the Source August 28, 2025

The Source Weekly

704 NW Georgia Ave., Bend, OR 97703 t. 541-383-0800 bendsource.com info@bendsource.com

On the Cover: Cover art by Eva Lund. Currently working digitally, as well as in pen and ink — Eva Lund seeks out the humor in all mundane things. A tree having a lovely chat with a bird, a cat eavesdropping on the conversation, a slug training for a half-marathon. She aims to say, “Life’s not that complicated, it’s simple and silly and fun.”

See what else Eva is up to via Instagram at @evalundart or through her website www. evalundart.com. If you’re interested in collaborating or learning more about her work, shoot her an email at evalundo@icloud.com.

Call for Artists: If you're interested in being a SW featured artist, email: production@bendsource.com.

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Nicole Vulcan–nicole@bendsource.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Nic Moye–editor@bendsource.com

FEATURES AND INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER

Peter Madsen–peter@layitoutfoundation.org

REPORTER

Sarah Isak-Goode–reporter@bendsource.com

REPORTER / CALENDAR EDITOR

Maddie Franz–calendar@bendsource.com

COPY EDITOR

Richard Sitts

FREELANCERS

Jared Rasic, Ellen Waterston, Dave Gil de Rubio, Alan Sculley, Mary Casanave Sheridan

SYNDICATED CONTENT

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

PRODUCTION MANAGER / ART DIRECTOR

Jennifer Galler–production@bendsource.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Adrian Galler–design@bendsource.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Ashley Sarvis

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Ban Tat, Chad Barnes-advertise@bendsource.com

TECHNOLOGY OFFICER

Megan Burton–megan@layitoutevents.com

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Sean Switzer

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Angela Switzer–angela@bendsource.com

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Aaron Switzer–aaron@bendsource.com

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EDITOR’S NOTE:

Peter Madsen writes about the addictive thrill he experienced after hopping on one of the Veo rental e-bikes seen around Bend this summer. We also have a review of the new Latin fusion restaurant, Simón, as well as a class that combines instruction in Japanese language and cuisine. In Outside, Sarah Isak-Goode speaks with rising Nordic skier Neve Gerard about how she spent her summer and in Go Here, we’ll tell you when Central Oregon’s first pickleball food cart lot is opening. — Managing Editor Nic

LIGHTMETER: PRESENTED BY HARVEST MOON WOODWORKS

Moye

Havanese Rugby enjoys the last, lazy days of summer in his hammock.

We want to share your photo! Tag @sourceweekly on Instagram or email info@sourceweekly.com for a chance to be featured.

CUSTOM. CABINE TS

By The Source Editorial Board

OPINION Calling Out Vote-by-Mail is Another Distraction. Moving On.

Attacks on immigrants. Recriminations of the press. Accusations of corrupt elections.

While we are getting tired of all the same baseless, harmful tropes that the President of the United States keeps trotting out on social media, we recognize that it is important to reiterate the importance of good governance.

The latest threat — to abolish voteby-mail — cropped back up last week. It’s deeply ironic to see the president rail once again about corrupt elections, given that he just won one less than a year ago. But this latest distraction from the other troubling issues of our time feels especially acute in Oregon, where our vote-by-mail process has been in place for over 20 years.

The President wants you to believe that voting by mail is un-secure, and, worse, that the process favors Democrats. But that’s just not true.

In Oregon, Republicans still win elections. And in several states that implemented the system, it actually saw Republicans winning in bigger numbers, according to reporting in the Palm Beach Post. Since Oregon has a higher population of Democratic voters, and Florida has a higher proportion of Republicans, that all makes sense. The goal of such a system is not to favor one particular party, but to make voting as easy as possible and to get more people to do it. In comparing Florida and Oregon, that seems to be what the data is bearing out.

made comments to Trump about his concerns about vote-by-mail is all just more of the same outrage-trafficking.

Oregon’s elections systems work well, and as Secretary of State Tobias Read pointed out in commentary to MSNBC, when issues have arisen, they have been caught and have not affected elections. An audit of the voter rolls ahead of last year’s elections found a number of people who were registered in error, and any rare votes that were cast did not affect the outcome of any elections, Read pointed out. If we learned anything from that process, it’s that audits of our state government processes are too important to be underfunded.

And if there’s anything we are learning from yet another Trump administration, it’s that he’ll typically say the most outlandish things he can, often at key moments, to turn our heads away from real troubles at hand. Here in Oregon, we’ll soon face a $15 billion state budget shortfall, due to federal cuts, that will kick kids off health care and leave them hungry during their developing years. Our nursing homes are about to become underfunded and less safe and unfortunately, our country’s progress toward a greener energy future is also being suspended.

But of course, the current administration doesn’t much care for facts or data. It doesn’t even seem to mean much that the U.S. Constitution outlines that states dictate the “time, place and manner” of administering elections, not an executive order. And the fact that this is all cropping up, according to reports, after Vladimir Putin

If we’re lucky, under these conditions, voting by mail seems like a minor problem — a fix to something that isn’t broken and what would appear to be a distraction from more profound problems. And yet, creating an electoral system in which as many people have access to help decide the way the country moves forward is probably the most important thing to pay attention to as a current voter, since it underpins all of the other issues harming our state.

Letters

RE: NEW LEADERSHIP STEPS INTO THE TOWER’S SPOTLIGHT (AUG. 6)

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts about the Tower Theatre. We value community input and want to clarify a few points while also extending an invitation to experience what’s happening on our stage. The Tower is proud to serve as a nonprofit community hub, offering not only concerts but also venue space to rent, arts education programs, and community events that enrich Central Oregon. Our calendar currently has over 100 events through January ‘26 with more being added weekly. Our Act 2 season with over 98 events (January-June 2026) is being announced this October. As the new Programming Director for the Tower, I am actively expanding programming into new genres which will broaden our audiences, with the goal of making the theatre a premier destination.

In addition to theater, comedy, movies, our LessonPLAN Program, Community Engagement Program and other cultural events, we are bringing in a very diverse range of music from nationally recognized performers like Sam Bush, Keller Williams, Ron Artis II, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Blind Boys of Alabama w/ Cory Henry, and Samantha Fish, to local favorites such as Blackstrap Bluegrass, Paula Dreyer (with Holly Bowling), Skillethead (with Jacob Jolliff), and DJ Ells (with SugarHill Gang). We are committed to supporting local artists and organizations. The more our community embraces and supports these shows, the greater the opportunities we can create on the Tower stage.

In 2006, I built Central Oregon’s only multi-day family music festival which continued through 2024. I am bringing that same creativity, diversity, and energy to the Tower. We hope you’ll join us at an upcoming performance. You may be surprised by just how much variety and vibrancy is already here. Please visit towertheare.org for our full array of Tower Theatre Foundation events, and rental events. Thank you to our community for naming us The Source Weekly’s Best Indoor Venue!

—Stacy Koff, Programming Director / Tower Theatre Foundation

RE: SUNDAYS ON THE GREEN (AUG. 21)

Thank you so much for covering Sundays on the Green in your last issue. The Source has always done an excellent job at promoting locally owned businesses and their community building efforts. I appreciate it as a business owner and a community member. I love to support

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!

local. And Cosmic Depot appreciates the attention highlighting our summertime weekly canned food drive. So thank you! I would love to highlight the involvement of Eileen Lock who is the Intuitive Astrologer and Spiritual Minister who partners with Cosmic Depot to host this event. Eileen has been holding healing fairs and canned food drives in Central Oregon for 47 years and counting. She is an invaluable community resource who has volunteered her own services to help others and put food on the table of Central Oregonians for a very long time, nearly half a century. Eileen and her One Heart Ministry is responsible in large part for Sundays on the Green and the tremendous good it has done in our community. The Cosmic Depot would like to shout out her support and take a deep bow of public appreciation for Eileen Lock’s tutilage and tremendous integrity, kindness, enlightened inutition and enormous heart. Thank you Eileen for all you do to support the healing and spiritual well being of everyone you meet. This world benefits greatly from your kindness.

—Christy Nickey from Cosmic Depot

RE: LETTERS TO EDITOR (8/14)

I think the new library building looks like books lined up on the shelf! I love the way the design lets light in all the angled windows so it’ll be bright and airy inside, but without direct sunlight that can damage books. I also appreciate that our community is making such a significant investment in a public resource designed to encourage thinking, exploration of new ideas, and the importance of the stories and experiences of others!

—Becky Boyd

CASA VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

I hear it all the time–we only see bad news when we open a newspaper or website or turn on the TV each night. Some people choose to tune out, put their heads in the sand. Others choose to try to make a difference.

If you’re one of the people who isn’t content to look the other way and want to make a tangible difference in your community, I encourage you to sign up for one of CASA of Central Oregon’s fall volunteer trainings. Your volunteer work could help break cycles of violence, abuse, and poverty–and keep our most vulnerable children safe and healthy.

CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. When a child ends up in the foster care system because their parents cannot or will not care for them,

there is a whirlwind of court dates, lawyers, caseworkers and often resource families that can be overwhelming for the child. A CASA’s volunteer job is to be an advocate for the child in court and ensure that they don’t fall through the cracks. These volunteers are often the only consistent person throughout the case–a caseworker may change; they may stay with multiple families during their experience. But a CASA sticks with the case from start to finish, getting to know the child and advocating for what is in their best interest.

It’s not easy. But children in care who have a CASA are more likely to find a safe, permanent home, succeed in school, get the medical and educational services they need, and they’re also half as likely to return to foster care. Maybe most importantly in these situations, they report higher levels of hope than kids in foster care who don’t have a CASA.

As a CASA, you can help these children succeed and potentially break out of the generational patterns that can stymie our community and result in all that bad news you see when you check the latest headlines.

I currently serve on the board for CASA of Central Oregon, and I volunteered as an advocate with the nonprofit for about seven years before that. It is one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. All these years later, I still sometimes run into families and children I worked with during my time as a CASA, and there is nothing so gratifying

as seeing these kids healthy, succeeding in school, and safe.

CASA of Central Oregon serves children throughout the tri-county area, and the two fall trainings reflect that. In-person trainings will begin in September in Prineville and in Bend. Right now, there are more than 100 children waiting for a CASA in Central Oregon. You can learn more and sign up today at www.casaofcentraloregon.org.

Your decision to give your time to vulnerable children in our community will mean so much — I hope you’ll join us.

—Sheila

Miller, CASA of Central Oregon board member

Letter of the Week:

Thanks Sheila for your dedication to the children of this community. As letter of the week, you can stop by the Source in downtown Bend for a gift card to Palate coffee.

— Managing Editor Nic Moye

Roadwork to Begin on Franklin Ave.

Franklin Avenue in Bend will be reduced to one lane temporarily starting Tuesday, Sept. 2 to widen sidewalks and improve crosswalks and bike lanes between NE 4th and 8th Streets east of 3rd Street. Work crews will install a landscape barrier between the bike lane and vehicle traffic. It’s part of the Bend Bikeway Project to provide safer bike and pedestrian connections.

During construction, the eastbound lane will be closed with detours onto Greenwood Avenue. Access to businesses will remain open. When work is finished on the eastbound side, the one-way closure will switch to the westbound lane.

New Sisters Ranger District Building Opens

The Sisters Ranger District has reopened in its new building at the west end of Sisters on North Pine Street. Building access and parking will be limited for two months due to the demolition of the old ranger station, paving the parking lot and landscaping. Temporary parking will be on Pine Street or on the other side of Highway 20 at Sisters Gateway Park.

Construction began on the new building in the fall of 2023. The old building was built in 1962 and did not meet building code standards.

—Nic Moye

35,000

—The number of cumulative miles ridden in Veo’s first month in Bend, from A Near Crash Course in Responsible E-Bike Ridesharing.

“I recently came across the word “landholder,” an indigenous term for tree. How magical!”

—Ellen Waterston in Rewilding Words.

Flat Fire Forces Evacuations

Nearly 4,000 homes face danger in Central Oregon; four destroyed

By Sarah Isak-Goode

As of Tuesday, Aug. 26, the fast-moving Flat Fire in Central Oregon was 7% contained. Eric Perkins, operations section chief for the Oregon Department of Forestry, reported on Monday morning that the fire stopped advancing forward. “Lots of structures in along this southern end of the fire as it moves into town ... that fire isn’t moving anymore. We’re securing the control line, starting to mop it in, and feel pretty comfortable about where we’re at.” Efforts from the community — including more than 800 firefighters — combined with cooler, rainy weather, have helped slow the fire’s progression.

The Flat Fire in Central Oregon broke out Thursday afternoon, Aug. 21, and officials declared it a conflagration the next day — meaning it’s big enough and dangerous enough to require resources from multiple agencies. Since Thursday, local and regional firefighters have been working around the clock to battle the blaze. The flames are burning across a mix of public and private lands managed by the Oregon Department of Forestry, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Ochoco National Forest and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Officials have determined that the fire was human-caused.

Over the weekend, dry and windy conditions caused the Flat Fire to spread forcefully across Central Oregon. Officials elevated evacuation orders for several communities as the blaze reached nearly 22,000 acres and crept dangerously close to Sisters and Cloverdale, putting nearly 4,000 homes at risk.

“Our firefighters are working under critical weather conditions and some very challenging terrain,” said Aaron Whiteley, incident commander at the Oregon Department of Forestry. “We’re going to continue the aggressive firefighting that local resources and partners started.”

As of Sunday, Aug. 24, over 800 homes and structures are still within the fire perimeter. Four homes and six structures were destroyed by the fire.

“This is tough for local community members. Earlier this summer they had to endure the Alder Springs Fires, now this one is adjacent to that burned area impacting many of the same folks,” said Ron Graham, deputy chief of Oregon Department of Forestry’s Protection Division.

New evacuations ordered

On Sunday, Aug. 24, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office issued urgent Level 3 evacuation orders for several locations. The Aspen Lakes Subdivision off Camp Polk Road was elevated to this critical status, along with both sides of Edmundson Road between Holmes Road and Goodrich Road.

“We’re fighting this fire aggressively and safely, in cooperation with a lot of partners to save homes in these communities,” said Perkins.

Understanding evacuation levels

Oregon uses a straightforward three-tier system for evacuations.

• Level 3 (GO NOW) means exactly that — leave immediately. Don’t pack, don’t try to protect your house, just go. Emergency services might not be able to help you if you stick around. Areas under this urgent order include Aspen Lakes Subdivision off Camp Polk Road, both sides of Edmundson Road between Holmes and Goodrich roads, the area between Wilt Road mile marker 4 west to Stevens Canyon north to the county line, Whychus Canyon Estates south to Camp Polk Road, both sides of Wilt Road north to the Deschutes/

Jefferson County line, areas north and west of Holmes Road north of mile marker 5 to Lower Bridge Road, all of McKenzie Canyon Road, and Panoramic Estates off Camp Polk Road.

• Level 2 (GET SET) areas should be ready to bolt at a moment’s notice. You might have time to grab essentials, but that’s risky. These zones include the area between Camp Polk Road west along Highway 126 including the Junipine Lane area north to Old Military Road, the area north and east of Lower Bridge Road to the Deschutes River, and areas north of Highway 126 including Goodrich Road, Holmes Road and Fadjur Lane.

• Level 1 (BE READY) means start preparing and keep your ears open for updates. These areas include the north side of East Indian Ford Road from Wilt Road to Forest Service Road 2050, the Dry Canyon area between Lower Bridge Road south to Highway 126, and the area between Indian Ford Creek and Wychus Creek north of Highway 126.

Where to go

For those needing to evacuate, several support locations are available. Highland Baptist Church at 3100 SW Highland Ave. in Redmond serves as the primary temporary evacuation site, welcoming everyone with information, food and safe shelter. The facility accommodated 40 people on Aug. 23, with 31 staying in RVs parked outside and nine sheltering inside the building. RV owners have an additional option at the Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center, which offers parking through Tuesday, Aug. 26. A complete list of shelters can be found at deschutes.org/shelter.

Large animals can be sheltered at Kerley Horse Center at 11997 SW Cornett Loop in Powell Butte (541598-6358) or at Jefferson County Fairgrounds.

Dealing with smoke

Central Oregon’s air quality has shown improvement since the rain began. With the fire 5% contained,

however, wildfire smoke is likely to continue after the rain passes. For many, wildfire smoke poses serious health risks, especially for people with breathing problems, older adults and children.

“Wildfire smoke contains fine particles that can be harmful to your health,” said Heather Kaisner, Deschutes County Public Health director. “People with asthma or other lung conditions should keep medications handy and contact their doctor if needed.”

With several fires burning statewide, the State Accident Insurance Fund in Oregon reminds employers to protect workers from smoke exposure, which can cause reduced lung function, fatigue, eye irritation and breathing problems.

“Smoke is complex,” said Kim Henry, an industrial hygienist at SAIF. “It could contain everything from burned trees to car tire fumes, and it can travel hundreds or thousands of miles.”

Employers should provide proper respirators based on air quality, shut down outside air intakes for indoor workers and relocate or stop outdoor work when conditions become hazardous. Under Oregon’s heat illness prevention rule, employers must provide water, rest, shade and training when temperatures hit 80 degrees or higher.

To stay safe, keep windows and doors closed, use an air purifier if you have one, run air conditioning on recirculate mode, avoid outdoor exercise when air quality is poor and check current conditions at AirNow Fire and Smoke Map or Oregon Smoke website.

Fire officials stress that conditions can change rapidly, so residents should stay alert and make decisions based on their own safety — don’t wait for official word if you feel unsafe.

Make sure you’re signed up for alerts at deschutesalerts.org and ORAlert.gov. Don’t rely on just one source — follow county emergency management and sheriff’s office on social media, and make sure your phone’s wireless emergency alerts are turned on.

As of Thursday, Aug. 26 the Flat Fire was 23,252 acres.

Courtesy: Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office

Emergency Vote Aims to Prevent Massive Cuts and Layoffs

Special session required after recent failure by legislature to address transportation funding

By Sarah Isak-Goode

Oregon lawmakers will hold a special session on Aug. 29 to consider funding for the Oregon Department of Transportation. The governor’s proposal includes raising payroll and gas taxes as well as vehicle registration fees. It also seeks stronger accountability. Recent investigations into ODOT have revealed a lack of financial transparency.

Thousands of Oregonians raised issues with the upcoming proposal at a public hearing on Aug. 25, citing concerns with being overtaxed.

“Families like mine are already stretched thin,” wrote Dave C. Johnson of La Pine in his public testimony. “I am now 64 years old and on a limited income. The proposed 100% increase or any increase in the payroll tax is unfair to the working class and I oppose any and all parts of this bill.” The governor’s plan would increase the payroll tax for transit by .08% in January 2026. For someone making $2,000 per month, that comes to $3.60. The proposal would also cost the average driver about $66 per year, or $5.50 monthly, in additional gas taxes and registration fees.

The Oregon Department of Transportation’s proposed budget would provide towns, cities and counties with about $200 million in additional resources — representing approximately a 30% boost from existing funding levels.

“State and local transportation systems are connected and people in Bend don’t care who owns which road — they need it plowed, swept, paved and painted,” emphasizes Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler when discussing the city’s transportation challenges. According to Kebler, Bend and similar cities are experiencing mounting strain on their local road networks due to expanding populations, shrinking gas tax revenues, vanishing federal funding and rising maintenance costs. She stresses the urgent need for transportation funding legislation to pass in the upcoming special session, with any generated revenue being distributed equitably among municipalities.

Road to ruin

In recent years, revenue shortfall, combined with federal and state restrictions on how transportation money can be spent, has created budget challenges. Gas tax revenue has declined as cars have become

more fuel-efficient. Meanwhile, inflation has driven up costs for everything from equipment to road salt.

ODOT has already tried to bridge the gap by cutting $300 million over five years through efficiency measures, facility consolidations and deferred maintenance. Only 6% of funding from HB 2017, Oregon’s last big transportation funding package, can go toward operations and maintenance. The rest of the funding is tied up in construction projects and paying off transportation bonds. The failure to pass ODOT funding at the end of the 2025 legislative session prompted a funding crisis that Gov. Tina Kotek has been working to address for months.

Without new funding, ODOT plans to slash 932 jobs and shut down maintenance facilities across the state, with the first cuts starting in September and a second round in January 2026. This would become the state’s largest government layoff in history.

“Without a funding solution, staffing reductions would lead to noticeable service impacts,” explained ODOT’s Lead Public Information Officer Kacey Davey. “For example, road maintenance and seasonal operations would be scaled back significantly. Travelers would see more hazardous winter driving conditions, delays in road repairs, less frequent maintenance and slower response times to issues on the road. We are committed to maintaining safety and essential services with the resources we have, but with fewer people, we would have fewer services and less capacity to respond.”

Paving the way forward

Kotek released a funding proposal Aug. 7 that would raise $620 million for the 2025-2027 budget cycle through higher gas taxes and vehicle registration fees.

“In the weeks since the adjournment of the legislative session, my team and I have worked every day with legislators, local partners and key stakeholders to zero in on a focused solution for the immediate crisis in our transportation system. I am confident that lawmakers will step up this month to avert these layoffs, and I appreciate their partnership in getting to the other side of this crisis,” said Gov. Kotek in a press release.

The plan would split the money between ODOT (50%), counties (30%) and cities (20%). ODOT’s

roughly $300 million share would prevent layoffs and restore some services.

Kotek also wants major changes in how ODOT operates. Due to increased scrutiny of ODOT’s budget based on recent audits, HB 2025 would let the governor hire and fire ODOT’s director instead of the Oregon Transportation Commission. The bill also calls for biennial audits by the Secretary of State, focusing on major projects and highway fund spending.

Some public testimony on the legislation points to a desire for more accountability and oversight. “It’s about time that we start dismantling the Oregon government to save money,” wrote Robert Ezell, of Bend, in his public testimony on the funding package. “The idea that we need to pay more while none of the government employees cut back where the systems are cut back is ludicrous.”

Redmond resident Debbie Meadows wrote that she believes transportation funding could be secured by cutting back what she believes are controversial programs. “Please manage what you have. Abandon DIE [DEI] programs, climate change nonsense, and giving away our tax dollars to illegal aliens. Then you would have enough funding. Once you have the funding, get rid of the bloated administrative staff so workers can do their jobs — maintaining our streets and roads,” she wrote in her public testimony.

In addition to audits, projects over $250 million would need legislative approval if they expand without matching local or private investment. The Joint Committee on Transportation would get year-round oversight of major projects.

Sen. Anthony Broadman, who represents Central Oregon, told the Source that Central Oregon faces unique transportation challenges that lawmakers must consider. “I support a transportation bill that moves us toward a safer and more connected system. We deal with a disproportionate amount of weather and miles traveled here in Central Oregon and the transportation bill we pass needs to be fair for Central Oregonians. We need to be getting great value and accountability for our taxpayer dollars.”

The funding proposal would cost the average driver about $66 per year in additional gas taxes and registration fees.

Jean-Christophe Gougeon for Unsplash

Without new funding, over 900 jobs will be cut at the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Courtesy: Oregon Department of Transportation

RN REDMOND NEWS

State Invests $10M in Disaster-Ready CORE3 Facility

Multi-agency training center planned for Redmond

By Sarah Isak-Goode

The state has approved nearly $10 million in funding for a major emergency response and training facility near the Redmond airport. “The CORE3 facilities are designated for first responder training and for providing a multi-agency emergency operations center in support of large-scale emergencies,” said Deschutes County Commissioner Chair Tony DeBone in a news release. “We greatly appreciate legislators including this essential facility in the Capital Construction funding, which will allow us to move the project forward.”

The idea for CORE3 began “more than a decade ago but began gaining speed in 2018,” according to the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council.

The CORE3 project is designed to coordinate disaster relief across Oregon, with State Sen. Anthony Broadman, Rep. Emerson Levy and Rep. Jason Kropf securing the funding. The facility “will have a real and lasting impact,” said Kropf in a recent press release.

Multi-agency disaster response hub

“The CORE3 is going to be very complimentary in terms of training for our police in all the agencies in Central Oregon, as well as many in Eastern Oregon. There’s going to be a significant cost savings to having this facility here whereby people from Central and Eastern Oregon don’t have to travel all the way over to the Valley for these kinds of trainings,” said City of Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch.

The CORE3 facility will be a flexible multi-use space that will play a key role in rescue and recovery operations during major statewide disasters like wildfires, flooding and the expected Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. It will have a dedicated, multi-agency coordination center for emergency operations, a training facility for current and future needs of local, state and federal public safety and emergency management personnel.

Funding for the project includes $1 million in federal money, nearly $20 million from the Oregon Legislature, $550,000 from the Oregon State Fire Marshal and a 300-acre land donation from the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners valued at $13 million. The legislature’s $10 million allocation this year contributes to the project’s estimated $50 million total cost.

CORE3 construction

The funds will cover design and engineering expenses for Phase 1, which includes an administration building, an Emergency Vehicle Operator Course, emergency coordination center with flexible classrooms, skills pad, a fire training tower and security fencing.

Later development will add a high bay indoor drill and training space, covered gun range, urban search and rescue prop, two-story Class A burn building and a shoot house with reconfigurable maze for simulations. The training “props” are structures that mimic real-life disaster situations, giving teams hands-on practice finding people, getting them out of dangerous spots and providing medical help to victims stuck in collapsed buildings or other risky situations.

Additional facilities will include virtual de-escalation training, train car derailment and rescue prop, off-road driving course, wildland fire training area, vehicle extrication prop and a fire drafting pit for fire truck pump certification. The expansion will also have trench rescue props, an aircraft rescue and firefighting prop, emergency medical technician lab, a roof training prop for fire, SWAT rappelling and smoke training. With phase 1 funding now secured, officials are moving forward with construction planning. “We anticipate beginning building in 2027,” said Fitch.

8/30

“FINDING GOBI”

AUTHOR TALK AT THE LIBRARY

Join author Dion Leonard for a captivating event as he presents his New York Times bestselling book, "Finding Gobi." The book is an inspirational, heartwarming and true story of a man and his best friend. Sat., Aug. 30, 1-2pm at Redmond Public Library. 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond. Free.

TRIVIA & COSPLAY

LORD OF THE RINGS-STYLE

Grab your adventuring party and prepare for an evening of fantasy fun. Arrive in costume, dressed for a journey through Middle Earth, and receive half off your first drink! Food and drink specials, prizes for top finishers, teams of up to four people. Sat., Aug. 30, 6pm at Pangaea Guild Hall. 652 SW Sixth St., Redmond. Free.

Fire training will be a large part of the new CORE3 facility.

Department of Public Safety Standards and Training

For a period in July, my relationship with two wheels turned upside down.

There, parked in the grass outside the Source office, I spied a new Cosmo-e, one of 227 e-bikes distributed by Veo throughout Bend’s streets since July 10. I was aware that Veo, a micromobility rideshare company, had contracted with the City of Bend. An avid cyclist, I often ride one of my conventional bikes a couple blocks to work each morning and then continue riding thereafter — churning the pedals in the analog fashion — mostly around the city center or anywhere through the vast trail complex west of town. I didn’t think the shareable e-bike program was meant for me. Still, the Cosmo e-bike caught my eye. It was 90 degrees and my lunch break — I was over it. Returning home on the Cosmo e-bike, by contrast, seemed like a fun lark. After downloading the Veo app on my smart phone and adding my personal and billing information, I walked to the e-bike and, as directed, scanned the QR code on its handlebars with my phone. An automated female voice chirped through an unseen speaker, making me jump.

Veo: a (Near) Crash Course in Responsible E-Bike Ridesharing

A new rideshare program dropped 227 class-2 e-bikes across Bend. In Veo’s debut month, 3,700 local riders have ridden 35,000 cumulative miles. We were among them.

By Peter Madsen

Welcome to Veo.

I straddled the Cosmo-e, which has 18-inch alloy wheels and a center of gravity closer to a Vespa than a bicycle. I scanned the rules and regulations posted on its downtube: yield to pedestrians; don’t park on sidewalks; take the bike lane and obey traffics laws like following stop signs and signals. Oh, and wear a helmet. (Pish-posh.) The 94-pound Cosmo-e, a Class-2 e-bike that Veo introduced in 2021, tops off at 15 MPH. Pedaling isn’t necessary, but doing so up a punchy hill offers a boost.

Knocking back the kickstand, I prodded the Cosmo-e’s throttle with my thumb while I situated my feet on the pedals. The e-bike, with daytime running lights, purred beneath me like an electric cat. Off I cruised — down the sidewalk. Rounding a corner, I startled a pedestrian, to whom I apologized before taking it to the street. I was home in three breezy minutes, which, after a $1 unlocking fee and a 39-cent/minute charge, ran me $2.17.

And I arrived sweat-free.

Veo has a three-year contract with the City of Bend.

The program is financially self-sufficient; no taxpayer dollars fund the program at all, a city official said. In the first month, about 3,700 original Bend riders went for a spin. Collectively, we took 12,900 rides, each lasting a little more than 2 miles, according to data Veo provided the Source. That’s twice the national average, a rep told me.

Here’s the doozy — all told, we’ve logged 35,000 cumulative miles. That’s all the way around the equatorial Earth (about 24,000 miles) and back and forth across North America a couple times for good measure. Bend is one of Veo’s approximate 55 markets nationwide. The company was founded at Purdue University in 2017, where it launched its first rideshare that year. Veo since relocated to Chicago, became profitable in 2020 and then relocated again to Santa Monica, Calif. Veo approached Bend around the time that Bird, the first bicycle rideshare company to contract with the City between 2022 and 2024, didn’t seek contract renewal. Bird, which enjoyed a $3 billion valuation in 2019, clawed itself out of Chapter 11 proceedings in 2024; it presently only serves two locations in the U.S. Veo’s 2024 national rider survey, which it conducted during a six-week period between September and October of that year, offers a trough of ridership data. Nationally, 67% of Veo riders use the service to get places quickly; 51% to travel at a moment’s notice; 40% for enjoyment/fun and 23% to reduce the costs of car ownership. Veo doesn’t have those specifics for Bend, but local users’ feedback will be folded into this year’s national survey, says Paige Miller, Veo’s senior manager of policy and communications.

As my bicycle tires deflated back home, I was tearing up the streets with Veo, accumulating about $20 in charges in two days. (I quickly opted for VeoPlus, a $6 monthly subscription that does away with the $1 unlocking fee.) Despite being 42, I felt like a kid with a new toy — one that let me zip around town with an effortless glee that, I admit, emboldened some risk-taking.

I began treating the Cosmo-e’s capped 15 MPH setting as my default speed. Wanting to test the e-bike’s handling on loose surfaces, I took the gravel alley to work each morning. That made the kickstand knock against the undercarriage; maybe this terrain wasn’t what the Veo designers — who dreamt up their proprietary line of scooters, pedal-assist, e-bike and e-scooter varieties — had in mind.

Visiting friends at Miller’s Landing Park one evening after work, I felt a cheeky need to show off by peeling out, spraying landscaping cinder into the nearby riparian area in the process. My friends guffawed; I avoided eye contact with the assortment of folks reclining on

A fleet of Veo Cosmo-e bikes in downtown Bend.

blankets or playing hacky sack. Was I becoming a bad boy?

I wasn’t the only one.

One morning back at the office, our calendar editor alerted me that the Cosmo-e I’d stationed outside like a faithful horse was being unlocked by two women in their 60s. I scrambled to see them arrange themselves both on the singular e-bike — very against the rules — as they eased down the sidewalk. No helmets, to boot. I waved them adieu.

Godspeed, Thelma. Nice knowing you, Louise.

That cinematic image got me wondering about any collisions, damage to property, or — gulp — DUIIs that may have stemmed from poorly considered trips on Veos. But the Bend Police Department says so far, so good. Sheila Miller, the BPD’s public information officer, didn’t immediately recall any service calls regarding Veo e-bikes, yet she’s noticed some complaints on the department’s social media accounts.

Police reports or no, Veo e-bikes have been getting a little dinged up, says Jason Castanza, Veo’s operations manager in Bend. Castanza manages a team of 10, full-time Veo-employed mechanics to keep the Cosmo e-bikes charged up and running smooth. They use a cargo van to shuttle them to hot-spot areas such as downtown, The Box Factory, The Old Mill District and Hayden Homes Amphitheater. But Castanza is quick to mention that any damage has been minimal: a snapped-off fender, a broken wheel (“they probably went off a curb”), or a damaged handlebar bell.

“Just the other day I had to clean ice cream off a bike,” Castanza said. “But it’s no big deal.”

When damages occur — and those are usually visible in the photo a user snaps through the app to end a ride — Veo typically eats the repair costs. If intentional damage is suspected, Veo can suspend a user’s account. So far no one has thrown a Veo e-bike into the river — a watery fate that has befallen troves of rideshare bikes and scooters in Portland, for example. Still, folks on Nextdoor.com, where I solicited comments regarding Veo in Bend, mentioned their annoyance in seeing bikes “marooned” in their neighborhood for several days. Others pointed out that the e-bikes are too often parked in the middle of sidewalks, obstructing passage, especially those with mobility issues. To incentivize priority parking, Veo may introduce so-called Lucky Zones, which provide riders with a discount for parking in specific locations to rebalance e-bikes to areas with higher demand, said Paige Miller, Veo’s senior manager of policy and communications.

After I experienced a close call with the grill of a Sprinter van in the aforementioned gravel alley (my fault entirely; sorry guys), I began to reevaluate my relationship with e-biking. My self-preservation

instinct had become short-circuited by a childish need to rail corners like I’m riding trails on my mountain bike. What do I have to prove?

And, like many an early-adopter, I became snobbish when I saw actual teenagers, many straight-up joy riding, along the Deschutes River Trail. Returning from a trail ride on my bike-bike, I was dismayed by a Veo-riding teenager approaching me on the footbridge — he was weaving in and out of my line of traffic. A hypocritical response lit up in me: “Quit messing around!” The boy zipped past me without saying a word.

Wait — teens under 18 aren’t allowed on Veo e-bikes; it’s right there in the user’s agreement. And now that I consider it, minors can’t legally enter contracts — a requisite for opening a line of credit. To paraphrase Veo’s contract, users of even the Veo app must be 18, as verified by a scan of an ID card. Parents or guardians can add their kids to their account, but decidedly not for e-bikes (permissible vehicles include stand-up scooters and pedal-assist bikes found in other Veo markets). Free-range parents are “fully responsible and liable for, and agree to defend, indemnify, and

"Visiting

friends at Miller’s Landing Park one evening after work, I felt a cheeky need to show off by peeling out, spraying landscaping cinder into the nearby riparian area in the process. My friends guffawed; I avoided eye contact with the assortment of folks reclining on blankets or playing hacky sack.

Was

I becoming a bad boy?"

—Peter Madsen

hold Veo harmless from, all injuries, damages, costs and expenses arising from or related to the minor’s use of the services,” says the contract.

Nico Nagle, Veo’s policy and partnerships manager, said the company has set up measures to prohibit minors from using them, but there’s not much Veo can do to prevent a parent or guardian from circumventing their safeguards by simply setting up the account with their own information. That said, Veo, through its GPS and other technologies, can deactivate a Cosmo-e and revoke the user’s account based on poor behavior. (The company has yet to do so in Bend, a rep said.) In fact, Veo has a complex technological suite that geofences their e-fleet within sanctioned boundaries — roughly Bend city limits. Also, some parks and public spaces are so-called slow-go zones (e.g., Columbia Park) and no-go zones (gracefully, Pilot Butte State Park and local schools’ sports fields), in which the e-bike will issue a verbal prompt to double-back from the area, lest it automatically slows or completely shuts down.

After returning to my traditional bikes for a few weeks, I recently took a Cosmo-e for a short cruise downtown. Activated, the e-bike greeted me in its android tone. I mounted my phone on its handlebar cradle after activating the Bluetooth option that lets me pipe music, at a decidedly parental volume, through the Cosmo-e's speakers (it also offers turnby-turn navigation this way) and off I went. As a relatively veteran Veo rider who's traveled, cumulatively, about 7 miles across 15 rides, I still felt a pronounced need to peacock. But this time, as the model Veo Cosmo-e-rider. I barely hit 15 mph. I hand-signaled my turns and let my velocity carry me through the arch, throttle-free. Yes, I had arrived on an e-bike, but far from the way I’d started out.

—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. If you're interested in syndicating Lay It Out Foundation content or purchasing an article for use, you can do so through the website.

Photos by Libby Findling

A Veo Cosmo-e bike lies discarded near Jackson's Corner in Bend.

SOURCE PICKS

WEDNESDAY 8/27

A BOY AND HIS TIGER

“CALVIN & HOBBES” TRIVIA NIGHT

Whether you're a Spaceman Spiff-level expert, a dinosaurs-in-F22s enthusiast or just here for the transmogrifier jokes, this evening of “Calvin & Hobbes” trivia will test your knowledge of the greatest comic strip ever drawn. Costumes encouraged. Wed., Aug. 27, 6:30pm at Silver Moon Brewing. 24 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend. $5.

FRIDAY 8/29

THE LITTLE WOODY

BEER, CIDER & WHISKEY FESTIVAL

A celebration of craft beverages and whimsical fun, the Little Woody Festival is a celebration of barrel-aged beverages and forest magic. Taste a wide variety of beer, cider, wine and whisky, enter the gnome costume contest, participate in the 5k Beer Run or kick back on the lawn to enjoy live music and a secret comedy set. Fri., Aug. 29, 5-9pm and Sat., Aug. 30, noon-9pm at Deschutes Historical Museum. 129 NW Idaho Ave., Bend. Prices vary.

FRIDAY 8/29

BEND COMEDY FESTIVAL

WEEKEND PACKED WITH LAUGHS

The brand-new Bend Comedy Festival is here to spotlight fresh voices and bring world-class comedy to Central Oregon. With over 20 events across downtown Bend, attend shows by national headliners, breakout talent and Oregon’s best local talent. From variety shows to a digital short competition to a jazzercise set — there is something for everyone. Fri., Aug. 29-Sun., Aug. 31 at eight venues throughout downtown Bend. Prices vary.

FRIDAY 8/29

WILD RUMOURS

FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE

Wild Rumours focuses on apex Buckingham-Nicks-era material, creating an authentic concert experience with dramatic crescendos and moments of quiet intimacy. An all-around fun performance, backed by an all-star band. Fri., Aug. 29, 7pm at Silver Moon Brewing. 24 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend. $15.

JAPANESE BREAKFAST

THE MELANCHOLY TOUR

Japanese Breakfast balances quiet intensity and vivid, textured sound. Touring in support of new material and fan favorites, Michelle Zauner delivers a performance that’s as thoughtful as it is unpredictable— equal parts intimate and expansive. A night shaped by subtle contrasts and sharp songwriting. Sat., Aug. 30, 7pm at Hayden Homes Amphitheater. 344 SW Shevlin Hixon Dr., Bend. $40-$125.

THE CIDER JANES

TUNES IN TUMALO

The Cider Janes weave together a harmony-filled, soul-nourishing performance of covers and originals. Bend Cider Co. provides a beautiful backdrop with their all-ages and pet-friendly space. Light snacks available or bring your own dinner! Sun., Aug. 31, 6-8pm at Bend Cider. 64649 Wharton Ave., Bend. Free.

SUNDAY 8/31

LABOR DAY WEEKEND AT BRASADA

RANCH LIFE COOKOUT

Put your boots on and enjoy an afternoon of ranchstyle activities, live music and wagon rides at Brasada Ranch. When the triangle bell rings, gather 'round for a hearty lunch of cowboy classics. Sun., Aug. 31, Noon-4pm at Brasada Ranch. 16986 SW Brasada Ranch Rd., Powell Butte. $20-$40.

TUESDAY 9/2

RAE ISLA + GUESTS

COASTAL FOLK AT SILVER MOON

Raised on Bainbridge Island, musically trained in Boston and now living in Los Angeles, Rae Isla brings her unique brand of folk to Bend this week. The singer/ songwriter is able to combine Americana and roots music with her classical training at Berklee College of Music to create a delightfully fresh folk sound. Tue., Sept. 2, 7pm at Silver Moon Brewing. 24 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend. $18-$20.

S SOUND Everclear

Expect a new album in 2026

By Dave Gil de Rubio

When Everclear released its 1995 sophomore bow and major label debut, “Sparkle and Fade,” the then-trio of guitarist/vocalist Art Alexakis, drummer/vocalist Greg Eklund and bassist/vocalist Alex Montoya had no idea how drastically the album’s success would alter the trajectory of the band.

Riding the success of the wildly popular single “Santa Monica,” the album went platinum in the U.S., Canada and Australia and also firmly positioned the Portland trio in the grunge/post-grunge zeitgeist. While both Eklund and Montoya departed the band in 2003, Alexakis and his current four-piece Everclear lineup are commemorating the album with a 30th Anniversary Tour alongside opening acts Local H and Sponge.

When the 63-year-old singer/songwriter was reminded that the 2015 20th anniversary tour seemed like it happened yesterday, he agreed with a laugh before unpacking how much his determination fueled the second album into becoming such a gamechanger.

“Hey man, you get older and it starts moving faster and faster,” he chuckled during an early August interview. “I felt like it was the best record I could make. I didn’t know how much success it was going to have. I know a lot of people felt ‘Santa Monica’ had a chance, but I was excited about all the songs on the record. I thought there were a lot of cool contextual songs on the record and a lot of punk rock. For a second record, when most people experience a sophomore slump, I felt like we brought it.”

Having recorded the bulk of the album at Sound Studios in Madison, Wisconsin, Alexakis and the rest of the band were confident about the quality of the material, especially “Santa Monica,” the record’s eventual second single. Perry Watts-Russell, the band’s A&R rep, agreed with that sentiment, despite the fact that he didn’t understand how the song title wasn’t mentioned once in the lyrics. And while he felt it was the best song Alexakis ever wrote, Watts-Russell felt it was still unfinished. Despite the disagreement, the songwriter agreed to lengthen it while also penning an additional nod to his A&R rep.

“Perry said he liked everything and wanted to know how many more songs I had,” Alexakis recalled. “I told him I had about three more and I wanted to play him this song I wrote last week. He asked what I was calling it and I said, ‘Santa Monica.’ I played him the song and he said, ‘One thing. You don’t sing

the words Santa Monica in that song at all.’ I said, ‘Nope, I don’t.’ I told him it was about comfort zones — places that make you feel both comfortable and uncomfortable and that’s Santa Monica to me, which is why I’m naming it that. He said we could talk about changing the song title later and I told him, ‘No we can’t. But go ahead and try.’ He told me to play it again and he said it might be one of my best songs ever, but it wasn’t finished.”

Alexakis added, “I told him it was finished and we all said it was finished and we thought it was pretty perfect. I told him we’d record it, he’d hear it and it would make sense. We recorded it and he listened to it and said he was even more convinced that this song was going to be one of the best songs on the record and almost definitely a single. But it wasn’t done yet. I told him to let me mix it, so I went to New York in the summer of ‘94. I came out of it and he said he was convinced it could be a career-building, hit song, but it wasn’t done yet. We got into one of our few fights over the phone. A lot of bad words were used to the point of me saying, ‘[OK] Perry, we’ll do it. But you know what? I’m going to write a song just about you that we’re going to put on the album called ‘You Make Me Feel Like a Whore.’”

The album’s initial single “Heroin Girl” stalled.

“No one would play it on the radio because of the word ‘heroin,’” Alexakis said.

“Santa Monica” picked up momentum after a slow start once MTV started playing the video in heavy rotation. Even then, Alexakis had doubters at parent label Capitol Records in the form of then-president Gary Gersh, best known for signing Nirvana, Sonic Youth and Counting Crows as an A&R exec at Geffen Records.

“Gary Gersh thought it was an OK first record,” Alexakis said. “I remember he would go out that summer, when we were working that record after it came out and he would go to distribution places, do talks and take questions and he’d be talking about these other cool bands he was signing or working with. He’d be asked about Everclear and he’d say it was a developmental record. These people would tell him it wasn’t a developmental record and it was something they could sell right now because they couldn’t keep it in stock and it wasn’t even being played on the radio. They told him to get it on the radio. People were yelling at the president of Capitol. Talk about grassroots, right?”

For the current tour, the focus will obviously be on “Sparkle and Fade,” but Alexakis promises to weave in other gems from his band’s canon.

“We’re going to play all the songs from “Sparkle and Fade,” but we’re going to

break it up,” he said. “We’re going to do three songs, play a couple of songs from another record, do three more songs and just do that all the way through to the end. We’ll probably keep ‘Santa Monica’ for the end. But other than that, there aren’t going to be a lot of surprises. We don’t have time for that.”

With 33 years on the odometer and counting for Everclear, Alexakis had been looking to slow things down a bit, particularly in light of the multiple sclerosis diagnosis he received back in 2019. But current events being what they are, he’s been inspired to the point of there being potential new material on the horizon in 2026.

“After all the political stuff going on and the changes in our world, I’ve been writing a lot — a lot of poetry, a lot of words, a lot of music,” he said. “We’re planning on putting out a new album next year. We’ll see.” Everclear Thu. Sept. 11, 6:30pm Silver Moon Brewing 24 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend silvermoonbrewing.com/events $40.46

Art Alexakis planned to slow down, but is inspired to put out a new album in 2026.

Brian Cox

CALENDAR

27 Wednesday

The Astro Lounge Karaoke Get here early to put your name on the list! Drink specials every night. 9pm-2am. Free.

Bevel Craft Brewing Desert Wheelhouse Desert Wheelhouse is a high-energy Bend band blending classic rock, country and pop into dance-worthy performances with rich vocals and tight harmonies. 6-8pm. Free.

Black Butte Ranch Music on the Lawn with NTT NTT, the best boomer trio you’ve never heard of, brings you elegant harmonies and an “in the pines” vibe in one of the most beautiful performance settings in Central Oregon, the Lakeside Lawn @ Black Butte Ranch. Blankets, lowback chairs and coolers are welcome 6-8pm. Free.

Bunk+Brew Open Mic Show off your talent at Bunk + Brew’s Open Mic Night! <0x1F3A4> Signups begin at 5:30 PM, the show kicks off at 6. All acts welcome—music, comedy, poetry, and more. Grab a drink, hit the stage, or cheer them on. Free to attend. Good vibes guaranteed. 6-8pm. Free.

The Capitol The Capitol Karaoke Music Weekly Karaoke at its finest! Central Oregon’s premiere karaoke experience has just moved locations! Now at the Capitol! Drink specials! Air guitars! Come see for yourself. 8pm-1am. Free.

The Cellar Live Music with Danger Gently Head down to The Cellar every Wednesday to enjoy live music from Danger Gently, a talented rotating cast of characters playing old-timey jams! 6-8pm. Free.

The Commonwealth Pub Mark Creech Come join us for an evening of classics with great vocals and guitar playing. 7:30-9:30pm. Free.

Craft Kitchen and Brewery Comedy Open Mic Night Open mic comedy on Bend’s NE side. Come down, eat some BBQ, drink some drinks, and be prepared to laugh. Great for first timers to experienced performers. FREE 7:30-9pm. Free.

Crosscut Warming Hut No 5 Sidney Joseph Relax with a pint and enjoy great local music! 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.

Hosmer Bar Trivia Night Join us midweek for brainy banter and cold drinks! Whether you’re a seasoned quiz champ or just in it for the laughs, gather your crew and test your knowledge! See you there! 7-9pm. Free.

M&J Tavern Open Mic Night Downtown living room welcomes musicians to bring their acoustic set or turn it up to 11 with the whole band. Bring your own instruments. 6:30pm. Free.

Market of Choice Bend Scrabble Club at Market of Choice We meet upstairs. We use the 7th edition of the Scabble Players Dictionary. New Scrabble players are welcome. If you have a Scrabble set, please bring it as a backup. 6-8:30pm. 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.

Pinky G’s Pizzeria MUSIC BINGO Join music Bingo (think Bingo and Name that Tune). Great food, cold drinks and good times. Free to play and prizes for each round winner. 6-8pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

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Chicago FB

Legendary and chart-topping Chicago remains high on the list of important rock 'n' roll bands. Sun., Aug. 31, 7:30pm at Hayden Homes Amphitheater.

Ponch’s Place Bingo Wednesdays at Ponch’s Place Enjoy Bingo at Ponch’s Place on Wednesdays. 5:30-7pm. Free.

Portello Wine and Spirits MUSIC BINGO! Music Bingo is back after popular demand! This is not “call out numbers” bingo - this is hearing epic music playlists, and if the song is on your bingo card you cross it off! Fun music, sing-a-long, chance to win gift cards - all hosted by Rachel Fishman who always makes it fun! Every other Wednesday, 6:30-9pm. Free.

Prost! - Bend WTF! Wednesday Trivia Fun! Genuine UKB Trivia is truly unique and entertaining trivia for you! Independent, locally owned and operated. Please bring something to write with and some positive vibes, too :). 7pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Rustmouth and Friends Slide guitar and alternative music; after work special. 6-9pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing A Boy and His Tiger: Calvin & Hobbes Trivia Night Whether you’re a Spaceman Spiff-level expert, a dinosaurs-in-F22s enthusiast or just here for the transmogrifier jokes, this evening will test your knowledge of the greatest comic strip ever drawn, hosted by a man still very much in touch with his inner six-year-old. Speaking of which— the trivia night is also host and comedian Anthony Poponi’s birthday! And while he may be legally classified as an adult, he’s made absolutely no progress toward actually becoming one. Like Calvin, I remain firmly planted at age 6, fueled by sugar, sarcasm, and the occasional tiger sidekick. Costumes encouraged. Prizes awarded. G.R.O.S.S. club rules apply. 6:30-8:30pm.

Silver Moon Brewing The Northern Light The Northern Light (TNL) is an alternative/psych rock band from Woodinville, WA. 7pm. $13-$15.

28 Thursday

1/8th Street Patio Open Mic Night with Open Lab Grab some eats and drinks and show us what you got. The mic is open for all musical acts. We look forward to hearing your originals or favorite covers too. 6-8pm. Free.

The Ale Apothecary Tasting Room Bella Cooper Live music and a portion of pint sales going to supporting our Central Oregon neighbors with application fees, rental and deposit assistance. 6-8pm. Free.

The Astro Lounge Karaoke Get here early to put your name on the list! Drink specials every night. 9pm-2am. Free.

Austin Mercantile Live Music Every Thursday Join at Austin Mercantile for live music every Thursday. Offering a light happy hour menu — daily flatbread, chili, charcuterie, soft pretzels and more! 4:30-6:30pm. Free.

Bar Rio Live Music at Bar Rio Grab your favorite bites and sips and relax into the music— ranging from jazz and blues to pop and flamenco. 6-8pm. Free.

The Bend Wine Bar & Winery Tasting Room Trivia Night Tease your brain and win cool prizes. Happy Hour menu will be offered during game time. Grab your friends and enjoy an evening of fabulous wines, snacks and fun! Every last Thursday of the month. Arrive early, game starts at 6pm. Last Thursday of every month, 6-8pm. Free.

Blacksmith Public House Karaoke with DJ Chris Join us on our indoor stage for Karaoke night! Every Thursday from 6:30-8pm. We have plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, great drink options, and lots of food trucks! Family and dog friendly. 6:30-8pm. Free.

Bridge 99 Brewery Trivia Thursday Think and Drink! Genuine UKB Trivia is truly unique and entertaining trivia for you! Independent, locally owned and operated. Please bring something to write with and some positive vibes, too :). 6:30pm. Free.

Bunk+Brew Karaoke Thursdays Sing your heart out at Bunk + Brew’s Karaoke Night! Whether you’re a pro or just love the spotlight, all voices are welcome. Food carts available all evening! Located in the Historic Lucas House Living Room for winter. 7-10pm. Free.

The Cellar Live Irish Trad Music with The Ballybogs! Join us for a night of live music featuring Bend’s Irish Trad band, The Ballybogs! Every Thursday at The Cellar. Seats fill up, so get there early if you can! 6-8pm. Free.

The Commonwealth Pub Fluffalove at the Commonwealth Pub This husband/wife duo brings a sweet acoustic blend of harmonies and guitars to all your favorite tunes from the ‘70’s. Enjoy a cocktail or a pint while Fluffalove serenades you. Special guests Steve Beaudry and Sean Rule will join for some tunes. 6-8pm. Free.

The Commonwealth Pub The Northern Light The Northern Light (TNL) is an alternative/ psych rock band from Woodinville, WA. The band includes David Pollon (guitar, vocals), Kip Rondorf (drums) and Carl Larsson (bass, synths.) 8:30-10:30pm. Free.

Crave Bend COMEDY OPEN MIC NIGHT

Comedy Open Mic Night on the SW side of Bend! Adults only encouraged. Intimate, smaller venue, healthier food and beverages, and an interactive night of comedy every Thursday! Hosted By Hopper. 7-9pm. Free.

The Dez Lounge Open Mic Join Joyful Lane at open mic night! Enjoy NA cocktails, charcuterie and dessert while listening to local talent! 6-9pm. Free.

Dogwood At The Pine Shed Let’s Have a Kiki A weekly 2SLGBTQIA+ night hosted by Cliché, with a new featured resident DJ each month. Kicking off the series in May with DJ Lunallday. Let’s have a kiki! 7-10pm. Free.

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.

High Desert Music Hall Oregon Bless Fest 2025 Oregon Bless Fest is a vibrant night of music, prayer, and purpose, featuring live performances, a water blessing, raffles, and community connection. 5-11:30pm. $20.

Hosmer Bar Bingo Night Your week just found its highlight—bingo! Join us for drinks, good company and a little friendly competition. Pull up a chair, grab a board and let’s make some memories! 7-9pm. Free.

The Lot Sone of Wolf (Maxx Lopez) Son of Wolf is Maxx Lopez’s solo acoustic project. It is a deep dive into his lifelong fascination with music. Blending many of his fantasy themed songs with his obsession of bluegrass, Grateful Dead, and many other styles. 6-8pm. Free.

McKenzie General Store & Obsidian Grill Pete Kartsounses at McKenzie General Store McKenzie General Store loves being able to provide free family friendly live music to our community of locals, adventures and travelers alike! With our outdoor beirgarden, restaurant and general store we’re sure to have all you need for an unforgettable evening! 6-9pm. Free.

Mountain Burger Thursday Night Live at Mountain Burger Bend! Deone Jennings at Mountain Burger Bend for Thursday Night Live! 6-8pm. Free.

Northside Bar & Grill Mathieu Raney Come enjoy some local guitar music with us! 7-9pm. Free.

Pangaea Guild Hall Intro to D&D Workshop Calling all adventurers! Have you wanted to play Dungeons and Dragons but have no idea where to start? Pangaea Guild Hall presents an “Intro to D&D” workshop series hosted by yours truly, Guildmaster Chris! Learn to build and play your own D&D character. Call or email to reserve your spot! 6-9pm. $10.

Ponch’s Place Trivia Thursdays at Ponch’s Place Trivia Thursdays at Ponch’s Place with QuizHead Games. 6-8pm. Free.

River’s Place Olivia Harms Traditional Country & Western Singer/Songwriter solo acoustic. Catch her on The Road on CBS premiering October 19th! 6-8pm. Free.

CALENDAR

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.

Silver Moon Brewing Cyrus Nabipoor (Jazz Trumpet) A distinctive voice both on the horn and in his writing,A distinctive voice both on the horn and in his writing, Cyrus Nabipoor’s singular sound has garnered him international acclaim. He has been a featured festival artist at PDX Jazz, Cathedral Park, Montavilla Jazz, New Orleans French Quarter, and Chicago. 7pm. $12 Presale $15 at door.

Velvet Lounge Open Mic with Bend Open Mics & Mari Performers get ready! 7-9pm. Free.

29 Friday

Bend Cider Co. Kel & Cal Enjoy live music on this late summer evening, while sipping on delicious ciders, beer, wine, & n/a beverages. Light appetizers available, outside food welcome. Kid & dog-friendly. 6-8pm. Free.

Big E’s Sports Bar and Grill Karaoke Night at Big E’s Bar & Grill A Fine Note Karaoke Too featuring DJ Jackie J, bringing the party! Come early, sing more (sing two songs in a row between 8-9pm.) 21+. 8pm. Free.

The Capitol Bend Comedy Festival The Bend Comedy Festival is set to become a standout comedy experience, featuring 20+ carefully curated events around town, bringing together national headliners, rising stars, and local Oregon talent for an unforgettable weekend of live comedy. Festival passes will go on sale March 1! 1-11pm. $100.

The Capitol Chaotic Good Comedy Show Smart. Unruly. Very funny. This stand-up showcase brings together comics who know how to harness chaos. No two sets are the same. No telling what’ll happen next. It’s the kind of chaos you’ll want more of. Tickets included in festival pass Individual tickets available online for $25, $30 at door 5-6:15pm. $25.

Cheba Hut Comedy Open Mic Bring your friends and let’s have some laughs together! 7:45-9pm. Free.

The Commonwealth Pub Pina Colada Pina Colada is a duo with a story as refreshing as their name! Joe “Pina” Plass and TJ “Colada” Brodeur first met on a sun-soaked tropical island, where the palm trees swayed to the rhythm of the ocean waves and the air was filled with the scent of exotic flowers. 8-10pm. Free.

The Commonwealth Pub Dad Bods at The Commonwealth Pub Dad Bods is Bend’s ‘80s party band that plays all the rock songs you remember, with a few hits from other decades sprinkled in. Bring your dancing shoes for this high energy show! 8-10pm. Free.

The Commonwealth Pub Commonwealth DJ Dance Party with TRUNORTH Join TRUNORTH as he makes his way down from the 49th parallel, spinning the latest and greatest, raising the bar on this year’s playoff season. Join him Friday and Saturday nights at The Commonwealth Pub and cheer on the beats from soul, to funk, to today’s hits. 9pm-Midnight. Free. Faith, Hope & Charity Vineyards Live at the Vineyard: Pete Kartsounes Based out of Bend, OR, Pete Kartsounes is an award-winning singer-songwriter and guitar virtuoso that has been bringing his eclectic style and smokey soulful voice to stages all around the world for over two decades. As an artistic renaissance man, Pete has an eye for beauty in sound and sight, 6-9pm. $15.

The Grove Summer Friday Concert Series Join us on Fridays throughout the summer at the Grove Market Hall for some live music! 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.

Hayden Homes Amphitheater GOO GOO DOLLS with DASHBOARD CONFESSIONALSummer Anthem Tour 2025 Known for its string of hits such as, “Iris,” “Slide,” and “Black Balloon,” The Goo Goo Dolls have created many records that are a staple. The 1980’s rock band comes to performs its legendary hits during the “Summer Anthem Tour,” with special guests Dashboard Confessional. 6:30pm. $39.50-$129.50.

Jefferson County Fairgrounds Pacific Northwest Freedom Run . Free.

M&J Tavern Rustmouth & The Shimmering Light Slide guitar/original blues. 9pm-1am. Free.

Midtown Ballroom Kate Berlant Kate Berlant is an Emmy nominated comedian, actress and writer. She recently concluded her fourth sold-out run of KATE, her one-woman off-Broadway play directed by Bo Burnham, to a rapturous response. Her comedy special Cinnamon in the Wind (directed by Bo Burnham) is now streaming on Hulu. 7-10pm. $40.

Ponch’s Place Music with Erin Cole Baker Enjoy Friday night music at Ponch’s Place with Erin Cole Baker from 6-8 p.m. 6-8pm. Free.

Portello Wine and Spirits Live Music: Maria Jackson Band We are excited to have Maria back at Portello this weekend! Her soulful vocals brings an electrifying sound inspired by Adele, Corinne Bailey Rae and Sade. Last Friday of every month, 7-9pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing So You Think You Got Jokes? So You Think You Got Jokes - Comedy Competition This is no ordinary comedy show— it’s a showdown of wit, improv, and comedic brilliance. You’re not just watching—you’re voting! After both rounds, you help crown the night’s comedy champion based on who you felt did the best overall. 6-7:45pm. $25.

Silver Moon Brewing Wild Rumors: Fleetwood Mac Tribute Wild Rumours focuses on the apex Buckingham-Nicks era material, creating an authentic concert experience with dramatic crescendos and moments of quiet intimacy. The band, comprised of all-stars. 7pm. $15.

Silver Moon Brewing Full Color Dream & Killmer Full Color Dream is an independent grunge-pop band from Bellingham, WA crafting music inspired by the the sounds of 90s guitar-driven alt-rock bands and the indie rock music that soundtracked the early-to-mid 00s. 7pm. $13-$15.

Skyliners Lodge Rooftop Revival Party

Come enjoy a special summer evening at Skyliner Lodge to celebrate the revival of this special place in our community. Enjoy live music with local band Chiggi Momo and take in late summer evening vibes under the forest canopy overlooking Tumalo Creek. Plus: kids activities, beverages and food for sale. 5:30-8pm. $10-$20.

Volcanic Theatre Pub Slow Goat, Batwave, Spina, & Elk Witch Doom metal night. 7pm. $15-$20.

30 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 Family-Friendly Karaoke Night Looking for family fun? You’ll find it every Saturday night at Bridge 99 Brewery. Family-friendly karaoke is hosted by DJ Jackie J and A Fine Note Karaoke Too from 6-9 PM. Adults, kids and good dogs welcome. 6-9pm. Free.

The Capitol Bend Comedy Festival The Bend Comedy Festival is set to become a standout comedy experience, featuring 20+ carefully curated events around town, bringing together national headliners, rising stars, and local Oregon talent for an unforgettable weekend of live comedy. Festival passes will go on sale March 1! 1-11pm. $100.

The Capitol Story Time- A Stand Up Storytelling Show Storytelling Show Saturday, August 30

· The Capitol · 5:00PM Doors at 4:30PM Featuring Skylar King, Neeraj Srinivasan, Jan Davidson, Curtis Cook, Matthew Coe, Ellis Jones, and a surprise guest! Comics share stories that are true, almost true, or at least confidently delivered. 5-6:30pm. $25.

Century Commons Taps & Trucks

Use’ta Do Roots-country & bluegrass straight outta Central Oregon, connecting audiences to music performances like they “Use’ta Do.” 6-8pm. Free.

Cheba Hut DANCE PARTY! Come listen to live music from One Mad Man and let’s dance! 8-10pm. Free.

The Commonwealth Pub Travis Larson with Shovelbelt Come see international touring rock/fusion guitarist Travis Larsson with opener Shovelbelt. 8-11pm. Free.

The Commonwealth Pub Commonwealth DJ Dance Party with TRUNORTH Join TRUNORTH as he makes his way down from the 49th parallel, spinning the latest and greatest, raising the bar on this year’s playoff season. Join him Friday and Saturday nights at The Commonwealth Pub and cheer on the beats from soul, to funk, to today’s hits. 9pm-Midnight. Free.

Hayden Homes Amphitheater Japanese Breakfast - The Melancholy Tour Indie-pop band Japanese Breakfast comes to Bend this summer with special guest Ginger Root for a night of upbeat alternative tunes. 7pm. $39.50-$125.

McKenzie General Store & Obsidian

Grill Randy Nicholson at McKenzie General Store McKenzie General Store loves being able to provide free family friendly live music to our community of locals, adventures and travelers alike! With our outdoor beirgarden, restaurant and general store we’re sure to have all you need for an unforgettable evening! 6-9pm. Free.

McMenamins Old St. Francis School Open Mic at Father Luke’s Bring your instrument, your voice, your weirdest jokes, or your most broken poem. This isn’t just an event — it’s a creative communion. 7-10pm. Free.

Northside Bar & Grill The Brian Hanson Band Come on down for a boot stomping good time listening to some of your favorite country hits! 8-11pm. Free.

Pangaea Guild Hall Lord of the Rings Trivia & Cosplay Join us for a Lord of the Rings themed trivia and cosplay event! 6-9:30pm.

River’s Place Saturday Jazz Sessions Jack Krouscup Quintet. 6-8pm. free.

Silver Moon Brewing The Variety Show (Bend Comedy Festival) Music. Comedy. Sketch. Dance. Improv. One very special surprise guest. A fast-moving, genre-hopping lineup of performers doing what they do best! Big energy and zero predictability. You don’t want to miss this one. 5-6:30pm. $25.

Volcanic Theatre Pub Digital Short Competition Fifteen of the funniest, weirdest, and most inventive comedy shorts from across the country hit the big screen- everything from sharp sketch to animated absurdity. You watch, you laugh, you decide who wins. Audience ballots crown the Best of Fest, and the creator walks away with a $250 cash prize 2-3pm. $25.

Volcanic Theatre Pub TRACKSUIT- Live Sketch Comedy Show Get ready for a sharp, fast-paced dose of sketch comedy from some of the funniest minds in the country. Tracksuit brings together top writers and performers from the Upright Citizens Brigade for a high-energy, laugh-packed set. 4:30-5:30pm. $25.

Volcanic Theatre Pub The Gay Show The Gay Show – Queer Comedy Showcase A fun show where queer performers don’t have to explain themselves first. Expect an all-LGBTQ+ lineup, big laughs, and a room where the usual rules and expectations are joyfully tossed out the window. Free with a Festival Pass • Individual tickets available now. 6:30-7:45pm. $25.

Volcanic Theatre Pub Ehsan Ahmad One of comedy’s fastest-rising stars, he’s a regular at The Comedy Mothership and has opened for Bobby Lee and Joe Rogan. Don’t miss it! Grab a Bend Comedy Festival pass or a single event ticket now! 8:30-10:30pm. $40.

Volcanic Theatre Pub Bo Johnson Comedy Show Bo Johnson can be found headlining across the United States and Canada. His stand up has been featured on Netflix is a Joke Radio, season two of Kevin Hart Presents on Comedy Central, Don’t Tell Comedy Secret Sets, Hulu, & LOL Live! at the prestigious Just For Laughs comedy festival. 9-10:30pm. $40.

31 Sunday

Bar Rio Live Music at Bar Rio Grab your favorite bites and sips and relax into the music— ranging from jazz and blues to pop and flamenco. 6-8pm. Free.

Bend Cider Co. The Cider Janes Come out to Bend Cider this holiday weekend and listen to The Cider Janes! These very talented musicians weave together a harmony-filled, soul-nourishing performance of covers & originals. 6-8pm. Free.

The Capitol Bend Comedy Festival The Bend Comedy Festival is set to become a standout comedy experience, featuring 20+ carefully curated events around town, bringing together national headliners, rising stars, and local Oregon talent for an unforgettable weekend of live comedy. Festival passes will go on sale March 1! 11am-7pm. $100.

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.

The Commonwealth Pub Richard Taelour - Sundays on the patio Richard is an amazing artist and musician; hang out, listen to music, look at art he makes. 3-6pm. Free.

The Commonwealth Pub Head Games Trivia Night Eat. Drink. Think. Win! Live multi-media trivia every Sunday @ 6pm. The Commonwealth Pub - Bend Free to play. Win prizes. Teams up to 6. 6-8pm. Free.

Deschutes Brewery Tasting Room & Beer Garden Pina Colada Pina Colada is a dynamic duo featuring Joe “Pina” Plass and TJ “Colada” Brodeur. They bring their infectious energy and feel-good yacht/pop rock and R&B tunes of the 70s and 80s to weddings, corporate events, private parties, wine bars, and clubs. 4-6pm. Free.

Hayden Homes Amphitheater An Evening with Chicago Hailed as one of the “most important bands in music since the dawn of the rock and roll era,” the legendary rock and roll band with horns, Chicago, came in as the highest charting American band in Billboard Magazine’s Top 125 Artists Of All Time. Chicago is the first American rock band to chart Top 40 albums in six consecutive decades. 7:30 & 8pm. $39.50$149.50.

Maragas Winery Afternoon Jazz in the Vineyard Don McFarlane Duo. A Sunday afternoon of live jazz among the vines at Maragas Winery. 11:30am-5pm. Free.

On Tap Blues & Brews Join us for specialty brews and live music! Music by Richard Taelour, followed by Wildland Blues Band. 3-8pm. Free.

River’s Place The Brainy Brunch Trivia! Useless Knowledge Bowl Trivia presents “The Brainy Brunch!” Bring your crew of friends or family and a pen/pencil! Play for fun and gift cards, play for free! Experienced, independent, locally owned and operated! Noon. Free.

River’s Place Bill Keale It is officially tradition! Our sixth year hosting one of our favorite musicians to celebrate Labor Day weekend. Grab a seat on the patio with a beer or glass of wine and enjoy the angelic voice of Bill Keale. 6-8pm. Free.

Riverhouse Convention Center Peter Antoniou – Mind-Reading Comedy Magic Show Direct from his standing-ovation run on America’s Got Talent, British mind-reader and comedian Peter Antoniou brings his award-winning show to Bend. Come see why Simon Cowell called him “the best mind-reader on the planet.” Tickets • Free with a Bend Comedy Festival pass • Individual tickets: $40 7-9pm. $40.

Riverhouse on the Deschutes Susan Rice Catch comedy legend Susan Rice headline the Bend Comedy Festival with a special brunch show! With 40+ years of stand-up under her belt, she brings sharp wit and big laughs. Grab a Bend Comedy Festival pass or single event ticket now! 11am-2pm. $40.

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.

The Goo Goo Dolls, joined by Dashboard Confessional, will rock the stage with nostalgic hits Fri., Aug. 29, 6:30pm at Hayden Homes Amphitheater.

The Goo Goo Dolls FB

W AESTHETICS & WELLNESS IS EXPANDING!

We're thrilled to announce the grand opening of our brand new West Side location, bringing the same luxury treatments and personalized care you know and love to an even more convenient spot.

To celebrate, we're offering new patients $50 off their first treatments when booking with the code TheSource50. Experience elevated aesthetics & wellness, now on both sides of town.

Opening Celebration: Join

4th

bites,

This year, The Little Woody Festival is going deeper into the woods – celebrating not just barrel-aged perfection but all things tree-inspired!

From whiskey-soaked oak-aged stouts to tart, berry-infused sours, this festival is a toast to the forests, orchards and barrels that shape the finest brews.

DD Entry

For the gnomies who are not drinking but still want to join the fun.

Includes tasting glass and 5 tokens. $20 at the gate.

Includes tasting glass and 10 tokens. $25 at the gate.

Aug 29 5pm-9pm Saturday, Aug 30 Noon-9pm

Includes tasting glass, 10 tokens and Little Woody T-shirt. All Big Woody ticket holders will get early access to the event on Friday night. Presentation by 503 Distilling inside the Deschutes Historical Museum starting at 4:15pm on Friday. ONLY AVAILABLE ONLINE!

what’s on tap

2 Towns

Barrel Aged Blackberry & Raspberry

Imperial

Juicy Blackberries and tart raspberries are perfectly balanced by a rich, barrel-aged foundation.

Westward Whiskey Bad Apple

Time to sit in front of the fire and warm up both inside and out with a glass of this rich, delicious barrel aged teamwork in a glass. We took The Bad Apple and aged it in a selection of barrels we borrowed from our friends at Westward Whiskey™. The result is an even bolder version of one of our most flavorful flagships. After we are done with the barrels, we send them back to be used in an apple finished creation of their own. If you love this one, you’re sure to love Westward’s variation!

Ablis CBD

Strawberry Mojito

Our Strawberry Mojito CBD beverage is the kind of drink that’ll conjure tropical beach vibes. And while we admit we tend to enjoy this one floating along the Deschutes River or feet-up in our backyards, we still get vacation vibes with every minty-sweet sip. Results are in: Ablis Strawberry Mojito is the perfect midweek pick-me-up. (Alcohol not included)

Cranberry Blood Orange

Straight-up blood orange doesn’t quite cut it?

Well, we took it one step further. This Cranberry Blood Orange sparkling beverage is the perfect blend of bold and classic flavors (and our most popular infusion). If you like to chase sunsets up mountain summits or kayak by moonlight, this adventurous flavor is for you.

Boneyard Beer

Short Story

Blonde Ale

Neighbors with Attitude

Barrel-Aged Black Barleywine

Buoy Beer

West Coast Pilsner

Bright Crisp, with a hint of grapefruit

Deep Waters

Stout Aged in Pilot House Distillery’s Come Hell or High Water Whiskey

Cascade Lakes

This IPA

Sure, there’s a lot of ‘em, but This IPA is made with you in mind. Crafted for This moment, This IPA is the perfect balance of hop-forward juiciness and floral aromas. With a refreshing Pacific Northwest aroma, you’ll be wondering where This IPA has been all your life. Look no further, because This is now.

Badlands Imperial Brown Ale

We partnered with our friends at Badlands Artisan Distillery in La Pine, Oregon to create the non-typical beer. A bold, imperial brown ale aged in Double Barrel Rye casks. Audacious vanilla and graham cracker flavors are layered with hits of candied nuts and dark molasses while notes of coconut and lightly spiced honey dance on your tongue.

Crux Fermentation

Project

Tough Love 2023

Whiskey Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout

Bramble Candy

Blackberry Sour Ale Aged in Red Wine Barrels

Deschutes Brewery

Black Butte XXXVII

Tequila Barrel-Aged Imperial Porter Brewed with Cocoa, Orange Peel, & Vanilla Beans

King Crispy Pilsner

Fire on the Mountain

Maple Bourbon Nut Brown

Brewed with Maple Syrup and Conditioned on Whiskey Soaked Maple Wood.

Bigfoot County Pale

NW Pale with Cascade and Citra Hops

Fort George Brewing

BA Coconut Cavatica

13-month Bourbon Barrel-Aged Version of Our Cavatica Stout with Toasted Coconut

2023 Matryoshka Barrel Aged Imperial Stout

12.2% ABV -Matryoshka begins with a decadent imperial stout aged for one year in whiskey and bourbon barrels. During this twelve month period of confinement, the powerful flavor of the barrel tempers the dessert-like sweetness of the base beer to produce a rich, smooth, flavorful stout that is neither too thick, nor too thin.

Spruce Budd - Sprice Tip Ale

Brewed Only with locally picked spruce tips, pilsner malt, and water.

Legend Cider Co.

Smith Rock Strawberry Kiwi

Juicy, tangy, and rich in taste. This invigorating flavor makes this one of our family’s favorite recipes.

Cascade Cooler

6% ABV -Is that cider BLUE?? A nod to blue raspberry, this cider is an eye catching color and a delicious berry blend. Fantastic flavor and sure to turn heads. Catch this seasonal summer flavor while you can!

pFriem

Vinifera Saison

pFriem Vinifera Saison is a Rosé inspired barrel aged farmhouse ale with grenache grapes, brewed in collaboration with our friends at Le Doubblé Troubblé Wine Co. in White Salmon, WA. Frambozen

Made by adding fresh raspberries to our Lambic-inspired ale, resulting in a deep fuchsia, pink foam-topped nectar, with perfumy aromas of fresh fruit, flavors of fresh jam, and a tart, prickly finish

Silver Moon Brewing

Stihl Crazy (After All These Years)

Brewed for Collab Fest 2025 with our friends from Woods Boss in Denver, CO. Utilizing a fresh cut Ponderosa Pine Tree for a hot wort luge and a blend of Norwegian Farm House and French Saison yeast, it is fun, funky, earthy, citrusy and delicious!

Cross Joint Terpene

This West Coast IPA has an unopolagetically dank nose that gives way to a crisp refreshing IPA. With notes of stonefruit, citrus, pineapple and oranges from the hops combine with the tropical darkness from the Pineapple Express terpenes to make an unforgettable IPA.

Sunriver Brewing

Chocolate Ice Cream Stout

“Infused with the flavors of chocolate ice cream, gooey marshmallow swirls, caramel, and fudge finish.”

Vanilla Baltic Porter

This Wood Series project began life as a big, bold Baltic Porter. We carefully aged the brew for 12 months in the finest small batch 10-year Kentucky bourbon barrels. This strong, dark lager was then further conditioned on Madagascar vanilla beans for the ultimate infusion of smoothness. The finished beer displays complex notes of caramel, oak, spice, and honey. Barrel character hits with an herbaceous note and the vanilla rounds out the flavor profile of this decadent delight.

Three Creeks Brewing

Rye Whiskey Aged Frontier Justice

Imperial Coffee Stout

Chocolatey Imperial Stout with Sister’s Cold Brew aged in Rye.

McKay’s Reserve – Rye Whiskey

Barrel-Aged Scottish Ale

This very special batch of McKay’s Scottish Ale is brewed with two distinctive 2-Row base malts, four varieties of crystal malts and a touch of smoked malt, creating rich, caramel flavors with a hint of smoke. Lightly hopped, allowing the complexity of the malts to shine. To top it off we aged this batch in Crater Lake Distillery’s Estate Rye Whiskey oak barrels for 12 months, adding a warm, “boozy” finish, with hints of vanilla and oak.

UPP Liquids

Pinball Wizard

5.9 ABV - Oatmeal Stout

Wild Sky

9 ABV - Imperial Stout Aged in Heaven Hill Casks w/ raspberry

Wild Ride Brewery

Barrel Aged Laughing Face Imperial Coconut Porter

Imperial coconut porter aged in bourbon barrels

Barrel-Aged Bee Sting

Rum Barrel-Aged Brown Ale

Wines

Willamette Valley Vineyards 2023 Estate

Pinot Gris

The wine is blended from the best lots of Pinot Gris grown in our estate vineyards for an elevated style. Pinot Gris was first introduced to the Willamette Valley in the late 1960s by The Eyrie Vineyards Founder David Lett, whom we affectionately call “Papa Pinot.”

Willamette Valley Vineyards 2023 Estate

Rose of Pinot Noir

Sourced from our sustainably-farmed Estate and Tualatin Estate Vineyards, the grapes were gently whole cluster pressed and fermented in stainless steel to deliver expressive aromas and flavors with a crisp, dry finish.

Miraval Rosé

Boasting a luminous pale pink hue and an elegant bouquet of fresh fruit, currants, and roses with a hint of lemon zest. Its rich, balanced palate offers refreshing acidity and distinctive saline and limestone notes that linger in a long, refined finish.

Il Palagio Roxanne Rosso Toscano

Intense and fruity notes of ripe red fruits and sweet spices. Strong personality, harmonious structure and well-complexed tannins, with a long finish.

Whiskey

Whiskey Tent

Sun Goddess – Sauvignon Blanc

Straw-yellow with lively greenish tinges. The bouquet is intensely aromatic, with tropical and spicy notes of passion fruit, banana, and melon. On the palate it is particularly structured with a balance between an intense acidity and a velvety smoothness with a long finish.

Kylie Minogue: CÔTES DE PROVENCE

A stunningly pale rosy pink in colour, this wine bursts with expressive aromas of pink grapefruit, blood orange, and almond blossom. The palate is crisp, dry, and beautifully textured, with vibrant zesty fruits that lead to a long, silky mineral finish impression.

Vera Wang Party Prosecco

This Prosecco features a light body with a fresh, crisp, and citrusy flavor profile, accented by lots of peach and a clean finish. It offers a more casual and fresh alternative to champagne, making it versatile for any meal or casual sip.

Dreaming Tree – Cabernet

Big and bold, and a great representation of a classic California Cab, this wine is full of character and full of body. Rich flavors of blackberry and plum with a touch of toasty oak, this is a Cabernet you won’t want to keep you to yourself.

PRESENTED BY 503 DISTILLING

Journey through the bold world of distilled spirits, with tastings that promise a warm, spirited adventure. Check out the spirits our gnomes will be pouring at this year’s event!

Cocktails

Along with samples in the Whiskey Tent, we will be offering a Rhubarb Whiskey Smash cocktail, and a Mt. Hood Old Fashioned cocktail from 503 Distilling.

503 Distilling Single Barrel

Bourbon Whiskey 93.7 Proof

Barreled in 2019 and aged to perfection, this limited run of just 420 bottles features a mash of corn, rye, and notably Walla Wall Inter Wheat –delivering a softer, smoother, and more approachable profile than traditional high-corn bourbons. While winter heat is a common bourbon ingredient, 503 uses a high percentage than the typical 5% found in most bourbons. This bourbon is currently only available to purchase direct from the distillery, but VIP Tickets holders with can purchase a bottle to take home.

Crater Lake Rye 80 Proof

Just a straight-up, no-frills American whiskey. Forget the fancy trimmings, the collector’s hype, and the pretentious tasting notes; it’s not about toffee this or spicy that. This is your wind-down, sit-back-with-friends kind of whiskey. It does feature rich toffee notes and just the right amount of peppery spice that defines all great rye whiskies.

Viarae Prosecco

Viarae Prosecco is a sparkling white wine from Issa Rae, the celebrated creator of “Insecure”. It’s an any-occasion kind of vibe. More than just a fresh take on Italian wine, this bright, crisp, and lively blend represents the freedom to let loose and be authentic.

Hampton Water Rose

The wine is fresh and lively, with soft notes of strawberry, and citrus; a beautiful, long finish is a result of its careful and meticulous aging in new French Oak barrels.

Dreaming Tree – Chardonnay

Our Chardonnay embodies the classic California style. Rich yet elegant, with flavors of apple, lemon, and a touch of toasted almond. Enjoy out on the patio, by the fire, or any time at all.

Stoller Wine Group ’20 Stoller Estate

Pinot Noir

100% of the grapes harvested from Dundee Hills, with bright red fruit notes, dried concentrated cherry, with undertones of tobacco.

Stoller Wine Group ’20 History Red Blend

70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Malbec sourced from the Columbia Valley, with notes of dried flowers, cassis and fig.

Oregon Spirit Distillers Wheat 90 Proof

Straight American Wheat Whiskey born from winter wheat grown in the heart of Oregon, and finished with touches of rye and malted barley, to create a balanced homage to our beautiful state’s most abundant crop. The aroma of light sweet mint reminds of jammy fruit, faint hay and vanilla.

Three Chord Strange Collaboration 99 Proof

Delightful blend of Kentucky Straight bourbon (aged between 3-6 yrs.), selected for full and smooth flavor and finished in Strange Family pinot noir casks. The result is a unique expression of bourbon — high-proof, medium body with a hint of pinot noir on the nose and finish. The taste is sweet with a light caramel, vanilla character and hints of clove and black fruit.

Three Chord Blended Bourbon 81 Proof

features prominent notes of maple, caramel, and vanilla. The taste is complex grassy, slightly sweet with hints of spice that gives way to light citrus fruit and a mild charred oak before a refined and lingering, honeycomb finish.

Freeland Bourbon 90 Proof

Paying homage to the American South and to Meemaw Freeland, the namesake of Freeland Spirits. Soft caramel, vanilla and spice dance into the whiskey from charred American oak barrels. A final rest in Oregon’s Elk Cove Pinot Noir barrels adds an element of Pacific Northwest terroir.

Broken Top Mountain Whiskey 88 Proof

A unique blend of Bourbon whiskeys boasting a custom mash bill and cut by the Cascades. Featuring and aroma of oak and caramel with subtle hints of vanilla, allspice, and wheatgrass. Nutty notes hit the palate intertwined with leather and cedar cigar box undertones before a spirit-forward floral finish accented by dried fruits.

Black Butte Whiskey 94 Proof

Easy-drinking featuring up to 12-year-old bourbon from Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee. The resulting blend is smooth, versatile, and

This American single malt whiskey is a collaboration between two of the nation’s oldest craft brands –Crater Lake Spirits and Deschutes Brewery. Distilled from Deschutes’ celebrated Black Butte Porter, this single malt is a whiskey so amazing Sunset Magazine picked it as the best whiskey in America. It’s a sipper, not a shooter. An inspiration in a bottle.

PROUD SPONSOR OF THE LITTLE WOODY

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Live Entertainment

ABOUT OUR BENEFICIARY:

FRIDAY, AUG 29

Locals Only Comedy Show | 6:00PM-7:30PM

Cozy up in front of the Little Woody Stage for a night of laughter featuring Bend’s beloved local comedians. Bend Comedy Festival Pass Holders enjoy complimentary admission to the event; however, tasting packages will incur an additional fee.

Live Music: Lickety Split | 8:00PM-9:00PM

Gabrielle Monia and Jordan Lewis Lee of Lickety Split (Formerly known as The Bunkhouse Two) craft and perform original songs with a nod to the rich tapestry of American roots music—old-time, country blues, ragtime, jug band classics, and more.

SATURDAY, AUG 30

Costume Contest | 5pm

Join us for a gnome-tastic costume contest! We will have prizes and trophies for these categories: Best Dressed Gnome, Best Gnome Squad, Dynamic Duo, and The Spirit of the Little Woody (crowd favorite) Secret Comedy Show | 6:15pm–7:30pm

Join us under the trees for an evening of laughter at Little Woody! In partnership with the Bend Comedy Festival, this secret comedy show features a magical lineup of comics as seen on Don’t Tell Comedy, Hulu, Kill Tony, Comedy Central and more. Bend Comedy Festival Pass Holders receive free admission to the event tasting packages are an additional cost.

Live Music: Erin Cole Baker Band | 8pm-9pm

With warm reverby Jazzmaster, her music expands into lush textures that complement her velvety vocals. This dynamic blend allows her sound to flow seamlessly from folk roots into dreamy, electric atmospheres, creating a rich auditory experience that resonateswith listeners.

Deschutes Historical Museum

The Little Woody is proud to donate a portion of its proceeds to the Deschutes Historical Museum.

Founded in 1975, the Deschutes Historical Museum preserves, promotes and celebrates the history of the beautiful region of Deschutes County. Encompassing Bend, Redmond, La Pine, Sisters, Terrebonne and Tumalo, the historical museum is an important institution for celebrating the past and protecting the future of Central Oregon. The museum and community center is dedicated to education, research and appreciation for the unique local history of Deschutes County, and to build a living legacy that grows with each new generation.

129 NW Idaho Ave, Bend, OR 541-389-1813 | DeschutesHistory.org

Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4:30pm

Erin Cole Baker Band

Lickety Split

Silver Moon Brewing Mari & The Dream + Torch Local band Mari & The Dream sharing the stage with an iconic band called Torch from Seattle! Come see female fronted alternative rock music that will rock your socks off and leave you wanting more! 7-10pm. $10.

1 Monday

Bevel Craft Brewing Bingo with Bren Bingo with Bren is supporting the amazing organization, The Giving Plate, all September long! Grab your cards: $2 each or 6 for $10. Half the money goes out in CASH prizes, the other half helps fight hunger! Enjoy an exciting night of prizes, laughter, and giving back to the community. 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 Backyard Open Mic Mondays Bring the energy and hit the stage! Sing, rap, tell jokes or vibe out with the crowd. Killer eats from food carts and beer truck flowing all night. 6-10pm. Free.

The Commonwealth Pub Monday Night Musicians Showcase: Hosted by FAFO Come showcase your sound, discover fresh talent and enjoy a night of incredible live music. Hosted by Funk Around & Find Out, we’re creating a space where musicians can stretch out, jam, tighten up or spark something new. Full backline provided. 6-9pm. Free.

Crux Fermentation Project Trivia Night @ Crux Trivia Night at Crux! First place team wins a $25 gift card! 6-8pm. Free.

Elixir Winery and Tasting Room Locals Music Night and Open Mic Bend’s friendliest open-mic! All genres welcome. Oregon and international wine, beer and tapas menu available all evening. 6-9pm. Free.

Immersion Brewing Open Mic hosted by Bend Comedy All performance types are welcome! All ages are welcome to attend and perform! All acts are eligible to audition to perform in a future Bend Comedy show! 7-9pm. Free.

JC’s Bar & Grill Karaoke Karaoke kicks off at 8pm with our awesome host Van! Come early to get a prime seat. Happy hour lasts all day and our pool tables are free Mondays. 8pm. Free.

On Tap Locals’ Day Plus Live Music Cheaper drinks all day and live music at night, get down to On Tap. 11am-9pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Beertown Comedy Open Mic Voted #1 Open Mic and Locals Night, Beertown Comedy’s Open Mic happens every Monday at Silver Moon Brewing. Free to watch and perform! Sign-ups at 6:30pm, show at 7pm. With 20 spots available, bring your best jokes and get noticed for paid gigs. Laughter guaranteed! 6:30-9pm. Free.

2 Tuesday

The Astro Lounge Karaoke Get here early to put your name on the list! Drink specials every night. 9pm-2am. Free.

Bunk+Brew Backyard Trivia Tuesdays! brains, cold beers, bragging rights! Battle it out under the stars with rotating trivia themes and epic prizes. Grab food from the food carts and drinks from the beer truck. Think you’ve got what it takes? 7-9pm. Free.

The Capitol The Capitol Karaoke Music Weekly Karaoke at its finest! Central Oregon’s premiere karaoke experience has just moved locations! Now at the Capitol! Drink specials! Air guitars! Come see for yourself. 8pm-1am. Free.

The Cellar Open Mic Open mic at The Cellar hosted by Mari! 6-8pm and all are welcome! 6-8pm. Free.

The Commons Cafe & Taproom

Mic StoryTellers open mic nights are full of music, laughs and community. Mason James is the host. Poetry, comedy and spoken word are welcome, but this is mainly a musical open mic. Performance slots are a quick 10 minutes each, so being warmed up and ready is ideal. If you wish to perform sign-ups start at 5pm in the cafe. 6pm. Free.

The Commonwealth Pub Haute Melange:

Tuesday Jazz Nights Haute Mélange is an elegant and sophisticated jazz ensemble whose name reflects its essence: “Haute,” meaning high-class or refined, and “Mélange,” a harmonious mix. With an intricate blend of masterful technique and rich artistry, the group seamlessly weave classic jazz traditions with modern flair. 7-9pm. Free.

Crosscut Warming Hut No 5 Head Games

Trivia Night Live multi-media trivia every other Tuesday at Crosscut Warming Hut No. 5, Bend. Free to play, win prizes, teams up to 6. Please arrive early for best seats. Every other Tuesday,

PRESENTATIONS + EXHIBITS

“The Bulletin” History & People Learn the history of the Bend community’s newspaper, the people who made it happen and what makes the legacy of “The Bulletin” unique in Oregon journalism. Presenter, James Crowell has a Masters in Journalism from the University of Oregon and published biographer of George Putnam, “The Bulletin’s” first editor/publisher. Aug. 27, 1-2pm. Downtown Bend Library - Brooks Room, 601 NW Wall St,, Bend. Contact: 5413121029. laurelh@deschuteslibrary.org. Free.

Sawmill Demonstration Full steam ahead! See the 1904 Lazinka Sawmill in action and how lumber was processed on-the-go at the turn of the century. Aug. 28, Noon-3pm. High Desert Museum, 59800 S. Highway 97, Bend. Contact: 541-382-4754. info@highdesertmuseum.org. $17.

OUTDOOR EVENTS

Hannah Jensen is a contemporary Western landscape artist based in Central Oregon. Hear the artist speak at Scalehouse Gallery Thu., Aug. 28, 6-8pm.

GROUPS + MEETUPS

Workers Over Billionaires We call for: Ending the rampant corruption, defending medicaid and social security, supporting working people, funding schools, healthcare and housing, supporting and protecting marginalized communities and investing in people not wars! Sept. 1, 11am-12:30pm. Peace Corner, Corner of NW Greenwood Avenue and NW Wall Street, Bend. Contact: 50501centraloregon@gmail.com. Free.

Bend Astronomy Club In 2024 the Rose City Astronomers purchased a ten acre parcel about twenty miles east of Bend and twenty miles south of Prineville. Matt Vartanian, of Redmond, is the site manager. His presentation will tell the story of SkyLark’s birth and development for visual, photographic and radio astronomy in the dark skies of Crook County. Aug. 27, 6pm. Downtown Bend Public Library, 601 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: bac@cantordust.net. Free.

Central Oregon Badminton Come and join the badminton group in Central Oregon. All levels welcome from beginner to experienced. Instruction, racquets, birdies available, 10 fee to play, can pay in cash at the event or in advance at Bend Badminton on Meetup.com. Saturdays, 6-8pm. Bend Hoops, 1307 NE 1st Street, Bend. Contact: 541-382-4994. sheena_fischer@yahoo. com. $10.

Table Tennis Sundays Come have fun with round-robin table tennis on Sunday afternoons. We have paddles and balls but feel free to bring your own. Enjoy happy hour prices and great food. Tournaments and prizes coming. Sundays, 4-10pm. Through Sept. 30. The Commonwealth Pub, 30 SW Century Dr., Bend. Free.

Workers Over Billionaires Labor Day

Protest Bring your friends, family and neighbors to help build the movement to stop fascism through non-violent protest! A commitment to non-violence is a fundamental principle of Re.dmond Indivisible. Let’s work together to de-escalate any potential confrontations with those who do not share our beliefs Sept. 1, 10-11:30am. Freedom Hub, 732 SW 6th Street, Redmond. Contact: 503-956-5775. jenlaverdure245@gmail. com. Free.

FUNDRAISING

Community Yard Sale Furniture, small appliances, sports and garden stuff, outdoor goods, clothing, household items, art, unique finds. BBQ lunch for sale, 11am- 1pm with veg options. Aug. 30, 8am-2pm. Unity Spiritual Community of Central Oregon, 63645 Scenic Drive, Bend. Contact: 541-388-1569.

FOOD + DRINK

Bend Farmers Market The Bend Farmers Market is a true farmers market dedicated to supporting the viability of local farmers, ranchers and food producers who offer fresh local produce, protein and farm products to the people of Central Oregon. Wednesdays, 11am-3pm. Through Oct. 9. Brooks Alley, downtown Bend, Bend. Contact: bendfarmersmarket@gmail.com. Free.

Farmers Market Farm-fresh produce straight from local growers! One-of-a-kind products: handmade, unique and full of character! Live music, food and beer—because Sundays should be fun! Free Community Booth supporting local nonprofits and initiatives! Sundays, 10am2pm. Through Sept. 28. Worthy Brewing - Main Pub and Brewery, 495 NE Bellevue Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-241-6310. Free.

Redmond Farmers Market Discover the heart of our community at the Redmond Farmers Market! Fun for the whole family. Here, local farmers and artisans come together to share their passion for fresh produce, handmade goods and unique crafts. Fridays, 3-7pm. Through Aug. 29. Centennial Park, Evergreen, Between 7th and 8th St., Redmond. Contact: 541-570-8946. Harvesthouseevents.rdm@gmail.com. Free.

Sisters Farmers Market Join us on Sundays June-Oct for a vibrant community gathering featuring fresh produce, local goods, live music and community activities.The market hosts a diverse range of over 45 Central Oregon vendors weekly. Sundays, 10am-2pm. Through Oct. 26. Fir Street Park, Sisters, Sisters. Contact: sistersfarmersmarket@gmail.com. Free.

Sunriver Farmers Market Discover a wide variety of fresh, farm-to-table products from dedicated local vendors. From freshly butchered meats to seasonal produce, there’s something for everyone. Thursdays, 10am-2pm. Through Aug. 28. Sunriver Resort, 17600 Center Dr., Sunriver. Free.

BEER + DRINK

$10 Wing Wednesdays A new weekly special: $10 Wing Wednesdays at Cascade Lakes Pub on Reed Market. Choose from one of the house-made sauces like Char Sui, This IPA BBQ and Spicy Staycay Pineapple or go naked! Wednesdays, 11am-9pm. Cascade Lakes Pub on Reed Market, 21175 SE Reed Market Rd., Bend. $16 Fish Taco and House Margarita

Fridays Join for 3 fish tacos and a house margarita for only $16 every Friday at Cascade Lakes Pub on Reed Market. Fridays, 11am-9pm. Cascade Lakes Pub on Reed Market, 21175 SE Reed Market Rd., Bend.

Bonfire Wednesdays Fuel the night with fire, friends and ice-cold drinks! Meet travelers, jam out to tunes and chow down from the food carts. Wednesdays, 6-9pm. Through Oct. 15. Bunk+Brew, 42 NW Hawthorne Avenue, Bend. Free.

Commonwealth Pub Happy Hour It’s 5 for 5, with $5 draft beers, $5 house wines, $5 margaritas, $5 crushes and $5 well liquor. Play ping-pong, darts, cornhole, games and enjoy afternoon music on patio and indoors. Ongoing, Noon-6pm. The Commonwealth Pub, 30 SW Century Dr., Bend. Free.

Crosscut Warming Hut: Locals’ Day!

Tuesdays are Locals’ Day. Every Tuesday enjoy $1 off regular size draft beverages. Come by the Warming Hut and hang out by the fire. See you soon, Bend! Tuesdays. Crosscut Warming Hut No 5, 566 SW Mill View Way, Bend.

Flannel Friday Happy Hour Come on down in your Northwest best for Happy Hour! 4-6pm every Friday. $2 off drafts, $1 off everything else. Fridays, 4-6pm. Contact: taryn@ thealeapothecary.com. Free.

Friday Happy Hour Tapas & Wine Kick off the weekend the right way! Every Friday from 4pm on, swing by for a relaxing and social evening at Elixir Wine. $10 wine specials by the glass and $2 off regular glass pours, including our own Oregon & Washington wines. Fridays, 4-7pm. Elixir Winery and Tasting Room, 11 NW Lava Rd., Bend. Contact: 541-388-5330. tastingroom@ elixirwinegroup.com. Free.

Happy Hour Every Day Make every afternoon a little brighter with a hint of British charm at The Commonwealth Pub! From 3-5pm, enjoy drink specials and a cozy pub vibe that’s perfect for winding down. $3 PBRs $5 RPMs $6 Margaritas $7 Wine Happy Hour bites from Whappos! Mondays-Sundays, 3-5pm. Through Dec. 18. The Commonwealth Pub, 30 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-668-6200. thecommonwealthpubevents@gmail.com. Free.

Incredible Summer Wine Sale Huge sale on refreshing summer white wine and bold red wine. Selections from the Elixir import portfolio. Taste before you buy! Open Monday-Saturday 10.00am - 6:00pm Mondays-Sundays, 10am6pm. Elixir Winery and Tasting Room, 11 NW Lava Rd., Bend. Contact: 541 388 5330. tastingroom@ elixirwinegroup.com. Free.

Industry Appreciation Day! 20% off for all Industry friends! Wednesdays, 2-8pm. Contact: taryn@thealeapothecary.com. Free.

Ladies Night Hey ladies! Come out for $8 limoncello-spiked bubbles and $2 off all menu cocktails every Thursday. Thursdays, 2-10pm. Bar Rio, 915 NW Wall St., Bend. Free.

Locals Day! Locals Day at the Ale! $2 off drafts and $1 off wine and cider! Wednesdays, 2pm. The Ale Apothecary Tasting Room, 30 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: taryn@thealeapothecary.com. Free.

Locals’ Day Come on down to Bevel Craft Brewing for $4 beers and cider and $1 off wine all day. There are also food specials from the food carts located out back at The Patio! Tuesdays. Bevel Craft Brewing, 911 SE Armour St., Bend. Contact: holla@bevelbeer.com. Free.

Locals’ Night at WaypointBBC Locals’ Night at WaypointBBC! $5 draft beer, $8 house red and white wine and $8 specialty cocktail. Tuesdays, Noon-10pm. Waypoint, 921 NW Mt Washington Dr., Bend. Contact: 458-206-0826. Waypointbbc@gmail.com. Free.

Power Hour Come check out our new Power Hour deals: $3 draft Coors Light, $5 draft beer, food cart specials that will make your taste buds dance! Mondays-Thursdays-Sundays, 8-9pm. Midtown Yacht Club, 1661 NE Fourth St., Bend. Contact: 458-256-5454. midtownyachtclub@ gmail.com. Free.

Sangria Sundays Like Sundays in Spain, just add paella. Every Sunday, 2pm-close at Bar Rio in Downtown Bend. Sundays. Bar Rio, 915 NW Wall St., Bend. Free.

Taco & Margarita Tuesdays Enjoy 2/$10 chipotle chicken street tacos and $10 margaritas! Tuesdays, 4-9pm. Portello Wine and Spirits, 2754 NW Crossing Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-385-1777. contact@portellobend.com. Free.

Taco Tuesdays Join us for a margarita & three tacos for $20! Follow us on Instagram for our specials, live music and events. Tuesdays, 2-10pm. Bar Rio, 915 NW Wall St., Bend. Free.

The 2025 Little Woody - Beer, Cider & Whiskey Festival Nestled on the lush lawn of the Deschutes Historical Museum in vibrant downtown Bend, this enchanting festival goes beyond the barrel to bring you an unforgettable celebration of craft beverages and whimsical fun. Aug. 29, 5-9pm. Deschutes Historical Museum, 129 NW Idaho Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-323-0964.

Thirsty Thursday! $7 glasses of wine/bubbles, $4 Rainiers, $10 margaritas + mules, $7 Wild Roots vodka lemonades, $12 Aperol spritz. Thursdays, 4-9pm. Portello Wine and Spirits, 2754 NW Crossing Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-3851777. contact@portellobend.com. Free.

Wine Mondays! Every Monday night all glasses of wine are $9! This is an opportunity to try wines from our vast wine list all night long and pair with either tasty small plates or delicious dishes by creative chef Nikki Munk. Mondays, 4-9pm. Portello Wine and Spirits, 2754 NW Crossing Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-385-1777. admin@portellowinecafe.com. Free.

Wine Wednesdays Wine up and wind down, all glasses $10. Every Wednesday, 2pm-close at Bar Rio in downtown Bend. Wednesdays. Bar Rio, 915 NW Wall St., Bend. Free.

Wings + TRIVIA + Whiskey Enjoy $0.75 wings, $4.50 well whiskey, $6 seven & sevens while testing your knowledge with Trivia, hosted by our amazing Cole! Take on our infamous “physical” challenge - think paper airplanes, musical chairs, limbo etc! Come eat, drink and bring your A-game! Wednesdays, 7pm. JC’s Bar & Grill, 642 NW Franklin Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-3833000. jcsbend@gmail.com. Free.

Yappy Hour at the Crater Lake Spirits Tasting Room A dog-friendly happy hour with craft cocktails, free pup cups and a spacious dog park. Enjoy sunshine, sips and tail wags all summer long. All friendly, social dogs welcome. Leashes required outside the dog park. See you there! Thursdays, 3-5:30pm. Through Aug. 28. Crater Lake Spirits Distillery Tasting Room, 19330 Pinehurst Rd., Tumalo. Contact: 541-3180200. socialmedia@craterlakespirits.com. Free.

HEALTH + WELLNESS

Central Oregon LGBTQ+ Peer Connection Online Support Group A peer-led support group for adults (ages 18 and older) who identify as LGBTQ2SIA+ and are living with mental health challenges. A diagnosis is not required to participate. This group is facilitated by Central Oregon peers. Schedule: Meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month. Every other Tuesday, 6-7:30pm. Contact: 541-316-0167. info@namicentraloregon.org. Free.

Death Café Eat tasty treats, drink tea and discuss death. Free of agenda or ideology, the aim is to increase awareness of death to help people make the most of their lives. Facilitated by end of life doula, Cheryl Adcox. Ages 16+. No late admittance: entry is closed at 6:10pm. Aug. 28, 6-7:30pm. Downtown Bend LibraryBrooks Room, 601 NW Wall St,, Bend. Contact: 5413121029. laurelh@deschuteslibrary.org. Free.

Living Well with Diabetes Take charge of your health with this six-week workshop for adults 60+ living with Type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes. Learn to manage blood sugar, reduce complications and feel your best through group workshops on diabetes self-management, nutrition, activity, stress, and more. Thursdays, 1-3:30pm. Through Sept. 4. Redmond Senior Center, 325 NW Dogwood Ave, Redmond. Contact: 541-323-0435. tlinschied@councilonaging. org. Free.

NAMI Family Support Group NAMI Family Support Group is a peer-led support group for any adult with a loved one who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar experiences. Last Thursday of every month, 5:15-6:45pm. Contact: 541-3160167. info@namicentraloregon.org. Free.

The Bend Beer Run is a scenic, untimed 5k route along the Deschutes River, with four beer stops along the way. The race ends at the Little Woody Festival, where racers can enjoy more craft beverages, live music and lawn games. Costumes encouraged! Sat., Aug. 30, noon at The Commons Cafe.

Bend Festivals

GUNG HO

By Alan Sculley

Chicago

A look back at the journey of a timeless evolution

Helms, Gallery Films

James Pankow may be known as a founding member and resident trombone player/arranger/songwriter in Chicago, but for a gaggle of grandkids living on the West Coast, he’s Papa. It’s a respite he recently enjoyed before bouncing back into his aforementioned musical role as Chicago returns for its 58th year as a unit.

Averaging between 80 to 100 shows a year, this Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 10-piece is out supporting the recently released “Chicago at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington D.C. (9/16/71),” a 4-LP/3CD set encompassing that historic gig. And whilet hat show occurred 54 years ago, it still resonates for Pankow.

“We were one of the first artists to perform there,” Pankow recalled. “It was also the first time we performed ‘Saturday in the Park’ live."

While the Kennedy Center set contains a number of well-known, early-career standards, including “Colour My World,” “25 or 6 To 4” and “Make Me Smile,” the set also includes ambitious compositions that reflect the distinctly proggy-flavored inflections Chicago built into some of their material before the 1980s saw the band shift toward pop ballads (such as “Hard To Say I’m Sorry,” “You’re The Inspiration,” “Hard Habit to Break” and “Look Away”) that produced a second round of chart success.

Despite starting out as a covers-only nightclub act (“Club owners didn’t want to hear our stuff — they wanted to hear Top 40,” Pankow said), Chicago moved on to playing all originals. And after relocating to Los Angeles in 1968, became the house band at the famed Whisky a Go Go, despite being unsigned.

“Jimi Hendrix was in L.A. to do a gig as part of his tour and he stopped in at the Whisky on a night off where he heard us and was blown away,” Pankow said. “Hendrix knew what we were doing, he got it. He said we had a horn section that sounded like one set of lungs and a guitar player that’s better

than him. He invited us to go on the road, which ended up being a whole summer with the Jimi Hendrix Experience as his opening act. And that was without a record... Record companies started bidding and we wound up signing a deal with Columbia and the rest is history.”

That nearly six-decade run that followed enabled Chicago to build quite the deep canon.

“This year, people will get to hear songs that they didn’t get a chance to hear because we’re going to be on stage for the whole evening,” Pankow said. “We’re going to be doing some things from every album, which isn’t something we always get a chance to do. It’s going to be a lot more in-depth snapshot about what Chicago is all about musically.”

Pankow may be 77, but the enthusiasm and joy he derives from playing live (along with an exhaustive workout routine meant to prime him for the rigors of the road) keep him going. And when you ask him about Chicago’s longevity, the St. Louis native isn’t quite sure himself.

“This music has crossed generations,” Pankow said. “When you’re writing a song, you’re experiencing a moment, idea or a feeling that is very personal. The next thing you know, this is a mantra for millions of people. That’s a powerful transition and as a songwriter, you’re even more amazed that fans have embraced this stuff because this personal idea has become a timeless experience for millions of people... When you look into an audience, you see three or four generations... But the common thread in this music is one that all of them can relate to. And that is a mystery that I’ll never figure out.”

Chicago Sun., Aug. 31 8pm Hayden Homes Amphitheater

344 SW Shevlin-Hixon Dr., Bendbendconcerts.com/events/event/ an-evening-with-chicago$54.50+

High Desert, Higher Costs by Jonathan Bach

September 4th 6:30pm at Roundabout Books & Cafe $5 admission or purchase of a book Donate to Our Food Drive!

Joshua

CHOW C

An Old Bend Rebirth Simón leads with classic flavors and vibes

By Jared Rasic

I’ve lived in Bend for a long time and seen some amazing restaurants come and go, some of which whose absence I still miss on the daily. One of those places I still miss is the Taco Stand in Old Bend off Hill Street. In college, that was one of the few places I could afford to eat out and their insanely cheap burritos kept me from only living off bags of stale popcorn I would take home from the movie theater I worked at in my early 20s.

After the Taco Stand, when the space became Esta Bien, it was easy to fall in love with them, as well. From their delicious Pupusas to the fantastic margaritas, Esta Bien managed to still feel like a neighborhood treat for locals and Old Bendites to enjoy. After years of being one of the Westside’s hidden gems, Esta Bien has sold to Roberto Cardenas and Rocio Villalobos, who have rebranded the space as Simón. But don’t worry, most of the things you adored as Esta Bien are still very much present.

Sharing an open door and patio with the already beloved Fat Tony’s Pizzeria, Simón still has the brightly warm and casual vibes that have been alive in that space for a long time. In fact, if you look hard enough, you can still see the outline of the logo for The Taco Stand on the glass of the front door. It might just be my history with the space, but Simón still very much has those same comforting, familial vibes.

With a very similar menu still serving Salvadoran staples like pupusas (the spinach and jalapeño one blended the spice and savory earthiness perfectly), Simón still has much respect for what came before. “The heart of the menu remains rooted in authentic generational family recipes,” says Cardenas. “My goal is to provide the warm, home-style food like back home at my Grandmother’s dinner table.” While my painfully Caucasian self has never had an abuelita, everything I tried tasted like handmade, fresh and authentic family recipes.

The Enchiladas de Carne were a real show stopper. On the surface, they’re deceptively simple, filled with sautéed steak, tomato, onion and cilantro, but their enchilada sauce is unlike anything I’ve had in town before. With a gorgeously colored Guajillo and Rosemary roasted tomato sauce, this is an enchilada sauce that removes the smoky earthiness of a typical sauce and instead has a subtle citrusy and mint profile from the rosemary. It’s a delicious dish that leads by example with a menu concerned with not only being aesthetically beautiful but also flavor-forward.

The Mole plate has me already dreaming of going back to their tender strips of chicken and a Mole sauce that avoids the burnt chocolate smoke of lesser sauces and instead has a much lighter, sweeter profile. It’s a delicate Mole that made it quite hard to not lick the plate in front of a room full of strangers.

Yes, we have a lot of Mexican and South American restaurants in Central Oregon, but Simón with the authentic dishes and classic location, feels like a throwback to a place that hardly exists here anymore. “We are like no other,” says Cardenas. “With fresh fruit margaritas prepared with premium tequila, the rich regional diversity of the cuisine, from slow roasted Birria from Jalisco to Enchiladas Michoacanas, seafood from Mazatlan and open-faced vegetarian Chile Rellenos...it all makes our food distinctive.”

Don’t even get me started on the margaritas which, for $11-$12 and served in a margarita glass, plus a bonus pint glass of the sweet treat, it’s one of the best deals on margaritas I’ve seen in Bend. Somewhere else in town, those ‘Ritas would run $17-$18. I recommend the Pina Picosa with Reposada tequila, fresh pineapple and Serrano peppers. The tang of the pineapple with the sweet heat of the Serranos made this an unforgettable margarita and one I’ll be revisiting sooner than later.

Simón feels like a throwback to a Bend that I miss, smack-dab in the center of one of my favorite neighborhoods on the Westside. For those of you missing the dearly departed Esta Bien, have no fear, Sim√≥n has your back and cares about capturing that feeling, too.

Simón 221 NW Hill St., Bend Sun. & Tue.-Thu. 11am-9pm, Fri.-Sat. 11am-10pm simonlatincuisineandmargaritas.com/

Pupusas, are one of the house specialities at Simón.

The Mole plate is worth licking the plate.

The Limon and Pina Picosa margaritas overflow with flavor.

Photos by Jared Rasic and Robert Marquez

LITTLE BITES

By Nic Moye

Japanese Language and Food Class

A language-in-action workshop offered by the Bend Language Institute

Aseries of cooking-language classes

is being offered at the Bend Language Institute. The unique pairing will combine Japanese food with instruction in basic Japanese language. It’s being led by the Institute’s instructor, Chieko Saito. The first language-in-action-workshop on Sunday, Oct. 5 will feature California Rolls and Miso Soup. A class description states while California rolls are not known in Japan, they were invented by a Japanese chef in the U.S. Soup ingredients include red miso, tofu and green onions. The class will be intimate and interactive. A group of up to 10 students will learn basic Japanese phrases while cooking. Christina Cappy, founder of the Bend Language Institute, says the goal is to teach students how to order meals as well as polite customs around food and the words for the ingredients in Japanese. The two-hour class will be hosted at Cappy’s home. The fee is $50.

“I would describe the evening as a fun an intimate event, where you get to meet others...who are often excited about the same things that you are — particularly when it comes to Japan. The class is geared toward anyone who is interested in learning more about Japanese culture, food and language,” Cappy says. She started the Institute in 2019. It offers small group classes and one-on-one lessons in 10 languages.

In the past, the Institute has offered food-language classes in Italian, French, German and Mandarin. Other Language-in-Action workshops have included French music, origami making, German traditions, river ecology in Spanish and more.

“Food is also a central component to some of our longer courses. For example, we have hosted “Regions of Italy” and “Regions of France” eightweek courses where we learn about the history, popular sites and popular dishes of a different region each week. We then run the class as a potluck-style class where everyone gets to make regional dishes at home to share,” Cappy told the Source. “Our Travel Essentials courses often also turn into potluck-style classes, particularly evening classes.”

A second Japanese themed workshop is scheduled for Oct. 26. That will pair the Japanese language with the making of gyoza, which are dumplings brought to Japan by returning soldiers after World War II.

California Rolls, Miso Soup & Japanese Language Sun. Oct. 5, 4:30pm

Bend Language Institute

416 NE Greenwood Ave.

bendlanguageinstitute.com/ $50

A Gyoza workshop is scheduled for Sun., Oct. 26

Photos courtesy Bend Language Institute

CBCULTURE

ack-to-school season is almost upon us, and you may have a reluctant young reader in your family. We know reading is not a favorite pastime for everyone, but our booksellers are here to assist. While we can’t force books on people (although I may be guilty of that with my friends and family), we can certainly guide young readers to books that might help them find joy in reading. It may become a book they look forward to reading on their own or with the help of a loved one. That’s a victory!

When families come into the bookstore, I love to hear kids exclaim, “The next book is here in that series! Can we get it?” Or when kids feel brave enough to come up to the front counter and ask for help finding a book. They are at home at Roundabout Books; that’s what we want. When I walk into the children’s area, and a kid is totally absorbed in a book, feet propped up on the footstool, I smile. Every single time. When a parent or grandparent asks for recommendations for a kid who isn’t keen on reading, it’s an opportunity to choose a book to capture their attention. Does the kid like reading about dragons, dogs, family dynamics, or adventure stories? It helps narrow down among the hundreds of books in the children’s area.

For ages 6-9, there are many gems in our Early Chapter Bookcase. For lots of pictures balanced with text to keep their attention, “The Owl Diaries” and “The Last Firehawk” series from Scholastic are great options. The pictures are colorful, and there’s a learning moment in each book. On the last page, there are five questions about the story to aid in reading comprehension. The “Mindy Kim” series is also a favorite that shares culture with readers and is based on the author’s experience growing up as one of the only Asian kids at her school. She struggles to fit into Korean and American culture. For sports fans, check out the books from Mike Lupica. His “Zach and Zoe” mystery series feature thrilling play-by-play sports action plus a mystery to solve. Each book focuses on one team sport.

Children’s graphic novels are always popular, and they help reluctant readers bridge up to middle grade novels. Many of the books deal with relatable scenarios such as friend drama, being new to school, and puberty challenges like acne. A few of my favorite authors are Maria Scrivan, Kayla Miller, Lily LaMotte, Megan Wagner Lloyd, and Christina Soontornvat. Their books

Books for Reluctant Young Readers There's a book out there for every interest

By Sara Rishforth, author and bookseller at Roundabout Books and Cafe

have fun illustrations with multiple storylines. At the beginning of each chapter in Scrivan’s books, there’s a cute comic panel of a cat and dog; my favorite part of the book!Children’s graphic novels range from fantasy to historical fiction, and a standout is “Hoops” by Matt Tavares, which shares the story of the historic struggle for gender equality in high school sports in the 1970s. It’s an inspiring and heartwarming story.

One of the best children’s graphic novels I’ve read is “When Stars Are Scattered” by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed, about growing up in a refugee camp, as told by Mohamed, a former Somali refugee. It’s one of those books that ends with a call to action and becomes a good discussion during dinner. There are also many bilingual graphic novels like “Speak Up, Santiago” by Julio Anta or “Brownstone” by Samuel Teer. Both are contemporary stories that show the characters struggling with identity, community, and navigating their heritage. These debut graphic novels provide welcome diversity among the “Dog Man” and “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series. For middle schoolers, “Hatchet” by Gary Paulsen will always be in my top five best audiobooks. It’s on the Oregon Battle of the Books list this year, and I love seeing a tall stack of it on display. Stepping up from early chapter books to middle grade books can be manageable by choosing slimmer books with lots of white space and a few illustrations sprinkled throughout. The “Penny Draws” series is a humorous, heartfelt, highly illustrated series about a girl who doodles to cope with anxiety. Her awkwardness is relatable as she navigates friendship dynamics and faces her fears.

We can certainly guide young readers to books that might help them find joy in reading.

Another option is Carl Hiaasen, whose books are set in Florida. They’re fast-paced stories that are laugh-out-loud funny while also mentioning current environmental issues! We also love introducing kids to new authors like Vera Brosgol. This Portland author’s debut illustrated middle grade book, “Return to Sender,” shares the journey of two kids and a mysterious mail slot. The story is full of adventure, family secrets, and healing.

The next time you visit an indie bookstore, encourage the young reader to sit down and read a few pages from several books or ask one of our booksellers for assistance. We’re happy to reshelve books all day, in hopes that young readers walk out, excited to read. Our favorite moment in the day is when a young reader or adult asks for a recommendation. Honestly, it’s even better when they return and say, “You were right. I loved this book. What else do you havefor me?”

—Sara grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and really misses sweet tea and southern hospitality. She reads all genres and has published three books. Hobbies include eating salty snacks, walking Pilot Butte while listening to an audiobook, baking, and gabbing on the phone with her mother. She’s worked at Roundabout Books since 2018.

WHAT CASSIE'S READING

"Night Watch" by

Jayne Anne Phillips

—The 2025 Pulitzer Prize winner. In 1874, in the wake of the War, erasure, trauma, and namelessness haunt civilians and veterans, renegades and wanderers, freedmen and runaways.

Twelve-year-old ConaLee, the adult in her family for as long as she can remember, finds herself on a buckboard journey with her mother, Eliza, who hasn’t spoken in more than a year. They arrive at the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in West Virginia, delivered to the hospital’s entrance by a war veteran who has forced himself into their world. There, far from family and the mountain home they knew, they try to reclaim their lives.

Sara Rishforth

SC SCREEN Whistleblowers, Nervous Breakdowns and TPS Reports

Celebrating Labor Day at the movies

By Jared Rasic

Ihave no idea how you feel about your job. Some people live the dream every day by being doctors, lawyers, marine biologists, or celebrity chefs, while others wake up with a pit of dread in the morning as the alarm clock wrenches them from the sweet release of dreams of a different life. The only thing I know for sure about this life is that, more than money, more than a career, the only real, quantifiable commodity is time. All of us are on a timer, and few of us will, when we reach the end, marvel about how happy we were to spend so much of our most finite resource away from those we love or what brings us the most joy.

That’s why Labor Day feels like such an unsung holiday to me. The bitter irony of it is that it exists to recognize the American labor movement, yet it’s a Federal holiday that lots of Americans outside of unions find themselves working anyway. So, whether you have a lovely weekend or even if it’s just another Monday for you, here are a few movies to watch for Labor Day that hopefully capture your feelings for the holiday.

“Office Space” (1999)- The best comedy ever made about deciding that you’re done caring about your horrible job and the freedom that epiphany comes with. Still one of the funniest movies ever made that somehow only manages to get funnier as time marches on. This movie is a quarter of a century old and is as prophetic as ever.

For Workers Who Are: sick and tired of their deadend office jobs and want to reinvent themselves.

“Silkwood” (1983)- With an all-time classic performance from Meryl Streep, direction from the legendary Mike Nichols and a script co-written by the also legendary Nora Ephron, “Silkwood” tells the true story of Karen Silkwood, a whistleblower and labor union activist who was murdered over her discovery that the fuel fabrication corporation she worked for was cutting corners to pad its bottom line. The movie that taught me that a shareholder will always be more important than a worker.

For Employees Who: care more about human welfare over a profit margin, but know their corporate overlords are inhuman.

“Modern Times” (1936)- Charlie Chaplin is a stressed-out factory worker who, over 87 minutes, has a nervous breakdown, accidentally gets coked up and attends a communist demonstration, discovers he prefers jail over a life on the outside, throws a brick at a cop and so very much more. Fearless and decades ahead of its time, this is Chaplin’s unsung masterpiece.

For Workers Who: appreciate the absurdities of a life as a cog in a very big machine.

“9 to 5” (1980)- One of the first movies in history to show that a company powered by sexist and mediocre men would work better if run by Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda and Dolly Parton.

This movie is goofy and profoundly unrealistic, but it critiqued sexism and the gender pay gap long before anyone else was doing it.

For Co-workers Who: realize that sometimes the job itself isn’t remotely as important as the people you meet along the way.

“Clerks” (1994)- Gleefully profane and a work of slyly empathetic humanity, “Clerks” not only deconstructed what it was like to work at a terrible job that pushes back against lower-middle class aspirations, but gave an entire generation the courage to try and do better than Dante, Randal and the lost souls they interact with at the Quick Stop.

For Clerks Who Are: not even supposed to be here today.

“Harlan County USA” (1976)- An electrifying documentary filmed by Barbara Kopple over four years as she followed the miners at Brookside Mine in Harlan County, Kentucky, as they went on strike against the Duke Power Company. She followed the miners and their families as they fought for safer working conditions and decent wages (among many other things) and several of whom were murdered for their attempts. If you haven’t seen this, it will change your life when you do.

Hopefully, all of you have enough free time over Labor Day to at least catch one of these movies across the long weekend. Is there one you have planned to watch? No matter what...remember your time is precious and you deserve to be valued!

“9 to 5” is goofy perfection.

Photos courtesy of Fox

O OUTSIDE Balancing Act

Elite skier navigates training, school and social life

By Sarah Isak-Goode

Learning to balance on one ski and shift to the other has taught Neve Gerard more than just how to race — it’s become a metaphor for managing her demanding life. A Bend High School graduate, she is an award-winning skier whose accolades include representing the United States at the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics and the International Ski and Snowboard Federation Junior World Ski Championships, placing 12th in the 10k freestyle. She was preparing for six weeks of sea-level training in Vermont when we spoke. A sophomore at the University of Utah majoring in international studies with a business minor, Gerard follows an intense training regimen that leaves little time for the typical college experience.

the Source: Do you get to come back often to Bend?

Neve Gerard: Not really, with my schedule. I came back for five or six days over Christmas to see family, which was really nice. But winter break was two weeks, and I wasn’t able to be here most of it because of racing. This spring, I chose to not go to some races and came home over spring break instead, which was much needed — a little reset.

tS: You’re going to Vermont for six weeks. Is that part of your training?

Gerard: I’m joining a club team out there. In the summer, NCAA skiers can’t really be coached by their school coach, so we all go to different summer programs. I’m going to Vermont to do sea level training, and then I’ll start school.

tS: Is there anything special about sea level training in your field?

Gerard: You can really work on developing higher speed, and it’s really good for recovery. I think it could be beneficial for me, because the races that I’m targeting this year happen to be at sea level.

tS: What kind of skills would you say people should hone when cross-country skiing?

Gerard: A big part of skiing is balance. You have to be able to balance on one ski and then shift your balance to the other ski. And then endurance is a main piece. I used to mountain bike race and cross-country run, and those things transfer over so well because it’s an endurance-based sport. Strength is another piece. Skiing is becoming more and more of a strength-based sport, a power-based sport.

tS: What do you think is driving that change?

Gerard: I think people are just getting faster and faster on an international level, especially for the men. Sprinting is becoming more explosive. We do sprints and distance work.

tS: How about mobility? Do you need to keep yourself flexible?

Gerard: Mobility has had a big push in U.S. skiing recently. The coaches are always trying to make us more mobile and focus on our recovery more. Recovery is a huge piece of training. It’s often overlooked by young athletes, such as myself, who are going to school and trying to balance all these things.

tS: How do you handle all that pressure?

Gerard: Most of the pressure I feel is placed on me by myself. At the end of the day, I just have to remember that it’s just a ski race. It’s not the end of the world. I think especially now with everything going on in the world, I feel so insignificant. I get to do this, and training is fun.

tS: What advice would you give a younger person who’s getting frustrated in sports?

Gerard: It doesn’t matter who’s the best when you’re 12; you don’t have to be the best when you’re younger. I was not very good at skiing when I was younger. Everyone develops at a different rate. If you’re working hard and you really love it and stick to it, it’s gonna happen.

tS: It must be hard to stay motivated sometimes. Have you ever had to train in challenging conditions?

Gerard: One day we were roller skiing up Immigration Canyon in Salt Lake City. It was November, shoulder season — not enough snow to ski but we’re still roller skiing. There was a really bad car accident on

It doesn’t matter who’s the best when you’re 12; you don’t have to be the best when you’re younger. I was not very good at skiing when I was younger. Everyone develops at a different rate. If you’re working hard and you really love it and stick to it, it’s gonna happen.

one of the passes, so they closed it and people had to use Immigration Canyon to get to work. It was 8 a.m. during training, and there were so many cars flying past us. The road was getting narrower because of snow creeping in on the edges. We were roller skiing through the snow with our wheels, and we were thinking, “I think we should probably turn around. This isn’t a good idea.” That was one of the harder training days that stands out.

tS: What are your plans for dealing with all the pressure in the upcoming school year?

Gerard: I’d love to balance school and training better. I need to get better at that triangle balance. The coaches talk about the student-athlete triangle, where you have social life, training and school. I feel I’m lacking in the social life area. I’m gonna work on that piece for sure. I think I’m gonna improve all areas of that triangle.

Neve Gerard proudly shows off her 2024 Winter Youth Olympics bib.

Above, Freestyle cross-country skiing, also known as skate skiing, is a technique where skiers propel themselves forward using a skating motion, similar to ice skating.

Neve Gerard

Sarah Isak-Goode

By Nic Moye

Ballers & Brews Opens Sept. 21

First pickleball taphouse in Central Oregon

Ballers & Brews is opening next month in northeast Bend. It’s a mash-up of pickleball courts, cocktails and cravings. Owner Leslie Koegler is offering more than another food truck lot. There will be two covered pickleball courts that can be used year-round. In the winter, a vinyl wrap will enclose the heated courts. Court rentals will be $40 for an hour or $75 for two hours. Players will be able to reserve them two weeks in advance, but there will also be community hours for a more casual experience.

The lot will have six food trucks: 5th Street Bagels, Bread and Bunny (sandwiches/salads), Chonie’s Pizza (Detroit style), Indodaddy (Asian food), Manzanita Barbecue and The Mighty Greek. Eventually Koegler plans to add an outdoor movie screen so families can spread a blanket on the astroturf and watch a film. There will also be two fire pits.

Inside will have a full bar, with mocktails, cocktails and an elevated wine list. “While I celebrate our pacific northwest beer, I don’t drink it at all, so having this great wine list was really important to me. It’s a very underserved part of our community. Cocktails as well,” Koegler says.

There will be five big screen TVs and five unisex bathrooms. There is also a 750-square-foot rooftop deck that seats 72 and will have an 85” TV, which can be rented for private events.

The venue will be dog friendly with a barking water bar for pooches. Koegler is also hiring Bend artist Janessa Bork to paint a mural at the barking bar and inside the taphouse.

The location is next to her business, KDEDirect on Redside Court, which makes brushless motors and carbon propeller blades for drones. She’s owned the land for several years before finally deciding on her concept of Ballers & Brews. Building the taphouse and courts from the ground up has allowed her to control every design detail from décor to providing direct gas hookups for food trucks, eliminating the need for giant propane tanks. The pickleball courts will open at 7am, Sunday, Sept. 21.

Ballers & Brews

Opens Sept. 21

Sun.-Thu. 11:30am-9pm, Fri.-Sat. 11:30am-10pm Pickleball hours: Sun.-Thu. 7am-9pm, Fri.-Sat. 7am-10pm 20869 Redside Court, Bend ballersandbrews.com/

Ballers & Brews combines pickleball courts with a taphouse & food carts. Two covered pickleball courts will be heated and wrapped with vinyl curtains in the winter.

Photos by Nic Moye

CIN CIN! PROST! GĀNBĒI SALUD! SKÅL! SANTÉ! SLÁINTE! KANPAI! ŞEREFE! KIPPIS! NOROC! NA ZDRAVIE! BUD’MO! L’CHAIM! FI SAHTAK! GËZUAR! KIA ORA! MỘT HAI BA VÔ! E OLA! PROOST! SKÁL! ZA ZDOROV’YE! CHEERS! SELAMAT MINUM! EGÉSZSÉGEDRE! À VOTRE SANTÉ! CHOK DEE! DÔ! AFYA! BERSULANG! NUŞ OLSUN! ARAARA! BULA! EVVIVA! PRIEKĀ! ŽIVJELI! GAUMARJOS! SOK SAN! JAM TAN! MBURICHIKO! MASIMIREMBWA! CHIYARIMU! KASUUTTA! SHA’LA! TASHI! PHUZA! SAGBOL! CHOL MUOY! DZO! SALUT! NA ZDRAVJE! Į SVEIKATĄ! BA SALOMATI! BE SALAMATI! SIHAT! SAHA! MANUIA! HALA BIRA! WILUJENG! FELEKÊ! EKU ORI IRE! OLKASH! GUULEYSTA! IMPILONTLE! AHÉHEEʼ! AH

PRESENTS

AT THE DESCHUTES HISTORICAL MUSEUM LAWN

THE PSYCHEDELIC FRONTIER EXPLORING INTENTIONAL PSYCHEDELIC USE IN THE MODERN WORLD

By Mary Casanave Sheridan

The Healing Advocacy Fund

Q: The Healing Advocacy Fund has been leading the way in access to psychedelic services in Oregon, and recently released a study with findings from their work. It would be great if you would mention it in your column.

A: Certainly! The Healing Advocacy Fund (HAF) has been at the forefront of expanding access to psilocybin therapy, advocating for safe, affordable and inclusive mental health solutions under Oregon’s regulated psilocybin services program. In collaboration with the Sheri Eckert Foundation and other partners, HAF is breaking new ground by ensuring that vulnerable populations —including low-income and underserved individuals — can access these transformative therapies.

A recent study sheds more light on how psilocybin therapy is reshaping mental health care in Oregon. The study, led by Dr. Matthew Hicks of the National University of Natural Medicine (NUMN), focused on low-income adults with major depressive disorder — individuals often excluded from conventional mental health services due to economic barriers.

Key highlights of the study include:

• Participants experienced significant reductions in depression symptoms, along with improvements in anxiety, sleep, fatigue, and cognitive function.

• The group-based therapy format fostered emotional connection and community, with participants reporting feelings of deep insight and interpersonal bonding.

• High satisfaction and low dropout rates indicated the feasibility and appeal of this approach.

• The model demonstrated potential as a cost-effective, scalable solution to ensure psilocybin therapy is accessible to broader populations.

The study involved 19 participants, all of whom were Medicaid-eligible. Each participant completed two preparatory sessions, two guided psilocybin sessions and two group post-treatment integration sessions. The findings suggest psilocybin therapy could become a more viable option for marginalized groups when delivered in a group setting.

Hicks emphasized the significance of accessibility, noting, “Psilocybin therapy remains out of reach for most people. With this project, we wanted to demonstrate that group models offer both cost savings and therapeutic

benefits, while focusing on underserved communities.”

The Sheri Eckert Foundation, named in honor of one of the key architects of Oregon’s psilocybin therapy program under Measure 109, continues to champion initiatives that make psilocybin therapy available to individuals who need it most. A cornerstone of their work is the Psilocybin Access Fund (PAF), which provides grants to financially support individuals seeking therapy.

The fund is open to anyone 21 years or older with demonstrable financial need. Priority is given to underserved populations. Grants cover the facilitation costs of psilocybin therapy, which must take place through licensed facilitators or service centers regulated by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). Their ultimate goal is to create a statewide sliding scale for psilocybin services, ensuring that cost is no longer a barrier to access.

The Sheri Eckert Foundation has gone even further, partnering with Satori Farms PDX, the first licensed provider of psilocybin mushrooms in Oregon, to supply medicine for PAF grantees. This collaboration exemplifies the kind of holistic effort needed to make state-regulated healing truly effective.

This work aligns with the Sheri Eckert Foundation’s Psilocybin Therapy Insurance Initiative, a research-focused effort to accelerate insurance coverage for psilocybin therapy under state-regulated models. By collecting meaningful data.

This year alone, Oregon’s psilocybin program has already served more than 9,000 people, surpassing participation in global clinical trials. Organizations like HAF and the Sheri Eckert Foundation play a vital role in ensuring these therapies are deployed responsibly and inclusively. “Not having money for treatment should never be the barrier to greater health,” said Mark Holloway and David Kahl of the Full Potential Fund, highlighting PAF’s bold leadership in forging solutions.

If Oregon’s model proves anything, it’s this: healing shouldn’t just be for the few — it’s for everyone, and the work happening today is paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.

—Questions are encouraged to be sent to mothermarymyco@gmail.com and free 30-minute consultations for further discussions can be made through her website https://myco.vision

43.  They're just not done

Bands' wheels

45.  Sch. near Washington Square Park

46.  Idly play a uke, in a way

47.  You're working on it

48.  Particular, for short

50.  Anti-cockfighting org.

52.  WiFi problem

55.  Tiny DC Comics hero

58.  Woman's name that anagrams to a good horseshoe throw

60.  Only team to win the Super Bowl in its home stadium, briefly

61.  1990 AC/DC album, with "The"

64.  Too many to count

65.  Skort fold

66.  Competes

67.  Longtime tival of Djoker

68.  Sty grunts

By Brendan Emmett Quigley

Pearl’s Puzzle

Puzzle for the week of August 25, 2025

Puzzle for the week of August 25, 2025 Difficulty Level:

Difficulty Level: ●●○○

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

S I R E N C L A P exactly once.

Fill in every row, column, and 3x3 box with each of the letters exactly once. SIREN CLAP

Fill in every row, column, and 3x3 box with each of the letters S I R E N C L A P exactly once.

The highlighted letters read left to right and top to bottom will complete the quote: “Tom grabbed his arm and pointed gasping, at the dime-store window. They stood there, unable to move because of the things from another world displayed so neatly, so innocently, so frighteningly, there.

‘ , Doug, ten thousand !’” - Ray Bradbury, Dandelion Wine

The highlighted letters read left to right and top to bottom will complete the quote: “Tom grabbed his arm and pointed gasping, at the dime-store window. They stood there, unable to move because of the things from another world displayed so neatly, so innocently, so frighteningly, there. ‘______, Doug, ten thousand ______!’” — Ray Bradbury, Dandelion Wine We’re Local! Questions, comments or suggestions for our local puzzle guru? Email Pearl Stark at pearl@bendsource.com © Pearl Stark mathpuzzlesgames.com/quodoku

Answer for the week of August 18, 2025

ANSWER TO LAST WEEK'S PUZZLES

The highlighted letters read left to right and top to bottom will complete “Tom grabbed his arm and pointed gasping, at the dime-store window. unable to move because of the things from another world displayed innocently, so frighteningly, there.

‘ , Doug, ten thousand !’” - Ray Bradbury, Dandelion Wine

2.  Server problem

3.  Chock full o' Nuts rival

4.  Weapon held while saying "en garde!"

5.  Drum underneath the hihat

6.  Jazz guitarist Montgomery

7.  Yellowfin tuna

8.  Things in the plus column

9.  Unrecoverable business expenses, and a hint to this puzzle's theme

10.  Covered (in)

11.  Severe punishment for a soldier

12.  "I'm ___ your tricks!"

13.  Jump over a track

18.  Deviate

22.  It comes with Apple Intelligence

25.  Chuck's partner in Public Enemy

26.  Soft drink with a red circle in its logo

29.  Line of calculus

31.  Human ___ Project

33.  David Bowie's widow

34.  Wingdings with wings

35.  Side served at 34-Downs

36.  "Hey, sailor!"

37.  Cleaned up and became more professional

38.  Popular video recorder

49.  Shells, e.g.

69.  Caribbean spot DOWN 1.  Storage room

46.  Locked in 47.  Makes a discordant sound

51.  Bakery treats

53.  Christmas decoration

54.  V fliers

55.  Lift on a slope

56.  Dance done in a grass skirt

57.  Neighbor of Mauritania

59.  The Four Tops singer Stubbs

62.  Philosophy involving sunyata and satori

63.  Hardwood tree

Answer for the week of August 18, 2025

Y S I O E P A

I T Y K S P A E Y A P E T I S K O E S K A O P T I Y

“Hiking is just walking where it’s okay to pee.” — Demetri Martin

“Hiking is just walking where it’s okay to pee.” - Demetri Martin

© Pearl Stark

ASTROLOGY

By Rob Brezsny

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In Andean cosmology, the condor and the hummingbird are both sacred messengers. One soars majestically at high altitudes, a symbolic bridge between the earth and heaven. The other moves with supple efficiency and detailed precision, an icon of resilience and high energy. Let’s make these birds your spirit creatures for the coming months. Your challenging but feasible assignment is to both see the big picture and attend skillfully to the intimate details.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In the ancient Greek myth of Psyche, one of her trials is to gather golden wool from violent rams. She succeeds by waiting until the torrid heat of midday passes, and the rams are resting in the cool shade. She safely collects the wool from bushes and branches without confronting the rams directly. Let this be a lesson, Libra. To succeed at your challenges, rely on strategy rather than confrontation. It’s true that what you want may feel blocked by difficult energies, like chaotic schedules, reactive people, or tangled decisions. But don’t act impulsively. Wait. Listen. Watch. Openings will happen when the noise settles and others tire themselves out. You don’t need to overpower. You just need to time your grace. Golden wool is waiting, but it can’t be taken by force.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In 1911, two teams tried to become the first humans to reach the South Pole. Roald Amundsen’s group succeeded, but Robert Falcon Scott’s did not. Why? Amundsen had studied with Indigenous people who were familiar with frigid environments. He adopted their clothing choices (fur and layering), their travel techniques (dogsledding), and their measured, deliberate pacing, including lots of rest. Scott exhausted himself and his people with inconsistent bursts of intense effort and stubbornly inept British strategies. Take your cues from Amundsen, dear Scorpio. Get advice from real experts. Pace yourself; don't sprint. Be consistent rather than melodramatic. Opt for discipline instead of heroics.

ing if offered at the exact turning point.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Liubai is a Chinese term that means “to leave blank.” In traditional ink painting, it referred to the portions of the canvas the artist chose not to fill in. Those unpainted areas were not considered empty. They carried emotional weight, inviting the eye to rest and the mind to wander. I believe your near future could benefit from this idea, Pisces. Don’t feel you have to spell everything out or tie up each thread. It may be important not to explain and reveal some things. What’s left unsaid, incomplete, or open-ended may bring you more gifts than constant effort. Let a little stillness accompany whatever you’re creating.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): In some Buddhist mandalas, the outer circle depicts a wall of fire. It marks the boundary between the chaotic external world and the sacred space within. For seekers and devotees, it’s a symbol of the transformation they must undergo to commune with deeper truths. I think you’re ready to create or bolster your own flame wall, Aries. What is non-negotiable for your peace, your creativity, your worth? Who or what belongs in your inner circle? And what must stay outside? Be clear about the boundaries you need to be your authentic self.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): A lighthouse isn’t concerned with whether ships are watching it from a distance. It simply shines forth its strong beams, no questions asked. It rotates, pulses, and moves through its cycles because that’s its natural task. Its purpose is steady illumination, not recognition. In the coming weeks, Sagittarius, I ask you and encourage you to be like a lighthouse. Be loyal to your own gleam. Do what you do best because it pleases you. The ones who need your signal will find you. You don’t have to chase them across the waves.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Centuries ago, builders in Venice, Italy, drove countless wooden pilings deep into the waterlogged mud of the lagoon to create a stable base for future structures. These timber foundations were essential because the soil was too weak to support stone buildings directly. Eventually, the wood absorbed minerals from the surrounding muddy water and became exceptionally hard and durable: capable of supporting heavy buildings. Taurus, you may soon glimpse how something you've built your life upon—a value, a relationship, or a daily ritual—is more enduring than you imagined. Its power is in its rootedness, its long conversation with the invisible. My advice: Trust what once seemed soft but has become solid. Thank life for blessing you with its secret alchemy.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In 1885, Sarah E. Goode became the fourth African American woman to be granted a U.S. patent. Her invention was ingenious: a folding cabinet bed that could be transformed into a roll-top desk. It appealed to people who lived in small apartments and needed to save space. I believe you’re primed and ready for a similar advance in practical resourcefulness, Capricorn. You may be able to combine two seemingly unrelated needs into one brilliant solution— turning space, time, or resources into something more graceful and useful. Let your mind play with hybrid inventions and unlikely pairings.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): I expect you will be knowledgeable and smart during the coming weeks, Aquarius. But I hope you will also be wise and savvy. I hope you will wrestle vigorously with the truth so you can express it in practical and timely ways. You must be ingenious as you figure out the precise ways to translate your intelligence into specifically right actions. So for example: You may feel compelled to be authentic in a situation where you have been reticent, or to share a vision that has been growing quietly. Don’t stay silent, but also: Don’t blurt. Articulate your reality checks with elegance and discernment. The right message delivered at the wrong moment could make a mess, whereas that same message will be a bless-

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In Inuit myth, Sedna is the goddess who lives at the bottom of the sea and oversees all marine life. If humans harm nature or neglect spiritual truths, Sedna may stop allowing them to catch sea creatures for food, leading to starvation. Then shamans from the world above must swim down to sing her songs and comb her long black hair. If they win her favor, she restores balance. I propose that you take direction from this myth, Gemini. Some neglected beauty and wisdom in your emotional depths is asking for your attention. What part of you needs reverence, tenderness, and ceremonial care?

CANCER (June 21-July 22): In ancient Rome, the lararium was a home altar. It wasn’t used for momentous appeals to the heavyweight deities like Jupiter, Venus, Apollo, Juno, and Mars. Instead, it was there that people performed daily rituals, seeking prosperity, protection, and health from their ancestors and minor household gods. I think now is a fine time to create your own version of a lararium, Cancerian. How could you fortify your home base to make it more nurturing and uplifting? What rituals and playful ceremonies might you do to generate everyday blessings?

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In Persian miniature painting, entire epics are compressed into exquisite images the size of a hand. Each creation contains worlds within worlds, myths tucked into detail. I suggest you draw inspiration from this approach, Leo. Rather than imagining your life as a grand performance, play with the theme of sacred compression. Be alert for seemingly transitory moments that carry enormous weight. Proceed on the assumption that a brief phrase or lucky accident may spark sweet changes. What might it look like to condense your full glory into small gifts that people can readily use?

Homework: Sometimes it’s a chore to change yourself. But why not choose a fun change? Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com

THE THIRD ACT

A COLUMN ON AGEISM AND AGEING

By Ellen Waterston

Rewilding Words

Irecently came across the word “landholder,” an indigenous term for tree. How magical! An expression that speaks in the tongue of the thing itself. How can we reshape our daily language to reflect that notion, to get us out of our word silos?

It strikes me that maintaining the diversity of language guards the health of what the word names, sustains what the word is the noun of, the action of, the description of, and thereby, keeps all things cherished, alive, thriving in fact and in real time. If so, wouldn’t it be incumbent on us all to sustain, reinvigorate, and refresh language that has “the quivering intensity of an arrow thudding into a tree,” as author J.A. Baker said? How much time do any of us spend thinking about the origin, sound, color, beauty, meaning and power of words...never mind reckoning

sun is taba and field mouse is poongatse. The Paiute world. Or the world of buckaroos (from the Spanish “vacquero”) twirling their lariats (“la reata”), recalling the “cavvy” of horses gathered that morning, using a domesticated “prather” horse, also called a Judas horse, to lead the wild horses (referred to as broomtails, fuzztails, or mustangs) into a corral. Or what about the rich language of the logger (whistlepunk, strawline, snoose, peavey, hashers, donkey puncher, bucker and bull cook)? Or the millworker (band saw, blue stain, boxed heart, flitch, scant, shook, wane)?

In a book called After Liff, British TV producer John Lloyd and author Jon Canter gathered British place names that, over time, had come to be used as nouns for, as Lloyd says, “the hundreds of common experiences, feelings, situations and even objects which we all

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TAKE ME HOME

By Megan Hunt Broker REMAX Key Properties

Smells Like a Sale How the Right Aroma Can Win Over Buyers

it comes to selling your

The moment a buyer steps inside a home, their brain begins processing not just what they see, but what they smell. A welcoming scent can create an instant emotional connection. A musty or overwhelming pet odor? That’s a red flag. But a subtle, pleasant aroma can signal a well-kept home and invite buyers to linger. Our sense of smell is wired straight to memory and emotion. The right aroma can instantly make a buyer feel at home, while a bad one can send them running.

Our sense of smell is directly linked to the part of the brain that processes memory and emotion. In fact, a study from Rockefeller University found that people recall 35% of what they smell, compared to just 5% of what they see and 2% of what they hear. That means the right aroma can make your home unforgettable.

A warm, clean scent doesn’t just freshen the air- it creates a feeling buyers can connect to. Smell works on a subconscious level and can influence how long buyers linger- and how much they emotionally connect with the space.

Research backs this up. A Washington State University study found that simple scents (like citrus or pine) actually helped shoppers spend more money than complex scents, because the brain processed them faster and focused more on the environment.

Think of scent as the silent salesperson working in the background. A hint of baked cookies can spark nostalgia.

Citrus can make a kitchen feel fresh and lively. Lavender can make bedrooms feel like a spa retreat.

While the right scent can enhance a home’s appeal, it’s equally important not to simply mask unpleasant odors. Buyers are quick to notice when something smells “off,” and covering it up with candles or sprays can actually make the problem worse by drawing attention to it. Lingering smells from pets, smoke, or moisture should be properly addressed at the source — whether that means deep cleaning carpets, airing out rooms, or tackling mold and mildew — before introducing new aromas. A fresh, neutral base allows subtle scents to compliment the space, rather than compete with underlying odors.

The key? Keep it subtle. Skip overpowering sprays to avoid alienating anyone with allergies or sensitivities. Aim for natural, inviting aromas that make people linger — in a good way. Because while buyers may forget your light fixtures, they’ll remember the feeling your home gave them... and the scent that sealed the deal!

Top 5 Scents That Sell

1. Fresh Baked Cookies— Cozy, comforting, and instantly homey.

2. Citrus— Bright, clean, and energizing.

3. Fresh Linen— Crisp and airy, perfect for any room.

4. Lavender- Calming and spa-like, ideal for bedrooms.

5. Pine or Cedar— Warm, earthy, and inviting, especially in cooler months.

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