public House with QuizHead Games Come be all you can be with Trivia Night every Thursday from 6-8pm! Featuring QuizHead. games. Located at the north end of Redmond. Full bar and great food! 6-8pm. Free.
The Lot Kyle Hubbard Reimagined folk and Americana covers/originals. With just a guitar, a looper and his voice Hubbards’s music is stripped down to its simplest form. Music that feeds the soul and is silky smooth. 6-8pm. Free.
McKenzie General Store & Obsidian Grill Eric Leadbetter at McKenzie General Store McKenzie General Store loves being able to provide free family friendly live music to our community of locals, adventures and travelers alike! With our outdoor beirgarden, restaurant and general store we’re sure to have all you need for an unforgettable evening! 6-9pm. Free.
The Grove Summer Music Series Grab a drink + dinner and enjoy the local musicians. 6-8pm. Free.
Mountain Burger JuJu Eyeball Thursday night live! 6-8pm. Free.
Pangaea Guild Hall Intro to D&D Workshop Calling all adventurers! Have you wanted to play Dungeons and Dragons but have no idea where to start? Pangaea Guild Hall presents an “Intro to D&D” workshop series hosted by yours truly, Guildmaster Chris! Learn to build and play your own D&D character. Call or email to reserve your spot! 6-9pm. $10.
Ponch’s Place Trivia Thursdays at Ponch’s Place Trivia Thursdays at Ponch’s Place with QuizHead Games. 6-8pm. Free.
River’s Place The Critical Blues Band Tribute to the giants of blues past and present, delivering the power and passion of America’s greatest contribution to the world of music. 6-8pm. Free.
Silver Moon Brewing Mitchum Yacoub Mitchum Yacoub is an Egyptian-American multi-instrumentalist, producer and DJ based out of San Diego, CA. A lifelong drummer that has supported many afrobeat, soul, funk and reggae projects, he’s been slow brewing a unique feel for roots and dance music. 7pm. $16.
Silver Moon Brewing Trivia on the Moon Come down to Silver Moon Brewing for a night of trivia! Teams are welcome to show up in groups up to 8 people. Silver Moon also offers seating reservations for $20 donations that all go to F*Cancer! If you would like to reserve a table please contact the Trivia on the Moon Facebook page. 7pm. Free.
Sisters Community Church The Alchemy Of Sound and Stillness: A Healing Path to Self Discovery This unique event blends a live soundbath concert with an exploration of the science behind sound healing and its impact on the subconscious mind. Settle into a state of deep relaxation as you’re enveloped by the resonant tones of instruments like gongs, crystal bowls and drums. 6-7:30pm.
Spoons The Roundabouts Improv A great way to celebrate Quilt Show week! Each hilarious show is driven by audience participation, making you an essential part of our totally unscripted comedic journey. Come early for dinner and drinks and stay for the show. 7:30-9pm. $15.
11 Friday
Bend Cider Co. Coyote Rider Coyote Rider is a singer/songwriter project based in Bend, with Kim Kelley on guitar and vocals and Kat Hilst on cello, mandolin and vocals. Tim Coffey joins as a special guest. 6pm. Free.
Big E’s Sports Bar and Grill Karaoke Night at Big E’s Bar & Grill Friday night is Karaoke Night at Big E’s Sports Bar & Grill. Hosted by A Fine Note Karaoke Too! and DJ Jackie J. We have a huge library of songs from all eras and genres. Singers and audience welcome! 8pm. Free.
Blacksmith Public House Countryfied Country hits in our family-friendly venue. 6:3010pm. Free.
Boneyard Pub Cover Story Cover Story is a country rock band based in Bend. We play songs you forgot you love. @coverstory_bend 6-8pm. Free.
Cheba Hut Comedy & Open Mic Bring your friends and let’s have some laughs together! 7:45-9pm. Free.
Comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor and television host—to say that Trevor Noah has an impressive resume would be an understatement. Catch him on his “Off the Record” world tour Sat., July 12, 7:30pm at Hayden Homes Amphitheater.
Trevor Noah FB
Welcome to the First Interstate Bank Bend Summer Festival!
It is my privilege to welcome you to two days of live music and family fun. This annual tradition—back for its 32nd year—is a true showcase of arts, culture, and community, and First Interstate Bank is proud to be a part of it.
Since 1991, the Bend Summer Festival has donated more than $93,000 to local charities. Proceeds from this year’s event will help support two local nonprofits: the Cascade School of Music and Healing Reins Equine Assisted Services. You can learn more about these two amazing organizations by visiting bendsummerfestival.com/beneficiary.
Get ready for the ultimate summer celebration! The 2025 First Interstate Bank Bend Summer Festival is ready to fill the streets of Downtown Bend with Central Oregon's largest art showcase, live music, open skateboarding, family fun, and more!
Free live music will be a focal point of the festival, with performances by Leah Blevins, Ramble On and more. In the Family Fun Zone, kids can engage in interactive activities, games, and entertainment designed to spark their creativity and provide endless fun. In addition to the art, music, skateboarding, and family-friendly activities, the Bend Summer Festival features the Bend Business Showcase, Oregon Lifestyle exhibits, and the Soul Collective
EVENT HOURS
MUSIC & FOOD ONLY
July 11 – 4-10 pm
ALL AREAS OPEN
July 12 – 11am-10pm
July 13 – 11am-5pm
EVENT MAP
First Interstate has been part of the fabric of many hard-working towns and cities for over 50 years. We believe community banking is about more than accounts and transactions. It’s about taking care of the places we call home, and making our communities better places to live, work, and play. We’re so glad you’re here to join us in celebrating the things that make Bend and Central Oregon so special. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Bend Fall Festival, to be held September 29-October 1, 2023 right here in downtown Bend.
Enjoy the festivities!
Cameronne Mosher Bend Market President
MAINSTAGE LINEUP FOR 2025
Friday, July 11
Dad Bod’s
4:00PM - 5:00PM
Dad Bods are Bend's very own mainly “80’s Party Cover Band” that plays all your favorite rockin' songs with a few hits from other decades sprinkled in. Bring your dancing shoes for this high energy, fun show.
The Rusty Frets
5:30PM - 6:30PM
Saturday, July 12
Cascade School of Music Students
The Rusty Frets are a brand new American Reggae band out of the PNW. Formed in spring of 2023, they have already released their first two singles “Tide Keeps Rising,” and “No One.” Both tracks making the top 100 iTunes reggae charts. The Frets now have a few live shows under their belt, headlining the Little Woody Fest, and Fall Fest in Bend, Oregon. Coming up, they have lined up opening slots for ZeeCeeKeely, Nine to Fyah, and Kyle Smith.
JT Trawick
7:00PM - 8:00PM
JT Trawick (TRAY-WHICK) is a fourth-generation Ozark musician blending raw storytelling with Americana grit. Often compared to Townes and Prine, his music reflects his roots in bluegrass and Texan swing, his Portland journey, and timeless authenticity.
Ramble On
8:30PM - 10:00PM
Led Zeppelin tribute aspires to authentically capture the raw energy and mystique of the Led Zeppelin legacy. Its members (Jerry Burke-Perez, Rich Ray, Justin Gibson, Ryan Moore) balance the original recordings with live performance interpretations of legendary songs. You will be transported as you witness Ramble On re-creating the ground-breaking Zeppelin sound.
11:30PM - 2:00PM
The Cascade School of Music has been enriching lives one note at a time for over 22 years! Our belief is that human potential and connection are more fully realized through lifelong engagement with music, and our nonprofit mission is to provide individuals with pathways to explore their interest in music through exceptional instruction in an inclusive, accessible and inspiring community.
Erin Cole Baker
2:30PM - 3:30PM
With warm reverby Jazzmaster, her music expands into lush textures that complement her velvety vocals. This dynamic blend allows her sound to flow seamlessly from folk roots into dreamy, electric atmospheres, creating a rich auditory experience that resonates with listeners.
Spencer Marlyn Band
4:00PM - 5:00PM
This duo is the culmination of two Midwest boys joining forces in Bend, Oregon. The Spencer Marlyn Band is what happens when a looping artist meets a one-man drum circle. Combining Spencer’s captivating songwriting, effects pedals, and looping setup with Scottie’s West African music trained background and culturally diverse percussion kit, this duo packs a punch that is one-of-a-kind that matches the energy of any full band.
Brother’s Jam
5:30PM - 6:30PM
The Brothers Jam is a Portland based jam band mashup of rootsy rock and deep rhythmic grooves, taking their audience on a sonic journey every time they hit the stage. Drawing from a vast palette that spans the Grateful Dead, Talking Heads, Phish, Van Morrison, Miles Davis, Johnny Cash, Allman Brothers, Joe Henry, Bob Dylan, John Prine, Al Green… The Brothers Jam is a band with a plan: to entertain audiences and wring beauty from any song that crosses their path, always with fun and positive vibes.
Saturday, July 12
Johnny Franco
7:00PM - 8:00PM
São Paulo native, Johnny Franco is shaking up the Portland scene with his charm and charisma. Serving up 5 day weekends every week, no stage is too big or too small for his iconic and hilarious brand of entertainmentincluding but not limited to songs.
Leah Blevins
8:30PM - 10:00PM
Leah Blevins , a captivating force in music hailing from Sandy Hook, Kentucky, seamlessly blends vintage charm with a contemporary groove. Imbued with the grit of vintage country music and the grace of gospel, her debut album, First Time Feeling , serves as a genuine diary of her life stories and a testament to her musical evolution.
Just over a year following her last release, Leah Blevins is poised for the next chapter in her musical journey with "Hundred Different Sides". Her latest single confronts the nuance involved in a person defining their identity. While complex, it can be strengthening to acknowledge all of the facets of one's self. Her heartfelt songs explore themes of fear, self-discovery, and leaving the past behind, resonating with stories of life, love, and loss. Leah's creative spirit continues to evolve as she crafts the follow-up to her debut LP. With her timeless sound paying homage to the past while boldly standing out in the present, Leah Blevins is truly an artist to watch.
Sunday, July 13
Cascade School of Music Students
11:30PM - 2:00PM
The Cascade School of Music has been enriching lives one note at a time for over 22 years! Our belief is that human potential and connection are more fully realized through lifelong engagement with music, and our nonprofit mission is to provide individuals with pathways to explore their interest in music through exceptional instruction in an inclusive, accessible and inspiring community.
Jesse Meade
2:30PM - 3:30PM
Jesse Meade is a singer-songwriter who accompanies himself with his own finger-style, acoustic guitar playing while performing both original material and an array of cover songs. His influences include musicians like Ray Charles, Hank Williams, Fats Domino, Elizabeth Cotten, Otis Redding, Jimmie Rodgers, Louis Armstrong, George & Ira Gershwin, Aretha Franklin, Percy Mayfield, Mississippi John Hurt, Cole Porter, Sam Cooke, Patsy Cline, Duke Ellington, Chuck Willis, and Dinah Washington.
Gypsy Travellers
4:00PM - 5:00PM
The Gypsy Travellers are a Blues/Rock Band in Oregon. We play a wide variety of musical stylings but our sweet spot is the blues/rock. We have several originals that will be on our first debut album. At our live shows we play our own originals and we add in several crowd favorite cover songs from top artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Johnny Cash, Elvis, Dolly Parton and The Beatles.
Located at the intersection of Bond and Minnesota Ave.
Sat, July 12
Lava City Cirque
Student Showcases: Noon, 2pm & 4pm
Sun, July 13
Iconic Dance
Student Showcases: Noon & 2pm
Rueda de Casino
Dance in the street: 3pm
Shred the Fest
Skate Zone | Oregon Ave.
Get ready to roll at Shred The Fest, a two-day skate takeover in the heart of downtown! Whether you’re dropping in for the first time or throwing down your cleanest trick, there’s something for every skater.
Free Lessons | Saturday, 11am – Learn from local legends with Board House coaches leading sessions throughout the weekend.
Skate Demos | Saturday, 1:30pm – Watch the pros rip with high-energy showcases from Board House and Tactics teams.
Skate Challenges | Saturday, 2pm – Think tic-tac races, foot down, limbo, high ollie, and more—all for a chance to win rad prizes!
Tactics Jam | Sunday, 2:30pm – Cap off the weekend with style—open format jam session where anything goes and style rules.
Girls Session | Sunday, 3:30pm – A time for the ladies to shine. All levels welcome in this supportive and empowering space.
Bring your board, your hype crew, and that summer skate energy. Music, prizes, and good vibes guaranteed.
Saturday 11am-8pm | Sunday 11am-5pm
Summer entertainment for kids and families. Get ready for some fun in the sun! Enjoy bouncers, family activities, games, and tasty treats.
Bouncing off the Wall
Bouncers are $20, cash only, for an unlimited day pass.
Vendors:
Fiesta Magic
Faery Face Art
Sharp Henna
Temporary Tattoos
Kona Ice of Bend
Sunrise Preschool
Evergreen Virtual Academy
Art Promenade | Bond St. and Minnesota Ave.
Ceramics Glass
Driftwood Pottery –Ocean-inspired functional pottery with an artistic flair.
Love for Pottery – Works with speckled buff and P-5 porcelain clay, glazed with cone 5 Amaco glazes. Artist rolls 3/8" clay slabs using a slab roller, forming serving platters by hand and wheel-throwing utensil holders, bacon cookers, and bowls.
One Dream Design – Creates wheel-thrown and heavily textured porcelain and stoneware pieces. Features sculptural forms and proprietary high-fired macro-crystalline glazes.
HLM Ceramics – Produces functional and decorative ceramics using both wheel throwing and hand-building techniques. Works primarily in stoneware and porcelain clay with high-quality glazes.
Key to Tibet – Crafts ceramic tiles featuring traditional Tibetan designs. Each tile is uniquely handmade and includes a decorative copper hanger.
Kohai Ceramics – Handmade ceramics from Portland inspired by mid-century design. Utilizes house-made glazes and a seasonal palette to produce long-lasting functional pieces.
Tryst Studios – Focuses on wheel-thrown stoneware with hand-carved textures and patterns. Designs feature silhouettes of local mountains and landmarks, offering both functional and decorative wares.
Nomadic Ceramics – Uses locally sourced stoneware, thrown by hand and fired to cone 6 with a custom glaze palette. Often includes gold luster and nature-inspired motifs.
AD Glass & Design – Offers hand-blown glass using Swedish and Italian techniques including color layering, engraving, sand carving, and personalization.
LuEltons Designs – Designs unique handcrafted glass mosaics with vibrant colors and intricate patterns.
Jewelry Metal & Sculpture
Art to Harmony – Creates vibrant, functional fused glass artworks.
Beaver State Glass – Specializes in kiln-formed and cast glass, producing bowls, plates, vases, and more by fusing multiple layers of glass.
Emerald Dream Designs –Primarily uses sterling silver, occasionally adding gold or brass. Utilizes lost wax casting to replicate natural elements in silver.
Joy Road Jewelry – Works with mixed metals and semi-precious stones using lapidary, oxidizing, patina, laser cutting, wire wrapping, and custom metalwork.
Branch+Barrel – An artist-run studio based in Bend, OR, creating handmade jewelry from natural wood, reclaimed barrel staves, botanicals, forged metals, and resin.
Mountain Home Arts – Crafts jewelry with stones sourced from the artist’s own mine. Includes fine silver and seed bead work made from glass and cotton thread.
SFM Designs – Produces silver and bronze belt buckles and bolos featuring Oregon jasper and agate. Complete metal, lapidary, and leather work is done on-site.
Union Studio Metals –Hand-builds each piece in Bend, OR. Recent work includes wax carving and casting with recycled metals and hand-set gemstones.
Isms – Crafts jewelry from real butterfly wings using a multi-step process including hydration, scale and color setting, and resin coating to preserve natural beauty.
Wild Moon Jewelry –Hand-fabricated jewelry made using traditional metalsmithing techniques and stones sourced from Oregon and Idaho.
Ana Eugenia – Handcrafts sterling silver, gold, and gemstone jewelry using traditional metalsmithing and torchwork.
Tiny Desk Designs – Uses fabrication, lost wax casting, and enameling to craft pieces that reflect the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Open Range – Designs and builds metal art using CAD and CNC machining. Works include Rusty Danglers, animal-themed landscape art, columns, panels, and wall décor.
Elegant Garden Design/Rusty Birds – Creates metal garden art inspired by real species, ranging from hanging pieces and garden stakes to fence silhouettes in rusty or painted finishes.
Marlowe and Max – Crafts whimsical sculptures from salvaged wool fabric, mounted on cast iron feet for stability.
Bureau de Bureau – Merges carved wood and expressive paint, integrating handwork and machine tooling.
Mixed Media & Fiber
sam + finn – Creates unique home and personal accessories using found materials, with a focus on texture, pattern, and balance.
Erin Meyer Fine Art – Works with reclaimed fabric remnants, manipulating fibers by brushing and cutting, then adhering them to canvas or wood panels. Often incorporates textured acrylic for added depth.
Michele Ballantyne Designs –Produces flowing fiber art using wet felting. Art emphasizes contrasts through color and texture.
Fat Dragonfly Collection –Combines pen illustrations, acrylics, and digital elements inspired by nature to create wood panels, prints, boxes, journals, and more.
Fennario Views – Captures and digitally enhances landscape photographs for artistic effect.
Nzalamba Artworks – Features African batik art and reproductions emphasizing themes like family, hope, and peace.
CuriosoHelena – Blends resin, bones, crystals, and vintage items to create handcrafted, nature-honoring art and jewelry.
JWT GNOME – Crafts joyful mixed media rock art using branches, moss, and other natural elements adhered with E6000 glue.
Voila Vintage Studio – Produces original and restored vintage-inspired art printed on canvas using giclee techniques.
Dreamland Zinkand – Creates posable anthropomorphic dolls with sculpted and painted features, handmade clothes, and detailed accessories.
Elena Mosko Art – Combines oils, acrylics, rice paper, and natural pigments to celebrate wildlife and human spirit.
Diane Portwood Arts – Paints with acrylic and spray, embellishing works with resin-coated, handmade LED silk flowers.
Map Your Adventure – Designs original maps digitally, not based on existing maps. Limited-edition prints are offered on canvas or paper.
Samo's Bonsai & Gifts –Specializes in the care and artistic shaping of bonsai trees using traditional techniques.
Painting & Drawing
Art By Calista – Creates "abstracted landscapes" using acrylic pour, texture, and oil realism.
Lee Morrison Art – Utilizes acrylics applied with brushes and palette knives to add depth and movement.
Lori Agnew Fine Art – Blends pen illustration with watercolor overlays.
Joachim McMillan – Paints imaginative subjects using wet-on-wet technique and palette knives to achieve mosaic textures.
Artimals Studio – Uses layered acrylics to depict whimsical animal and nature scenes.
Denny Driver Studio – Creates geometric abstract paintings with brushed acrylics and paint pen detail.
Hannah Jensen Creative –Produces layered, vibrant landscape paintings with archival acrylics on canvas.
Michael McKee Gallery – Crafts bold, soft pastel landscapes on sanded panels.
Watercolor Wednesday – Paints vibrant Pacific Northwest scenes in watercolor, then digitizes and reproduces them.
MadebyMaddieMCo. – Combines plein air watercolors with ink and mixed media in continuous-line compositions.
dave fox studio – Specializes in oil painting NW landscapes and wildlife using Williamsburg oil on Belgian linen.
Todd Tebbs Art – Utilizes bold brushwork, palette knives, and layering for vivid acrylic paintings.
Solstice Photography & Digital Art – Offers aluminum, canvas, acrylic, and fine photo paper prints with high color fidelity.
Cliff Baker Photography –Specializes in water drop, astrophotography, and landscapes; also offers puzzle prints.
Brian Kelley Photos – Produces die-sublimated metal prints emphasizing color accuracy and durability.
Scarola Photography – Employs a minimalist style to capture unique photographic perspectives.
Tony Carnahan Photography –Focuses on wildlife and landscapes, printing all work in-studio on aluminum and other materials.
Wood
Rachel Wood Art – Paints with acrylics and oil pastels on canvas and handmade paper.
Canyon & Cove – Illustrates using gouache, colored pencil, and pastel on watercolor paper.
Cooper Art and Abode –Produces large-scale acrylic, metallic, and thread art that transforms in different lighting.
Photography
TR Russell Photography –Captures wildlife and nature using natural light and minimal editing.
Brandon Hoxie Photography LLC. – Prints digitally processed images on metal, canvas, and giclee paper.
Beautiful Oregon – Creates pigment giclee prints with archival materials, all in-house.
Steve Johnsen – Independently prints, mounts, and frames his nature and landscape photography.
Patrick Campbell Photography –Prints processed Nikon digital photos on sublimation metal, canvas, and photo paper.
Adrian's Woods – Turns driftwood and salvaged wood on a lathe using only hand tools.
Rushing River Design –Combines resin and wood to make functional, artistic home goods.
Wood Creations – Crafts natural-color wood gifts; artist is a retired wildlife law professional.
B Lind Woods – Produces decorative and utilitarian wood bowls and vessels.
Tom's Fine Wood Turning –Offers turned wood bowls and other lathe-created pieces.
Joe Glassford – Crafts segmented octagon bowls from various wood species to conserve material.
Paul Russell Designs – Turns desert root burls and reclaimed logs into embellished wood vessels.
Nailivic Studios – Creates modern folk art using hand-drawn illustrations and laser cutting to explore cultural themes.
Beneficiary
Every year, a portion of proceeds from First Interstate Bank Bend Summer Festival is donated to a local nonprofit. The Giving Plate is this year’s beneficiary!
The Giving Plate is a grassroots food pantry that was founded in early 2010. Our mission is – “Feeding the hungry today with compassion and hospitality”. Over the past 11 years, The Giving Plate has grown from an initial dream to serve a total of 500 families experiencing food insecurity to now being the largest food pantry in Central Oregon with three hunger-relief programs (Food Box program, Kid’s Korner, and Backpacks for Bend).
Join the Orange Bag Movement!
Grab a bag and help us support The Giving Plate!
First Interstate is proud to be partnering with The Giving Plate for an ongoing food drive, and we invite you to join us!
Grab a reusable orange bag at any of our Central Oregon branch locations
Fill the bag with food purchased at local stores or food from your home pantry
Once filled, drop off your bag at any Central Oregon branch, where it will then be provided to The Giving Plate
Take another empty bag after dropping your donation off, so you always have a bag ready to fill
Cold beer, delicious cocktails and more!
Sunriver Brewing
Citrus Seltzer
Cool Water Lager
Mosquito IPA
Bondi IPA
Fuzztail Heff
Avid
Pine Mango Cider
Rocketpop Cider
Copa di Vino Wines
Roller Extra Pale Ale (only available at Summerfest)
Best Day Brewing (N/A)
Crater Lake Spirits Cocktails
UPCOMING EVENTS
Join us the first Friday every month from 5pm - 8pm for art, culture, community, and fun!
Local Art
Bend is full of artists with incredible talent. Local businesses feature local artists every first Friday. Look for the special event balloons outside of Downtown Bend Businesses to find participating locations.
Dine and Drink
While many businesses offer comliemtary wine sampling and snacks, you can also experience unique First Friday specials at many Downtown restaurants and bars. Cheers!
Experiential Retail
Downtown Businesses love to create new and fun experiences for First Friday events! From sales and specials to unique activities - you’ll find something new to do (and buy!) at each First Friday.
Visit Bend Visitor's Center
Join us for First Friday at the Bend Visitor Center! We will have artwork from Robert Newhart on display.
5:00PM - 8:00PM
Good Drop Wine Shoppe
The fun continues all weekend for Summerfest, we will be serving Summer Spritzers, Wines by the Glass and Bottle and Food from Bos Taurus. Pricing varies. We will also have Alcohol to go for the event in sealed summer sipper bags.
5:00PM - 8:00PM
Lift Fitness Studio
The block party of the summer will be hosted at Lift Fitness Studio featuring local vendors, recovery zones, physical therapists on site, free community sweats, open gym access, and so much more (waffles, coffee, and your favorite neighbors).
5:00PM - 8:00PM
Idaho First Bank
We will have popsicles, crafts, games, snacks, and drinks on the patio behind the bank!
5:00PM - 8:00PM
Lark Mountain Modern
Come see us at Lark Mountain Modern and meet Local Artist Ash Cascade Design! We've got lots of new Home Decor and Gifts waiting for you! And don't forget to check out our Summer Sale Shed while you're here!
5:00PM - 8:00PM
Wren and Wild
We will have a pop up summer beach cabana in front of the store serving mocktails, sharing sunscreen and giving away clean beauty samples.
5:00PM - 8:00PM
ccMckenzie Curated Expressions
Summer Fest and First Friday ccMckenzie will be giving away a Joy Susan Hobo purse in the color of your choice. Stop in to fill out your raffle ticket for a chance to be the winner!
5:00PM - 8:00PM
Wild Flowers of Oregon
Join us for seasonally curated cocktails and dance to our house DJs dreamy shop beats!
5:00PM - 8:00PM
Soul Bella Boutique
Special half off rack and sips!
5:00PM - 7:00PM
The Soul Collective
Saturday & Sunday | Oregon Ave.
Explore clothing and accessories that exhibit the influences of rich textiles from vintage to global. Indulge your creative side and discover a source of inspiration through artfulness and good design. Escape from the everyday and fulfill your soul by embracing mind-fullness and well-being.
Hart Strings Art
Pika Pika
Moo Chuu Bend
Wandering West Vintage Co.
Clara’s Pearls
Trailhead Art
Terrapin Treasures
Boho Lounge
Vera Rose Art
Jennings & Jane
Bart Bridge
Clay Dragon
Hawleywood Unique Creations
Designs by Jiese
Walkabout Woman Clothing
Annie’s Jammie’s
Wayward & Wild
Island Child Threads
Okappa Houseware
Leah Mark Designs
Wild Fern Jewelry
Closed Loop Woodworks LLC
G-Bag
FraXure Art & Design
CiCi’s Knots
Anansi Beat
Mane Maven Designs
Bridge City Kid
Central Oregon Psychic
Lavender 101
Under the Sun
Indigo Trading Post
Flower Bandit Glass Crafts
Jakernaut Designs
Michael Michel - Author
It’s My Fun
Oregon Wind Spinners
Laura Owen Art, LLC.
Stellar Stones
Magic Carpet Jewelry
Jax Hat Bend
The Cokeley Collection
Sheila Dunn Art
Irene Estrin
Studio Truant
Peace of the Earth Jewelry
Northwest Goods
Paz Méndez Art
Katie Flack Painted Dots
Glass Studio Jah
Grains of the Earth
Connection Copper Rusted Element Design
Oregon Lifestyle Marketplace
Saturday & Sunday | Minnesota Ave.
Come live your best life on Minnesota Avenue!
Join us in presenting the full spectrum of the Oregon Lifestyle! From local handmade goods, specialty food products and award-winning wine. The Oregon Lifestyle area will showcase what is so unique and compelling about our little slice of heaven in the Pacific Northwest.
Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck
Stavoren Trading Co.
Newks Hot Sauce
Woodland Daisy Co.
K9 Crack
RCP Foods LLC
Crafted From Scratch
Tirzah Lane Art, LLC.
Joie Energy
Silver Stone Apothecary
The Loving Fungi
Fred Sauce
Alpenglow Cocktail Company
45th Parallel Provisions
Broadus Bees
Flame & Fable Candle Co.
Laurel Ridge Winery
Sea to Skies
Not Bread
Oregon Antler Works
Skeggsmjör
Bold & Bloom
Wild Heart Sipping Vinegar
Mandala Moon Candle Co.
Manuka Mana
Royal Juice
Catman Cellars
Lazy Z Ranch Wines
Albis
TDS
Willamette Valley Vineyards
Crater Lake Spirits
Sweet Sprouts PDX
Hycutz Furniture
Bend Business Showcase
Saturday & Sunday | Bond Street (Oregon Ave. to Greenwood Ave.)
Discover local businesses in industries spanning from healing and wellness, nutrition, tiny homes, home improvement, insurance agents, banks, recreational vehicles, sporting goods, nonprofits, lawyers and financial consultants. The Bend Business Showcase offers one-on-one face time with various industry professionals, allowing you to make more informed decisions when researching and seeking products and services for your lifestyle.
LeafFilter North LLC
LeafGuard
Renewal By Andersen
Total Home Solutions & Ember
Saunas
Nighthawk Naturalist School LLC
Somewhere That’s Green Plant
Shoppe
Orangetheory Bend
Cutco Cutlery
Feel Good Shorts Co.
SweatHouz Bend
Portlandia Candle Company
Powers Bath and Remodel
Mill View Memory Care
Hammond Custom Designs
Regal Cinemas
Cascade Graphics
Brim Bar PNW
Home Heating & Cooling
True Craft Soap Co. LLC
Living Well Therapy
Coffman Vision Clinic
Manski Media LLC
USCellular
Cascade Van
Central Oregon Spine + Sport
Central Oregon Tire
Evergreen Softub
Gameday Men’s Health
Praxis Healthcare
National Solar Stío
1,115
3,218
The Commonwealth Pub Leftslide Leftslide is a three-piece swampy groove, riffy rock band out of Bend. Let’s boogie! 8-10pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub Commonwealth DJ Dance Party with TRUNORTH Join TRUNORTH as he makes his way down from the 49th parallel, spinning the latest and greatest, raising the bar on this year’s playoff season. Join him Friday and Saturday nights at The Commonwealth Pub and cheer on the beats from soul, to funk, to today’s hits. 9pm-Midnight. Free. Faith, Hope & Charity Vineyards The Junebugs The Junebugs combine high-energy pop
Silver Moon Brewing 40 oz to Freedom accomplished and highly energetic Sublime tribute band and winner of the 2010 San Diego Music Award for Best Tribute Artist. 40oz has toured the U.S., Can ada and Mexico for more than 16 years, amassing a loyal and enthusiastic following. 8pm. $15-$20.
The Barrel Room at UPP Cuban Salsa Dance Party We’re bringing Cuban salsa to Bend with a debut dance party: timba, salsa, bachata and cumbia beats to get all of your wiggles out. 8pm-Midnight. $10.
Volcanic Theatre Pub Outdoor Courtyard Allah Las with Sepe Surf rock/’60s
The Commonwealth Pub Maria Jackson Band Maria Jackson is a soulful, moody vocalist who hails from Baltimore, Maryland. Maria has cultivated her own unique and memorable sound that touches your soul and heals your heart. Her music is raw, emotional and deeply human—reminding us that heartbreak and music are universal languages we all share. 8-10pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub Commonwealth DJ Dance Party with TRUNORTH Join TRUNORTH as he makes his way down from the 49th parallel, spinning the latest and greatest, raising the bar on this year’s playoff season. Join him Friday and Saturday nights at The Commonwealth Pub and cheer on the beats from soul, to funk, to today’s hits. 9pm-Midnight. Free.
Craft Kitchen and Brewery Comedy at Craft Kitchen Bits N Skits presents comedy at Craft Kitchen and Brewery! Come relax and laugh with us after a long work week with some comedy! 8-9:30pm.
Elk Lake Resort - Lodge Bar & Restaurant Heller Highwater Trio Enjoy music and beverages. Family and dog friendly. 5-8pm. Free.
Upp Liquids Grand Opening Party Stop on by to celebrate in style with Upp Liquids! Live music by The Jugulars, Funk Around & Find Out and DJ Unreal. Local vendors and tattoos by Scorpio Moon. 4-9pm. Free.
Upp Liquids La Bon Burlesque’s First Anniversary Bash Lá Bon Burlesque is celebrating its first anniversary with a burlesque bash unlike any other! Featuring: prizes & exclusive merch, special guest performers, photo-ops with your favorite performers, a wild audience participation moment you won’t forget, plus multiple birthday celebrations. 8-11pm. $25-$35.
13 Sunday
Bar Rio Live Music at Bar Rio Grab your favorite bites and sips and relax into the music—ranging from jazz and blues to pop and flamenco. 6-8pm. Free.
Bunk+Brew Bryan Bielanski Rock & roll road warrior Bryan Bielanski from Charlotte, North Carolina, leaves a trail of catchy songs and smiling audiences all over the world with his
Chart-topping country crooner Billy Currington brings his summertime anthems and poignant ballads to Bend Fri., July 11, 6pm at Hayden Homes Amphitheater.
Billy Currington IG
GUNG HO
By Kim Cooper Findling
It’s Not Too Late to Whip It The Dad Bods Band brings the 80s, bubbles and joy to Bend
t all started around a campfire at the beach during the pandemic. Brian pulled out a guitar, and Beau started singing. Jerry had a guitar, too. Back home in Bend after the trip, they added drums, pulled in a couple more guys, and fired up a bonafide jam session in someone’s garage. But this wasn’t a group of teenagers looking for something to do with their summer and maybe a little glory. This was five guys in their 50s, husbands and fathers with day jobs, mortgages and slightly worn-out bodies. Soon enough, the Dad Bods Band was born.
Dad Bods is a Bend-based cover band playing mostly '80s songs with a few hits from other decades sprinkled in. The band is comprised of Beau Killett (lead vocals), Brian Kelly (lead guitar), Jerry Williams (rhythm and lead guitar), Chad Crowell (bass) and Dale Anderson (drums). Dad Bods’ first gig in June of 2021 was supposed to be a one-off for friends and family, but the crowd loved the high energy performance and friendly, familiar songs so much that the group decided to try for another gig. “Northside Bar gave us a chance and we packed the place with a strong support from friends and family,” said Killett. “They immediately had us book another date which led us to believe, we can do this.”
string of (bad) dad jokes. “How do you know when it’s raining cats and dogs?” he asked the crowd at a recent show. “You go outside and step in a poodle.” The jokes might be cringy, but they are always clean, as is the show. “We’re family-friendly,” said Killett. One of the things that’s fun about a Dad Bods show is that it gets everyone up and dancing, from babies to Boomers. “The audience engagement is the most fun part of performing,” said Killett. Crowell added, “That is our motivation and fuels our energy.” The band also finds inspiration from one another. “We were friends before and now we’re really close,” said Kelly. “You’ve got to like the grind, too, and we even like just practicing together.”
The Dad Bods playlist is packed with iconic hits from U2, Billy Idol, The Cure, The Killers, Van Halen, Duran Duran, Bryan Adams and The Cars, to name a few. “We fill a niche here in Bend,” explained Killett. “Other bands in town play '70s or '90s music, but we come from the '80s— the music that makes everyone forget about everything happening in the world and just have fun.” Dad Bods has become renowned for bringing the up-energy of the 80s to life, along with playful antics like shooting bubble blowers into the crowd, handing out leis and stickers, and Killett’s endless
This year, Dad Bods will play 17 performances—a number that could be much higher if it weren’t for the challenges of scheduling five family men. “You won’t see us playing in August, because we’ll be moving kids back to college,” said Killett. But despite time demands and sore dad-bodies the day after shows, the Dad Bods Band isn’t going anywhere. As long as there is a demand for fun in Bend, the Dad Bods will show up to provide it. “We love what we do,” explained Crowell. “The rooms overflow with people, everyone’s dancing, the crowd forgets about every tough thing going on for two to three hours—and we’re doing that, too.”
The Dad Bods Band is scheduled to play at the Bend Summer Festival Friday July 11, 4-5pm; Silver Moon Brewing Saturday July 12, 7-10pm; and as the opener at Munch and Music in Drake Park on July 17, 5:30-7pm.
Dad Bods Band Thu., July 17, 5:30pm Munch & Music at Drake Park 777 NW Riverside Blvd., Bend munchandmusic.com/ Free
Bunk+Brew Backyard Open Mic Mondays Bring the energy and hit the stage! Sing, rap, tell jokes or vibe out with the crowd. Killer eats from food carts and beer truck flowing all night. 6-10pm. Free.
Cheba Hut Comedy Open Mic Free to watch. Free to perform. 7-9pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub Monday Night Musicians Showcase: Hosted by FAFO Come showcase your sound, discover fresh talent and enjoy a night of incredible live music. Hosted by Funk Around & Find Out, we’re creating a space where musicians can stretch out, jam, tighten up or spark something new. Full backline provided. 6-9pm. Free.
Crux Fermentation Project Trivia Night @ Crux Trivia Night at Crux! First place team wins a $25 gift card! 6-8pm. Free.
Elixir Winery and Tasting Room Locals Music Night and Open Mic Bend’s friendliest open-mic! All genres welcome. Oregon and international wine, beer and tapas menu available all evening. 6-9pm. Free.
JC’s Bar & Grill Karaoke Karaoke kicks off at 8pm with our awesome host Van! Come early to get a prime seat. Happy hour lasts all day and our pool tables are free Mondays. 8pm. Free.
On Tap Locals’ Day Plus Live Music Cheaper drinks all day and live music at night, get down to On Tap. 11am-9pm. Free.
Silver Moon Brewing Beertown Comedy Open Mic Voted #1 Open Mic and Locals Night, Beertown Comedy’s Open Mic happens every Monday at Silver Moon Brewing. Free to watch and perform! Sign-ups at 6:30pm, show at 7pm. With 20 spots available, bring your best jokes and get noticed for paid gigs. Laughter guaranteed! 6:30-9pm. Free.
15 Tuesday
The Astro Lounge Karaoke Get here early to put your name on the list! Drink specials every night. 9pm-2am. Free.
Bunk+Brew Backyard Trivia Tuesdays! Big brains, cold beers, bragging rights! Battle it out under the stars with rotating trivia themes and epic prizes. Grab food from the food carts and drinks from the beer truck. Think you’ve got what it takes? 7-9pm. Free.
The Capitol The Capitol Karaoke Music Weekly Karaoke at its finest! Central Oregon’s premiere karaoke experience has just moved locations! Now at the Capitol! Drink specials! Air guitars! Come see for yourself. 8pm-1am. Free.
The Cellar Open Mic Open mic at The Cellar hosted by Mari! 6-8pm and all are welcome! 6-8pm. Free.
Cheba Hut Trivia Tuesdays Prizes, drink specials, good vibes! 6:30-8:30pm. Free.
The Commons Cafe & Taproom Open Mic StoryTellers open mic nights are full of music, laughs and community. Mason James is the host. Poetry, comedy and spoken word are welcome, but this is mainly a musical open mic. Performance slots are a quick 10 minutes each, so being warmed up and ready is ideal. If you wish to perform sign-ups start at 5pm in the cafe. 6pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub CyDefects Formed in 2017 as a casual musical gathering, CyDefects has evolved into a serious jazz fusion act, bringing a dynamic blend of funk-oriented grooves and rock energy to stages across Central Oregon. 7-9pm.
Elements Public House Trivia Tuesdays at Elements Public House UKB Trivia is experienced, independent, locally owned and operated! Team up to win house gift cards! 7pm. Free.
M&J Tavern Karaoke Sing your heart out in downtown’s living room. 8pm-Midnight. Free.
Mountain Burger Trivia Tuesday at Mountain Burger Come to Trivia Tuesday at Mountain Burger! Fun and prizes await! 7:30-9pm. Free.
Northside Bar & Grill Karaoke with DJ Chris Ossig Karaoke with DJ Chris. 7-9pm. Free.
Pinky G’s Pizzeria TRIVIA NIGHT Test your knowledge in a casual/laid-back atmosphere. Pizza, beer and trivia. Free to play and prizes for 1st and 2nd place. 6-8pm. Free.
Silver Moon Brewing Ac Sapphire & Guests Portland artist Ac Sapphire returns with songs from a cycle that honors Sapphire at her best: guitar and vocals front and center; celebrations of the songwriter, the shredder, that she is. 7pm. $15.
Sisters Library Accordionista Robin Werdal Hear songs from some of the many genres of music that accordions are loved for: polkas, waltzes, folk, Latin, pop and French songs. Learn the basics of how an accordion is organized, what the inside of an accordion looks like and how the music is made. 3-4pm. Free.
WORDS
Defiant Moments Hear stories of self-discovery, acceptance, and defiance. LGBTQ+ individuals have historically confronted numerous forms of oppression and discrimination. A recently published anthology, Defiant Moments, celebrates their resilience. During the presentation contributors to the anthology will share excerpts from their transformative stories of self-discovery, acceptance, and defiance. July 12, 3-4:30pm. Redmond Public Library, 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond.
OUTDOOR EVENTS
Birdwatching at La Pine State Park Registration is required. Registered participants will receive meet-up instructions. Learn to identify birds by sight and sound, as well as their habitat preferences. How to Prepare: be prepared to walk up to two miles on uneven terrain, bring binoculars if you have them, bring sunscreen, wear weather-appropriate clothing. July 15, 7:30-9:30pm. La Pine State Park, 15800 State Recreation Rd, La Pine. Contact: 541-3121063. beccar@deschuteslibrary.org. Free.
Rock Chuck Open Pickleball Tournament The Redmond Rock Chuck Pickleball club’s 5th annual Redmond Rock Chuck Open Pickleball Tournament, presented by Premier Pickleball Club. July 11-13, 7am. Sam Johnson Park, 15th and Evergreen, Redmond. Contact: katie.hammer@raprd.org. $50.
EVENTS + MARKETS
9th Street Village Makers Market
Join us for our vibrant 9th Street Village Makers Market the second Sunday of each month May-September! Enjoy local artists, handmade goods, delicious food carts, refreshing craft beer and more. It’s the perfect way to support small businesses and soak up the community vibe all summer long! Second Sunday of every month, Noon-4pm. Through Sept. 14. Bevel Craft Brewing, 911 SE Armour St., Bend. Contact: 330-4613736. holla@bevelbeer.com. Free.
Bend Farmers Market The Bend Farmers Market is a true farmers market dedicated to supporting the viability of local farmers, ranchers and food producers who offer fresh local produce, protein and farm products to the people of Central Oregon. Wednesdays, 11am-3pm. Through Oct. 9. Brooks Alley, downtown Bend, Bend. Contact: bendfarmersmarket@gmail.com. Free.
Redmond Farmers Market Fun for the whole family. Here, local farmers and artisans come together to share their passion for fresh produce, handmade goods and unique crafts. Fridays, 3-7pm. Through Aug. 29. Centennial Park, Evergreen, Between 7th and 8th St., Redmond. Contact: 541-570-8946. Harvesthouseevents. rdm@gmail.com. Free.
BEER + DRINK
$10 Coffee + Breakfast Burrito Fridays
Your Fridays just got an upgrade! Introducing our breakfast burrito and coffee special with our besties, Bend Breakfast Burrito. Every Friday you can get a breakfast burrito + 16oz drip coffee (or 12oz cold brew) for just $10. Fridays, 7:30-11:30am. Boss Rambler Coffee, 1009 NW Galveston Ave., Bend. $10.
$10 Wing Wednesdays A new weekly special: $10 Wing Wednesdays at Cascade Lakes Pub on Reed Market. Choose from one of the house-made sauces like Char Sui, This IPA BBQ and Spicy Staycay Pineapple or go naked! Wednesdays, 11am-9pm. Cascade Lakes Pub on Reed Market, 21175 SE Reed Market Rd., Bend. $16 Fish Taco and House Margarita Fridays Join for 3 fish tacos and a house margarita for only $16 every Friday at Cascade Lakes Pub on Reed Market. Fridays, 11am-9pm. Cascade Lakes Pub on Reed Market, 21175 SE Reed Market Rd., Bend.
Bastille Day Weekend Celebration Celebrating French Independence Day all weekend! Gordon’s famous baguette sandwiches, summer menu additions, loads of French wines and all the fun Bastille Day brings! Fri, July 11, Noon-9pm, Sat, July 12, Noon-9pm and Sun, July 13, 2-9pm. Viaggio Wine Merchant, 210 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-299-5060. info@viaggiowine.com. Varies by purchase.
Crosscut Warming Hut: Locals’ Day! Tuesdays are Locals’ Day. Every Tuesday enjoy $1 off regular size draft beverages. Come by the Warming Hut and hang out by the fire. See you soon, Bend! Tuesdays. Crosscut Warming Hut No 5, 566 SW Mill View Way, Bend.
Wings + TRIVIA + Whiskey Enjoy $0.75 wings, $4.50 well whiskey, $6 seven & sevens while testing your knowledge with Trivia, hosted by our amazing Cole! Take on our infamous “physical” challenge - think paper airplanes, musical chairs, limbo etc! Come eat, drink and bring your A-game! Wednesdays, 7pm. JC’s Bar & Grill, 642 NW Franklin Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-3833000. jcsbend@gmail.com. Free.
Experimental world fusion and electronic music group Beats Antique will perform as part of the Munch and Music series at Drake Park, Thu., July 10, 5:30pm.
Jennifer Galler
You’ll catch the smell of brisket in the air before you even step out. That’s the smoker—tucked off the lot like a wood-fired sidecar to the kitchen inside Cross-Eyed Cricket. Formerly known as Mavericks, the space was purchased by owners Mike Moor and Luke Mason in 2020. They preserved the dance floor, ditched the shortcuts and turned the space into a hybrid: part roadhouse, part community hangout, but all heart. It’s all one operation.
Hattie’s BBQ brings serious Texas flavor to Bend—smoke, salt, pepper and two-steppin’ energy come together in one big ol’ vibe. Hattie’s doesn’t shout for attention — it just shows up with just enough swagger to make Patrick Swayze proud.
Step into Cross-Eyed Cricket and you’ll find yourself in what feels like a reimagined roadhouse with a sidecar full of BBQ. It might just be the best Texas-style BBQ in Bend — but it’s also a total mood. And if you haven’t seen “Roadhouse,” you should. the Source: What inspired you to open Hattie’s, and how does it connect to the vision behind Cross-Eyed Cricket?
Luke Mason: We created Hattie’s because, for all the great food Bend has to offer, it was missing a true Texas-style BBQ spot. We spent about a year researching and developing the menu (Luke refers to this as R&D’ing), mostly in my backyard, figuring out exactly how to handle each process. I named it after my daughter, Hattie, not just because the name means a lot to me, but because it carries that oldschool, down-home kind of vibe we were going for. Cross-Eyed Cricket felt like the perfect place to bring this to life with its country roots, large indoor space and that welcoming, lived-in feel.
tS: Why did you choose traditional Central Texas–style BBQ, and what makes your approach unique in Bend?
LM: “We wanted the food to feel simple, not overdone or handled too many times.” Luke said, “My background is in fine dining, but there’s something incredibly approachable, sincere and craveable about the purity of salt, pepper and smoke. It’s honest food. What sets us apart is the bold flavor, the perfect BBQ texture of our meats and our commitment to consistency, every single time.”
tS: You bought the space in 2020 when it was still Mavericks. What changes did you make—and why did putting the dance floor at the heart of the room feel like the right move?
LM: We loved Mavericks. We spent plenty of nights here, and when the
Roadhouse Vibes
No Swayze, but all the smoke
By Megan Baker
opportunity came up, we jumped on it. We completely remodeled the space, made the dance floor front and center and aimed for something that feels more open, clean and comfortable. We wanted it to feel like the kind of spot you’d find in Austin or Nashville. It’s rooted in country music and that aesthetic, but it still works for families, weekday dinners or a late-night crowd looking to get rowdy.
tS: You mentioned that the brisket takes three days to smoke. What’s that process like, and how are you able to offer it three nights a week?
LM: Day one is all about trimming— shaping the brisket so it builds the right bark. After curing overnight in salt and pepper, we smoke it over Oregon coastal oak for about 12 hours. Then we rest it overnight in a commercial holding oven (an Alto-Shaam) to let the juices settle. We start on Tuesdays and serve brisket Thursday through Saturday.
tS: What’s one dish people overlook that deserves more love?
LM: “The spare ribs definitely get overshadowed by the brisket,” says Luke, “But a perfectly cooked rib, with just the right bite, is a thing of beauty. I also love our herb potato salad, which I shamelessly borrowed from Aaron Franklin. It’s hands-down the best potato salad out there.”
tS: What’s something the public might not realize about Hattie’s or Cross-Eyed Cricket?
LM: Even though it’s a big bar with a country theme, all ages and kinds of people are welcome. We’ve worked hard to make it feel fun and not intimidating. Mavericks had a reputation for getting pretty wild, but we’ve made real changes to create a venue that’s welcoming for everyone. Almost everything at Hattie’s is made in-house—from the sauces to the hot links. They even grind their brisket trim for burgers. The only things
By Sophie Haney
Longboard Louie’s East is Closing!
July 26 will be the last day for Mexi-food lovers to pay tribute to the Bend establishment
they don’t make (yet)? Cheese and the buns, which currently come from Big Ed’s Bakery in Bend. “We recently bought new ovens,” Luke says, “so buns are next.”
We were completely spoiled—Luke and Mike personally delivered one of everything on the menu, and the portions were Texas-sized. (Sorry, I just can’t help myself.) There was no way my gal pal and I could make even a small dent, but we tried everything! And when I got home with bags of leftovers, my grown sons practically tackled me at the door—but even they couldn’t finish the haul.
Hattie’s isn’t just another BBQ joint. As Luke put it, “We’re working to have the best Central Texas-style BBQ in the state, and it’s a ton of work to make everything in-house without shortcuts.” That same attention to detail carries through to Cross-Eyed Cricket, where rowdy weekends blend with weeknight dinners, cold drinks and big-screen comfort. This isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a place to land.
We said our goodbyes, and I sat in my car jotting down notes as the sun went down. I watched the parking lot fill with new arrivals and overheard first-timers speculating about what might be going on inside—wondering why the lot was so packed. You could spot the seasoned pros—boots, hats and buckles in full force—versus those who had just pulled into the lot for the first time, but most likely not their last.
— P.S. Tipping my hat to Jason, the bar manager, for mixing a margarita I’m still thinking about (and may or may not have had twice).
Hattie’s BBQ at Cross-Eyed Cricket
You heard it right: Longboard Louie's is shutting its doors for good. It’s been a Mexi-food staple with a Mayan Hawaiian twist since opening on the westside in 1996. That location closed some time ago and the eastside location off Greenwood Avenue opened in 2007. Menu favorites include tacos, burritos, and enchiladas with proteins like buffalo, salmon and carne asada. You can watch boarding and surfing videos as you chow down.
When asked about what led to the decision to close, owner Jeff Parshall nodded towards reoccurring issues that are plaguing restaurant owners such as expensive commercial real estate, a decrease in customers and lots of competition. The lease is up at the end of June and Parshall said there’s too much risk involved to continue.
While he says the catering portion of the business is doing well, the costs of running a restaurant along with the struggles to retain customer traffic is not viable in this current restaurant economy. Parshall says he now plans to join his wife in retirement, keeping himself busy with activities that do not require as many moving parts as running a restaurant.
Longboard Louie’s last day will be Saturday, July 26.
Longboard Louie’s East Closes Sat., July 26 Mon.-Fri. 8am-8pm, Sat. 8am-3pm 62080 Dean Swift Rd, Bend https://longboardlouies.com/
Courtesy mbphotography
Local gremmies will have to find another hang to snarf tacos and watch surf videos.
Sophie Haney
LongboardLouies.com
SC America Sings the Blues A look at the best and worst of the year…so far
By Jared Rasic
Well, we’re already halfway through the year, which has somehow felt like it’s lasted somewhere between two weeks and five hundred thousand years. I suppose this is as good a time as any to do a brief check-in of the best and worst movies and shows of 2025…so far. Even though some of these will probably still be on my end of the year lists, with new movies from filmmakers like Ari Aster, Chloé Zhao, James Gunn, Darren Aronofsky, Edgar Wright, Zach Cregger, Ethan Coen, Ron Howard, Kogonada, Paul Thomas Anderson, James Cameron, Benny Safdie, Derek Cianfrance, Luca Guadagnino, Scott Cooper, Yorgos Lanthimos, Lynne Ramsay, James Cameron and Josh Safdie, we’re looking at a back half of the year filled with some of the most talented filmmakers working. Unless that massive list of geniuses completely blows it, I’m hoping that by January, we will look back at 2025 as one of the best years for cinema of the century.
Best American: “Sinners.”
It’s an easy choice for the best movie of the year so far with “Sinners,” a film that feels like an integral part of the history of film even while you’re watching it for the first time. The way that Ryan Coogler layers in a contemporary rage-fueled scream at institutional racism with a love letter to Delta Blues, horror movies and great sex with bad people, “Sinners” doesn’t reinvent the vampire story as much as it just tells a perfect one. While some people will be turned off by the late-film swerve into horror, the entire point of “Sinners” is to show how monsters with fangs and capes could never be as scary as the ones with white sheets and hate.
Now Available on HBO MAX
Best International: “On Becoming a Guinea Fowl.”
Set in modern Zambia and almost exclusively focused on how modern culture clashes with outdated cultural custom and patriarchal conservatism, “On Becoming a Guinea Fowl” has more to say about misogyny, late-stage capitalism and generational guilt than a dozen lesser films. With a star-making performance from
Susan Chardy, potent and eternal filmmaking from Rungano Nyoni and an unforgettable score from Lucrecia Dalt, “Guinea Fowl” has lived rent-free in my head since I saw it six months ago.
Now Available on HBO MAX
Biggest Disappointment: “Jurassic World: Rebirth.
While there are definitely worse movies this year than the new “Juras sic World” (“Minecraft,” “Snow White” and “The Electric State” to name a few), none managed to disappoint me more. With a cast featuring actors I genuinely enjoy like Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali and Jonathan Bailey, plus with Gareth Edwards, a director equally capable of crafting intimate character moments and epic, sci-fi adventure, I thought we would have something special. Instead, “Rebirth” is a soulless and artless rebootquel more interested in franchise expansion than telling a coherent and memorable story.
Now In Theaters
As heralded as “Sinners” has been this year, I still think it’s underrated.
the first two seasons, but it still has the best ensemble cast on television and is filled from top to bottom with characters that I’m deeply invested in securing their happy endings. From Carmy to Syd to Sugar to Richie and all the Faks, I love this world and still feel lucky I get to spend time in it.
There’s the unbroken intensity of “Adolescence,” the heartbreaking prescience of “Andor,” the mind-expanding “Common Side Effects,” the insane escalation of “Paradise,” the profoundly moving empathy of “The Pitt,” the insanely unpredictable “Severance”… television is still in peak Golden Age era.
There are plenty of other fantastic movies to choose from: Steven Soderbergh’s “Black Bag” is an insanely charming and romantic spy thriller that somehow manages to be sexy, intense, unpredictable and beautifully structured, all in 93 fleet-footed minutes.
“The Day the Earth Blew Up” is the Looney Tunes cartoon I’ve been waiting for since I was a kid. Starring Daffy Duck and Porky Pig, this hit all the right nostalgia buttons while still being an energetic and imaginative instant classic for children and their parents.
Even if you’re not a fan of Wes Anderson, “The Phoenician Scheme” is a breezy and charming caper that uses the bottomless cast in delightful ways, including scene-stealing turns by Michael Cera, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston and Riz Ahmed.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that we’re having one hell of a year when it comes to television.
“The Bear” probably isn’t as strong as it was back in
One thing I’m tired of at this point is the “rich and powerful people being horrible human beings” genre, which not only feels played out after “Succession” stuck the landing, but is completely redundant when the news is still right there! Like, yes, I will admit that “The Studio” is a funny and well-crafted show, but in comparison to politicians slinging merch for Alligator Alcatraz, it sorta plays like Mr. Bean.
Pop culture is a nice refuge as we’re sitting in what feels like the ugliest period of American history of at least my lifetime. A period where entire swaths of our country treat empathy like a weakness, arrogance as a virtue and ignorance as a point of pride. I’m not sure whether Hollywood should lean into this and start telling stories about this particularly nasty period in time or if no one even wants that anymore.
The culture war we’re enmeshed in isn’t going away, ever again. Movies like “On Becoming a Guinea Fowl” and shows like “The Pitt” are sober reflections on what that does to a society and its people. Would people just rather be gently entertained? Is it just preaching to an already exhausted choir? I don’t have any answers as I look ahead to a much diminished future. The only thing I know for certain is that I’ll be here…watching.
Forrest Reinhart
OUTSIDE
“
DFrom the NFL to Bend Oregon Cornelius Edison’s Next Chapter Is All About Community
Josh Davis
ream the impossible. Where did I come from? Where am I now? Where are we going?”
Cornelius Edison has already done what a lot of athletes grow up imagining. He dreamt the impossible and then lived it. His dream was to make it to the NFL, and he made it happen through discipline, determination and grit.
Although if you ask him who he is today, he won’t tell you about his football career. He’ll tell you about what he’s building now, here in Central Oregon. But what exactly is he building? What is his next dream?
Growing up in Tacoma, Washington, Edison discovered football in the 6th grade. By the time he reached his sophomore year of high school he really began to notice that he was actually pretty great at football. By the end of his junior year, Edison had his sights set: earn a scholarship and take his talents to a college stadium. His senior year, NFL scouts started showing up to watch him play. The dream that once felt distant was suddenly becoming a reality.
“Playing football, for me, is an art,” he says. “The art of communication, the art of technique, the art of skillfulness. It’s just all art.”
His confidence and artistic mindset helped him secure a scholarship to Portland State University, where he quickly became a dominant force on the offensive line. In his senior year, he transitioned from left guard to center for the first time and excelled. He was awarded the prestigious Remington Award, given to the best center in college football.
Momentum was building. Teams were recruiting. Then everything changed. The Friday before the NFL Draft, while working out with the Seattle Seahawks, Edison tore his ACL. Imagine…your dream is at your fingertips, then everything you’ve worked for is ripped away. By February 2015, he was back home, recovering.
However, his dream didn’t end there. The same year, only a few months after his surgery he signed with the Chicago Bears and later played for the Minnesota Vikings in 2017. By his third year in the league, Edison began to feel the slow creep of burnout. Four years of emotional battles, physical strain and endless travel had taken their toll. Something in him gradually shifted. “I was kind of feeling like I was getting behind as far as developing my skill set in another career,” he says.
“It kind of got to the point where the passion drops off, but the struggle intensifies,” he says. “The justification for staying, it doesn’t make sense. So the passion's gone. The love is fading.”
After years of chasing his dreams on the field, for the first time, Edison began imagining a different path. By 2019, he made the decision to walk away from the sport he loved in pursuit of something deeper, something more fulfilling.
“I really felt like I was a snake shedding my skin. I could feel myself departing… I could be me. I could fully start walking this journey of what I want to do for MY life.”
That calling led him to Bend, where he began planting new roots, not just for himself, but for his family and his future community. In January 2020, Edison and his wife, Hannah, were given the opportunity to take over Lift Fitness Studio on NW Franklin. Just months later, the world changed. COVID-19 forced them to shut down the gym in June of that same year. Thanks to a loyal and supportive community, Lift Fitness reopened its doors by February 2021.
“It was only through a loyal and great community that we got through that,” Edison says, reflecting on those early, difficult days of the pandemic.
After reopening Lift Fitness and overcoming so many challenges, Edison began to focus on a bigger mission,
one that goes beyond the gym walls. He recognized that today’s youth face new battles every day. In a world where social media is everywhere, young people are bombarded with unrealistic beauty standards, glamorized portrayals of drugs, alcohol, and violence, and a nonstop stream of comparison that quietly chips away at their confidence and joy. To make things worse, cyberbullying has become a widespread threat, often anonymous, always accessible, and deeply harmful.
Edison sees these challenges clearly, and he’s committed to doing his part to make a difference. Over the past year and a half, he has devoted himself to mentoring young athletes, not just helping them improve their skills on the field, but guiding them to build strong, healthy mindsets. He gives them the tools to manage performance anxiety, develop resilience and face challenges with confidence and clarity.
He points to the most recent St. Charles Community Health Report, which shows that “60% of kids are struggling with moderate to high stress levels, and suicide is the second leading cause of death.”
“If we can reach these kids and give them the tools and skills to face adversity,” Edison says, “they won’t have to turn to drugs or alcohol. They’ll be able to persevere. And if we can do that, we can help our society and community heal.”
Edison and his wife have big plans for the youth of the community. He wants to “evolve the YMCA and Boys and Girls Club concepts” by creating a “whole wellness hub for the city, one that is not purely for profit.” He explains, “I want to build systems that do well and do good, for the benefit of our community. For the good of Bend and Central Oregon.”
Since taking over the business, they’ve weathered a global pandemic, raised three children and faced the challenges of entrepreneurship head on. Through it all, Edison has gained invaluable experience, lessons he’s now applying not just to grow the business, but to pour back into the community in more meaningful ways.
On Friday, July 11 from 6am to 10am Edison and his wife are hosting a free, community block party at Lift Fitness. The event will feature open gym access, group workout classes, cold plunges, coffee, waffles, and more. It’s their way of giving back and for the public to see it.
Community Block Party Fri.,
By Nic Moye
“This
Land”
A new art exhibit forces you to reflect on your “self”
Anew art exhibit at Scalehouse gallery is conceived from the idea that seeing one’s own reflection is troubling. In the early 1900s, Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa explored the notion that a mirror is unnatural because it collapses the distance between the “I who sees” and the "I who is seen.” Today, Oregon artist Ben Buswell has put his own twist on that concept. His exhibit covers the floor with a reflective surface that won’t allow the viewer to see their own image.
Titled “This Land,” Buswell explores how identity is shaped by place, perception and historical context. In a news release, Scalehouse states that rather than offering a clear sense of self, the work asks viewers to consider how they are formed through their environments. The exhibit also features a series of photographs that transform data from violent crimes, income levels and federal funding into a visual language. Buswell believes the self is neither separate from nor defined by its surroundings. Instead, he suggests identity is formed through the tension between connection and disconnection, or empathy and shared experience.
“I want to collapse space through empathy in order to give our position in that space potential for a greater understanding, particularly in our relations with others,” Buswell told Oregon Contemporary in Portland where his exhibit just finished showing. “In turn, our perceptions become more emotional and therefore enhance our awareness. Think of it like returning the gaze of a hiker on a cliff above where you were standing, telescoping that connectivity to close the gap between both parties so that you might then recognize yourself through the shared gaze. That displacement is expansive.”
Buswell is based in Portland. His sculptures span a variety of media including ceramics, metals, resins, incised photographs and more. He exposes the materials to physical processes like scratching, piercing, melting and tearing, so that the accumulation of small, repetitive gestures builds into a complex whole.
An opening reception for Buswell’s exhibit is Friday, July 11, 5-7pm. His work will be on display through Aug. 30.
This Land
July 11-Aug. 30, Wed.-Sat., 11am-4pm Scalehouse 550 NW Franklin Ave., Suite 138, Bend scalehouse.org/ben-buswell Free
Cornelius Edison bought Lift Fitness Studio in 2020.
Josh Davis
This floor exhibit uses reflective material, but viewers cannot see their reflections.
CRAFT Sippin’ on Sunshine This Canna-Cocktail is Bend’s New Summer Buzz”
By Al Olson
When happy hour rolls around, many of us mix our favorite cocktail: gin & tonic, margarita or maybe just a chilled glass of pinot grigio. But for many of us seeking alternatives to alcohol, there’s a whole new world out there for us: Cannabis cocktails.
And do I have the perfect alcohol-free, cannabis-based cocktail for you! I call it the Magical Hum Peach Tea Cocktail and it’s the perfect sipping cocktail for the warmer summer evenings in Central Oregon. It’s easy to make, and for those new to cannabis beverages, it’s easy to “control the dose.”
After moving to Bend four years ago, my wife and I fell in love with Humm Peach Tea Kombucha, brewed in Bend. On its own, it’s a refreshing beverage with bright, crisp peach notes with the perfect touch of carbonation. And get this: zero sugar and about 2 billion probiotics for gut health.
For all cannabis consumers, it is wise to “start low and go slow,” especially for beverages. The goal should be to sip and enjoy the taste of the beverage. You can always go back for a second one. As Tapper says, “You can always take more. You can never take less. There's no reason to go all out on the first round and make something super strong.”
The sparkling peach tea is produced in two dose amounts: 25 and 100 milligrams of THC. My recommendation for those just starting out is to buy a 25 mg can. You can make four cocktails (about 4 mg of THC per cocktail). If you’re a savvy cannabis consumer and have built up a tolerance, try a 100 mg can. Four cocktails will have 25 mg of THC per serving.
Not much later, we discovered Magic Number Cannabis-Infused Sparkling Peach Tea, also craft brewed in Bend. This peachy treat blends green tea, mint and peach juice with premium live resin and live rosin into a sweet, bubbly and refreshing sipping drink.
When combined (see recipe below), you get what I consider to be the quintessential Bend summer cocktail. Mingling these two peach-flavored lightly carbonated elixirs provide the perfect effervescence – the bubbles almost feel like peach fuzz on your nose when you sip it. It tastes like summer.
And no hangover. There is anecdotal evidence that kombucha may offer some relief from hangover symptoms because of its hydration and potential anti-inflammatory properties. The probiotics and electrolytes found in the beverage can help with rehydration and potentially reduce headache symptoms associated with hangovers.
Before we go any further, let’s talk about controlling your dose and how Magic Number beverages can help you find the “perfect number” for you.
“We're called Magic Number for a good reason,” said Jon Tapper, sales and marketing manager, for the company. “From the time we started, we believed everybody has a magic number to have their own ideal experience. The experience you want, not the experience you don't want. And having that ideal experience is about consuming the proper number of milligrams for you. That's why our products are made in different potencies, different magic numbers for different people.”
Take Tapper’s advice: Find your magic number. It may take some trial and error … and a little math.
Cannabis cocktails are not a passing fad. Just ask any bartender you know. It’s eating a chunk out of the booze business.
While the U.S. alcohol market is broadly declining, the cannabis beverage industry is soaring. Sales volume for spirits dipped 6.3 percent and revenue fell 5.1 percent in the first quarter of 2025, continuing a downward trend for the alcohol industry.
Meanwhile, the national cannabis market is heading in the opposite direction. THC beverages logged $54.6 million in U.S. sales in the first quarter of this year, a 15 percent increase from last year. The market is estimated to reach $81.44 billion by 2032.
So, if you’re cutting back on alcohol for health reasons, or you’re just looking for a little change of pace this summer, give the Magical Hum Peach Tea Cocktail a try. And don’t forget: Start low and go slow.
Magical Hum Peach Tea Cocktail
Ingredients
• 4 oz Magic Number Sparkling Peach Tea Cannabis Drink (25 mg)*
• 4 oz Humm Peach Tea Kombucha
• Crushed Ice
• Peach slices, mint sprigs or raspberries for garnish
• NOTE: This dosage works out to about 4 mg per drink. A good place to start for newcomers.
Instructions
• Step 1: In a glass, pour Magic Number Peach Tea Cannabis Drink
• Step 2: Add Humm Peach Tea Kombucha.
• Step 3: Fill glass with crushed ice.
• Step 4: Top with preferred garnish
Al Olson
name of "The Incredibles" family
16. Nebraska city where the 1999 movie "Election" takes place 17. Autobiographical title for one who teleports? 19. Guadalajara greetings 20. Thirst (for) 21. Outfit for many a Disney princess
23. Previously, in poetry 24. Mind-blowing flower cluster?
28. Oriental tie
29. Actor Linn of "Happy's Place" 30. Defeat decisively
34. "My turn!"
37. Elphaba's younger sister in "Wicked"
41. Quark-plus-antiquark particles that devolve into total chaos?
44. Some SAT prep, for short
45. Past time?
46. Seating section
47. Templeton of "Charlotte's Web"
49. Enjoy the barbecue, say
51. Hefty reward for a perennial negative Nancy?
59. Employ
60. Nabokov's negative
61. Like a nerd
63. Guitar goddess Bonnie
65. Humiliate grandma?
68. Six Degrees of Kevin ___
69. Wing
70. US dept. created in the aftermath of the 1973 oil crisis
71. Adam of "Severance"
72. Desktop feature
73. "The ___ is silence" (Hamlet's last words)
By Brendan Emmett Quigley
Pearl’s Puzzle
Puzzle for the week of July 7, 2025
Difficulty Level:
DOWN
1. "Austin ___ Limits"
2. Ice Cube's real first name
3. Flash of light
4. Popular hummus brand
5. Bitter brew
6. Hanoi Hilton setting
7. An Allman brother
8. Slip of the tongue
9. Wrestler who stars in the HBO Max series "Peacemaker"
10. Punk variant
11. Oregon's capital
12. Stock unit
13. "___ on Down the Road"
18. Carmaker Ferrari
22. Fighting chance?
25. Nile wader
26. Longtime Shatner costar
27. Put forth, as effort
30. Licensing org.?
31. ___ Speedwagon
32. The Trojans of the NCAA
33. Tabletop game piece
35. Area 51 craft
36. Skin-removing tool
38. Class with a lab: Abbr.
39. ___/her
40. Firth of Clyde port
42. Sports show whose last episode was Game 6 of the 2025 Eastern Conference finals
Fill in every row, column, and 3x3 box with each of the letters U M P E S C O R T exactly once.
The highlighted letters read left to right and top to bottom will complete the quote: "I am to lure you away from your … come dance on my fresh grass, dig your toes into my beaches."
- Oriana Green
Answer for the week of June 30, 2025
ANSWER TO LAST WEEK'S PUZZLES
Oriana Green
Answer for the week of June 30, 2025 “Let’s
A M S L W H I T W S T E I H L A M H I L A T M W S E
“Let’s not forget why we celebrate 4th of July, it is the day Will Smith saved us from the aliens.” — author unknown
“Let’s not forget why we celebrate 4th of July, it is the day Will Smith saved us from the aliens.” - author unknown
WELLNESS
ASTROLOGY
By Rob Brezsny
CANCER (June 21-July 22): In Yoruba cosmology, ase is the sacred life force that animates the universe. It’s divine energy that can be harnessed by humans to make things happen, to speak and act with ardent intention so that words and deeds shape reality. I am pleased to report that you Cancerians are extra aligned with ase these days. Your words are not casual. Your actions are not mild or minor. You have the power to speak what you mean so robustly that it has an enhanced possibility to come into being. What you command with love and clarity will carry enduring potency.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In medieval bestiaries, unicorns were said to be fierce, wild creatures. They were very real but also hidden. Only people with pure hearts could see or commune with them. I suspect you now have the chance to glide into a potent “pure heart” phase, Leo. My fervent hope is that you will take this opportunity to cleanse yourself of irrelevancies and rededicate yourself to your deepest yearnings and most authentic self-expressions. If you do, you just may encounter the equivalent of a unicorn.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Some Buddhist monks create mandalas on floors from colored sand. They work meticulously for days or weeks to build intricate, symmetrical masterpieces. Once their beautiful work is done, however, it typically doesn’t last long. The creators sweep it away either immediately or soon. The sand may be disposed of, perhaps poured into a river or stream. What’s the purpose of this strange practice? Most importantly, it displays a reverence for the impermanence of all things—an appreciation for beauty but not an attachment to it. I recommend you consider taking a cue from the sand mandalas in the coming weeks. Is there anything you love that you should let go of? A creation you can allow to transform into a new shape? An act of sacred relinquishing?
Helper. How should you observe this potentially pivotal transformation in your relationship with yourself? Divest yourself of yearnings to have someone clean up after you and service your baseline necessities. Renounce any wishes you harbor for some special person to telepathically guess and attend to your every need. Vow that from now on, you will be an expert at taking excellent care of yourself. Do you dare to imagine what it might feel like to be your own best helper?
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In the ancient practice of astronomy, the stars were considered “incorruptible.” Unlike the planets, their movements were unchanging, their lights stationary, their destinies steady and stable. We human beings are the opposite of all those descriptors, of course. There’s no use in hoping otherwise, because constancy just isn’t an option for us. The good news, Aquarius, is that you are now poised to thrive on these truths. The inevitability of change can and should be a treasured gift for you. You’re being offered chances to revise plans that do indeed need to be revised. You are being invited to let go of roles that don’t serve you. But what initially feels like a loss or sacrifice may actually be permission. Evolution is a tremendous privilege.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Glassblowers shape molten sand with breath and fire, knowing the material can only be formed while it's hot and glowing. If they wait too long, the stuff stiffens, turns brittle, and resists change. But if they push too soon, it collapses into a misshapen blob. In this spirit, Libra, I urge you to recognize which parts of your life are now just the right temperature to be reshaped. Your timing must be impeccable. Where and when will you direct the flame of your willpower? Don’t wait until the opportunity cools. Art and magic will happen with just the right amount of heat applied at just the right moment.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): "I have often been racked by obsessive urges that plague me until I act them out." So says my Scorpio friend Fatima, a conceptual artist. "Fortunately," she continues, "I have finally retrained myself to focus on creative obsessions that fuel my art rather than on anxious, trivial obsessions that disorder my life. I'd be an offensive maniac if I couldn’t use my work as an outlet for my vehement fantasy life." I recommend Fatima’s strategy to Scorpios most of the time, but especially so in the coming days. Your imagination is even more cornucopian than usual. To harness its beautiful but unruly power, you must channel it into noble goals.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The Igbo people of Nigeria have a term: ogwugwu na-adị n’ulo. It means “the medicine is in the house.” It’s the belief that healing doesn’t necessarily come from afar. It may already be here, hidden among the familiar, waiting to be acknowledged or discovered. Dear Sagittarius, your natural instinct is to look outward and afar for answers and help. But in the coming weeks, you should look close to home. What unnoticed or underestimated thing might be a cure or inspiration you’ve been overlooking? How can you find new uses for what you already have?
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): I invite you to celebrate the holiday known as Be Your Own Best
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): The axolotl is an amphibian that never outgrows its larval form. Unlike most creatures, it retains its youthful traits into adulthood. Amazingly, it can regenerate it limbs, its spinal cord, and parts of its brain. Let’s make the axolotl your inspirational animal, Pisces. What part of your “youth” is worth keeping—not as immaturity, but as righteous design? Where are you being asked not to evolve past a stage, but to deepen within it? And what might be regenerated in you that seemed to have been lost? Your magic will come from being like an axolotl. Be strange. Be playful. Be ageless and original and irrepressible.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): In the days before lighthouses, some coastal communities used “fire beacons”—elevated structures where people tended open flames to guide sailors. In the coming weeks, Aries, I invite you to be like both the keeper and the flame. People will be drawn to your brightness, warmth, and persistence as they navigate through their haze and fog. And surprise! You may find your own way more clearly as you tend to others’ wayfinding. Don’t underestimate the value of your steady, luminous signal. For some travelers, your presence could be the difference between drifting and docking. So burn with purpose, please. Keep your gleam strong and visible.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The ancestors of my American friend Arisa lived in Ukraine, Indonesia, the Choctaw nation, and the Great Lakes region. Her new husband Anselme is of Japanese, Italian, and French descent. Their wedding was a celebration of multi-cultural influences. Guests delivered toasts in five languages. Their marriage vows borrowed texts from three religious traditions. The music included a gamelan ensemble, a band that played Ukrainian folk music, and a DJ spinning Choctaw and Navajo prayers set to Indian ragas. I bring this to your attention in the hope you will seek comparable cross-fertilization in the coming weeks. It's an excellent time to weave richly diverse textures into your life.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): I predict a future when women will hold half of the leadership roles, when their income and time devoted to childcare will match men's, when women's orgasms are as common as men's, and when most guys know that misogyny is perilous to their health. Until the bloom of that wonderful era, I invite Geminis of all genders to invoke your tender ingenuity as you strengthen female opportunities and power. In my view, this work is always crucial to your maximum spiritual and psychological health—but even more so than usual in the coming weeks. Boost the feminine in every way you can imagine.
THE MEDICINE CABINET WITHIN BREAKING THROUGH
CHRONIC HEALING
PLATEAUS
by Guest Columnist, Deb Harding, ND, FABNO
Tools for Getting Unstuck
After 25 years in naturopathic medicine, I’ve seen it countless times:
a patient who eats well, takes supplements, prioritizes movement and mindfulness—but still feels stuck. Despite all their efforts, a particular chronic issue simply won’t budge. As a new transplant to Bend, I’ve been inspired by the depth of self-care knowledge in the community—people here are proactive, educated, and often experienced with integrative modalities. Yet, even in a place so wellness-savvy, healing can hit a plateau.
This is where deeper, more tailored interventions become essential. Below are a few clinical approaches.
Reassessing the Foundations - Diet
Bend patients often arrive at my door and report they have been adhering to healthy dietary approaches: gluten-free, dairy-free, high-protein, plant-focused diets, etc. Many people have gone through periods of vegan or ketogenic eating. But even with all these healthy, at times, dietary strategies, I’ve learned that personalization is key. A ketogenic approach may be helpful for some patients dealing with cancer but not others. A pH-balanced or alkaline diet may be more supportive for someone struggling with chronic illness vs. a high protein diet. High-fiber diets can improve cholesterol but may worsen gut issues like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. In some cases, identifying hidden food sensitivities has led to dramatic and unexpected symptom relief.
The Role of Mindset in Healing
Moving into the mind-body space, another often-overlooked factor is the role of the subconscious mind in recovery. Our attitudes, beliefs, and internal narratives shape how we experience illness and healing. I often use hypnotherapy with patients to help shift these underlying patterns. It’s a gentle, often enjoyable process that can move someone from a stuck state to one of healing.
Other tools that support this kind of shift include vibrational therapies, visualization practices, and simply beginning to believe that healing is possible. These approaches may sound subtle, but they can have a profound impact on the body’s healing potential.
Oxygen as a Catalyst for Change
Modern naturopathic and functional medicine now includes therapies that go beyond diet, herbs, and supplements. Oxygen-based therapies are some of the
most exciting tools in my practice for chronic, treatment-resistant conditions.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment. This process saturates tissues with oxygen and can provide many benefits such as increased wound healing, cognitive recovery, infection control, and reduced inflammation. Increasing evidence supports the use of HBOT for a wide range of acute and chronic health concerns.
High-dose Intravenous Vitamin C also works with oxygen, but differently. Instead of delivering oxygen directly, it activates oxygen’s healing chemistry within cells. IVC modulates oxidative stress, supports mitochondrial energy production, and strengthens immune function. It’s particularly helpful in cancer care and chronic inflammation.
Ozone therapy is another form of oxygen-based treatment, but with its own unique effects. In treatments like Major Autohemotherapy or Extraco orporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozo nation, blood is drawn, exposed to medical ozone alone, or with UV light, and reinfused into the body. This doesn’t simply increase oxygen - it acti vates a cascade of biological respons es to increased oxygen that have been shown to improve immune modulation, reduce pain and inflammation, stimulate antioxidant defenses, and support overall tissue healing.
SMALL
BIG ON CARE .
New Patients, ages 13 and up
Longer appointment times
Acute visits (illness and infections, UTI, minor injuries, rashes)
Women's health and hormone replacement
Same day appointments available (including new patient acute visits)
Ask about our alternative payment models - time of service payments and direct primary care
These oxygen therapies are powerful, non-pharmaceutical options that often help reset the body when it's stuck in a chronic pattern.
Closing Thoughts: A New Way Forward
Healing plateaus don’t mean fail ure—they’re often a sign that your body needs a new approach. Wheth er it’s refining diet, unlocking subcon scious healing potential, or leveraging the power of oxygen, there are always next steps.
My role is to help identify that one missing piece that can turn the tide. If you're feeling stuck, don’t lose hope— sometimes a gentle shift is all that’s needed to spark real progress.
— Dr. Harding is a licensed naturopathic physician with extensive experience in naturopathic oncology, environmental medicine and general naturopathic care. Dr. Harding employs an eclectic and holistic approach, utilizing functional medicine lab testing, therapeutic diets, nutritional supplements, herbal therapies, hydrotherapy, and mind-body tools. She can be reached at https://centerforintegratedmed.com/
ALEXANDRIA GIENTKE, AGNP
FRIDAY, JULY 25 - SUNDAY, JULY 27
FRIDAY, JULY 25
Balloon launches at sunrise at Jewell Elementar y Bend Night Glow Presented by Hixon Mor tgage a Celebration at COCC Kids Rock the R aces Balloon Blast presented by COPA
SATURDAY, JULY 26
Balloon launches at sunrise at Jewell Elementar y Redmond Brewfest & Night Glow
SUNDAY, JULY 27
Balloon launches at sunrise at Jewell Elementar y
PRESENTED BY
TAKE ME HOME
By James Keane Broker RE/MAX Key Properties
Buyer vs Seller Markets:
eal estate negotiations are truly a delicate dance, with each step and nuance varying dramatically depending on whether the market currently favors buyers or sellers. Grasping these fundamental differences is crucial for anyone stepping into the property arena, because what flies in one scenario might utterly bomb in another. Those who spend every day in the real estate market know it isn't static; it's a dynamic craft that demands adaptability and a keen understanding of the prevailing economic forces. In a seller's market, the scales are tipped firmly in favor of the vendor, giving them the undeniable upper hand. You'll recognize these markets by their tell-tale signs: low inventory of homes available and high demand from eager purchasers. Here, sellers hold all the cards, and their negotiation strategy reflects this power. They're far less likely to entertain any bumps in the road, such as lengthy inspection periods or offers contingent on the sale of the buyer's current home. For buyers, this means your offer needs to stand out. Offers with fewer contingencies and a strong financial pre-approval, essentially, a solid promise that you're ready to buy, are highly favored. While it's always wise to get professional advice, strategically waiving certain contingencies can make your offer much more attractive. The price you offer is paramount, but so is the "cleanliness" of your proposal. A straightforward, no-fuss offer often wins out. Sellers might also dictate closing dates, preferring quicker turnarounds to seal the deal faster. In essence, the negotiation here is less about prolonged haggling over every detail and more about just getting your foot in the door, then demonstrating your readiness to close without any complications. Communication tends to be succinct and direct, focusing keenly on the core terms, with little room for lengthy discussions or emotional appeals.
Conversely, a buyer's market empowers purchasers, decisively shifting the balance of power in their direction. You'll know you're in one when there's an abundance of homes on the market, often sitting for longer periods, and noticeably fewer buyers vying for them. This shift allows buyers significantly more leverage and ample room to negotiate. The price becomes a major point of discussion, and buyers can often confidently offer below the asking price without fear of immediate rejection. Contingencies that would be a non-starter in a seller's market, like detailed inspection periods, financing contingencies, and even offers conditional on the sale of the buyer's existing home, become much more acceptable and expected. Furthermore, buyers can negotiate for things like closing cost assistance, home warranties, or even having personal property included in the sale. The pace in a buyer's market is slower, allowing for more deliberate consideration and ample back-and-forth discussions. The key for buyers here is patience and a willingness to walk away if the terms aren't favorable. Communication in this market can be more drawn-out, allowing for detailed explanations of offers, counteroffers, and specific requests.
Ultimately, successful real estate negotiation boils down to keenly understanding the prevailing market conditions and meticulously tailoring your strategy accordingly. For sellers, it's about capitalizing on their advantage and streamlining the transaction as much as possible. For buyers, it's about leveraging their position to secure the best possible deal with favorable terms. Both sides benefit immensely from working with experienced real estate agents who can provide invaluable, real-time insights into current market trends and expertly guide them through the many nuances of the negotiation process, ensuring a smoother and more successful transaction for everyone involved.
