Source Weekly November 14, 2024

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EDITOR’S NOTE:

EDITOR

Nicole Vulcan - editor@bendsource.com

REPORTER

Julianna LaFollette- reporter@bendsource.com

FEATURES AND INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER

Jennifer Baires - features@layitoutfoundation.org

REPORTER / CALENDAR EDITOR

Savannah Mendoza - calendar@bendsource.com

COPY EDITOR

Richard Sitts

FREELANCERS

Jared Rasic, Jessica Sanchez-Millar, Alyson Brown, Dr. Jane Guyn, Scott Bowler

SYNDICATED CONTENT

Amy Alkon, Rob Brezsney, Brendan Emmett Quigley, Jen Sorensen, Pearl Stark, Tom Tomorrow, Matt Wuerker

PRODUCTION MANAGER / ART DIRECTOR

Jennifer Galler - production@bendsource.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Ben Irish - design@bendsource.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Ashley Sarvis

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Ban Tat, Chad Barnes

advertise@bendsource.com

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Sean Switzer

CONTROLLER

Angela Switzer - angela@bendsource.com

PUBLISHER

Aaron Switzer - aaron@bendsource.com

WILD CARD

Paul Butler

NATIONAL ADVERTISING

Alternative Weekly Network 916-551-1770

What a week. What songs are you listening to right now? Me, Ben Harper’s rendition of Maya Angelou’s “[Still] I’ll Rise” is on repeat in my dome. I suggest a listen. We’ve been bringing you the latest news in local elections since last Tuesday evening at bendsource.com, but in this edition, we’re recapping some of the most noteworthy local races — including a Q&A with the new Deschutes County sheriff-elect, and a look ahead to what it will look like to add two county commissioners to our representative democracy locally. Check out those stories, and then read Jennifer Baires’ latest feature on the past and future for Mt. Bachelor, Jared Rasic’s latest roundup of movies you can escape inside for November, a roundup of holiday sips from mixologist-photographer Alyson Brown and lots more.

Did you know that engaging with your local newspaper can support a stronger democracy?

“The act of reading a newspaper can mobilize as many as 13 % of non-voters to vote,” the Democracy Fund says, citing Matthew Gentzkow’s testimony to the Federal Trade Commission in 2009. So go on with yourself, doing this important work!

LIGHTMETER:

Thank you so much @vitalityinfocus for tagging us in this lovely photo of wildflowers after

Don't forget to share your photos with us and tag @sourceweekly for a chance to be featured as Instagram of the week and in print as our Lightmeter.

“Wildflower Wednesday: Elephant’s Head. Look closely and you can see the forehead, trunk and big ears that resemble a pinkish purple elephant. These photos were taken in August with South Sister in the background. Also, around Golden Lake and in a Meadow near Broken Top.”
near Broken Top.
MOON WOODWORKS
Courtesy @vitalityinfocus IG

OPINION

This is How We Meet This Moment

Even if you live under a rock, it’s fair to say that most people in the United States, however they voted (or didn’t), are thinking about how they meet the moment we find ourselves in. This newspaper is no different.

The election of a new president is always a momentous occasion — a time to reset, assess priorities, stick a finger into the wind and see which way new political realities are going to blow. This time is no different. Politicians of yore have perhaps been a bit more circumspect about their intentions for those in our industry — but not the man who will soon occupy the White House for a second time. He has been resolute in calling journalists “enemies of the people,” in threatening to take TV stations he doesn’t like off the air and in threatening to jail reporters who don’t reveal confidential sources.

That type of rhetoric has repercussions. In a February 2024 survey of people engaged in training with the International Women’s Media Foundation, 36% of respondents reported they’d been threatened with or had experienced violence while working as a journalist. Respondents also reported attacks by law enforcement at rallies, when clearly identifying themselves as members of the press.

It’s into this landscape that we have discussions in our own newsroom about our mission — to tell important local stories, and to go deeper into the stories Central Oregonians are talking about — and how we carry that out. Regardless of political changes, our mission does not. If anything, it only puts that objective more in focus. What journalists do to hold governments and elected officials accountable does matter.

As a new administration prepares to take over, here are some of the ways the actions of the federal government could impact your life, and how we plan to cover them:

-Covering Access — or Lack Thereof — to Health Care. Since the 2022 Dobbs decision, Oregon has already become a haven for health care refugees who struggle to access care for important things like reproductive health and vaccines. With a patchwork of differing state laws around reproductive rights and health care access, and with some states now empowered to dig deeper into restricting rights, we expect

the number of health care refugees coming to Bend only to grow. We’ll be there to witness it.

-Reporting on Threats to Environment and Education. This past summer, Oregon experienced the most extreme fire season we’d seen in a long time. Fires and other climate-induced disasters are accelerating, and people need access to credible information when there are evacuations or big fires on the horizon. We’ll continue to cover those local events, as well as diving deep into how the federal government is — or is not — supporting fire suppression and forest management efforts in the local area.

If this president makes good on threats to defund “rogue cities and states,” and to hobble both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Education Department, you can bet that will have an impact on Oregon’s children, families and forests.

-Watchdogging Law Enforcement. Throughout the campaign season, reporting on the candidates running for Deschutes County Sheriff became one of our most talked-about coverage areas. Being a watchdog for the most prominent law enforcement official in our county is just the tip of the iceberg; if law enforcement officials once again become empowered to personally interpret the Constitution, or to band together in favor of an extreme firearm protection ordinance (which happened during the first Trump administration), we’ll be there to ensure you have the information you need to know.

Last week, we announced an expansion of our editor team, adding a managing editor and promoting our current editor to Editor in Chief. Earlier this year, we added an investigative reporter to our team. All of these changes now coalesce as a demonstration of our commitment to continue to cover changes that affect Central Oregonians – and to cover it better than we have before.

This is how we meet this moment.

Letters

PROTECT BEND'S PARKS, SCHOOLS AND HISTORIC OPEN SPACES

Bend needs affordable housing. However, adding “Income Qualified Housing Allowed Outright” to the Public Facilities Zone, as proposed by the Planning Commission, is neither mandated by Oregon law nor in our best interest. Nothing in the Oregon Affordable Housing legislation states that cities must alter their zoning laws; they simply need to approve applications if specific criteria are met. Portland has not amended its land-use laws, allowing state legislation to speak for itself.

The PF Zone protects our undeveloped parks, schools and open spaces, fulfilling State Planning Goal 5. Opening these areas to development risks paving them over and losing Bend’s iconic appeal.

Public Facilities land is also not needed to meet housing needs. Of the city’s 24,073 acres, only 7% are designated as Public Facilities, down 50% in total acres since 1995. Meanwhile, Bend is on track to meet its housing goals well before the 2028 deadline without developing its limited PF land.

Moreover, the proposed changes replace the state-defined term “Affordable” with “Income Qualified” and restrict the public right to appeal future changes, inviting misapplications and corruption.

Preserve the Public Facilities Zone by returning to its original definition, with the words “publicly owned natural areas and other types of open space,” as the PF Zone also protects some privately owned land. For other Zones, use “Affordable Housing” to align with the state legislation. Additionally, the Type III amendment process must be retained to ensure citizen involvement, which aligns with Oregon’s Statewide Goal 1.

Thank you for preserving Bend’s livability.

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!

AMERICAN EXCEPTIONALISM

On November 5th, close to 75 million eligible voters selected a man to be the nation’s 47th president who is a convicted felon, sexual predator, and undeniable insurrectionist, and who unapologetically engages in xenophobia, misogyny and racism, over a woman who has served honorably, with distinction, and without scandal as attorney general and senator of the nation’s largest state as well as vice president of the United States.

Welcome to the new era of “American exceptionalism.”

ICE

In addition to homelessness, affordable housing and other issues on their plate, the new Bend City Council need to come up with a plan and provide some guidance for when Trump's ICE comes to town.

Bend's growing Latino population— citizens and undocumented—needs to know that the city has their back when Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents roll into town to make arrests, disrupt families and deport residents.

Trump has made it clear that he wants to rid the nation of immigrants— even legal immigrants—and there's no reason to believe it can't happen here.

Will the City Council work with the Bend Police, its own Human Rights and Equity Commission and Deschutes County officials to protect Latinos? Or will they submit to Trump?

—Michael Funke

LETTER ON IMMIGRATION

In 1967 at age two, I immigrated from Japan to Queens, NYC. The Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965 brought skilled labor into the U.S. My father, a chemical engineer, accepted a job with an American firm.

Strong joyful and painful childhood impressions stay with me. Starting Kindergarten at Queens P.S. 206, I had “zero” English skills. Thanks to kind and skilled teachers, by 3rd grade I thrived and had a circle of close friends: Nina from Ethiopia, Milagros from Mexico, Dennis from Hungary, Yuki from Japan, and a boy from Brazil that I had a crush on. Diversity of backgrounds was a given.

After my 3rd grade, we moved to Verona, NJ.

As I entered my 4th grade class on the first day of school, a girl pointed her finger at me, and yelled, “Hey! Look at that one!” Students stared and laughed. Mortified, frozen in my tracks, self-conscious, different, and insufficient—I can still viscerally feel that moment from long ago.

In 5th grade, I arrived for my first summer break clarinet lesson at our high school. The music teacher, a grown man, hissed into my face, “I HATE people with dark eyes and dark hair.” During those years, I developed a habit of shutting my eyes tight in front of a mirror, hoping that when I opened them, I’d see me with blue eyes and blond hair.

I share these stories, not to be angry, but to remind us that immigrants, women, LGBTQ+, men, and children of all races—We are all people first!

With a President-elect who models and encourages bigotry, we must keep this thought—we are all people first—in the forefront of our minds.

We must support and celebrate, not shun, the diversity of Our Nation’s people.

It is this diversity that is our richness and the foundation of our creativity and innovations, skilled and unskilled labor.

— Tomoko Ferguson

Letter of the Week:

Hear, hear, Tomoko! Thanks for your letter. To respond to both that and the previous letter from Michael, Oregon is a Sanctuary State, and Bend participates in Welcoming Week.

From the Oregon Department of Justice: “As a sanctuary state since 1987, Oregon stands for the safety, dignity and human rights of all Oregonians. Oregon was the first state in the nation to pass a statewide law stopping state and local police and government from helping federal authorities with immigration enforcement.”

And from the City of Bend’s Welcoming Week page: “On June 21, 2017, in large part due to the advocacy of the Latino Community Association, the Bend City Council unanimously supported a resolution for the City of Bend to be recognized as a Welcoming City during Immigrant Heritage Month (observed June).”

Let these be some guideposts as we encounter the next four years. Come on by for your gift card to Palate, Tomoko.

—Nicole Vulcan

Redmond Seeks Public Input on Potential Firework Ban

The Redmond City Council sought public testimony at a Nov. 12 meeting on a potential ban of the private use of fireworks within Redmond City Limits. The council did not plan to take action at the meeting, but a decision on banning the private use of fireworks is expected at a Dec. 10 Council meeting.

A dangerous fire season this year prompted the Redmond City Council to consider whether further restrictions are needed to ensure community safety, according to a press release. Residents are encouraged to provide input between Nov. 12 and Dec. 10.

“Each summer we hear concerns over the use of fireworks in our community. These are heightened by the prolonged drought we have been experiencing as well as the increased number of fires occurring around the region,” said Mayor Ed Fitch in a press release.

Suspicious Package

Determined to Contain Hygiene Products

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to 1300 NW Wall Street on Nov. 12 following a report of a suspicious package at the front door of the Department of Human Services. The Oregon State Police Bomb Squad assisted DCSO with its investigation

and around 1:30pm determined the suspicious package contained hygiene products. According to DCSO, there is no danger to the public at this time.

Due to the incident, there was heavy law enforcement presence, along with road closures in the area. DCSO said it will methodically open roadways and access to the area and buildings.

Bend Mayor Shares

Post-Election Statement

Following the results of the 2024 election, Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler shared her thoughts in a newsletter and on social media. Kebler said that she was “heartened” that Oregon saw positive results for progress at the local and state level.

She added that while many in Bend are distressed about the return to a Trump-led administration, she believes the community can come together and keep moving forward.

“As your Mayor, I will advocate for every tool we have at the local, county, and state level to protect our residents from unfair treatment or targeted hate,” Kebler wrote. “Together, we can continue to stand up for what's right, address the problems that are hurting our residents, and build a better Bend for the future.”

—Julianna LaFollette

Deschutes County Voters Will Choose Two More Commissioners in 2026

Bid to expand Deschutes County Commission approved; now comes budgeting and other details

On Election Day, voters in Deschutes County overwhelmingly approved a measure that expands the Board of Commissioners from three members to five. Measure 9-173 had garnered 64.46% of the vote as of the latest returns Wednesday.

The positions created by the measure will appear on May 19, 2026, ballots in Deschutes County, with the new commissioners taking office in January 2027. Those commissioners will serve for two years before the schedule changes a bit, to allow elections for the new positions to be held during presidential election seasons after that.

“If Phil and Tony could go have a beer together, maybe it wouldn’t be so contentious, you know?”
—JOHN HEYLIN

deficit in our future budget, but last year and now this year, it's starting to happen because of the cost of doing business, inflation compounding on itself, health care, the PERS costs, just everything is going up. So we're going to be in a tight spot this year, and so we're going to kind of practice being tighter with our budget."

DeBone came out against the measure expanding the county commission, he said, partly because of the additional cost to the County. Fellow Commissioner Patti Adair also publicly opposed the measure.

"We're not raising taxes. We'll just take some resources from somewhere — direct resources on the ground and put them in the front office," DeBone explained.

$70 million

-The annual economic output of Mt. Bachelor. From the Feature, “Mt. Bachelor is For Sale. What Does It Mean for Bend?”

“I do think that if we have a small imprint of dispensaries in Redmond, I think that will provide the right balance between those who are for it and those who are against it.”

Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch, from the News story, “Redmond Votes in Favor of Marijuana

Dispensaries.”

"Ballot Measure 9-173 set a schedule for the election of the commissioners to coincide with the Presidential Election cycle," County elections officials explained to the Source Weekly. "That means the two newly elected commissioners will serve an initial two-year term. Then in 2028, three commissioner positions will appear on the ballot and the elected commissioners will serve the usual four-year term."

With two more people on the Commission, County officials will need to carve up the budgets differently in order to make room for two more salaries. County commissioners earn $125,149 per year as of 2023.

While those new salaries won't come from new taxes, and won't be factored into the current budget cycle, commissioners will get practice in tightening their belts this year, with a tough budget cycle coming, commissioner Tony DeBone told the Source Weekly.

"I've been in office for, this is my 14th year, and it's always been kind of a 5% growth with the cost of doing business following that," DeBone said. "We've never worried about our structural

With the new commissioners running in May 2026 and taking office in 2027, and with DeBone and Adair both up for reelection in November 2026, County Commissioner Phil Chang, who won reelection to the Board this year, is the only current member of the board who's guaranteed to serve with the two new commissioners — and whoever wins DeBone and Adair's seats.

"Taken together, this vote, which overwhelmingly passed, and the nonpartisan commissioner measure in 2022 that overwhelmingly passed — I think that these two votes together are sending a message to the Board of Commissioners that the voters think we could be doing a much better job, and they're going to make our positions nonpartisan, and they're going to send us some help, because they want us to do a better job," Chang told the Source Weekly.

And while Chang also admits the addition of two more salaried positions in the County will have "real costs," he said, the additions may also help the County have better oversight of itself.

"I think that having two more brains at the table is going to help us not make horrible financial mistakes, like some of the ones that I can point to from the last 10 years, which have cost us millions and millions of dollars," Chang said. "I would point to the — largely symbolic for taxpayers — property tax rate reduction in 2018. And I would point to poor oversight of the sheriff, who has been a political ally of a majority of the Board of Commissioners at key periods in the

John Heylin, who led the effort to get Measure 9-173 on ballots this November, believes that having five commissioners on the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners could add more oversight to a governing body with a budget of $727.8 million for fiscal year 2025.

past. So they let him do things that came back to bite us later on, legally." Chang was referring to various lawsuits settled by numerous former employees against current Sheriff Shane Nelson, accusing him of retaliation and civil rights violations. Nelson did not seek reelection.

Advocating for more budget oversight is also the position of John Heylin, the Bend resident who spearheaded the effort to expand the County Commission. Heylin, who owns Unofficial Logging Co. in downtown Bend, spent the better part of a year, along with a group of volunteers, collecting the over 7,000 signatures necessary to get the measure on the November ballot.

"My argument all along was, it is financially irresponsible for two people to be in charge of a budget of almost three quarters of a billion dollars," Heylin told the Source Weekly. "You can point to lawsuits, you can point to past decisions that they've made that have cost the county millions to say that, you know, if we have better oversight, we'd be saving." The County's total adopted budget for fiscal year 2025 is $727.8 million, according to county documents.

Adding two new commissioners also lifts a restriction commissioners have experienced under a three-member board: quorum rules that limit a majority of board members from meeting without making the meeting open to the public.

"Two commissioners will now be able to meet privately outside of a formal meeting, which is not possible with our current structure," County officials explained.

With commissioners' votes often going 2-1, with DeBone and Adair often voting opposite of Chang, Heylin believes lifting quorum rules might help commissioners have more informal gatherings that could ease tensions and relieve potential misunderstandings before they meet in the more formal County meeting setting.

As Heylin put it, "If Phil and Tony could go have a beer together, maybe it wouldn't be so contentious, you know?"

Q&A With Sheriff-elect Kent Vander Kamp

Vander Kamp says he sees his election as a change mandate and plans to push on all fronts once in office

The contest for Deschutes County

Sheriff was one of the most closely watched local races this election season. It marked the first time since 2000 that the seat was open without an incumbent running for reelection.

Upon announcing his retirement in the fall of 2023, Sheriff Shane Nelson endorsed Capt. William Bailey to replace him. Soon after, Sgt. Kent Vander Kamp announced he was entering the race, too, and positioned himself as an alternative to the current administration.

Nelson’s decade-long run as sheriff was marked by claims of retaliation and intimidation from DCSO employees – along with expensive lawsuits. Vander Kamp promised that if elected he would bring a different leadership style to the office and reign in spending. The message appears to have struck a chord, despite revelations over the summer of his previous employment history – and possible termination – from La Mesa police department in Southern California in the mid-90s.

KVK: We've already started thinking about, really, the future. Like what our first 90 days, and what our first year, and what our first four years are going to look like. The big priority for me right now is just assembling a group of command staff and leaders in the organization that are going to bring that fresh change in perspective.

I started those conversations recently, and I think the next couple of weeks, I should have them finalized. And then

of Kent Vander Kamp Campaign

it was and took it with a grain of salt. I've had many people come up to me and say, “Hey, you know, we don't really care what happened 30 years ago. You're just killing it, you're doing a job.” And you have people that believe everything they read and don't really ask questions. And they’ll say, “Hey, you're not a nice person. I don't think you're a nice person.” But what I always point to is the scoreboard. In the end, it was clear that people believed in me and believed in my words and my mission.

Vander Kamp, who won by nearly 20 percentage points, sat down with the Source Weekly the week after the election, to discuss his plans for change within DCSO and the issues he’s looking to tackle once he takes office next year.

(This interview was edited for length and clarity.)

Source Weekly: Congratulations on your win. How are you feeling with the election behind you? From our earlier talks, you seemed pretty confident it was going to go this way.

Kent Vander Kamp: I think our message was well received, and I think that was reinforced by just the margin of victory. I think people really resonated with our message, and they delivered quite a message, too, which I took as, “enough is enough.” They were ready for change. So, the mandate was pretty clear.

We had a couple hundred people at the election party that were really, really excited. I think they're excited for the future. For me, it's obviously just a kind of a great relief just to be done with the last year and a half. It was a wave of emotions. I think my family's glad that it's over. And I think we're excited to get into the next phase, which we’ve already started on.

SW: What have you started on already? Can you elaborate on that?

“The big priority for me right now is just assembling a group of command staff and leaders in the organization that are going to bring that fresh change in perspective.”
—KENT VANDER KAMP

at the same time, I'm working on what I want to accomplish in that first couple of months.

SW: How do you feel that going through this election impacted your profile within the sheriff’s office and the greater community?

KVK: You know, there's obviously two very different things. The people in the office I've worked with, I've worked with for a long time. They know who I am and how I work, and I know who I am, and that a lot of that was politically driven in an attempt to just spin a story to the taxpayers.

Internally, I don't know that it made any difference because people know who I am and how I've worked. Externally, I think a lot of people read what

SW: Beyond morale, what are you focusing on when you’re in office come January?

KVK: I've got 10 areas that I identified as a priority. The first one is getting back out there. Those 20,000 undervotes are concerning. [Over 20,000 people abstained from voting for sheriff in the election, according to Deschutes County voting reports.]

I really want to get out there and have some engagement, some listening sessions. I think now that we're past the campaign, we can sit and host some meetings equally and residents from different areas.

Also, we really need to have a thorough assessment of the sheriff's office capabilities -- our sources, our staffing, our talents within the office. There is so much talent there. And then also start looking at some policies that will make sure that we can offer the service to deliver all the identified areas where we are lacking.

We also need to strengthen relationships with our partners, both law enforcement and fire and social service providers, and ODOT. Just get out there and start tackling those complex issues like homelessness and drugs and traffic. But the big piece, which I think is going to be the heavy lift, is really getting in there and doing some budget optimization. We really need to ensure that these taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently and effectively. That's honestly the most important thing for me. I should probably put that on top of the list, but they're all important to me.

—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.

Redmond Votes in Favor of Marijuana Dispensaries

Residents passed an advisory measure, setting

for

City to allow retail marijuana sales in city limits

An advisory measure that would recommend retail marijuana sales within the City of Redmond passed with about 53% of the votes on Election Day coming out in support of allowing marijuana dispensaries within city limits – something currently prohibited within Redmond’s City Code.

Measure 9-177 was a non-binding recommendation to the Council, meant to gauge voters’ interest in amending city code. The measure will give the Redmond City Council the ability to allow for and regulate marijuana dispensaries and other types of marijuana businesses within the City.

While the sale of marijuana is not currently legal in Redmond, the City passed an ordinance in 2015 allowing marijuana cultivation for personal use on residential lots.

Although the ballot measure passed, the allowance of marijuana dispensaries will still require action by the City Council to enact code changes and regulate the sale of retail marijuana. Code amendments would also make the City eligible to receive distributions of state and local marijuana tax revenues from retailers and marijuana-related businesses.

Voters also passed a conditional measure, allowing the City to impose a 3% tax on the sale of marijuana items by retailers within City limits, given that the advisory measure passed. According to a staff report, revenues will likely exceed $100,000 annually and would accrue to the City General Fund if the measures are approved.

“I think Redmond showed that it's open-minded,” Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch told the Source Weekly, sharing his thoughts on the results of the vote. “I had a feeling it was going to be somewhat close… I was a little surprised it won by that much.”

Mayor Fitch, who was reelected to his position on Nov. 5, expressed support for the marijuana initiative in October, but wanted to see if residents would support it. If they did, he said, he wanted to look into enacting regulations regarding its locations around the City.

“I do think that if we have a small imprint of dispensaries in Redmond, I think that will provide the right balance between those who are for it and those who are against it,” he told the Source Weekly.

Fitch believes many on the Council agree and don’t want to see dispensaries in popular areas like Downtown Redmond or Highland Avenue. “I think we’ll probably be headed in that direction,” he said.

Councilor Shannon Wedding told the Source Weekly in October that she opposed allowing marijuana dispensaries in the City, but ultimately felt it was up to residents.

“My job as a city councilor is not to bring my personal opinion to Council. So, that is the reason I supported the advisory ballot measure,” said Wedding. “We really want to hear what the community wants and make an educated decision moving forward.”

According to Fitch, code changes allowing marijuana dispensaries in Redmond will likely come before Council sometime in January or February.

Other Redmond measures that passed in the latest election included extending a two-year moratorium on psilocybin service centers, prohibiting the establishment of psilocybin service center operators within the area for an additional two years, expiring Dec. 31, 2026.

Voters also passed a Redmond School Bond, aimed at funding “critical” repairs, and a five-year local option tax for Redmond Park and Recreation Operations.

WEDNESDAY 11/13

OPEN HUB SINGING

SING IN A GROUP FOR FUN

Join local singer Ian Carrick for an open hub singing practice, a non-performance, non-audition group singing event. No previous singing experience is required, all voices are welcome to join. Wed., Nov. 13, 6:15-7:45pm at High Desert Music Hall. 818 SW Forest Ave., Redmond. Free.

SATURDAY 11/13

BINGO FOR VETERANS

SUPPORT CENTRAL OREGON VETERANS RANCH

Otto’s Landing hosts a fun family-friendly Bingo Night with proceeds benefiting Central Oregon Veterans Ranch on the second Wednesday of every month. Attendees can win prizes, cash and give support to local heroes. Bingo cards are $2 each or 6 for $10. Wed., Nov. 13 , 6:30-8:30pm at Otto’s Landing. 652 NW 7th St., Redmond. Free.

SATURDAY 11/16 + SUNDAY 11/17

FALL ART SHOW & SALE

HOSTED BY DRY CANYON ARTS ASSOCIATION

Discover paintings, woodworks, jewelry textiles, glassware and more at the Fall Art Show and Sale. Find one-of-a-kind gifts and join a raffle. Proceeds from the raffle go to DCAA’s Jumpstart Art initiative which provides art education to all Redmond elementary kids. Sat., Nov. 16, 10am-5pm and Sun., Nov. 17, 10am-4pm at Redmond High School. 675 SW Rimrock Way., Redmond. Free.

Mt. Bachelor Is For Sale. What Does It Mean For Bend?

The fate of the resort that drove Bend’s renaissance is uncertain.
But are the two fates still entwined, or is Bend now bigger than the mountain?

In just a few short days, Mt. Bachelor will have its earliest opening since 1998. The ski resort’s public relations team announced the weeks-ahead-ofschedule opening on Monday to much fanfare, inviting passholders to the mountain this weekend, Nov. 15 through the 17, for fresh lines.

It’s the treat locals have been asking for since snow from early season storms started piling up, and a sure way for the resort’s management to garner their goodwill. It’s a type of goodwill that’s been hard to come by for POWDR Corp., a privately held company that bought the mountain in 2001, ending a proud history of local ownership -- a tradition that a group of locals are working to revive now that POWDR is selling Mt. Bachelor LLC. Raising the capital to purchase the resort in just a few months is an endeavor worthy of mountain-sized analogies. Mt. Bachelor is the seventh-largest ski resort in North America, boasting over 4,300 acres of lift-accessible land. It’s the biggest of Oregon’s 11 ski areas. In Bend, it is the second largest private employer, with over 4,700 employees in 2024. And, according to expert estimates, it averages over $70 million in annual economic output.

This past summer, after POWDR announced it wanted to shed Mt. Bachelor from its holdings, locals Chris Porter and Dan Cochrane got together to strategize about buying the resort. Both men are longtime residents and Bachelor enthusiasts. Word spread through town and supporters came out en masse with offers to help.

“The response was really overwhelming,” Porter told the Source Weekly, reflecting back on the number of people who reached out to join the effort after the pair did an interview for local news. “I really feel like we captured lightning in a bottle.”

The ad-hoc group quickly took shape, becoming Mt. Bachelor Community Inc. Within a few weeks they launched a website, announced a kickoff

fundraising event and developed guiding ideologies. They aim to raise the money through local investors and companies to buy Bachelor, thus returning it to local control, and would run it as a certified B corporation, focused on environmental stewardship and inclusivity. It is a daunting undertaking – securing funding for what some estimate will be a $200 million sale – and yet, it echoes the resort’s beginnings when Bill Healy in the 1950s gathered community support and money for his grand idea: A mountain resort to bring in tourists and save a mountain town.

But Bend of the mid-1900s is not the Bend of today. In the last three-quarters of a century, Bend, and its surrounding cities, have grown into a destination in their own right. Most of the visitors to Mt. Bachelor today are locals, not tourists. Despite its significant draw, an increasing portion of the region’s wintertime tourists are not finding their way to Bachelor’s powder-cloaked slopes. Only an estimated 31% of visitors in winter 2021-2022 went downhill skiing, down from 49% in the previous two years, according to travel site Visit Bend’s data. Dining out, shopping, scenic drives and brewery visits – in that order -- were the bigger draw for guests. It would seem that the fate of Bend and Bachelor are now distinct.

From Bachelor Butte to Mt. Bachelor

Before there was Mt. Bachelor there was Bachelor Butte -- a name that played off the landscape; Bachelor because of the peak’s separation from the Three Sisters to the north and Butte because of its distinct shape. The volcano’s name was changed in 1958 as a public relations move for the nascent ski resort.

In the decades before Mt. Bachelor opened for downhill skiing, the logging industry was the main driver of the economy. It brought in immigrants from far-flung countries, many from Scandinavia, according to historian Glenn Voelz’s book, “Mt. Bachelor: A History.”

These newcomers to Central Oregon brought with them a love of winter sports and were the region’s early ski pioneers, Voelz wrote. As timber production slowed, so did economic growth in the region, and leaders knew a transition was needed if the area was to survive.

“The economic transformation of Bend was so tied to this transition from logging into a recreation and leisure and tourism-based economy,” Voelz said in an interview with the Source Weekly. “And Mt. Bachelor really drove that process in the 1950s and 1960s. And of course, it becomes more diversified over time, but what really started the process was the creation of Mt. Bachelor in 1958. I really think the prospects for communities like Sunriver and Bend were very much tied to the success of Mt. Bachelor during that era.”

A critical decision for the health of nearby communities, according to Voelz’s research, was the leadership’s choice not to pursue slope-side lodging and amenities on the mountain, after a short-lived attempt in the late 1960s revealed numerous management challenges.

“There were a lot of reasons why that decision was made to close the slopes’ overnight lodging,” Voelz said. “But part of it was the desire to have the resort lift up the surrounding areas and bring Bend and Sunriver along. Had Bill Healy decided to pursue the expansion of on slope-side amenities, slope-side lodging and things of that nature, then he would have been putting the mountain in direct competition with Bend and Sunriver.”

For decades, under the watchful eye of Mt. Bachelor Inc.’s board of directors, the mountain’s profile and by extension Bend and its surrounding communities’ profiles, grew. Each added lift and summit extension drew thousands more visitors from out of town to ski its slopes. Growth was steady despite hurdles from nature and the larger economy over the years. With Healy’s guidance the resort also grew toward year-round operations but continued to

forego pushing for the development of overnight accommodations.

“When skiers think of Mount Bachelor, they think of downtown Bend,” Peggy Lucas wrote, quoting Healy in her seminal book, “Mt. Bachelor, Bill Healy’s Dream: History and Development of Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort.”

The choice to promote Bend and Sunriver as the mountain’s lodging and entertainment area meant that over time, Bachelor fell behind Healy’s dream of a world-class destination. While other resorts diversified their income streams with après ski options, shopping and lodging, for Bachelor the only way to turn a profit remained through ticket sales. At the turn of the century that meant trouble for Mt. Bachelor Inc.

POWDR Corp. Takes Over

In 2000, Mt. Bachelor Inc. was struggling. It posted a net income loss of over $200,000, according to its 1999-2000 annual report, and was saddled with a $5 million loan for capital projects.

“We opened the 99/00 season during Thanksgiving under limited operations, as mountain snowfall was unfortunately late in coming,” Randall Papé, president of Mt. Bachelor Inc. wrote to shareholders in the report. “Combine this with less than normal snowfall during Christmas holidays and the trepidation surrounding Y2Ktravel, and you have the makings for lower skier visits of 480,010 or a reduction of 14.9% from the 1998/99 ski season.”

By May of 2001, after a months-long grapple with Papé Group of Eugene for control, POWDR Corp. purchased nearly 70% of shares of Mt. Bachelor Inc. for around $28 million, effectively taking over the resort. John Cumming, the young president and chief executive officer of POWDR at the time, said that he planned to invest in more snow-making equipment to fill in for the sometimes-sporadic snowfall, work toward developing night-time skiing operations and offer more discount packages to

JenniferBaires

lure visitors, according to an article in The Bulletin that June.

Under the new ownership, skier visits remained relatively stable for the first five years. Thanks in part to a more expensive season pass, cutting programs like free skiing for local sixth graders and shortening the spring skiing season, the company reported a, “significant increase in adjusted gross revenue,” according to Voelz.

By 2008, any honeymoon phase that existed between locals and the new owners was long over. In a Source Weekly article from that time, staff wrote about management shakeups at the resort and a 7% decrease in visitors during what should have been a celebratory year as the mountain marked its 50-year anniversary.

“… last season the bitching went from nit-picking static to fever pitched shouting as winter began with hiked lift ticket prices and ended with reports of potentially dangerous chair lift maintenance practices and an earlier than usual closing date,” the Source Weekly reported in October 2008. “With broad-based efforts to clean up everything from its industry-wide reputation to its bathrooms, Bachelor seems overtly concerned with rebuilding its place in the community during its 50th season in operation,” the article read.

Four years later, a local contingent, fed up with what they saw as mismanagement of the mountain, launched a “Community Buy-Out of Mt. Bachelor” Facebook group that grew to over 1,500 members. Their pitch was to buy the mountain and make it a nonprofit. In response, POWDR held an open forum to listen to locals’ concerns but insisted that the mountain was not for sale.

In 2021, the corporation and local shredders hit another bump in their relationship, with the introduction of a fast-pass ticket system where for $49+ visitors could “upgrade” their experience and bypass lines at specified chairlifts. An online petition in opposition to the pass garnered over 10,000 signatures. U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore) even weighed in on the move, arguing that the system would exacerbate equity

issues felt by those in the community who already struggle to afford pricey lift tickets on top of renting or purchasing ski gear and clothing.

For its part, the company maintained that the pass, Fast Tracks, was available in limited quantities and would not affect general access to the resort. As an add-on product, Fast Tracks serves as another way for Mt. Bachelor to capitalize on its main revenue source: snow.

In its over 20 years of ownership, there were wins as well. A letter Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler sent to Gov. Tina Kotek in October asking for Kotek’s support of the local movement to buy Mt. Bachelor enumerated what she characterized as “innovation and responsiveness” by the company to the community’s needs. The list included the construction of a wood energy biomass facility to replace propane use, year-round expanded child care programs with reduced rates for resort employees and the partnership with Campfire Hotel in Bend as housing for seasonal employees.

A Murky Future

Over the years, the idea of a ski village has been floated but definitive plans never emerged. The logistics of building a ski village are many – chief among them is the fact that the mountain belongs to the U.S. Forest Service and any development or changes in operation must go through a rigorous review and approval process. Arguably, it is possible, considering that of the 480 ski areas operating in the U.S., 40% are in national forests, according to the USDA. However, and perhaps equally as important, the will to build out isn’t there. In fact, Mt. Bachelor touts its lack of development as a reason it’s set apart from other ski areas. On this point, locals and Mt. Bachelor are aligned.

“Mt. Bachelor is a true destination despite the fact that – uniquely among America's major ski areas – it has no slopeside lodging, no fancy base villages, no condo developments or any other sign of the high-priced foofaraw so common at major ski areas nowadays. We don't have it, we probably never will,

and we're actually pretty darned proud of that – because we've got something much better,” the mountain’s community section of the website reads. “It starts with an amazing mountain that's surrounded by some of the most spectacular National Forest in the country. Mt. Bachelor skiers enjoy a feeling of wilderness and solitude that just isn’t found anywhere else.”

Like Central Oregon, generally, the access to nature is fiercely protected. And with a vibrant community just a short drive down from its powdery vertical, Mt. Bachelor’s lack of development may not be a problem. But, more and more visitors are coming to Bend and skipping the skiing. That trend can’t be good for profits on the mountain.

Being a privately held company, POWDR Corp. keeps its financials close. However, in August it announced that it was selling Mt. Bachelor and three other ski resorts it owns.

It’s a strategic move to manage the company portfolio, according to Stacey Hutchinson, vice president of communications and government affairs at POWDR.

On Oct. 12, less than two months after POWDR’s announcement, hundreds of people gathered at Drake Park in Bend for Mount Bachelor Community Inc.’s kickoff event. A GoFundMe launched a few weeks prior hit its $40K fundraising goal to support legal and logistical

services within two weeks. Food trucks lined the event space, music beat through the crowd and event goers gathered in groups, chatting and reminiscing about days spent on the mountain.

At one of a handful of booths along the perimeter, Charlie Rowles and his wife Kathy Ingraham Rowles displayed memorabilia garnered from decades spent visiting Mt. Bachelor. Charlie said he has been skiing at Bachelor since 1961. Kathy worked as a “Bachelor Girl,” assisting with operations. With the mountain’s outline just visible in the distance, Chris Porter and other leaders of MBCI gave interviews to TV news crews and networked with guests.

Bend’s mayor, Kebler, gave a speech in support of the movement and a few days later sent the letter on behalf of the city to Kotek asking for her support.

“Growing up here, I learned to ski through Mt. Bachelor’s Mighty Mites program, enjoyed snow sports with my family, and now take my daughter up the mountain to experience our amazing outdoor spaces,” Kebler wrote. “Similar experiences are common for residents of Bend, and for many, connection to the mountain – whether it be hiking, biking, snow sports or zipline rides – is integral to Central Oregon living. Mt. Bachelor is critical to the past, current, and future success and vibrancy of our city.”

The reverence for Bachelor that Kebler expressed in her letter was

“Had Bill Healy decided to pursue the expansion of on slope-side amenities, slope-side lodging and things of that nature, then he would have been putting the mountain in direct competition with Bend and Sunriver.”
—GLENN VOELZ

palpable among those gathered at Drake Park. Visits to Mt. Bachelor are mostly from local powder chasers, with about 65% of season pass holders being Central Oregonians, according to estimates from Porter. Those numbers are corroborated by Visit Bend and Visit Central Oregon data. That local support is what Porter is counting on to see MBCI’s effort to buy the mountain and turn the resort into a certified B Corp over the finish line. The team, he said, is working at “breakneck speed” in a layered approach to securing financing – starting first with credited investors and then opening it up for community investors.

“The incentive to become an owner is to have more accessibility, and that includes having a dividend to apply after investing,” Porter said. “We hear over and over again to make it more accessible,” he added, saying access is a driving force of the movement. “I think the local skiing communities are ready to have a solution to regain control of their own backyard, their own ski hills.”

Whether that will mean slope-side development and amenities in the future is still undecided and would be driven by local support, Porter said. There is the possibility from a Forest Service perspective to develop more, he said, and doing so could alleviate the pressure on the price of lift tickets and season passes. But the first step is actually purchasing the mountain.

On Friday, Porter, along with other Bachelor pass holders, will be on the lifts for the resort’s earliest opening in 26 years. From there he’ll head to meetings with Summit Bank to talk financing.

“We are quickly gaining momentum and should be having our letter or interest in with proof of funds to JP Morgan as soon as possible,” he said, “and hopefully submitting a bid by the end of the year. If Vail or Alterra were going to buy this, it already would have been announced.”

A timeline of Mt. Bachelor’s history

1935

Nels Skjersaa, Chris Kotsol and Ray Babcock reportedly make the first ski descent of Bachelor Butte

1956

Bend Chamber of Commerce launches a committee to look into the feasibility of creating a ski area at Bachelor

1957

Mt. Bachelor Inc. was incorporated, an effort led by Bill Healy with support from local investors and plans started in earnest to build a ski resort

1958

Bachelor opens for a trial run, operating only on weekends and holidays. Day passes were $3, with an additional $1.50 charge to use tow ropes

1961

First chair lift installed, dropping riders a little east and lower than Pine Marten does today

1968

Sunriver Properties Inc. is established and construction begins on a resort community.

1972

Jennifer Baires

Of the resorts POWDR listed for sale, Bachelor stands out in size and scale. Owning a nationally ranked, top10 resort in size with an enviably long snow season is a “a potentially portfolio-defining chest-thumper" according to industry-news site the Storm Skiing Journal, which first broke news of the sale. It makes sense one of the handful of corporations that dominates the industry, perhaps Alterra Mountain Company, which partners with Mt. Bachelor to offer Ikon pass holders access to the mountain would go for it. Or, maybe MBCI will raise the necessary funds on a tight-timeline to pay the estimated $200 million asking price.

Also unknown is how those eventual new owners will tackle the tension of development, profitability and access at Mt. Bachelor to preserve the resort that helped build Bend.

—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.

The Forest Service granted Mt. Bachelor its first 30-year permit to operate on the mountain

2001

Powdr Corp. buys Bachelor

2021

To much criticism, Bachelor rolls out controversial fast pass ticket system

2024

Powdr Corp. announces Mt. Bachelor is for sale

Historical dates sourced from "Mount Bachelor: a History" by Glen Voelz.

SOURCE PICKS

WEDNESDAY 11/13

THE THING W/ THE MACKS AND CPTN OVER

FOUR-PIECE PUNK-ROCK BAND

Hailing from New York, The Thing is a four-piece band associated with jazz, punk and noise rock. The band originated in high school when Michael Carter, Jack Bradley and Zane Acord bonded over a shared love for rock 'n' roll. Wed., Nov. 13, 7pm Volcanic Theatre Pub. 70 SW Century Dr., Bend. $15-$25.

THURSDAY 11/14

KARINA RYKMAN W/ CLOUDCHORD

INDIE-ROCK JAMS

Born and raised in New York, Karina Rykman is a singer/songwriter, bassist and guitarist known for playing indie-rock jams. Rykman’s musical path began in her early teens playing in bands whenever she could while attending a veritable ton of live music as a fan. Thu., Nov. 14, 7pm at Volcanic Theatre Pub. 70 SW Century Dr., Bend. $17.

THURSDAY 11/14

NATIVE MARKET AT ST. CHARLES IN MADRAS

A CELEBRATION IN RECOGNITION

Community members throughout Central Oregon are invited for a day of celebration in recognition of Native American, American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage month at St. Charles in Madras. The celebration will include a Native Market with 10 artisan vendors, fry bread tacos and a presentation of a new land acknowledgement and artwork. Thu., Nov. 14, 11am-3pm at St. Charles Medical Center in Madras. 470 NE A St., Madras. Free.

FRIDAY 11/15

COCC NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

NATIVE AMERICAN VETERAN VOICES

COCC is hosting a Native American Veteran Voices event for Native American Heritage Month. Military veterans share their perspective on serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Hear their stories and journeys and learn how they encourage Indigenous resilience in their communities. Fri., Nov. 15, 6-7pm at Central Oregon Community College. 2600 NW College Way, Bend. Free.

FLANNEL & FROST DINNER & AUCTION

A FUNDRAISER FOR BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF BEND

The Boys & Girls Club of Bend is celebrating 30 years of community with its annual Flannel & Frost dinner and auction. The event features 300 community champions to honor three decades of dedication to the Club youth. Sat., Nov. 16, 5-9pm at Boys & Girls Club of Bend. 500 NW Wall St., Bend. $150.

SATURDAY 11/16

HOLIDAY SHOPPING POP-UP

TUMALO LAVENDER SALE

Head over to Tumalo Lavender’s holiday pop-up sale to get a head start on holiday shopping. The pop-up will have lavender baked goods and warm beverages to enjoy, plus free giveaways. There will also be a free gift for attendees and everything will be 15% off. Sat., Nov. 16, 10am-4pm at Tumalo Lavender. 19825 Connarn Rd., Bend. Free.

SUNDAY 11/17

KIDS’ ENTREPRENEUR MARKET

A MARKET RAN ENTIRELY BY KIDS

A market run entirely by kids ages 5-17. Browse through gifts, artisan crafts, graphic arts, services, games, food drinks, jewelry and more. Support young entrepreneurs all in one place. Sun., Nov. 17, 2:305pm at Downtown Bend Public Library. 601 NW Wall St., Bend. Free.

SUNDAY 11/17

SUNDAY MATINEE LIVE MUSIC SERIES

PHILLIP AUSTIN TAKES THE STAGE

Come listen to some of Central Oregon’s finest musicians for free at the Sunday Matinee Live Music presented by Unoffical Logging Co. and DMM Music LLC. This Sunday, singer Phillip Austin brings his acoustic set to the stage. Sun., Nov. 17, 5-7pm at Unofficial Logging Co., 910 NW Harriman St., #100 Bend. Free.

TUESDAY 11/19

PLANT TRIVIA IN THE GREENHOUSE

TEST YOUR PLANT KNOWLEDGE

Put your plant knowledge to the test and see if you can win a grand prize at Plant Trivia in the Greenhouse. Teams are encouraged and personal food and beverage spreads are welcome at the event for a night full of fun. Tue., Nov. 19, 6-8pm Moonfire & Sun Garden Center. 61944 SE 27th St., Bend. $5.

Seelye
Brandy Peterson
Brandy Peterson Plant Source

S SOUND

IGet Into the Groove with Scott Pemberton

The guitar ninja brings his brand of improvisational, funkified rock, blues and jazz

to the Volcanic Nov. 22

n layman’s terms, the “O Theory” states that “if everybody believes in something, then it works.”

This is according to groove-generating, Portland guitar wizard Scott Pemberton, who delved into operator belief theory during the pandemic times when he was working on his 2022 record, “Spot” — or “Scott Pemberton O Theory.”

“When there's conflict, you [can] have an idea that's parallel or intersecting — like perpendicular or complementary — to solve any problem. Which I think for improvised music, it's pretty perfect,” Pemberton sums up.

He’s currently touring as an “organ trio format,” Pemberton says, with Tom Morrison on keyboards and synth bass and Casey Anderson on drums. “That's the other thing I thought was cool with the ‘Spot’ name, because the OT could also be organ trio.” The record features guest brass from excellent Portland players including trumpeter Farnell Newton and saxophonist Steve Berlin of Los Lobos fame.

The Source Weekly spoke with Pemberton in advance of his Bend show at the Volcanic Theatre Pub on Friday, Nov. 22 with local funk, soul, reggae group The VibeShiftas featuring Brother Gabe (of Watkins Glen) and Sean Alan (of The Bond Brothers). Answers have been edited for brevity and clarity.

Source Weekly: With “O Theory,” I feel like you’re talking about jazz.

Scott Pemberton: Yeah, exactly. It really is true. You can choose to play a unison line. You [can] go for a harmony line. You [can] find something super different that will be complementary. I thought it would be neat to just name the album that concept, and then going into the touring trying to bear that in mind.

SW: How do you feel the concept shows itself on the record?

SP: One good example would be the song, “Shadow Dancer.” There's an area in the body of the tune where there's an ostinato pattern that maintains, then the drums go free, and then the guitar and the drums play angularly and complementary for probably like a minute while the bass is holding an ostinato pattern.

“I remember sitting with a guitar in my lap, ringing the strings and having it seem like the most magical thing I could imagine.”
—SCOTT PEMBERTON ON HIS EARLIEST MUSICAL MEMORY

A lot of this was recorded and completed during the Covid lockdown. We weren't able to always record live together, which might have been part of why I like calling it that, because I missed that live interaction, where it would be reacting to what other people are recording. In some ways, calling it the “O Theory,” I think it was kind of a longing for more of the live [experience], like trying to recreate what would happen live in a not-live instance. Because my live show is very reactive and improvisational. It was recreating that as best

“My live show is very reactive and improvisational,”

as we could with technology. The album does have a different kind of vibe, too; it's a little bit mellower. Our live show is a little bit more of a dance party vibe. This album's a little more contemplative. That's a reflection of the instances that it was created [in]. You know, it wasn't much of a party at the time.

SW: Where’d you grow up and learn to play music?

SP: I was born and raised in Portland. I played sax [in the school band] and then in high school I discovered the drum set. I started finding drums and bass and things that were more fun to rock out with my friends as a 15-year-old, being in little rock bands. In Portland at that time, the early ’90s, was just a really inclusive music scene. There was mad grunge happening, Nirvana was playing, [and] you could literally call [long-running punk venue] Satyricon… I called Satyricon from my job at Burger King and just booked a gig. They'd never heard the band. They're like, “Sure, come play on Tuesday.” A lot of the venues had new band nights and stuff, and they were just very inclusive — a vibrant music scene at the time.

I started taking guitar dead serious my senior year in high school when I figured out this is actually what I want to do. I got expelled from high school, and that's really when I started playing guitar. I was first tenor in the jazz band and sax was my more serious music outlet. Guitar was more of a rowdy, fun thing to do. So getting expelled really sent me down the full guitar path.

SW: Were all of these rock band instruments — drums, bass, guitar — self-taught?

SP: Yeah. Hear the sound, make the sound. I knew what I wanted the drums to sound like and then I could get them sounding like that. Remember, the music that was happening at the time too was not, you didn't need a high level of proficiency, per se.

I had a friend in high school who was a great musician. He wanted me to play bass so he could play guitar

for the school assembly. And he had me sit down and played me this cassette that was just a compilation of songs he had made that he liked, like covers. [He] said, “Pick one. Which one do you like?” I picked one that I liked, and he just taught it to me right then. The next day, we went and played it in front of 1,000 people at our high school.

SW: What song was it?

SP: It was “Dive” by Nirvana. This is pre - “Bleach” Nirvana. I remember it well. I could probably still play it. It was like magic — I could just listen to the song and he could just teach me to play it, and then boom! We're playing it in front of people, who are responding positively. It was pretty exciting.

SW: What’s your earliest musical memory?

SP: I remember sitting with a guitar in my lap, ringing the strings and having it seem like the most magical thing I could imagine, wanting my dad to show me how to play it. It was one of my earliest memories. I might have even still been in diapers or barely out of them. I had it positioned across my lap, the way that I play overhand. I had it set up like that and I was kind of tapping on it. And then that was it. I didn't try the guitar again till fifth grade.

Scott Pemberton O Theory

With The VibeShiftas featuring Brother Gabe and Sean Alan Fri., Nov. 22

Volcanic Theatre Pub 70 SW Century Dr., Bend Doors 7:30pm; show 8pm; all ages $17 advance tixr.com/groups/volcanictheatre/events/scott-pemberton-o-theory-w-the-vibeshiftas-118763

Scott Pemberton says of his rock trio that’ll grace the Volcanic Theatre Pub’s stage on Fri., Nov. 22.
Photo by Tony Dellacioppa

CALENDAR

13 Wednesday

The Cellar-A Porter Brewing Company

Wednesday Jam Sessions Drink some fine cask or imported beers and try some amazing British pies while listening to local musicians jam out. 6:30-8:30pm. Free.

Craft Kitchen and Brewery Comedy Open Mic Sign-up 7:30pm. If you’ve ever wanted to try stand-up comedy, this is where you start! 8-10pm. Free.

Crosscut Warming Hut No 5 Billy by Himself Relax with a pint and enjoy great local music from Billy by Himself at Crosscut Warming Hut. 6-8pm. 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.

General Duffy’s Waterhole Wednesday Night Open Mic Join Central Oregon School of Modern Music and General Duffy’s for the Wednesday night Open Mic! Play 3 songs. Groups of up to 3. Sign-up begins at 5:30. Food trucks, 25+ taps, drink specials! 6-9pm. Free.

JC’s Bar & Grill WING-skey Wednesdays + TRIVIA Wednesdays at JC’s are a triple threat: $0.75 wings, killer whiskey specials and trivia kicking off at 7pm. Bring your A-game for our infamous “physical challenge” (think limbo and musical chairs!) and a night full of laughs and flavor. Don’t miss out - It’s the best midweek party in town! 7pm. Free.

M&J Tavern Open Mic Night Downtown living room welcomes musicians to bring their acoustic set or turn it up to eleven with the whole band. Bring your own instruments. Goes to last call or last musician, whichever comes first. 21+. 6:30pm. Free.

Northside Bar & Grill Mellow Wednesday Acoustic Open Mic and Jam hosted by Derek Michael Marc Sign-up sheet is available at 6:30pm. 7-9pm. Free.

Prost! Bend Trivia Prost! UKB Trivia is now at Prost! Bend on Wednesdays at 7pm! Genuine UKB Trivia is no average trivia night! Meet up with friends, win gift card prizes for top teams! Enjoy Prost’s authentic beer and food menu. Trivia is free to play, with no buy-ins! 7-9pm. Free.

The Grove Harry Potter Trivia Night Join us for some fun and test your Harry Potter knowledge! All ages welcome! Free + fun prizes! Arrive early and grab some snacks and drinks and find your table. 6-8pm. Free.

The Vault Taphouse at Kobold Brewing Trivia Night Trivia Night at The Vault! Come test your knowledge and drink top notch local beer! 6:30-8pm. Free.

Volcanic Theatre Pub The Thing w/ The Macks and Cptn Over The Thing is a fourpiece from New York City associated with free jazz, punk and noise rock. 7pm. $15 presale $25 door.

14 Thursday

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.

LIVE MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

New York-based singer-songwriter Karina Rykman is a bassist and guitarist known for playing indie-rock jams. Rykman’s musical path began in her early teens playing in bands whenever she could while attending a veritable ton of live music as a fan. Thu., Nov. 14, 7pm at Volcanic Theatre Pub.

Bridge 99 Brewery Trivia Thursday at Bridge 99 Brewery Trivia Thursdays at 6:30pm at Bridge 99 Brewery with Useless Knowledge Bowl. It’s no ordinary trivia night, Team up to win house gift cards! Great brews, cocktails, and more. In-house menu and food truck options available! It’s free to play. Indoor and outdoor seating available. 63063 Layton Ave, Bend. 6:308:30pm. Free.

Bunk+Brew Karaoke Thursdays Come out to Karaoke Thursdays from 7-10pm at Bunk + Brew! Whether you’re a seasoned singer or just want to have fun, everyone is welcome to grab the mic. Enjoy great tunes, food from our carts, and a laidback atmosphere for all to enjoy! 7-10pm. Free.

The Domino Room Curtis Salgado Award-winning vocalist, instrumentalist and songwriter Curtis Salgado, the man NPR calls “an icon” with “a huge voice,” is revered worldwide for his ability to wring every ounce of soul out of every song he performs. 8-11pm. $30.

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.

M&J Tavern Scott Brownwood Guitar songster delivering acoustic rock-folk. 9pm. Free.

Mountain Burger Teresa & John Rundle Come check out Teresa and John Rundle at Mountain Burger’s Thursday Night Live! 5-7pm. Free.

River’s Place Just Us Duo Americana-influenced folk, rock, pop, blues. Unique and eclectic cabaret style of original tunes and covers. 6-8pm. Free.

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.

The Lot Live Music with Cassia Dawn @ The Lot Cassia Dawn has been in Nashville since 2022. Come give Cassia a hometown welcome as you listen to her music designed to immerse the listener in questions, chaos and redemption. 6-8pm. Free.

Volcanic Theatre Pub Karina Rykman w/ Cloudchord Parallel 44 Presents Karina Rykman live at Volcanic Theatre Pub with Cloud Chord supporting. We are overjoyed to be bringing one of our favorite emerging female-fronted psychedelic pop bands (who just wowed audiences at Cascade Equinox Festival) back to Bend so soon. 7pm. $17.

15 Friday

Craft Kitchen and Brewery Family Trivia Work together as a family and put your knowledge to the test. Multiple rounds for all ages with prizes. 6-8pm. Free.

Hardtails Bar & Grill Stage 28 Karaoke Come out for a night of Stage 28 Karaoke with your host Miss Min! What’s your go-to karaoke tune? Come to Hardtails for a fun Friday night and sing your heart out! 8pm-Midnight. Free.

Immersion Brewing THE DUCC Comedy Showcase presented by BUCC Every 3rd Friday of the month THE DUCC will land in the Backroom of Immersion Brewing at the Box factory in Bend. Come experience a comedy showcase featuring mainly local talent, occaisional special guests, plenty of surprises and audience interaction! Hosted by Eric Oren. Third Friday of every month, 7-9pm. $20-25.

Big E’s Sports Bar Karaoke Night Central Oregon’s most fun karaoke venue! Karaoke is hosted by A Fine Note Karaoke Too and DJ Jackie J. Delicious food and drink and a friendly staff. Come join the show where you are the star! 8pm. Free.

M&J Tavern Profit Drama & JACKRAT Full Moon Party Harnessing the power of sound to shake loose the old and step into our truest form. Reborn and marked by the process of confronting inner shadows and healing through vibration while awakening a deeper stronger version of the self. Dancing and hollering along will be expected. 9pm. Free.

Powell Butte Community Center Public Dance Powell Butte Community Center Dance to Live Music with Frank Carlson. Saloon opens at 6pm. Bar menu available. $10 per adult. Kids 14 & above welcome with adult. 7-10pm. $10.

Unity Spiritual Community Jazz Central in Concert Jazz Central, Central Oregon’s leading vocal jazz ensemble is thrilled to announce a special concert event. This not-to-be-missed performance promises an evening filled with enchanting melodies and soulful rhythms. Your ticket includes your first beverage and appetizers. 6pm. $25.

Volcanic Theatre Pub Pink Skies w/ Shimmertraps Pink Skies - Pink Skies is an indie psychedelic project from Bay Area native Arieh Berl. Shimmertraps - indie pop, dream pop and psychedelic pop. 7pm. $20 presale $30 Door.

16

Saturday

Austin Mercantile Saturday Afternoon Live Music Austin Mercantile is now adding live music on Saturdays! Serving wine, beer, lite happy hour menu, gifts and home decor. Hope to see you soon! 4:30-6:30pm. Free.

Bridge 99 Brewery Live Music Saturday at Bridge 99 Come enjoy live music at Bridge 99 Brewery in NE Bend. Rotating musicians, check our FB for who’s playing! Grab a beer and a pizza and enjoy our amazing local and traveling musicians! Looking for a location to play solo or with a band? Email events@bridge99brewery.com for more information. 6:30-8:30pm. Free.

Continuum, A School of Shadow Yoga Sufi Circle live music Join us for an evening of meditation and connection at the Sufi Circle gathering. Experience guided practices, soulful music, and moments of reflection in a welcoming space. Open to all, this donation-based event invites you to explore inner peace and community. 6-8pm. Free.

Craft Kitchen & Brewery Nate Ford Live Join World Famous Comic Nate Ford and a couple of local legends bringing the hilarity to Craft Kitchen & Brewery in Bend.. 8-10pm. $15-Online/$20-Door.

Northside Bar & Grill The Up Shot Classic rock and outlaw country from The Up Shot at Northside Bar & Grill. 8-11pm. Free.

River’s Place Saturday Jazz Sessions Ivie-Gardner Trio and contemporary jazz that’s deeply rooted in the post-bop and hard bop traditions, bringing in a flavor of hip-hop and groove into the mix. 6-8pm. Free.

The Round Butte Inn Chasin’ Bandits at Round Butte Inn featuring guest vocalist Christie Strode Come out and hear your favorite country, rock and Southern rock tunes. Bandits will be joined by a talented guest vocalist Christie Strode. RBI features a pub-style menu, dance floor, pool tables and lottery. 8-11pm. Free.

Volcanic Theatre Pub Terrapin Flyer - 25th Anniversary Tour For the past 25 years Terrapin Flyer has been touring with the finest in the Grateful Dead community of musicians and has become a fixture of the national music scene, playing regularly at venues around the country and appearing at music festivals. 7pm. $25 presale $35 Door.

17 Sunday

The Astro Lounge Local Artist Spotlight Sundays This is a chance to listen to Central Oregon’s newest and upcoming local artists. They have earned their spot to perform a two-hour show, changing weekly, every Sunday. Support local top notch talent! 7-9pm. Free.

Courtesy Karina Rykman FB

CALENDAR EVENTS

Bridge 99 Brewery Open Mic Comedy at Bridge 99 Get ready for a night of belly laughs at Bridge 99 Brewery! Join us for our Comedy Open Mic Night, hosted by the hilarious Hopper, now every Sunday! Whether you’re a seasoned comedian, trying stand-up for the first time, or just looking for a fun night out, this is the perfect stage for you. 7pm. Free.

The Commons Cafe & Taproom Trivia Night Sunday Funday Trivia with Sean. Gather your team, or roll solo and find a spot early in the cafe, knowledge tests begin at 6pm. Prizes for 1st and 2nd place. 6-8pm. Free.

River’s Place Trivia Sunday Fun at River’s Place at 12 Noon This is no average trivia, it’s Useless Knowledge Bowl! Meet up this Sunday for 12 noon start to win gift card prizes for top teams! Come play and experience what sets us apart! No fee to play. Cold beverages in the taproom, and an abundance of great food truck options. Noon-2pm. Free.

River’s Place Faisal Killer covers from Faisal. 5-7pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Open Mic at the Moon Get a taste of the big time! Sign-up is at 4pm! Come check out the biggest and baddest open mic night in Bend! 5-8pm. Free.

Unofficial Logging Co. Sunday Matinee Live Music Series Sunday Matinee Live Music Series. Presented by Unofficial Logging Co. and DMM Music LLC. Come listen to some of Central Oregon’s finest musicians for free at this family friendly downtown venue. 5-7pm. Free.

Volcanic Theatre Pub Bar Stool Preachers vs. Bite Me Bambi - A Spoonful of Ska Tour Bar Stool Preachers is a British band that blends skapunk with punk rock and elements of reggae. Bite Me Bambi is a California-based band known for its lively, upbeat ska sound with strong influences of pop-punk. 7pm. $15 presale $25 door.

18 Monday

Bevel Craft Brewing Bingo with Bren Supporting Central Oregon Veterans Ranch As we honor our veterans this month (and always), we are proud to support Central Oregon Veterans Ranch this month at Bingo with Bren! Central Oregon Veterans Ranch helps veterans develop their inner strength and find purpose by providing camaraderie and access to nature on our working ranch. 6-8pm. $2.

Bridge 99 Brewery Trivia Mondays at Bridge 99 Trivia Mondays at 6:30pm at Bridge 99 Brewery with Useless Knowledge Bowl. It’s no ordinary trivia night, Team up to win house gift cards! Great brews, cocktails, and more. Inhouse menu and food truck options available! It’s free to play. Indoor and outdoor seating available. 63063 Layton Ave, Bend. 6:30-8:30pm. Free.

Bunk+Brew Open Mic Show off your talent at Bunk + Brew’s Open Mic Night, happening every Monday! Whether you’re a musician, poet, or comedian, the stage is yours. Grab a drink, share your skills, and enjoy a night of local talent! 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 Wine 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 Free Pool + all day Happy Hour! Free pool Mondays! All-day Happy Hour, free pool with any purchase, and unbeatable deals on drinks and bites! Enjoy delicious eats, ice-cold brews, and game day vibes with football on and the sound up. Don’t miss out- Mondays just got way better! 2pm-Midnight. 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.

19 Tuesday

Bangers & Brews Redmond Tuesday Night Trivia This is no ordinary trivia night...it’s useless knowledge bowl! Enjoy yummy menu specials, brews, ciders and cocktails, too! Plenty of game displays. Outdoor patio available(weather permitting). Team up this week, see what sets our trivia apart! Play for top team gift card prizes! No fee to participate, bring a pen/pencil. 6:308:30pm. Free.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend Bend Ecstatic

Dance An all-out, full-on, spectacular music and free-form movement journey happens every Tuesday on one of the biggest dance floors in Bend. A no-booze and no-shoes venue. No experience required, no dance instructions given. Just really excellent music curation and a big, clean floor to explore your unique movement across. 7:45-10pm. $15-$25 sliding scale.

Bunk+Brew Trivia: The Four Elements Test your knowledge at Bunk + Brew’s themed trivia night this Tuesday from 7-9pm! This week’s theme: The Four Elements—Wind, Earth, Air, and Fire. Gather your team, grab some drinks, and see if you’ve got what it takes to master the elements. Fun, food, and prizes await! 7-9pm. Free.

The Cellar-A Porter Brewing Company

Open MICC Presented by Bend Underground Comedy Club Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month you can enjoy or participate in THE MICC, a Comedy Open Mic presented by Bend Underground Comedy Club at The Cellar in Downtown Bend. Come and see local comics trying out their sharpest 3-5 minute sets. It’s free to attend and perform! Every other Tuesday, 6:30-8:30pm. Free (donations welcome).

The Commons Cafe & Taproom Storytellers 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.

Moonfire & Sun Garden Center

PLANT TRIVIA IN THE GREENHOUSE Back by popular request! Come test your plant knowledge to see if you can win the grand prize! $5 per person. Teams are encouraged. Personal food and beverage spreads are welcome. There is limited space so sign up now. Call or stop by the store to pay for your spot. 6-8am. $5 per person.

Northside Bar & Grill Karaoke with DJ Chris Karaoke Night with DJ Chris 6-8pm. Free.

Open Space Event Studios World Muse Presents The Night Light Show with Shanan Kelley & Magnificent Guests Please join World Muse and The Night Light Show for an evening of comedy and community celebrating Central Oregon folks inspiring positive social change. This event will honor the work of local organizations that support Central Oregon youth. 6-8pm. $10-$50.

River’s Place Movie Night! Cozy up inside our tap house for some awesome classics. Each movie we will feature a themed cocktail! 11/19- Knives Out, 12/3- Scrooged, 12/10- Die Hard, 12/17 Office Christmas Party. 4 big screen TVs and a projector screen. No bad seats in the house. 6pm. Free.

The Lot TRIVIA TUESDAY @ The Lot Join your trivia loving peeps on the heated benches for a fun Tuesday evening out! Six categories with six questions each. Every Tuesday from November to end of April. 6-8pm. Free.

Worthy Brewing Head Games Trivia Night Join for live multi-media trivia every Monday night. Win prizes. Teams up to 6 players. 7-9pm. Free.

MUSIC

The Cascade Horizon Band Fall Concert The Cascade Horizon Band will perform its Annual Fall Concert. Come hear a march, a toe-tapping Latin piece, our tribute to the armed forces and much more. Something for everyone! Nov. 17, 2-4pm. Mountain View High School Auditorium, 2755 NE 27th St., Bend. Contact: 541-410-3323. dickchara@gmail.com. Free. Donations welcome..

COCC Big Band Jazz Fall Concert The Central Oregon Community College Big Band Jazz fall concert will feature the music of Bill Holman and plenty of swinging solos! Admission is free (donations are appreciated). COCC Big Band Jazz is dedicated to bringing classic and modern big-band jazz music to audiences of all ages. Nov. 16, 7-8:30pm. Wille Hall, Coats Campus Center, COCC Bend Campus, Bend, Bend. Contact: 541383-7700. info@centraloregonjazz.org. Free.

FILM EVENTS

BOOM: A Film About The Sonics Boom chronicles one of rock ‘n’ roll’s wildest and most influential bands: The Sonics. For the first time ever, all five original members explore how a relatively unknown band from the Pacific Northwest became a worldwide phenomenon 50-years later, shaping music for decades to come. Featuring interviews with homegrown heroes. Nov. 13, 6:30-8pm. Sisters Movie House, 720 Desperado Court, Sisters. Contact: 541-549-8833. inquiries@sistersmoviehouse.com. $16.

Girl Winter Film Tour Girl Winter tour stops will make you want to start planning dawn patrols and lift laps for this upcoming season right this second! Each event will showcase 6 films followed by a Q+A and poster signing with the athletes and filmmakers who brought the films to life. Nov. 18, 5:30pm. Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century Dr., Bend. $20.

ARTS + CRAFTS

Art at Wildwood with Niqi Krystine Emerging artist Niqi Krystine is proud to present her debut art exhibition in her hometown of Bend. This special showcase will be held at Wildwood, the newest culinary hotspot in the Box Factory, creating the perfect setting for an evening of art and delicious cuisine. Nov. 15, 6-9am. Wildwood Bar & Grill, 550 SW Industrial Way #120, Bend. Contact: info@niqikrystine.com. Free.

Create a Beautiful Succulent Pumpkin at the Vineyard! Harvest is done and fall is definitely here! Come join us for a fun Succulent Pumpkin Workshop! The workshop will walk you through the process of selecting your succulents, and how to place and secure them into your pumpkin. Your final pumpkin will be a beautiful gift or centerpiece. Nov. 15, 4-6pm. Faith, Hope and Charity Vineyards and Events, 70450 NW Lower Valley Dr., Terrebonne. Contact: 541-5265075. marketing@fhcvineyards.com. $45.

Fall Art Show & Sale Discover paintings, woodworks, jewelry, textiles, glassware and more at the Fall Art Show and Sale. Find one-of-a-kind gifts and join the raffle! Admission is free and all raffle proceeds go to DCAA’s Jumpstart Art initiative which provides art education to all Redmond elementary school kids. Nov. 16, 10am-5pm and Nov. 17, 10am-4pm. Redmond High School, 675 SW Rimrock Way, Redmond. Contact: 970-290-6312. events2@drycanyonarts.org. Free.

Holiday Cards: Cut Paper Designs! Join us this December for a family-friendly holiday card-making event! Led by Anastasia, you’ll learn to create various beautiful cut paper card designs—perfect for impressing friends and family this holiday season. Get ready to unleash your creativity and make some unforgettable cards! Nov. 19, 5:15-7pm. FREAK’N ART, 1265 NW Wall st., Bend. Contact: 541-508-7438. hellofreaknart@gmail.com. $50.

Women Only - Intro to Welding Our Women’s only Intro to Welding class introduces students to MIG (GMAW / Wire Feed) welding, a widely used and versatile process that is perfect for beginners wanting to start on their own metal fabrication projects. Designed for beginners who want to gain confidence in our metal shop. Nov. 19, 6-8pm. DIY Cave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 541-388-2283. classes@diycave. com. $129.

PRESENTATIONS + EXHIBITS

Enneagram 101 An amalgam of information gathered from the study of various teachings, spiritual practices and writings dating as far back as 5,000 years, the Enneagram helps to understand how and why behaviors and internal messages motivate our lives. his class will serve as an introductory. Nov. 19, 4-5pm. Downtown Bend Public Library - Brooks Room, 601 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-312-1063. beccar@dpls. lib.or.us. Free..

St. Charles hosts Native Market, land acknowledgment presentation Community members throughout Central Oregon are invited to a day of celebration in recognition of Native American, American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage month at St. Charles Madras. The celebration will include a Native Market with 10 artisan vendors from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, complimentary fry bread tacos and a presentation of the new land acknowledgment and artwork in the hospital’s Galleria. Nov. 14, 11am-3pm. Madras St. Charles, Metolius Conference Room, 470 NE A St., Madras. Free.

Hailing from the Bay Area, Pink Skies is an indie and pop band that creates genre-bending, escapism pop music that was heavily inspired by the outdoors, backpacking and surfing. Fri., Nov. 15, 7pm at Volcanic Theatre Pub.
Courtesy Pink Skies FB

THEATER

Sunriver Stars Presents “Huckleberry Finn” Nov. 14-16 Sunriver Stars Community Theater will close the season with its annual fall production, “Huckleberry Finn,” at The Door Three Rivers, The play is a musical version of Mark Twain’s classic story of the adventures of Huck and Tom featuring both youth and adult performers. Nov. 14-15, 7-9:30pm and Sat, Nov. 16, 2-4:30pm. 56885 Enterprise Rd., Sunriver. Contact: info@sunriverstars.org. $15-$20.

WORDS

COCC Native American Heritage Month Native American Veteran Voices, Willie Hall, Coats Campus Center. “What Was Ours” Film Screening, Hitchcock Auditorium, Pioneer Hall. Learn about Native American Culture by visiting one of the COCC campuses throughout the month. Fri, Nov. 15, 6-7pm and Thu, Nov. 21, 6-7:30pm. COCC, 2600 NW College Way, Bend. Contact: 541-318-3782. jrector@cocc.edu. Free. Into the Thaw by Jon Waterman Join bestselling author and photographer Jon Waterman to learn about his return to the Arctic after 40 years to document the changes wreaked by the climate crisis. Amid the chaos, he reunites with the wonders of this magical—but fragile— ecosystem. Nov. 14, 6:30-7:30pm. Roundabout Books, 900 NW Mount Washington Dr., #110, Bend. Contact: 541-306-6564. julie@roundaboutbookshop.com. $5.

ETC.

Comedy Night with Bend’s Best Comedians at Jia Asian Street Kitchen

Join a dinner, late night happy hour at JIA Asian Street Kitchen and get ready for an evening full of laughter with Bend’s best comedians! We recommend making reservations online: www. jiastreetkitchen.com Nov. 13, 7:30-9:30pm. JIĀ Asian Street Kitchen, 19570 Amber Meadow Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-241-7172. hello@jiastreetkitchen.com. $15.

Herbal Medicine Making Workshop: Formulating Medicinal Teas Join Dr. Ashley at The Peoples Apothecary to learn how to make nourishing, herbal remedies. Herbal tea is a timeless way to use herbal medicine safely and effectively for all ages. Take this single workshop or all four in the series! Nov. 15, 5-6:30pm. The Peoples Apothecary, 1841 NE Division Street, Bend. Contact: 541-728-2368. classes@thepeoplesapothecary.net. $65.

OUTDOOR EVENTS

Cultural Landscape Training Path: Increase Respect for the Land The Cultural Landscape Training Path is a free and public tool created for those who wish to encourage larger involvement of Indigenous partners in projects on Ancestral lands. This resource helps hikers understand the steps being taken by professionals to open their hearts and minds to Indigenous ways of being. Nov. 14, 5-6:30pm. Contact: 541-638-0671. renee@longdistancetrailconsulting.com. Free.

GROUPS + MEETUPS

45+ Singles Mingle & Speed Dating Calling all 45+ Central Oregon singles! Join us every 3rd Friday for Speed Dating & Singles Mingle. Enjoy great wines and stimulating conversations! Third Friday of every month, 6-8pm. Through Nov. 15. The Bend Wine Bar & Winery Tasting Room, 550 SW Industrial Way, Suite 194, Bend. Contact: info@bendwinebar.com. $5 plus beverages.

Open Hub Singing Join the anciently familiar practice of singing together! All voices welcome and wanted exactly as they are at this free non-performance, non-audition group singing event. Singing is just slow talking! No previous singing experience required. All songs taught through call-and-echo. Expect beautiful, joyous harmonies, rounds, layer songs and more. Wed, Nov. 13, 6:15-7:45pm. High Desert Music Hall, 818 SW Forest Ave, Redmond. Contact: 541312-1029. laurelw@deschuteslibrary.org. Free.

NOV 15 AT 6PM

FUNDRAISING

Bingo for Veterans A fun family-friendly Bingo Night with proceeds benefiting Central Oregon Veterans Ranch! Win prizes, cash and support our these local heroes. Bingo cards are $2 each or 6 for $10, with daubers supplied. Second Wednesday of every month, 6:30-8:30pm and Fourth Wednesday of every month. Otto’s Landing, 652 NW 7th St., Redmond. Contact: 541-699-1307. ottosredmond@gmail.com. Free.

Flannel & Frost Dinner & Auction: Benefiting Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend

Mark your calendars for Nov. 16 as we celebrate 30 years of community impact at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend’s annual Flannel & Frost dinner and auction! Tickets are on sale now—purchase a single seat or reserve a table of 8. Nov. 16, 5-9pm. Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend, 500 NE Wall Street, Bend. Contact: 541-617-2877. Alice@bgcbend.org. $150.

Get Wild Chili Cookoff! Join Think Wild for our Get Wild Chili Cook-Off, a fun, delicious fall fundraiser to support our work to protect and care for native wildlife. Guests will sample and vote on their favorite chilis, soups, and sides. Wine, beer, seltzer, and N/A beverages available for purchase. Nov. 16, 4-8pm. Aspen Hall, 18920 Northwest Shevlin Park Rd., Bend. Contact: 541668-6165. molly@thinkwildco.org. $30.

EVENTS + MARKETS

Christmas Market The Westside Christmas Market, happening in Westside Church Atrium, will feature over 40 local vendors offering hand-crafted and unique gift items. This will be a festive community opportunity to connect with family and friends while shopping for Christmas gifts and other treasures. Nov. 16, 9am-3pm. Westside Church, 2051 NW Shevlin Park Road, Bend. Contact: 541382-7504. tkruger@westsidechurch.org. Free.

Holiday Shopping Pop-Up Come to this holiday pop-up sale to get a head start on your holiday shopping! Everything is 15% off! This store is located on a 10-acre lavender farm in the heart of Tumalo. Lavender baked goods, warm beverages plus free giveaways! Sat, Nov. 16, 10am-4pm and Sat, Dec. 7, 10am-4pm. Tumalo Lavender, 19825 Connarn Road, Bend. Contact: 541-383-2441. info@tumalolavender.com. Free.

Home for Christmas Holiday Bazaar Our third annual Home For Christmas Holiday Bazaar has been extended to a 2nd weekend due to its huge popular success. Our holiday craft show will have the same great vendors selling homemade goodies, vintage decor, handmade crafts, Christmas decor, jewelry, nail sets, macrame, woodworking and so much more. Nov. 15, 9am-4pm and Nov. 16, 9am-4pm. 674 NE Penn Ave, Bend. Contact: 541-640-9066. Free.

FAMILY + KIDS

Kids’ Entrepreneur Fall Market A market run entirely by kids ages 5-17. You will find gifts, artisan craft, graphic arts, services, games, food, drinks, jewelry, and more. Come support young entrepreneurs. Free to attend. $10 to participate. Nov. 17, 2:30-5pm. Downtown Bend Public Library - Brooks Room, 601 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: kidsentrepreneurmarket@ gmail.com. Free.

Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day On Thursday, Nov. 14, students and families are encouraged to walk to school, joining together to demonstrate a shared commitment to ending racism. Walking to school in Ruby’s honor allows students to reflect and participate in dialog about Ruby’s journey while supporting today’s efforts toward positive change. Nov. 14, 7:10-8am. Contact: info@commuteoptions.org. Free.

Holiday Makers Market at Immersion Brewing Join Immersion Brewing for a Holiday Makers Market. There are over 20 amazing vendors linedup for a magical market filled with music, flash tattoos, raffles and prizes. Proceeds from this event benefit Bend’s Family Kitchen. Nov. 16, 3-7pm. Immersion Brewing, 550 SW Industrial Way, Bend. Contact: 541-633-7821. events@imbrewing.com. Free.

BEER + DRINK

Green Bay Packer Football Come watch the Green Bay Packers at the only GBP establishment in Central Oregon against the Chicago Bears on Sun., Nov. 17 with sound. We open at 9am for 10am games. Wisconsin cheese curds, brats, Full bar and 12 taps. Family-friendly, NFL Sunday ticket all fans welcome. Nov. 17, 9am7pm. Bangers & Brews Redmond, 827 SW 7th St, Redmond. Free.

Pint Night & Adoption Event at The Abbey at Monkless Belgian Ales Join us for an unforgettable evening of good beer, delicious food, and adorable pups looking for their forever homes! On Fri, Nov.,15, we’re teaming up with Street Dog Hero for a special Pint Night & Adoption event from 4-7pm at The Abbey at Monkless Belgian Ales. Nov. 15, 4-7pm. The Abbey at Monkless Belgian Ales, 900 SE Wilson Avenue, Suite H, Bend. Free.

Tough Love 2024 Beer Release Celebrating the release of Tough Love 2024. Meet the brewers, meet the artist behind the bottle’s artwork, enjoy a tasting, indulge in a vertical flight featuring the last four years of Tough Love, and more. Nov. 15, 5-7pm. Crux Fermentation Project, 50 SW Division St., Bend. Contact: 541385-3333. Free.

HEALTH + WELLNESS

Full Moon Sound Bath Join Wendy Schmitt on a deep journey to your inner sensory system. Free yourself from attachments, open your mind and expand your vision through sound/vibration. Expect only a short amount of light movement/ breathing before laying down comfortably the rest of class. Nov. 17, 7-8:15pm. Bend Hot Yoga, 1230 NE 3rd St. UnitA230, Bend. Contact: yoga@ bendhotyoga.com. $20.

The Spirit and Science of Happiness There is a fascinating nexus between the ancient and contemporary wisdom of healers, philosophers, and spiritual leaders on what it means to live a happy and fulfilling life. Nov. 15, 6:30-8pm. Hanai Center, 62430 Eagle Road, Bend. Contact: 541-668-6494. anthony@anthonypoponi.com. $20-$25.

NOV 19 AT 5:30PM

The award-winning ‘80s rock performer Sting announced a two-night performance in Bend during his 3.0 Tour next year. Sun., May 25 and Mon., May 26, 7pm at Hayden Homes Amphitheater.
Courtesy Sting FB

GUNG HO

Wintervention: Hoodoo’s SnowFilled Giveaway Series Brings

Excitement to Central Oregon

With stops across Oregon, Hoodoo’s Wintervention series has prizes from ski passes to winter gear and “snow much” to offer

As winter draws closer in Central Oregon, anticipation builds with each passing day. Shorter daylight hours, brisker mornings and fresh snow blanketing the mountains signal the coming of ski season.

Hoodoo Ski Resort is fueling the excitement with Wintervention, a dynamic giveaway series featuring 22 events across nine locations. This year’s series includes a stop at Wild Ride Brewing on Thursday., Nov. 21, from 6-8pm, promising an evening of festivities for winter enthusiasts.

The inspiration for Wintervention dates back 24 years to a “Pray for Snow” party in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, which has since evolved into a multi-county event involving 45 partners, six other resorts and a prize pool worth over $100,000.

“It’s one of the many ways Hoodoo gives back,” says Jennifer Davis, owner of Breaking Free Media and marketing director at Hoodoo Ski Area. “Wintervention is our way of saying thank you to our community. We want to bring people together, fire up the excitement and hope for an epic snow season.”

Hoodoo Ski Resort has long been committed to creating a family-friendly environment that welcomes everyone, from seasoned skiers to newcomers. The free, all-ages Wintervention event features Hoodoo’s mascot Harold the Hodag, alongside

his pals Yeti and Sass, providing a fun atmosphere for kids and adults alike. Guests can enjoy Warren Miller movies, complete with blooper reels, and join in winter trivia and “Snowballers Bingo,” for a chance to win big prizes. Proceeds from trivia and bingo help support scholarships for the Snowdays Foundation, a nonprofit that empowers youth through snowboarding.

Prizes up for grabs throughout the series include overnight stays at Black Butte Ranch, skis and snowboards from Tactics, gift cards to Luckey’s Woodsman, overnight stays at Five Pine Lodge, Blackstrap gear and more.

Hoodoo Ski Resort is hoping to open for the 2024-2025 season on Nov. 29, over Thanksgiving weekend, depending on weather conditions. Follow along on Hoodoo’s website and social media for further updates. Hoodoo’s Wintervention series runs until Jan. 9, offering plenty of opportunities for the community to come together, celebrate the season and get ready for another year on the slopes.

Get ready for fun, excitement and lots of giveaways during Wintervention.
Jennifer Davis

ICHOW

Give My Regards to Ryoshi Ryoshi Sushi & Izakaya is

t’s Sunday night, and in most quarters of Bend that would mean quiet diners, empty tables and a vibe of everything being ready to tuck into a pre-Monday slumber. But that’s not the case at Ryoshi Sushi & Izakaya, located in the complex housing the Bend Factory Stores on the south side of Bend. In here, on this Sunday, we’re not getting a seat at one of the tall, wood-slatted booths, or even the sushi bar. All of those spots are taken by diners who obviously are more up on the latest in the Bend culinary scene than I am.

Ryoshi opened in Bend in July and quickly gained a following that means it’s a lively place to be, even on an otherwise-lonely Sunday night. I might have been late to the party, but I’m sure glad I joined in.

Inside the restaurant is a large board that boasts the special fish they’re currently serving — much of it flown in fresh from Hawaii or Japan, the staff told me. On the night of my visit, Butter Fish, Red Snapper and Amberjack were among the recommended specials to try. On the menu are a host of the standard rolls, nigiri and other favorites one might expect, but also, a special menu of 10 “signature” rolls, featuring some of the most creative rolls I’ve experienced in the region. Between the board and the signature rolls, it proves to be difficult decision time. And once I take my first bite, deciding what to cut out of my desired order, rather than deciding what TO order, is the biggest challenge.

My dining partner and I started out with classic appetizers: Seaweed Salad and Vegetable Tempura, both delightful. The Seaweed Salad is bright and a tad crunchy — a far cry from the sticky sweet, mushy mess sometimes served elsewhere — and the Vegetable Tempura is crisp without too much batter. It, too, doesn’t go soft; each bite of vegetable cooked just right and not overdone, with a mellow dipping sauce that lets the veggies be the star. It’s clearly going to be a hearty dinner night, because we weren’t even off the appetizer menu just yet and had to order another: Tuna Carpaccio, served up in thickish slices with fresh sprouts and jalapenos on top. The fish is melt-in-your mouth — an indication of its quick trip across the Pacific and onto my plate. Breathing deeply, with plenty of appetizers behind us, I *think* we’re ready to move onto the main courses.

After staring at the specials board for about the amount of time it would take to drive to the Pacific Ocean myself, the staff recommends the Butter Fish, and I acquiesce. It comes as a piece of sushi, buttery as advertised and with a few small dots of fish roe and green onion. It’s heaven in a bite. Next up are the specialty rolls, which were special indeed. Ryoshi’s Sunset Roll starts off with a bed of battered and fried rice, topped with spicy tuna, masago, avocado and tempura

growing a solid following on the south side of

Bend

by

flakes. This one is a keeper. You should order it. We followed that up with the Ryoshi Roll — I mean, you have to try the eponymous roll, right? — another keeper, featuring seared salmon, salmon, jalapenos, avocado and masago.

All along the way, Ryoshi’s kind and attentive staff was there to help us stuff ourselves full of all that flown-in fish. But perhaps that’s not a surprise, considering that Ryoshi is owned by Shu Zhen Chen, who also owns the Sora Sushi locations in Bend, Redmond and Prineville. While Ryoshi is not the place to go for the sushi-train style fare one finds at Sora, it’s clear that all that experience has lent itself to a more refined offering on the south side of Bend.

Ryoshi Sushi & Izakaya

61334 S. Hwy. 97 #360, Bend Wed-Mon 11:30am-9:30pm 541-306-4411 ryoshisushibend.com

Above, Ryoshi Sushi offers a full bar – and space to sit at said bar –inside the Bend location on the south side of Bend. Middle right, when visiting a new sushi spot, it’s always advisable to try the roll named after the restaurant. Bottom, The Sunset Roll is a banger, with a bed of crispy sushi rice cradling the fresh tuna and other additions.
Photos
Nicole Vulcan

LITTLE BITES

Soup for You, Soup for a Neighbor in Need

Central Oregon Soup Company opens on east side

Anew venture is warming up bellies from Bend’s east side — and helping neighbors in need while they’re at it. Paul Hegg opened Central Oregon Soup Company at the beginning of November, featuring hot soups, “little dippers” — something of a combo of breadsticks and a sandwich, for dipping into soup — along with pasta salads and drinks. Soup flavors we tried included Chili, Chicken and Wild Rice, Italian Sausage Garbanzo and Spinach, Thai Peanut Curry and more.

Hegg is also introducing a unique pay-it-forward concept, called Help a Neighbor in Need. Pay for a bowl of soup for the Help a Neighbor program (and pay half price for it) and once the business has amassed 5 gallons’ worth of soup, they deliver it to a local hunger relief partner.

“These soups will be very hearty and healthy rotated between different

“I have been running restaurants for the past 20ish years, most recently as GM at Sunriver Pub in Sunriver,” Hegg told the Source Weekly. “I have always wanted to start my own place.”

groups in the community supporting hunger relief efforts,” the company describes on its website.

Central Oregon Soup Company is open Monday through Friday 11am to 3pm. Online ordering is available.

Central Oregon Soup Company

2525 NE Twin Knolls Dr. #2, Bend Open Mon-Fri 11am-3pm 541-668-4703

centraloregonsoupcompany.com

Indian Grocery Items at Real Taste of India

Bend adds to its flavor offerings with sundries inside Indian restaurant

Real Taste of India, the Indian restaurant located along OB Riley Road in Bend, now has more to offer. The business announced this week that it’s now offering Indian grocery items, adding more flavor variety to a city that until recently didn’t have its own market dedicated to Asian foods. (With the opening of Tomi Mart, that was alleviated earlier this year.)

Real Taste of India offers a twice-daily buffet of Indian foods, served up from 11am to 3pm and then 4:30pm to 9:30pm at its location inside the Shilo Inn and Suites in Bend. The new Indian market is open during business hours.

Real Taste of India

3105 OB Riley Rd., Bend

Open Tue-Sun 11am-3pm, 4:30-9:30pm, Mon 4-10pm

541-208-2504

realtasteofindiabend.com

Courtesy Central Oregon Soup Co. FB
Courtesy Real Taste of India

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• You’ll receive a special thank you offer from one of our sponsors.

• A total of $30k in awards will be given to the participating nonprofits.

SCAN TO VISIT

SC Robots, Smiles, Heretics and Last Dances A November theatrical roundup

This weekend I caught four movies in a row at the theater and now my entire brain feels funny. Here’s what I saw:

The Wild Robot: At the bookstore I work at, we’re constantly selling copies of the 2016 novel by Peter Brown to kids so excited to read it that they’re bursting to get out of the store and bury their brains in the book. Now I get why. “The Wild Robot” tells the story of a helper robot named Rez who accidentally ends up in the forest trying to do things for animals that are only terrified and confused by her. Any film that tries to teach the youth lessons about non-violence and how to cultivate a peaceful existence is OK by me.

Smile 2: The first “Smile” was easily one of the spookiest movies I’ve seen in the last couple years, so maybe I was unrealistically excited for the new one, but I found the sequel to be a bit of a mixed bag. While writer/director Parker Finn has serious talent and is definitely

trying to infuse modern, dreadsoaked horror with a formalist Kubrickian vibe, he’s still so new as a filmmaker that the seams are showing in his influences. Fun in the moment, but ultimately nothing too memorable.

Venom-The Last Dance: This series has always been buoyed by astonishing talents (the first film was shot by the great cinematographer Matthew Libatique and scored by certified genius Ludwig Göransson, the second was directed by Gollum himself, Andy Serkis, and shot by Rob ert Richardson.) Nothing about the “Venom” movies seems to have earned this level of talent behind the camera. Too bad that level of talent was curated for the screenwriters who, led by Kelly Marcel, do a great job crafting a fun ny and charming relationship

between Eddie Brock (Hardy) and his alien parasite (voiced by Hardy), but the stories they’re asked to participate in are ridiculous. Basically, I like these movies more than I actually respect them.

Heretic: Why hasn’t Hugh Grant been making creepy psychological thrillers for years? “Heretic” follows two young Mormon women (the flawless Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) who visit an Englishman in his deceptively large home in an attempt to win him over to the church. What begins as a discussion between the three about the history of organized religion and its effects on society ends up slowly twisting into a dangerous game of cat, mouse and mouse. From the tightly written and unpredictable script to the three excellent central performances and the assured direction from Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, “Heretic” is an absolute blast.

Venom:

Now Playing at Regal Old

Redmond Cinema, Odem Theater Pub, Madras Cinema 5

Heretic:

Dir. Scott Beck & Bryan Woods

Grade: A-

Now Playing at Regal Old Mill, Madras Cinema 5.

The Wild Robot Dir. Chris Sanders Grade: B+
Now Playing at Regal Old Mill, Redmond Cinema
Smile 2
Dir. Parker Finn Grade: C+
Now Playing at Regal Old Mill, Redmond Cinema, Madras Cinema 5
The Last Dance: Dir. Kelly Marcel Grade: C+
Mill,
Dance
Courtesy of Dreamworks
Courtesy ofSony

highdesertmuseum.org

Rubber Rabbits and Cornbread The many uses and attributes of an overlooked high desert plant

My head is crooked upward more often in autumn, my eye drawn toward vibrant trees. But when I venture to look down, I see beautiful crunchy fallen leaves and one of the most abundant and obvious plants blooming throughout Oregon’s high desert in fall: the rubber, or gray, rabbitbrush.

Gray rabbitbrush, or Ericameria nauseosa, is a tough but rather delicate-looking, multi-stemmed shrubby plant covered in long, thin, grayish-green leaves. But come autumn, you’ll find it seasonally topped with abundant sprays of vibrant yellow flowers. Practically glowing along sidewalks and riversides, plants are typically about 24 inches tall, with five to 30 stems in a cluster. Plant appearances vary a good deal due to growing conditions and location, with additional variability coming from the many varieties and sub-species.

Commonly referred to as chamisa elsewhere in the arid West, gray rabbitbrush is a member of the huge and diverse Aster/Asteracea family, as is sagebrush and other members of the dryland plant community. However, the Ericameria genus is a recent reclassification, so you or your older botany book may know it by its former designation, Chrysothamnus.

By whatever name, gray rabbitbrush is ubiquitous throughout high desert landscapes, and it is quite attractive when in bloom. However, it’s often overlooked. Associated with the “typical” dryland community of big sagebrush, Great Basin wild rye and various bunch grasses, it thrives in many soil types and at a range of moisture levels. Most notably, it’s tolerant of disturbances that harm other fragile native desert vegetation like grazing, vehicles and fire. It’s not uncommon to see long stretches of highways, backroads, fence lines and building sites with thick stands of gray rabbitbrush, noticeable especially now because of the abundant bright yellow flower clusters.

Gray rabbitbrush is heavily utilized by a great many bee, wasp, beetle, moth and butterfly species feeding on its nectar and pollen into the late October blooming period when most other plants are bloomed out. Rabbitbrush is only lightly and occasionally used by vertebrate herbivores during the summer. However, in winter its remaining foliage can provide vital forage when other more desirable plants are depleted or buried in snow. Native animals who utilize rabbitbrush include deer, elk and pronghorn for browsing, jack

rabbit who find protective shelter in dense stands, several species of birds foraging and sheltering in it, and lizards hunting in the litter.

In addition to the animal and insects who utilize the plant, Native peoples made—and many still make— medicinal tea, chewing gum and bright yellow dye from the flowers, as do contemporary wool artisans. It’s even reported that some Indigenous communities bake leaves into their cornbread to help it lighten up and rise. It’s suspected that the leaves, like some other gray arid land plants and juniper berries, host yeasts contributing to this phenomenon.

Gray rabbitbrush also makes for an easy and pretty landscape plant because it’s tough, water-thrifty, deep-rooted and reasonably well-behaved. The plant can re-sprout from the base if mowed or burned, and while rabbitbrush readily spreads from small, airborne seeds, it’s pretty easy to weed out unwanted extras. The quick growth contributes leaf litter quickly, adding valuable nutrients to soils and enriching the habitat for

other plant species to follow.

Lastly, gray rabbitbrush, also known as rubber rabbitbrush, was indeed named for some natural rubber compounds it contains. The plant has been occasionally considered a source of rubber, especially during the two world wars. Recent research has investigated its suitability as a substitute for latex in surgical gloves and even as a source of biofuels, since the plant contains many volatile compounds.

All in all, grey rabbitbrush is a fascinating, and vital member of high desert plant communities. The native shrub promotes healthy habitats for high desert wildlife and insects, and it makes for a colorful addition to autumn’s seasonal display. Learn more about what makes a healthy high desert and how to care for desert lands, waters and wildlife at onda.org.

— Scott Bowler is a retired science educator and volunteer with Oregon Natural Desert Association, a nonprofit organization that protects and restores Oregon's high desert public lands and waters.

Hikers will find pops of grey rabbitbrush showing off their seasonal yellows amid desert shrubs.
Jeremy Austin

CR

CRAFT Batched Cocktails Perfectly prepped recipes for stress-free holiday gatherings

I’m all about batched cocktails—they keep me from getting stuck in the kitchen and let me enjoy the party just as much as everyone else. And what better holiday for a crowd-pleasing setup than Thanksgiving! With lots of guests to serve and plenty of side dishes and pies to keep an eye on, batched cocktails are the perfect way to keep the drinks flowing and the vibe festive.

Here are a few of my favorite crowd-pleasing cocktail and mocktail recipes, featuring delicious fall flavors perfect for your Thanksgiving gathering. These recipes can be made ahead of time and served from a pitcher, punch bowl or dispenser, allowing guests to help themselves as they please.

Spiced Pumpkin Fizz

This spiced vodka punch combines the rich flavors of chai, pumpkin and warm spices with a refreshing fizzy twist.

• 2 cups strong brewed decaf chai tea (cooled)

• 1 cup vodka

• 1/2 cup Velvet Falernum

• 1/2 cup simple syrup

• 1/4 cup pumpkin pie shrub (find the recipe here or sub with your favorite fall-flavored shrub)

• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree

• 1 cup ginger ale

In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the brewed chai, vodka, Velvet Falernum, simple syrup, pumpkin pie shrub and pumpkin puree. Stir well to ensure the pumpkin puree is fully incorporated. Refrigerate for at least two hours to chill and allow the flavors to meld. When ready to serve, pour into glasses filled with ice and top with ginger ale.

Party Punch

This non-alcoholic punch is from Jennifer Newen’s latest book, "Monday Night Mocktails," which I had the pleasure of photographing. It features an ice ring made in a Bundt pan for a simple, decorative touch.

• 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and diced small

• 1 Honeycrisp apple, peeled and diced small

• 4 cups chilled apple cider

• 1 1/2 cups zero-proof whiskey

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

• Ice Ring

• 1 bottle (750 ml) chilled high-quality non-alcoholic sparkling white wine

• Pomegranate for garnish

Place the apples, apple cider, whiskey and lemon juice in a pitcher and chill until very cold.

To make the Ice Ring: Layer fresh cranberries, pomegranate arils and rosemary sprigs in a Bundt pan and fill with water. Freeze overnight. To unmold, dip the pan in hot water until it starts to loosen around the edges. Invert onto a plate.

When ready to serve, put the ice ring in the center of a punch bowl and pour the mixture into the bowl. Open the sparkling wine and add it to the punch bowl. Ladle the punch into small glasses filled with ice. Garnish with pomegranate arils.

—Alyson Brown is a beverage photographer and drink stylist with an appreciation for a well-built cocktail. Her passion for cocktails led to her first book, "The Flower-Infused Cocktail: Flowers With A Twist." Presently, Brown resides in The Stacks Studios in The Old Mill District, situated right in the heart of Bend.

- See two more recipes from Alyson Brown in the web version of this story at bendsource.com!

Party Punch
Alyson Brown

1.  Dietitian's creation 5.  Girl with a ball 8.  2024 Gary Hustwit documentary about musician Brian

Ireland in poetry 12.  Band of fighters

14.  Genre for Babymetal and Arashi

15.  With 17-Across, one's sweetheart 17.  See 15-Across

Mexican fritters 19.  One with a lot of chops?

Abounding 22.  "Pachinko" author Min Jin ___ 23.  Word with cucumber or biscuit

24.  With 27-Across, Markings on some topographical maps signifying electation

27.  See 24-Across

29.  Persian Gulf fed.

30.  10-Down by Handel

34.  Model Hilary

37.  Person without a party: Abbr.

38.  "Sylvester and the Magic Pebble" author William

39.  Vehicle that goes over sand

41.  Genetic inits.

42.  With 43-Across, Economist with an eponymous curve in supply-side economics

43.  See 42-Across

46.  Big D sch.

49.  Oz., gal., or pt.

50.  Backyard ultra, e.g.

51.  Organic food label

53.  "Don't miss it"

56.  Ski resort near Snowbird

57.  Secret hookup, or an explanation to this puzzle's theme

60.  Fall on one's face

61.  Every movie has one

62.  Depeche ___ (Rock & Roll Hall of Famers)

63.  Forwarded address that is used by the answers at 15-, 24- and 42-Across

64.  Classic Christmas dinner

65.  Website with a "Craft Supplies & Tools" section

Brooks of comedy

Actor McCormack

Shortly

Without a scratch 5.  "Platoon" star Willem 6.  Ice cream name

7.  Close male friend

8.  Big stories

9.  Like some checking accounts

10.  Production at La Scala

12.  Greek island south of Albania

13.  Comic Levy

14.  Singer with the 2024 bomb "This Is Me... Now"

16.  Small combo

20.  TikTok on Facebook

22.  Watergate figure G. Gordon ___

24.  Poutine part

25.  Most populous Hawaiian island

26.  Gas in advertising

27.  Head of Ukraine?

28.  Take a chair

30.  100% correct

31.  Big name in blasters

32.  Have supper

33.  Gelling agent

35.  Mule busting org.

36.  The "A" in James A. Garfield

40.  Maximum

43.  Hanukkah pancake

44.  Pained all over

45.  "Ya dig?"

46.  Big problem

47.  Wisdom tooth, e.g.

48.  Just before

50.  Westeros or Narnia

52.  She shed visitor

53.  Buggy software build

54.  Donnybrook

55.  Wraps things up

58.  Clinical trials org.

59.  Necessity for an opening act?

Puzzle for the week of November 11, 2024

Pearl’s Puzzle Difficulty

Difficulty Level:

Fill in every row, column, and 3x3 box with each of the letters

Fill in every row, column, and 3x3 box with each of the letters T O W E R D A S H exactly once.

The highlighted letters read left to right and top to bottom will complete the quote: “ need to be written.”

- Paulo Coelho

ANSWER TO LAST WEEK'S PUZZLES

The highlighted letters read left to right and top to bottom will “ need to be written.”

- Paulo Coelho

Answer for the week of November 4, 2024

“Since

Answer for the week of November 4, 2024 “Since

ASTROLOGY

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You are entering a phase when you can acquire more mastery in the arts of self-care and self-sufficiency. I hope you will become more skillful in giving yourself everything that nurtures your emotional and physical health. Have you gathered all you need to know about that subject? Probably not. Most of us haven’t. But the coming weeks will be a favorable time to make this your main research project. By the way, now is also an excellent time to kick your own ass and unbreak your own heart.

draw up new boundaries. 3. Familiar allies may be in a state of flux. Help them find their new centers of gravity. 4. Potential future allies will become actual allies if you are bold in engaging them. 5. Be allergic to easy answers and simplistic solutions. Insist on the wisdom of uncertainty.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): My father was a big fan of the military. As a young man, he served as a lieutenant in the army and for a time considered making that job his career. I'm the opposite of him. I keenly avoided becoming a soldier and have always been passionately anti-war. I bring this subject to your attention because I think now is an excellent time for you to get clearer than ever about how you don't resemble your parents and don't want to be like them. Meditate on why your life is better and can get even better by not following their paths and ways. There's no need to do this with anger and blame. In fact, the healthiest approach is to be lucid, calm, and dispassionate.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): At age 49, James Patterson retired from his job as an advertising writer. Until then, he had produced a few novels in his spare time. But once free of his 9 to 5 gig, he began churning out books at a rapid pace. Now, at age 77, he has published over 305 million copies of 200+ novels, including 67 that have been #1 New York Times bestsellers. Would you like to make an almost equally memorable transition, Capricorn? The coming weeks and months will be an excellent time to plan it and launch it.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): To honor and celebrate your melancholy, I’m turning this horoscope over to Gemini author T. H. White and his superb formulation of the redemptive power of sadness. He wrote: "The best thing for being sad is to learn something. That is the only thing that never fails. You may lie awake at night listening to the disorder of your veins, you may miss your only love, you may see the world about you devastated by evil lunatics, or know your honor trampled in the sewers of baser minds. There is only one thing for it then—to learn. Learn why the world wags and what wags it. That is the only thing which the mind can never exhaust, never alienate, never be tortured by, never fear or distrust, and never dream of regretting."

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): The Breakfast Club was an iconic 1985 film about teenagers coming of age. Critics liked it. At the box office, it earned 100 times more than it cost to make. Aquarian director John Hughes wrote the screenplay for the 97-minute movie in two days, on July 4 and 5 of 1982. I predict that many of you Aquarians will have a similar level of productivity in the coming weeks. You could create lasting improvements and useful goodies in short bursts of intense effort.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Ben & Jerry’s is a wildly successful ice cream maker that sells it products all over the world. Its founders are two Pisceans who met in seventh grade. Over 45 years since they launched their business, they have become renowned for their wide variety of innovative flavors and their political activism. When they first decided to work together, though, their plans were to start a bagel business. They only abandoned that idea when they discovered how expensive the bagel-making equipment was. I suspect that you are near a comparable pivot in your life, Pisces: a time to switch from one decent project to an even better one.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): You may be on the verge of the breakthrough I prophesied a while back. Remember? I said you would be searching for the solution to a boring problem, and on the way you would discover a more interesting and useful problem. That exact scenario is about to happen. I also predict that the coming weeks will be a time when you tame an out-of-control aspect of your life and infuse more wildness into an overly tame part of you. I will speculate on one further stroke of good fortune: You will attract an influence that motivates you to be more passionately pragmatic about one of your key dreams.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): It's time for some friendly warnings that will, if heeded, enable you to avoid problematic developments. 1. An overhaul in your self-image is looming; your persona requires tinkering. 2. Old boundaries are shifting and in some places disappearing. Be brave and

CANCER (June 21-July 22): A Massachusetts woman named Andrea Martin loves chickens so much she treats them as family. A few years ago, she took pity on one of her favorites, a young bird named Cecily, who had been born with a damaged tendon in one of her legs. Martin arranged to have the limb amputated. Then she made a prosthetic device on a 3-D printer and had it surgically grafted onto Cecily's body. Success! The $2,500 cost was well worth it, she testified. I propose we make Andrea Martin one of your role models for the coming weeks. May she inspire you to take extra good care of and shower bonus blessings on everyone and everything you love. (PS: This will be really good for your own health.)

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22):

Once a year, the city of Seoul in South Korea stages a Space-Out Festival. Participants compete to do absolutely nothing for 90 minutes. They are not allowed to fall asleep, talk, or check their phones. To test how well they are banishing stress, burnout, and worries, their heart rates are monitored. The winner is the person who has the slowest and most stable pulse. If there were an event like this in your part of the world sometime soon, Leo, I’d urge you to join in. I expect the winner would be a member of your astrological tribe, as you Leos now have a high potential for revitalizing relaxation. Even if you don’t compete in a Space-Out Festival, I hope you will fully cash in on this excellent chance to recharge your spiritual batteries.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): My favorite Virgos love to learn. They are eager to add to their knowledge. They have a highly honed curiosity that is always percolating, continually drawing them towards new comprehension. On the other hand, some of my favorite Virgos are inefficient at shedding long-held ideas and information that no longer serve them. As a result, their psyches may get plugged up, interfering with their absorption of fun new input. That’s why I recommend that you Virgos engage in regular purges of your mental debris. Now would be an excellent time for one of these sessions. PS: The futurist Alvin Toffler said that a key to intelligence is the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn. I invite you to act on that counsel.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): I endorse Libran tennis star Serena Williams' approach to self-evaluation—especially for you right now. She testified, “I'm really exciting. I smile a lot, I win a lot, and I'm really sexy.” I'm convinced you have the right to talk like that in the coming weeks—so convinced that I suggest you use it as a mantra and prayer. When you wake up each morning, say what Williams said. When you're asking life for a sweet breakthrough or big favor, remind life why it should give you what you want. Feel free to add other brags, too, like, “I’m a brilliant thinker, a persuasive negotiator, and a crafty communicator.”

Homework: Can you feel less anger about a person who wronged you? It would be good for your health to do so. Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com

UNDERSTANDING INTIMACY

A COLUMN THAT FOSTERS DEEPER LOVE BETWEEN COUPLES

Losing hope

Is therapy very effective at reducing or removing anxiety surrounding inti macy?

My wife and I have had decreasing intimacy over the past decade, with tra ditional therapy not improving the situation, and therapy with an AASECT certified therapist for about seven months not showing much improvement. As things continue to deteriorate, I'm losing hope that therapy will work.

From,

Losing Hope in Bend

Dear Losing Hope,

Sometimes I think about writing a book entitled "Why Sex Therapy Doesn't Work." This is weird because that's what I do every day as a sexologist/sex and relationship coach. I talk to people about sex. Of course, I could write the same book about therapy in general. Or, I could write a book about AA, or Weight Watchers or going to the gym. I could write it because these things don't work, either.

You show up for meetings or sessions or workouts every week or month or day and nothing changes.

Unless it does. And when it does, it's not because the therapy or diet/ exercise routine worked — it's because YOU worked. YOU did the work on something in your life that mattered enough to you (and maybe to your partner) for you to make a powerful and lasting change.

Don't get me wrong, sex therapy is amazing for many reasons. Sex therapy (and other types of therapy, too) can give you lots of tools and help you have conversations you never imagined. These are great things, important things. But they aren't the boots-onthe-ground things that really make a difference in the long haul.

Sex therapy can't remove the deep sexual shame that you might feel about yourself as a sexual person. But, it can encourage you to experience the feelings of shame and have healing conversations with your partner about things that have happened to you and how they’ve shaped you and your intimate life over the years. The letting go piece is yours alone. That's your work.

Sex therapy can't remove the humiliation you feel about the stretch marks on your belly after pregnancy or how horrible you feel when you lose your erection during intercourse. What it can do is lead you gently to telling your partner how you feel about these things so that you can say the difficult words that need to be said and to have the deeper conversations about what might make things feel better.

Sex therapy can't teach you exactly how to exquisitely pleasure your partner with your mouth or with your hands, because your partner is an individual human being who likes to be touched in a very specific way. What it can do is to give you important information about your partner’s anatomy and about ways you might approach different sexual experiences together. Sex therapy can give you a boost in confidence about these things.

Sex therapy can't change your calendar and book an AirBnb at the coast for a long romantic weekend with a roaring fire. Neither can it buy a massage table for your bedroom, or special candles in a favorite scent. What it can do is to remind you that these things might matter to your partner and that it’s impossible to have a great sex life if you never spend any quality time alone together.

Sex therapy can't put a lock on your door so the kids don't interrupt you. It can't get the dogs off the bed and the electronics out of the room. But sex therapy will definitely remind you that distraction is the #1 killer of connection.

Sex therapy can't solve the fact that you're both exhausted and depleted from this thing called Life. It can’t heal deeply rooted anxiety and trauma born of years of abuse. But it can help you navigate your experiences of trauma (or your partner’s) so that you can gently let go of anxiety and replace it with pleasure and confidence.

Sex therapy can do a lot of things. It’s up to you to do the work.

You got this.

Xoxo,

—Dr. Jane Guyn (she/her) is a wellknown relationship coach who received her Ph.D. in Human Sexuality and is trained as a Professional Sex Coach and Core Energy Coach. Send her your questions at thesource@drjaneguyn.com.

Lovingly maintained, unassuming 4-bedroom Westside cottage with beautiful, bright ADU sits above 1100 sf 2 car garage. Designed for privacy, this property has a whimsical, fenced-in backyard with a patio, Spa, old-growth Ponderosa pines, easy to maintain turf & colorful landscaping on a drip-system. The 1-bedroom ADU boasts a sunny deck with views of Lava Butte & the Old Mill Smokestacks & an open oor-plan with cathedral ceilings. Situated on a dead-end street with driveways in the front & through Dog Alley, there is plenty of parking, little tra c & easy access. Walkable to downtown & the River Trail, this is an old Bend gem with upgrades. The 1458 sf main home was remodeled in 2018 with 2 full bathrooms, slab quartz countertops, new appliances, on-demand hot water heater, gas heat stove and an open oor plan. The roof was replaced in 2023 when the 97% peak e ciency solar system was installed. Turnkey & ready for someone to enjoy, this home on 1.5 lots is sure to please.

TAKE ME HOME

As the holiday season approaches, many homeowners may wonder if it's the ideal time to list their property. While the traditional spring market often takes center stage, the holiday season offers unique advantages for sellers.

One of the most significant benefits of selling during the holidays is reduced competition. Many sellers opt to wait until the spring market, leading to a surge in listings. By listing your home during the quieter holiday season, you'll stand out from the crowd and potentially attract more serious buyers. Every year there are sellers who choose to remove their listing from the market during the holidays, thinking they won’t be getting as much activity. On average you will likely get fewer showings during the holidays, but those looking tend to be more serious about their purchase.

Moreover, buyers who are actively seeking homes during the holidays are often highly motivated. They may be relocating for a job, downsizing or upsizing, and they're ready to make a purchase. This means fewer casual lookers and more qualified buyers. The other major factor at play here is, there are many situations in which people want/need to complete their purchase each year for tax purposes.

Another advantage of selling during the holidays is the potential for flexible scheduling. With many people taking time off work during the holidays, scheduling showings can be more accommodating. Buyers may have more availability to view your home during the week, potentially leading to quicker offers. Holiday decorations can transform your home into a warm and

inviting space. Think twinkling lights, cozy fireplaces and festive scents. This can create a positive emotional connection with potential buyers and make your home more appealing.

Real estate agents may also have lighter workloads during the holiday season, allowing them to dedicate more time to your listing. This increased attention can lead to more effective marketing and negotiation.

To maximize your chances of a successful holiday home sale, consider these tips:

While holiday decorations can be charming, avoid going overboard. Keep the decor tasteful and clutter-free to showcase your home's potential. High-quality photos can make a big difference, especially during the holiday season. Hire a professional photographer to capture your home's festive appeal. Be prepared to accommodate showings on short notice, especially during holiday breaks. Consult with your real estate agent to determine the optimal listing price. A well-priced home can attract serious offers, even during the slower holiday season. Utilize online listings and social media to reach a wider audience. Highlight your home's unique features and holiday charm in your marketing materials.

By taking advantage of these benefits and following these tips, you can successfully sell your home during the holiday season. Remember, with the right approach, the holidays can be a prime time to find your dream buyer. As always, feel free to reach out to me with your real estate related questions to jkeane29@gmail.com. Thanks!

by Karen Malanga and John Malanga

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