the Source February 5, 2026

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Nicole Vulcan–nicole@bendsource.com

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Nic Moye–editor@bendsource.com

FEATURES AND INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER

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Kayvon Bumpus–reporter@bendsource.com

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FREELANCERS

Jared Rasic, Burt Gershater, Donna Britt, Josh Jardine, Dr. Payson Flattery, Renee Schiavone

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Remember “The Dating Game?” That 1965 game show lasting into the early ‘70s where bachelorettes could find their mate simply by asking a few questions? If only dating these days were that simple. For our Valentine’s issue, we hear from singles looking for love and professional matchmakers who are dedicated to pitching the perfect pair. If you’re looking for something sweet to give your sweetheart, Donna Britt has some suggestions for locally made goodies. Jared Rasic has a list of romantic movies, and we share a behind the scenes look at the work that goes into ‘‘heart bombing’’ downtown Bend each year on Feb. 14. In other news, the LOGE Bend is shutting down and a new retro music festival this summer will spin you back in time.

—Managing Editor Nic Moye

LIGHTMETER:

PRESENTED BY HARVEST MOON WOODWORKS

Bentz and the Main Street Caucus Aren’t Asking for the Moon — Just for the President to Keep His Promises O

regon Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-OR2) told the Baker City Herald late last month that he’s been lobbying the administration to take a “different approach” on the massive deportation campaign currently underway.

Oddly enough, that lobbying effort sounds a whole lot like what we were promised during the last presidential election.

If you’re among those who are now waking up to the hypocrisy of the federal government’s assault on people exercising their First Amendment rights in defense of immigrants and their community, welcome. We’re glad we can finally agree on a bottom to all of this madness. (And thanks, Therapy Jeff, for reminding us to avoid shaming one another as people adapt and grow.)

Sadly, events in Minneapolis moved most people past the, “if you’re not doing anything bad, you don’t have anything to worry about,” argument that has plagued rhetoric around the detention of citizens with no criminal record. While it shouldn’t require the death of a white man carrying a legal firearm on the streets of Minneapolis to sway the national discussion on immigration, it has. Today, most are advocating for some type of bare-minimum standards around arresting only immigrants suspected of crimes.

For Bentz we believe his concern for the rule of law have made him a petitioner to the federal government. Unnecessary raids that cause disruptions in parts of his district, such as Hermiston or The Dalles, that is home

to workers who grow watermelons and pick onions are certainly a concern. We take some hope in the moves of Bentz and the Main Street Caucus, a group of about 85 Republicans in Congress that advocate for “kitchen-table” issues, and have expressed concerns to the administration about the broad crackdown.

That said, the details are thin. It’s not clear what actual measures the caucus is advocating for, or whether they will have the fortitude, in the face of opposition, to be effective.

On Jan. 21 — weeks after the death of Renee Good — the Main Street Caucus website posted an op-ed from one of its members stating, “Republicans stand with ICE officers who protect our communities, not with the agitators who defend convicted criminals.” The site has not posted any statements regarding immigration since the Jan. 24 death of Alex Pretti. On Feb. 3, the Hennepin County Medical Examiner ruled his death a homicide.

Whether or not you voted for this administration, arresting and deporting actual criminals is what Americans were promised during the president’s most recent campaign, and was a large part of what got him elected. It shouldn’t be newsworthy to hear that a few in his own party are showing a bit of backbone and holding him accountable for deviating from that pledge. That it took so much violence and death to do so is shameful — but at least we are seeing, in reflection at the bottom, some glimmer of humanity.

Letters

NEW ‘PROSPERITY OFFICER’

Thank you for your Opinion piece of 22 January 2026, highlighting the new Oregon “Prosperity Officer” and the current economic challenges faced by the Oregon economy. However, discussing the “falling economic outlook” fails to discuss other, more important aspects of measuring the success of a society and its economy.

According to the piece, the economy and therefore Oregon are only “growing” if the population is growing and business is growing. This fails to look at the quality of life or the happiness index of the citizens of Oregon. Oregonians are not best served by limited economic measures, but by also measuring the type of businesses that grow here and how the economy affects our quality of life.

Profoundly in Bend but true everywhere, residents rate a high quality of life when there are close interactions with natural environments. By only citing a study that analyzed the importance of job growth and in-migration, the Opinion piece leaves out the problems that come with that growth. Proper land use and businesses that maintain the Oregon wild and natural environments are important to the quality of life. A high quality of life will fuel a different type of economic growth that can last for many generations.

If the “Prosperity Officer” looks only to bring more people into Oregon, and to bring in more business that could include polluting and environmentally destructive ones, Oregon’s future is bleak. The best future for Oregon and our economy is one with a high quality of life, and that must include maintaining our natural resources and providing a good education to our citizens.

—Mathieu Federspiel

STOP ICE FUNDING

I am saddened by what we have become as a nation and a people

We have lost the rule of law. We have lost the checks & balances between our branches of government. Much of our congress and judiciary have lost their moral compass.

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Under the guise of deporting the “worst of the worst” we have decided instead to allow ICE to continue unchecked outside the rule of law - allowing the arrest and killing of peaceful protesters, children. U.S. citizens, asylum seekers operating within the confines of OUR laws and anyone else who crosses their path at the wrong time. Sounds like the SS to me.

Please do not continue to fund or support ICE — a vile and corrupt institution. Shame on all of our elected officials who are more concerned with their reelections than upholding the constitution and laws of this nation.

The irony of this administration sending military troops toward Iran to stop the government killing of protesters is beyond ridiculous.

I am embarrassed and sickened to be associated with this administration and what our country has come to stand for.

—Leila Thompson

COUNTY DISTRICTING

The eight Oregon counties with a population of at least 100,000 use a variety of systems to choose their county commissioners.

The “4 plus 1” system is now being used without rancor in the two largest counties- —Multnomah and Washington. In each county, voters in each of four geographically mapped districts choose their own commissioner, while the 5thcommissioner is elected at-large. 4 plus 1 could be the optimal choice for Deschutes County. It could provide proportional representation for our two biggest parties, and would preserve true representation for our vast, diverse county. This could be a way out of our Deschutes County conundrum, because no matter how our five districts are drawn, one party or the other will always have a three to two majority.

As a result, some political leaders now clamor for complete elimination of geographically mapped districts in our county. This would tragically stamp out hope for a county commission with representation from rural and urban and from conservative and liberal parts of

our county. This would be throwing the baby out with the bathwater

With 4+1 we might get two district-based commissioners from each party with a 5th “tie-breaking” commissioner who is elected from the county at-large. May calmer heads prevail. We need to reset the mapping process with involvement of the public and jurisdiction from a non-partisan, independent districting commission, possibly consisting of trained mediators and retired judges.

—Foster Fell

CITY THREATENS HOUSING AFFORDABILITY WITH UNTESTED POLICY

Bend often positions itself as a statewide leader on housing affordability. This status is well-earned and hard-won: the City has produced more affordable housing units per capita than almost any other in Oregon, and it is the only city that has successfully pursued the state’s onetime expedited UGB expansion (SB 1537).

Yet despite the ongoing housing crisis, Bend now jeopardizes its own progress. The City Council is advancing an untested electrification policy that threatens to worsen local affordability rather than improve it.

The proposed policy aims to reduce natural gas use in new residential construction and proposes a “tiered climate pollution fee” on gas appliances and heating systems. According to several councilors, this fee will help accomplish the City’s Community Action Plan goal to cut fossil fuel use by 70% in

2050. Consultants have recommended fees between $5,543 and $13,857 per new home. While messaged as a climate tool, the policy effectively imposes a natural gas tax, raising construction costs that will inevitably flow to renters and homeowners. With nearly half of Bend renters already cost-burdened and local home prices far outpacing wages, even modest cost increases risk pushing more households out of our community.

Housing and climate resilience must advance together, not at the expense of the other. Bend’s climate goals are important, but this fee-based approach is unproven, especially amid rising utility costs, grid reliability concerns, and uncertainty around federal renewable energy incentives. The City’s own Economic Development Advisory Board (BEDAB) has urged Council to first test the concept through a pilot program.

Before adopting an untested new fee, Bend leaders should measure the overall policy’s impacts on housing costs, energy affordability, fossil fuel reduction, and electrification outcomes. Let’s make well-informed policy for Bend’s housing and energy future.

- Megan Perkins, Mayor Pro Tem, Bend City Council

- Emerson Levy, State Representative HD-53

- Sara Odendahl, CEO, Bend Chamber of Commerce

- Dave Burger, Business Agent/ Organizer - Central Oregon, UA Local 290

New Trial Date for Ian Cranston

A new trial date is set for Ian Cranston who shot and killed Barry Washington Jr. on Sept. 19, 2021. The Oregon Court of Appeals overturned Cranston’s original conviction of manslaughter in the first and second degrees and other felonies due to a procedural error that denied the defense’s request to inform the jury that Oregon’s self-defense law does not require a person to retreat before using deadly force. Cranston’s new 10-day manslaughter trial is scheduled to begin Oct. 20.

Next Steps for Proposed District Map

Deschutes County Commissioners will decide whether to send a proposed and controversial county district map to voters during its meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 4. If it’s advanced, they will need to choose whether the map is on the May or November ballot. The commission is expanding from three to five members after voters approved a ballot measure in 2024. Four of the five seats will be on this year’s ballot, with candidates running “at large.” If the map goes before voters and is approved, it will create boundaries for five commissioner districts starting with the 2028 election. Voters would then only be allowed to vote for county commissioner candidates running in their district.

—Nic Moye

2,000+

—The

“Meeting people in person is actually impossible.”

—Dustin on being single in Central Oregon.

Olney Avenue: Soon to Be Back in Action

The street’s closed east-west section will reopen Feb. 11

By Kayvon Bumpus

Sick of taking the long way on Greenwood, Franklin or Revere?

Hang tight for Olney one more week (sorry). An east-west segment of Olney Avenue, a key arterial in Bend, will be reopening to traffic on Wednesday, Feb. 11.

Several blocks of the street initially closed in early 2025, including its intersection with NW Wall Street, as part of the Olney Avenue Improvements Project. Intended to make Olney “a safer road to drive, walk, bike and roll,” through redesigned sidewalks and bike lanes, the project also included significant work on underground water and sewer infrastructure.

“A lot of that sewer line and water line work took place in that [Olney and Wall] intersection,” said Ryan Oster, director of engineering for the City of Bend. But after concluding work on that intersection, the real troubles began between the Bend Parkway and First Street.

“The biggest part of the project was working underneath the BNSF railroad,” Oster told the Source. “We had to get a boring machine and bore new channels underneath the railroad track to install new water lines and sewer lines, while keeping the existing ones moving.”

Unexpected geology led to months of delay. “We ran into some really odd rock issues,” Oster explained. “Normally, you go an inch underground in Bend and it’s just solid rock. For some reason under the footprint of the railroad, it turned into really light, soft soil.”

Unlike a firm rock layer, loose soil collapses upon itself during drilling. That created a problem. “We can’t have any ground underneath the tracks collapsing. If those tracks were to move an eighth of an inch…” Oster trailed off, leaving the potentially dramatic consequences of such a mistake to the imagination.

A solution came in the form of what Oster called a “roof” — a semi-circular reinforcement system underneath the tracks, preventing loose soil from spilling and collapsing. “Anything under the roof can

move around without impacting anything,” he said.

This careful process of working under the railroad pushed back the project’s completion date, which had been set for October 2025. Additional asphalt work (and another full street closure) in spring 2026 was thought to be necessary, but sunny winter days sped things along. “Fortunately, we found some good weather windows over the month of January,” Oster said.

After the arterial reopens, the City of Bend will observe as traffic patterns “take a couple weeks to normalize,” before “collecting some more data on Greenwood [Avenue] to get a good sense of where people are going,” Oster told the Source, expecting that greater east-west mobility created by Olney’s reopening will be “really beneficial to our system as a whole.”

The 2020 Transportation GO Bond, which passed with 58% voter support, created a $190 million budget for citywide infrastructure projects, paid back by taxpayers through staggered increases in property taxes. In 2024, “the annual estimated cost for the average homeowner” was $119, the City stated. The total budget for the Olney improvement project was set at $5,450,000.

Mentioning “more work to do” on the Franklin Avenue underpass in the future, Oster said that city engineers would present those ideas to the City Council in March.

number of hearts The Waldorf School is making to heart bomb downtown Bend.

Construction workers along Olney Avenue on Tuesday, Feb. 3.

Kayvon Bumpus

Looking east on Olney Avenue a week before reopening.

Kayvon Bumpus

LOGE Entrada Shutters Feb. 11

LOGE Camps owes back rent to Entrada Lodge, property taxes to Deschutes County

By Peter Madsen

Lev Stryker, the co-owner of Cog Wild, recently stood under the stall stand of ponderosas in front of his bicycle guide company’s office at the LOGE Entrada motel campus, pointing out the perch of a great horned owl.

“There’s three of them in there,” Stryker said. “At night they hoot to each other.”

Stryker will miss the owls, along with the ideal digs for Cog Wild, which has called the motel complex home since 2020. The outdoor bicycle shuttle and guide company will have to relocate its storage shed, office equipment and numerous vans by Feb. 11 — through no fault of its own.

That’s when Cog Wild’s subtenant agreement with LOGE Entrada will expire, due to the latter’s failure to pay rent to its landlord, the Bend-based Entrada Lodge, Inc. A record search by the Source also uncovered that LOGE Camps has also owed Deschutes County nearly $5,000 in unpaid property taxes since July.

LOGE Camps, headquartered in North Bend, Washington, has specialized in locating and renovating motels into outdoor-adventure lodgings since September 2017.

Presently, LOGE operates seven locations throughout Washington, Montana, Colorado and Westport, Oregon.

LOGE Camps will pack up its Entrada location for failure to pay several months of rent to Entrada Lodge, Inc., the company that owns the seven buildings and the 22 acres on which the LOGE has operated since summer 2018.

Entrada Lodge is owned by longtime Bend motel operator and landowner Brett Evert, who also possesses 22 acres abutting the Entrada property that Holt Homes is developing into subdivisions known as The Lodges at Bachelor View and LBV West.

A Jan. 25 visit to LOGE Entrada saw the cafe open yet empty — absent of even an immediate employee, who presumably could be summoned by calling a phone number printed on a placard near the cash rap. A visit to the LOGE website on Jan. 30 didn’t allow reservations for the Bend location. By Feb. 2, any mention of LOGE Entrada had been wiped from the parent website.

The shuttering of LOGE (pronounced lodge) at its Century Drive spot — a straight 20-minute drive to Mt. Bachelor — was surprising to many; LOGE invited guests to book reservations at its Entrada location as recently as Dec. 29, according to the company’s Instagram page. The closure was confirmed by a reservation receptionist on

Feb. 2 and by Evert, whose parents originally built the 79-guest-room motel more than 50 years ago.

A LOGE manager, who was on site during a subsequent visit on Feb. 2, said he was only authorized to mention the Feb. 11 closure and that LOGE representatives would issue a press release in the coming weeks.

A LOGE Camps newsletter on Feb. 3 advertises company-wide room rates beginning at $90 per night.

Brett Evert’s parents built the Entrada Motel in 1970 and opened it for business in 1972. Reached by phone, Evert said the property will remain a motel. During the winter closure, his company, Entrada Lodge, Inc., will address deferred maintenance on the property.

Evert said the eviction was a difficult decision because LOGE had long been an ideal renter. Initially signed to a three-year lease, LOGE Camps had invested $1 million into the property. LOGE added a spa, a stage for music and accommodated a dirt pump track. A bike tool library was stationed nearby and local mountain bikers mingle with motel guests along the complex’s walkways and in the Entrada cafe and taproom or at the pool.

In 2021, things were looking good. LOGE signed a five-year lease with Entrada Lodge.

“I want to be very complimentary of LOGE,” he added. “They were wonderful tenants.”

Things changed in 2025.

In January of that year, LOGE Camps partnered with Schulte Hospitality Group, a hotel management company based in Kentucky. In a press release published at the time, LOGE co-founder and CEO Cale Genenbacher told Hospitalitynet.org that by combining LOGE’s passion for delivering “memorable, nature-inspired experiences with SHG’s operational prowess, we are confident that this new partnership will unlock new opportunities and further solidify LOGE Camps as premier destinations for travelers seeking adventure and exploration.”

The Source emailed Genenbacher questions regarding whether that partnership negatively affected operations in Bend. We also asked how many local full- and part-time workers are affected, along with partners like Cog Wild. Was the Northwest’s snow drought a factor? Neither Genebacher, nor LOGE Camps, had

responded by press time.

Occupancy tabulations by Visit Bend show that monthly rates have recovered since the Covid-19 pandemic, with summer months in 2025 showing rates hovering around 75%. The winter months of 2025-2026 are not yet included in these tables, however.

LOGE’s relationship with Entrada Lodge hit choppy water six months after that partnership. That’s when LOGE Entrada missed several months of rent, citing cash flow issues as the company expanded throughout the country, Evert said. By October, LOGE was back in the clear, yet skipped rent in November. Evert said he encouraged LOGE to try to right the ship and ride out the rest of the lease, which ends Feb. 11, the eight-year anniversary of their tenancy on the property. LOGE missed those subsequent payments as well.

LOGE Camps experienced problems before the January 2025 partnership, as well. In late 2023, LOGE Camps was the subject of a cyber-attack that compromised the personal information of employees and hotel guests, and resulted in a class action suit. It’s not clear whether that breach affected LOGE Entrada guests and employees. The class-action is still winding its way through court. In January 2026, the City of Asheville, North Carolina, sued a partner of LOGE Camps for more than $28,000 in back taxes and for neglecting a hotel property it had purchased for $6 million in 2023, yet hadn’t renovated nor re-opened.

Stryker, Cog Wild’s co-owner, said he’s in talks with potential new digs for his company, hopefully on Bend’s west side. But he’ll miss his current supreme setting, the buzz of lodgers and mountain bikers, and of course, the great horned owls.

“We’re going to have to adjust our operations,” Stryker said, which include fat-biking tours and the Meissner Bus. Cog Wild’s warm-weather services ramp up April 1. “But being on the edge of the forest — that’s a huge opportunity loss for Cog Wild.”

—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.

Lev Stryker, who co-owns Cog Wild, spoke with the Source on Feb. 2 about LOGE Entrada’s looming closure on Feb. 11.

Peter Madsen

LOGE Camps invested $1 million into renovations when it began renting Entrada Lodge in summer 2018.

Peter Madsen

RN REDMOND NEWS

A Grateful Night to Remember the Dead

High Desert Music Hall hosts a food drive and musical celebration of Phil Lesh and Bob Weir

By Kayvon Bumpus

Last year’s A Grateful Night event in Redmond.

Grooving out to Grateful Dead records with a friend of mine from Providence, we treated ourselves to a separate part of the late guitarist Bob Weir’s discography: a 1976 self-titled album by the band Kingfish. Not too separate, though; its first two songs were adopted by the Dead as live show material, with “Supplication” in specific being a meditative, head-swaying piece that asks you to dance if you can count well enough.

We talked about Weir’s recent passing and my friend recalled a 2021 podcast in which Weir described and even “celebrated” death as “the last and best reward for a life well lived.” The musician predicted it as merely the beginning of a new, liberating adventure: “I look forward to dying. One of these days, I’m gonna get around to it.”

However you feel about mortality, you may feel better about the Dead when you’re with friends — or company, if you will.

On Saturday, Feb. 7, over a dozen Central Oregon bands will celebrate 60-plus years of the band’s music at the High Desert Music Hall in Redmond, while supporting local nonprofit NeighborImpact at the same time.

Event organizer Kevin Byrne said this event, A Grateful Night, was started by Mark Ransom, of Bend Roots Revival and other projects, in Bend over a decade ago, but fizzled out around 2018. Byrne got in touch with Ransom in 2021 and suggested running it back in Redmond. The idea to make it a fundraiser for NeighborImpact came soon after.

“A bunch of local bands will interchange through the night,” Byrne told the Source, including The Hasbens, Call Down Thunder and The Mostest. Other than an intermission, “the music doesn’t stop the entire time,” he said.

In mourning (or celebration) of two Dead members — Weir and jazz-minded bass maestro Phil Lesh — Byrne said this year’s Grateful Night would be an “extra tribute to the both of them... A couple Phil songs and a bunch of Bobby songs will be featured.”

Sponsors include Bend Roots, Cosmic Depot, Redbird and Wild Ride Brewing.

The show begins at 7 pm and is expected to end at 11 pm. The entry fee is 15 canned food items or $15. Be there or be square, man.

LIVE MUSIC & KARAOKE

SING YOUR HEART OUT

Live music, music trivia and karaoke – a music-related triple threat! Join in the fun times this Friday. 7-9pm at Sunriver Brewing Company’s Redmond Pub. 3750 SW Badger Ave., Redmond. Free.

SATURDAY 2/7

MOVIE SCREENING

INFORMATIVE DOCUMENTARY

A screening of the film, “Complicated,” brings attention to the experiences of children with a rare and complex medical condition, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, and the families who care for them. The film documents the gaps in medical understanding and how that can lead to harmful child-protection interventions and catastrophic medical outcomes. 1-3pm at the Redmond Public Library. 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Community Room 2, Redmond. Free.

Kevin Byrne

The apps, dating in Central Oregon and finding your person in modern times

By Jared Rasic

Dating is a special kind of hell in Central Oregon. The town is quite small and a good majority of the people are very sporty, active and outdoorsy. I mean, I like a hike as much as anyone else, but I guarantee you, the first time I snowboard or ski is the last time I have full use of my arms and legs. I think I’m more of a picnic-with-a-blanket-anda-book kind of guy, where we read to each other under a tree, near a basket full of assorted edible sundries.

For years, it has felt like going on the dating apps just gives you a recycling of the same few dozen people, yet, post-pandemic, it’s felt like meeting people IRL is even harder, as some subconscious part of ourselves retreated inward and hasn’t fully poked its head back out. Like, so many of us are out there at bars, concerts and events, meeting new people, but there’s still an aspect of existence that makes me feel like we’re all still a little emotionally unavailable and wondering if it’s safe yet.

For this feature, I wanted to write about what it’s like being single in Central Oregon, not just for Valentine’s Day, but any day. Personally, I really enjoy being alone until it sometimes tips the scales into loneliness. Being on the periphery of people (like in a coffee shop writing this story or in a candlelit bar working on a poem) sometimes recharges those batteries and I feel like I get all the personing I can handle. I reached out to several Central Oregonians to check in and see how they’re handling single life. Here’s what I learned. the Source: How do people connect romantically?

Abby: (43, getting her master’s in behavioral-psychology/translational neuroscience at U of O). The idea of marrying for love or loving your spouse is very recent and it was thought of as abnormal when it first came around. Marriage has always been about increasing wealth, strengthening the family name, land, and empire, etc. We marry based on temporary infatuation and we don’t need to marry for the old-fashioned purposes, which is why marriage as we have reshaped it, is destined to fail.

tS: So what is the ideal way to connect?

Abby: In person. A lot of dating websites are in trouble because they made the algorithm like an addictive game on purpose. They made it to make money. They know statistically odds are low for connections. They are relying on our phone addiction and the way it floods our brains with dopamine and that’s why connections are short-lived and ghosting exists. It’s a pseudo-relationship. Dating apps and pornography have destroyed our brains. Love, marriage and dating are all European constructs that don’t exist in most other societies. We are OK being single. Really. We are!

tS: Do you find that it’s harder or easier to find connections on the apps?

Zeke (54): The dating app ecosystem is jacked. But it’s better than nothing.

Dakota (41): It’s harder on the apps. Honestly, I like my current relationship/situationship. I also identify as panromantic. But with apps, it’s either sex heavy or people just don’t get the asexual or situationship thing. Usually, once they find out I’m asexual, they stop talking.

‘‘There are generally only a few different types of people here. Of course, there are exceptions. But if you are looking for the outdoorsy type, you're in luck! How about highly competitive athletic types? Bingo! Divorced yuppies? Oh yeah! People working in the medical field? Plenty to pick from. If you're looking for creative professionals, good luck. Slim pickings."

—Zeke

Dustin (30): Unfortunately, it’s the easiest way right now. Meeting people in person is actually impossible.

tS: What makes it impossible?

Dustin: Increased isolation and resentment due to the political and social climate, I believe, has resulted in the inability for us to fully trust situations, romantic or not. For gay people specifically, at least from my perspective, I have a hard time imagining myself feeling comfortable in a relationship anymore, given what we are going through as a nation. It feels like it doesn’t matter or shouldn’t, which I know is wrong, but it almost feels like it’s not worth it at all to even try to feel happy in a romantic relationship.

tS: Is dating in Central Oregon uniquely positive or negative? Do you think you’ll find your person here?

Marie (28) A positive is that people tend to be outdoorsy and health-conscious, so if you’re into that, it can be easy to find like-minded people. A negative is that since Bend is so touristy, it can be hard to find a long-term partner.

Zeke: It’s probably like dating in any small town. There are generally only a few different types of people here. Of course, there are exceptions. But if you are looking for the outdoorsy type, you’re in luck! How about highly competitive athletic types? Bingo! Divorced yuppies? Oh yeah! People working in the medical field? Plenty to pick from. If you’re looking for creative professionals, good luck. Slim pickings.

‘‘It's too much of a playground here, and fellas don't seem to want to commit anymore. And I'm not interested in dudes that live in vans and snowboard all day or live in an apartment with three other dudes smoking weed all day. It's like the guys I dated as a teenager never grew up."

—Sasha

Crystal (41): I’ve noticed a common dynamic of surface-level explorers who thrive off the illusion of endless options. Our environment calls in adventure and adrenaline junkies who desire to climb real and symbolic mountains for conquest. Yes, I think my person is here or will be moving here if not ... as I do not plan on leaving Central Oregon unless the Apocalypse truly arrives. Not sure how I will meet him... I have zero doubt I have a match and he is probably a Bad Ass Divine Human whose first instinct is to heal the Humans... not harm them.

Virlene (mid-70s): I’ve heard other women say that the men here are more interested in pursuing their outdoor activities than spending time with romantic partners. Don’t know how accurate that might be. I have given up trying to date and found enjoyment in group activities with men and women who share mutual interests. So maybe I’m in that camp myself.

‘‘A lot of dating websites are in trouble because they made the algorithm like an addictive game on purpose. They made it to make money. They know statistically odds are low for connections. They are relying on our phone addiction and the way it floods our brains with dopamine and that’s why connections are short-lived and ghosting exists. It’s a pseudo-relationship."

—Abby

Brad (39): Good and bad. Good things… new people. But, again, everyone knows each other. Bad things, those people who are married, still in the closet (still a thing in 2026), and don’t want anyone to know they like guys. I just talked on Grindr today with a guy… handsome as hell. But I saw in one of his pics that he was wearing a ring. Married to a girl, she doesn’t know he’s flirting on a gay app.

tS: Is it uniquely difficult being single in modern times?

Sasha (44): Take into account how hard it is to just make bills single, especially as a single parent. If you own or rent a home, you’re barely getting by single. Or at least I am in that boat, as a single parent. As far as dating goes, Central Oregon is full of Peter Pans who just want to play and have no interest in relationships (at least in the 40-50 year age group). I’ve been single for the bulk of 16 years, at 44, I’ve given up on even attempting to date here, even though I have no desire to be single anymore. It’s too much of a playground here, and fellas don’t seem to want to commit anymore. And I’m not interested in dudes that live in vans and snowboard all day or live in an apartment with three other dudes smoking weed all day. It’s like the guys I dated as a teenager never grew up.

tS: What advice would you give someone single on Valentine’s Day?

Karen (Gen X): Extravagantly love those you do have in your life, and honor those connections...Your kids, friends, pets, family...and treat yourself. It’s a day about love. It is not an empty cliché that the world needs that. We need it more than ever.

Brad: Valentine’s Day is just another day. Yes, it’s based on love and having someone. Celebrating that. But, ultimately, you need to love yourself to be loved. As cliché as that sounds.

Virlene: Throw a Galantines party or a dinner for single friends. Maybe volunteer at one of the homeless shelters.

Dakota: Don’t get hung up on the “togetherness” of it all. Do something or get yourself something you love. Self-love is very important.

Dustin: Weed, John Waters, maybe a nice glass of Pinot Grigio. FaceTime with a friend. But if you can obviously score a date or something, definitely go for it. Scary, but probably worth it.

Abby: Don’t fall for the consumerism of Valentine’s Day. That’s all it is. Or…. focus that day on doing Valentines for your kids, friends, or yourself — it’s just as fun and more rewarding. Why be mopey about it? Why would you want a partner who only buys you that stuff once a year anyway? Every day, you should let the people you love

‘‘Increased isolation and resentment due to the political and social climate, I believe, has resulted in the inability for us to fully trust situations, romantic or not. For gay people specifically, at least from my perspective, I have a hard time imagining myself feeling comfortable in a relationship anymore, given what we are going through as a nation. It feels like it doesn't matter or shouldn't, which I know is wrong, but it almost feels like it's not worth it at all to even try to feel happy in a romantic relationship."

—Dustin

know you love them. It’s named after a saint who was beheaded by Claudius Caesar; what is romantic about that? Makes as much sense as doing Easter egg hunts with bunny rabbits to celebrate the resurrection.

Regardless of whether you are single, in a relationship, or somewhere on the broad spectrum in between, one thing is certain: don’t ever forget how special you are. Finding love is a gift, but no amount of validation takes away from your importance and the beauty you add to this world. Have a nice Valentine’s, no matter your story. You deserve it.

‘‘I've noticed a common dynamic of surface-level explorers who thrive off the illusion of endless options. Our environment calls in adventure and adrenaline junkies who desire to climb real and symbolic mountains for conquest."

—Crystal

Experience Amaterra Kitchen & Social Club

Now Hosting Private Events!

From chef-driven, seasonal cuisine to beautifully designed gathering spaces, Amaterra is where memorable moments take shape. Host your next event in one of our newly refurbished private spaces:

• THE WINE LOUNGE – Warm, inviting, and rich with character, featuring original downtown Bend brick and stylish lounge seating.

THE WINE CELLAR – An intimate, refined setting with a striking heirloom table, luxe seating, and a built-in screen for presentations. Now booking corporate events, celebrations, and special occasions. CALL TO RESERVE YOUR DATE: 541-246-3266

Outsourcing the Hard Part of Dating

Matchmakers are modern day love valets

By Nic Moye

According to the latest demographics, more than half the people living in Central Oregon are married. That still leaves a chunk potentially searching for a partner. Data shows 27% of the local population have never married; 13% are divorced and 5% are widowed. It’s a pretty equal split among the number of men and women living in the area. For those hoping for love, finding the right match can feel daunting.

“I learned quickly that matchmaking is not a great starting point for most people because a lot of people think they’re just not meeting the right people. And a lot of times they’re not really receptive to the right people,” says Amber Heath who started Soul Match Intentional Dating about two years ago. She initially launched a traditional matchmaking model but evolved into coaching after realizing many people are struggling with every detail from making conversation to being open minded.

“So I flipped it and said, ‘OK, coaching first. Nobody gets matchmaking until they go through what I call my relationship readiness series. That’s a series of coaching packages. It’s tiered, ranging from five weeks to 40 weeks. I get them in there and I really start unpacking,” she explains. “What are the assumptions that you are taking with you into a date that’s preventing you from asking a question that might blow that assumption out of the water and forming a real connection.”

Heath started her business after going through what she calls a toxic marriage that lasted six years. In her 40s and a private music teacher for most of her adult life, she was ready for a change.

Soul Match Intentional serves clients in Bend and Portland and has a variety of options, depending on the level of services desired.

“Everybody says it’s so hard to date in my city. It doesn’t matter what their city is.” Heath says people need to focus on having their essential needs met first, like housing, before worrying about higher needs such as long-lasting love. She blames technology for a breakdown of social skills. “People have lost a lot of soft skills and are less likely to speak to each other in public or even make eye contact in public. It’s become very, very difficult to meet people in real life.”

people who are less clear about what it is that they need. It’s really coaching forward rather than matchmaking forward.” As an example, she says, “This is real time help, like ‘I’m in this situation, I don’t know what I should say. I’m going to text Amber.’… I do have my phone with me all the time and ready to answer people’s questions… I also have a group called the dating divas circle which is a free, online support group for women at any stage of the game… It’s just women who can talk freely with other women who are in the trenches with them.”

Matchmaking is in demand

Epiphany Match just celebrated its one-year anniversary in Bend and Portland in early January. The company, run by Jamie Doty and Crystal Boles, also offers different levels of service including matchmaking, dating relationship coaching and speed dating events.

“Basic membership is a date strategy session,” Boles explains. “They can take the information that they learn for their own dating journey and whatever app they’re choosing to use… We help build their dating profile. The actual bou tique style matchmaking piece is full service six months. You get two matchmakers, and we only take 15 clients at a time.”

The cost for the premium service at Epiphany Match starts at $8,000. It includes a personality assessment to build a dating profile, examining a client’s relationship history to identify unsuccessful patterns, confidence-building, a photo shoot and creating a desired partner profile.

Participants pre-register for a fee of around $10. “At most, we do 15 rounds [of speed dating], which is exhausting. It’s a lot, but it’s a lot of fun. And somebody gets 15 dates in one night when they attend one of those big nights,” Boles explains. “The rounds are between five and seven minutes, depending on how many people attend. And at the end of the night, we email out the matches, and then they can message each other via email.”

Dating in the modern world can mean sorting through fake AI profiles on a dating app or wasting time with people who aren’t serious about a committed relationship.

Making the best decisions about love

“I get people who have been widowed. I get people who are divorced. I get people who have never been married. I get people who have gone on a 101st date. I get people who haven’t dated in 30 years,” says Heath with Soul Match. “I’m amazed that people from every situation, wherever they are in their life are curious about how they can do this thing better. Because choosing a partner and learning how to build a relationship with that partner is maybe the most important decision that they’re ever going to make. And I love being able to help people make a good decision about that.”

“When our client comes to us, they’re essentially telling us that they don’t want to do this dating. They don’t want to be lonely anymore,” Doty says. “They want us to help them match them with someone, saving time and energy.”

Heath offers a free discovery call to explain her services and the associated costs. Her coaching packages run anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000, depending on the length. Matchmaking is an additional cost. She does background checks and facilitates the first two dates between two people then has them exchange contact information if they want to continue.

For those who don’t want a deep dive into themselves, Heath offers a Loveline starting at $99 a month which includes one 50-minute Zoom session with her. She also has pre-recorded online courses with advice on dating and personal growth for under $100.

Heath also provides real time support, allowing clients to text her anytime with questions about dating. “I really like being a more accessible option…for

“We absolutely have people that hire us say, ‘I am tired. I’m busy. I’m successful. I don’t want people to see me on the app. I’m a widow. I’m looking for somebody very, very specific,” Boles says. “And then they hire us and we go and recruit for that person. We go find the person. So, we actually pound the pavement. We’re boots on the ground out there looking for that person.”

Once they find someone, Boles and Doty do an extensive background check before introducing the potential match to their client. Most of Epiphany’s clients are divorced, ranging in age from 26 to 82 years of age, with a fairly even split of men and women.

“The majority of them are professionals, and they want to hire another professional to outsource the searching for them so that they can focus on their job, their career, their business, whatever it is, and then we do the dating portion for them,” Doty explains.

For those not seeking an extensive service, Epiphany hosts several speed-dating events at local bars.

“I was having a conversation at my speed dating event last night,” Boles says. “And I have a couple that met, that are super in love, at one of our speed datings. And it brings so much joy to know, because I love love, right? We love love, and it’s so amazing when people get engaged and they get married, and we’re like, that would not have happened if we would not have introduced them.” Ephiphany Match ephiphanymatch.com

SOURCE PICKS

HANDPICKED SERIES BY TOM NECHVILLE & LINDA LEAVITT

MUSIC FOR A CAUSE

An intimate music series featuring handpicked performers by Tom Nechville & Linda Leavitt. A $10 suggested donation supports CoreSisters.org or the Latino Community Association. 6-8pm at Sisters Depot. 250 W Cascade Ave., Sisters. $10 suggested donation.

TAIZE ECUMENICAL SERVICE

MEDITATE ON NON-VIOLENCE

The Taize Choir of Central Oregon invites you to participate in an hour of meditative Taize music, prayer, and silence at its monthly interfaith service. Share an hour of community and focus on this month’s theme: Non-violence. 7-8pm at Trinity Episcopal Church’s St. Helens Hall. 469 NW Wall St., Bend. Free.

LIZA’S LOUNGE: PIANO CABARET

CROONING THE CLASSICS

A taste of New York City, right here in Bend! Local drag queen Fertile Liza hits the stage, along with three guest singers, for an evening of treats, music and live piano. Cabaret, baby! 7:30-10pm at The Greenhouse Cabaret. 1017 NE 2nd St., Bend. $99-125.

FRIDAY 2/6

UP ALL NIGHT – WIDESPREAD PANIC TRIBUTE

GOTTA LOVE THAT JAM

A Bend "supergroup" with members represented from some of the town’s most popular acts. Eli Madden and Chip Fieberg from Call Down Thunder, Austin Quattlebaum, Patrick Ondrozeck from Company Grand, and Kaleb Kelleher from Leadbetter Band will get the dance floor moving. 8pm-1am at The Commonwealth Pub. 30 SW Century Dr., Suite 100, Bend. Free.

FRIDAY NIGHTS WITH TONY LOMPA

SPEAKEASY VIBES

Tony Lompa brings the vibe at Frankies, the speakeasy located on the second floor of The Depot in Sisters... or in the courtyard if it’s nice out. No cover — just order food, shareables or drinks and enjoy the evening. 6-8pm at Sisters Depot. 250 W Cascade Ave., Sisters. Free.

BOEING, BOEING

OPENING WEEKEND

“Boeing, Boeing” is a French farce about an American bachelor named Bernard in Paris who juggles relationships with three flight attendants, each unaware of the others. 7:30pm Fri/Sat, 2pm Sun at Cascades Theatrical Company. 148 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend. $45/$39 for seniors and students.

SATURDAY 2/7

THAT ‘90S BAND UNPLUGGED

ROCKIN’ THE ‘90S

That 90’s Band performs a special unplugged show! The rockers will bring you back to the '90s with some of the best hits and deep tracks for your nostalgic enjoyment. 7-10pm at McMenamins Old St. Francis School. 700 NW Bond St., Bend. $20.

SATURDAY 2/7

4TH ANNUAL SHRINERS

CRAB FEED

GOOD FOOD AND HELPING KIDS

A benefit for Shriners Childrens! Cost of the ticket includes a fresh (delivered that day direct from Garabaldi) dungeness crab feed, with your choice of chicken, accompanied by baked beans, cole slaw, warm garlic bread and dessert. Enjoy a hosted bar, included with your ticket, and free popcorn or purchase a couple of oyster shooters. Bid on a silent auction basket and check out the live auction items, or sit back and enjoy the music and visit with friends. 5-8pm at Bend Masonic Lodge. 1036 NE 8th St., Bend. $71.10

SUPERB OWL GAME DAY

FOOTBALL... AND VAMPIRES?

Bring all your friends together for a few action-packed hours of football, food, advertising, and, of course, McMenamins ales, wines, and spirits. McMenamins will show the Big Game live on a screen. May the best team win! 3:30-7pm at McMenamins Old St. Francis School, 700 NW Bond St., Bend. Free.

TUESDAY 2/10

TONI MORRISON: THE PIECES THAT I AM

AUTHOR FILM

This film screening offers an intimate portrait of Toni Morrison — Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, editor and force. The film traces her path to the front lines of activism alongside Angela Davis, while honoring the legacy she shared with other Black women literary giants. Discussion led by Stephanie Andre. 6-8:30pm at COCC Coats Campus Center. 2600 NW College Way, Bend. Free.

Tony Lompa

Fertile Liza

West Point Academy

Adobe Stock

CALENDAR

4 Wednesday

The Capitol Karaoke Drink specials! Air guitars! Come see for yourself. 8pm-1am. 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. 7:30-9pm. Free.

Hosmer Bar Trivia Night Join 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.

JC’s Bar & Grill Wing-SKEY Wednesday + Trivia Enjoy $0.75 wings, cheap whiskey and drink deals. Trivia with the infamous “physical” challenge (think musical chairs, limbo, paper airplanes, etc.) kicks off at 7pm. 7pm. Free.

Northside Bar & Grill Mellow Wednesday Open Mic Night Come down for our Open Mic Night hosted by Derek Michael Marc!!! Sign up at 530pm to get a spot to play! 5:30-8pm. Free.

Ponch’s Place Bingo Wednesday Come out for bingo! 5:30-7pm. Free.

Portello Lounge Music Bingo Join us for Music Bingo, hosted by the always entertaining Rachel Fishman, who keeps the crowd singing and laughing all night! It’s the perfect bonus to your night out enjoying great food, drinks and good company at Portello! 6:30-8:30pm. Free.

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

Silver Moon Brewing Bill Powers & Old Growth Roots rock, Americana, and just good ‘ol style jams. Featuring Bill Powers, Mai Hyman, Tyler Mason and Dave Ehle. 7-9pm.

Sisters Depot Handpicked Series by Tom Nechville & Linda Leavitt An intimate music series featuring handpicked performers by Tom Nechville & Linda Leavitt. A $10 suggested donation will be collected at the event, with proceeds supporting CoreSisters.org or the Latino Community Association. 6-8pm. $10 - Suggested Donation.

LIVE MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

Sisters Library Pete Kartsounes Performance Enjoy the eclectic style of an award-winning singer-songwriter on guitar. Pete Kartsounes is known for his captivating and diverse live performances, weaving tales of life, love, connection with nature and adventure through song and story. 12:30-1:30pm. 0.

The Commonweath Pub Chris Beland A troubadour in the tradition of Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne and Neil Young, the California native has weathered teenage pregnancy, drug addiction and finding his real father at age 32 to create a discography of gorgeous work. 7:30-9:30pm.

The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse

Jazz at the Suttle Lodge Dirty Jazz with Wolfe House Records, first and third Wednesdays of the month, all winter long! RSVP required for overnight lodging guests to claim complimentary seats. Food & drink available from our Skip Restaurant during the show. 6-7pm.

Upp Liquids Bend Comedy Open Mic The Bend Comedy Open Mic, every Wednesday at UPP Liquids. All peformance types and ages are welcome! 7-9pm. Free.

Wonderland Chicken X Worthy

Brewing Karaoke Wednesday! Drink and food specials! Sing your favorite songs or do the trademark karaoke roulette and let your fate be at the will of the KJ! 8pm. Free.

5 Thursday

Bunk+Brew Karaoke Thursdays 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! Live music featuring Bend’s Irish Trad band, The Ballybogs! Every Thursday at The Cellar. Seats fill up, so get there early! 6-8pm. Free.

The Greenhouse Cabaret Liza’s Lounge: Piano Cabaret Live music at Liza’s Lounge: a taste of NYC. Listen to three guest singers and Liza herself for an evening of treats, music and live piano. 7:30-10pm. $99-$125.

Hosmer Bar Bingo Night Your week just found its highlight—bingo! Drinks, good company and a little friendly competition. 7-9pm. Free.

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Rick Smith has performed live for over 30 years with Steppin Out, The Untouchables and The Coupe de Ville Band, opening up for The Average White Band, Elvin Bishop and Curtis Salgado. Country/rock, blues and funk.

Mountain Burger KC Flynn KC Flynn live at Mountain Burger! 6-8pm. Free.

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

River’s Place Grits ‘n’ Gravy Acoustic folk and classic country music. A subset of the popular Dry Canyon Stampede, Grits ‘n’ Gravy features Lilli Worona (fiddle), Mike Biggers (guitar/vocals), and Kurt Silva (guitar/vocals). 6-8pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Hannah Juanita Self proclaimed ramblin’ gal, Hannah Juanita has toured heavily around the country since 2021 headlining and supporting acts like Kaitlin Butts, Braxton Keith, Town Mountain, Nick Shoulders, Emily Nenni, Summer Dean, and Jesse Daniel. 7-8pm.

Sisters Depot Silvertone Devils Silvertone Devils are a 4 piece rock and roll band based in Bend and have been performing together for 9 years - they celebrate a mutual love for roots rock music - true “Americana”. 6-8pm. $15.

Stoller Wine Bar Bend Live Music at Stoller Join us for this Live Music Series, featuring local artists we know and love. Reservations are available and walk-ins are always welcome! 6-8pm. Free.

The Commonweath Pub SHINE An acoustic rock trio or 4-piece based in Bend. With harmony vocals, and a variety of mutliple instruments, SHINE covers crowd favorites and deep cuts from the ‘70s, ‘80s and beyond. 7:30-9:30pm.

The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse Suttle Lodge’s Fireside Concert Series: Beth Wood Most Thursdays from November through May, some fireside live music. RSVP required for overnight lodging guests to claim complimentary seats. Food & drink available. 6-8pm.

The Winery at Manzanita- Bend Vino & Vibes Enjoy an evening of wine and Local community grooves every Thursday. Local singers and songwriters welcome. 5-7pm. Free.

Tower Theatre MANIA: The ABBA Tribute All the '70s fun! 7:30pm.

Volcanic Theatre Pub Gareth Reynolds Comedy Standup comedian and podcaster Gareth Reynolds brings his show on the road. 7pm. $20

6 Friday

Bend Brewing Company Winter On The Pond: Dive Bar Theology! A local favorite band is back at BBC. 5-7pm. Free.

Bunk+Brew Apres Ski Nights Join every 1st & 3rd Friday when the mountain closes for DJ Briantology, bonfires and cozy vibes. Show your mountain pass for free sauna sessions and exclusive drink discounts. Alebrije will be open for food. 5-8pm. Free.

The Commonwealth Pub Up All Night - Widespread Panic Tribute Celebrate the band's 40th anniversary with a Bend “supergroup,” with members from some of the town’s most popular acts. Eli Madden and Chip Fieberg from Call Down Thunder, Austin Quattlebaum, Patrick Ondrozeck from Company Grand, and Kaleb Kelleher from Leadbetter Band will get the dance floor moving. 8-10pm.

Desert Inn Sports Bar & Grill Chasin’ Bandits The Band plays a variety of memorable country and rock favorites. The DI in Metolius is a friendly local establishment with great food and drinks, Friday night is prime rib night! First Friday of every month, 7-10pm. Free.

The Greenhouse Cabaret Liza’s Lounge: Piano Cabaret Live music at Liza’s Lounge: a taste of NYC. Listen to three guest singers and Liza herself for an evening of treats, music and live piano. 7:30-10pm. $99-$125.

Hardtails Bar & Grill Stage 28 Karaoke 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.

McMenamins Father Luke’s Room Cover Story A high-energy country rock band from Bend, delivering “Songs You Forgot You Love.” Blending the warmth of classic country with the edge of modern rock. 7-10pm. $11.

Pine & Prism Wellness Collective The Liminal Library A sacred first-Friday gathering in downtown Bend — explore aura photography, intuitive + tarot readings, sound healing, and more rotating offerings in a space held with intention. No appointment needed. 5pm. Free.

Ponch’s Place Karaoke Night at Ponch’s Place Featuring crowd-favorite tunes, a photo booth, and food & drink specials. 6-8pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Nerve Damage, Gathering, Damage Overdose & SPINA Heavy metal at the Moon! Featuring Nerve Damage, Gathering, Damage Overdose & SPINA. All ages. 6:30-10pm. $17.59

Silver Moon Brewing Maria Jackson Band Baltimore born, Bend, Oregon based Maria Jackson brings her soulful R&B band to the stage! 7-10pm. $12.24

Silver Moon Brewing So Much House: Fluffy Stuff & Luxo Bend debut DJ set by Fluffy Stuff with support by Luxo. B2B set by Its Fine & MStarkDJ. Dance, community, house music. First Friday of every month, 8pm-2am. $15.

Sisters Depot Friday Nights with Tony Lompa Tony Lompa brings the vibe at Frankie’s, upstairs at The Depot, or in the courtyard if it’s nice. No cover—just order food, shareables, or drinks. 6-8pm. Free.

Sunriver Brewing Co. - Redmond Pub Live Music & Karaoke at Sunriver Brewing Co’s Redmond Pub A night of fun at Sunriver Brewing Co’s Redmond Pub. Live music , music trivia and karaoke. 7-9pm. Free.

Volcanic Theatre Pub Particle Kid: AcoustiQuest 2026! Raw, unplugged songs. Featuring live water cymatics/visuals by SisterLu. 7pm. $21.

7 Saturday

Bevel Craft Brewing Bunco Blitz Bunco is an easy, social game that will have you mixing and meeting new people all night. Beer and food trucks will be open, so come early and have a bite and a brew before the game starts! Proceeds benefit KIDS Center. 6-8pm. $10.

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.

Maria Jackson is an R&B and soul singer who lives in Bend. Catch her at Silver Moon Brewing for a fun set Friday night.

Maria Jackson Band

CALENDAR EVENTS

Crave Bend Eleanore Ryan Headliner Eleanore Ryan is bringing her sharp wit, fearless honesty, and hilariously relatable stories to the stage for one unforgettable night of stand up. From dating disasters to everyday absurdities, Eleanore turns real life into comedy gold, keeping you laughing from the first punchline to the last callback. 7-8:30pm. $22.

Faith, Hope & Charity Vineyards Live at the Vineyard: Danilson Duo A fun, feel-good night with the Danilson Duo—a talented husbandand-wife team who bring heart, harmony, and a whole lot of variety to the stage! From country classics to crowd-pleasing favorites across the decades, 5-8pm. $15.

The Greenhouse Cabaret Liza’s Lounge: Piano Cabaret Live music at Liza’s Lounge: a taste of NYC. Listen to three guest singers and Liza herself for an evening of treats, music and live piano. 7:30-10pm. $99-$125.

McMenamins Old St. Francis School That 90’s Band Unplugged A special unplugged show. These rockers will bring you back to the 90’s with some of the best hits and deep tracks for your nostalgic enjoyment. See you there, and be sure to snag those presale tix! 7-10pm. $20.

River’s Place Adoption Event Join for this adorable adoption event with Street Dog Hero. They are bringing some cute faces looking for forever homes! Raffle prizes, vendors and fun games with the puppies. 1-4pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Funk and Soul Dance Party at Silver Moon Feat: The Gold Souls and Funk Around & Find Out A Saturday night built for movement. Funk Around & Find Out opens with polished, dance-ready funk before Sacramento’s The Gold Souls deliver modern soul and deep groove. Silver Moon Brewing provides the beer. You bring the friends. Expect a packed room, nonstop rhythm, and a dance floor that doesn’t cool 7-10pm. $15.

Sisters Depot Brandon Campbell Trio Brandon Campbell, Mark Evans and Brian Hickey create a captivating live experience, blending passion, energy and skill. From Brandon’s expressive guitar and unique style, to Mark’s driving rhythm, and Brian’s thunderous bass, the trio delivers performances full of intensity, charm and a hint of mystery. 7-9pm. $15.

Stoller Wine Bar Bend Coyote Rider at Stoller Wine Bar Kat Hilst, Kim Kelley and Tim Coffey perform original folk-Americana songs crafted for timeless storytelling with roots-driven sound and powerful harmonies. 5-7pm. Free.

The Bite Dust Devils @ The Bite Think Muddy Waters, John Prine, Eilen Jewell, Bob Wills....old time blues, swing, country and some Americana all mixed together with originals and covers. Stu Kinzel (guitar/resonator) Jim Roy (guitar/ mandolin) Maggie J (bass). Everybody sings & harmonizes. 6-8pm. Free.

The Commonweath Pub Thomas T & The Bluechips Thomas T and The Blue Chips deliver a mix of classic and contemporary Chicago and Texas blues, playing fun, funky tunes that always get the crowd moving. This seasoned four-piece blues band is sure to bring a good time wherever they perform. 8-10pm.

Upp Liquids Purpose and a Pint Join comedian, author and international speaker Anthony Poponi for an interactive and funny twohour program on happiness, where you’ll explore your happiness through several lenses. 7-9pm.

Velvet One Mad Man Music One Mad Man: loops together multiple instruments to create moody, driven backdrops accompanied by smooth vocals. First Saturday of every month, 9pm-Midnight. Free.

8 Sunday

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

Dogwood At The Pine Shed Okay Karaoke

Sing your favorite songs with friends, enjoy professional sound and lighting, and let the spotlight shine on you. Hosted by the dynamic Tammy Larsen, it’s the perfect night out for music lovers and party people alike. Noon-11pm. Free.

River’s Place Sunday Funday Trivia! Free to play and prizes to win! Grab your team, grab a mimosa and join the fun. UKB Trivia hosts this friendly battle of the minds. Come early. Things fill up fast! Noon-2pm. Free.

River’s Place The BIG Game $4 Pints! Brewery swag giveaways from Fremont Brewing! 6 big screen TVs + huge projector screen means no bad seat in the house. Food truck deals & specials. Game sound ON! It’s a Super Sunday Funday 3-8pm.

9 Monday

10 Barrel Brewing Westside Pub Trivia Night with Useless Knowledge Bowl! Reserve your spot early! Sign-up is encouraged at: ukbtrivia.com. Team up with friends for some casual fun! Win prizes, it’s free to play. Enjoy great food and brews too! Walk-ins accepted if all spots haven’t been filled. Bring good vibes! 7pm. Free.

Bevel Craft Brewing Bingo with Bren Supporting Furnish Hope Join Monday nights this month for Bingo that gives back, supporting Furnish Hope. Play for cash prizes every round while helping provide essential furnishings to those rebuilding their lives. Family friendly fun, good vibes, and a great cause! $2 per card or 6 cards for $10 (cash only!) 6-8pm. 2.

M&J Tavern Vinyl Night Monday Night just got better!!! 9pm to Midnight. SupaFly will be your Dj. Bring your own vinyl and sign up to add it to the Playlist or pick from hers. 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 Bluegrass Collective

Mondays Local intermediate to advanced players come out to perform their favorite bluegrass songs for locals’ night; experienced BG players encouraged to join and share the stage. 6-8pm. Free.

The Commonweath Pub Musician’s Open Showcase Hosted by The Session Calling all musicians! Join Monday nights for a special opportunity to share your talent, connect with other artists and perform in a welcoming and collaborative, music-loving atmosphere. Backline provided, just bring instruments and chords! 5-9pm. Free.

10 Tuesday

Beach Hut Deli Tip of the Tongue Trivia Play Tip of the Tongue trivia for a chance to win some great prizes and show off your trivia skills! 6-8pm. Free.

The Capitol Karaoke Drink specials! Air guitars! Come see for yourself. 8pm-1am. Free.

The Commons Cafe & Taproom Open Mic StoryTellers open mic nights are full of music, laughs and community. Mason James is the host. Poetry, comedy and spoken word are welcome, but this is mainly a musical open mic. Sign-ups start at 5pm in the cafe. 6pm. Free.

Elements Public House Trivia (&Taco) Tuesdays Quiz fans of Redmond: bring your crew this week for UKB live trivia & more! Delicious menu favorites, brews, cocktails, plus Taco Tuesday menu! Play for gift card prizes or just for fun. Bring good vibes and a pen. 6:30pm. Free.

The Lot Trivia Tuesdays Stop scrolling and streaming, get out of the house and flex your brain. Your friends will be excited for the invite, so put it out there and make memories on Tuesday nights. A local host challenges you with six questions in six categories. The heated benches are calling your name. 6-7:30pm. Free.

The Belfry will light up with the festive sounds of the Ireland-meets-Appalachia sounds of Gadan on Wed., Feb. 11. Get ready for a high-energy show!

M&J Tavern Karaoke Sign-ups start at 8pm! 8pm-1:15am. Free.

Pinky G’s Pizzeria TRIVIA NIGHT Test your knowledge in a casual/laid-back atmosphere. Pizza, beer and trivia. Free to play and prizes for 1st and 2nd place. 6-8pm. Free.

River’s Place Bingo! Have fun, win cash and help out a local nonprofit organization. 6-8pm. Free.

The Commonweath Pub Elise Franklin Quartet - Tuesday Jazz The Elise Franklin Quartet, a group of experienced musicians playing jazz standards and Latin, is led by Elise Franklin on vocals and Jack Krouscup on piano. 7-9pm.

11 Wednesday

The Belfry SFF Presents Gadan at The Belfry Gadan blends Irish trad, bluegrass, folk and Appalachian fire with Italian flair. Featuring three banjos, fiddle, mandolin, and guitar, the seasoned band delivers a high-energy, strings-only sound with a powerful live appeal. All ages, general admission. 7-9pm. $30.

The Capitol Karaoke Drink specials! Air guitars! Come see for yourself. 8pm-1am. 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. 7:30-9pm. Free.

Dogwood At The Pine Shed Transmission: ‘80s Dark Wave Social Club Immerse yourself in the sounds of the ’80s underground. DJ Mark Brody spins Joy Division, Bauhaus, The Cure, Clan of Xymox, and more at Dogwood at The Pine Shed. A moody night of goth, post-punk, and darkwave. Second Wednesday of every month, 7-10pm. Free.

Hosmer Bar Trivia Night Join 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.

JC’s Bar & Grill Wing-SKEY Wednesday + Trivia Enjoy $0.75 wings, cheap whiskey and drink deals. Trivia with the infamous “physical” challenge (think musical chairs, limbo, paper airplanes, etc.) kicks off at 7pm. 7pm. Free.

McMenamins Father Luke’s Room Skillethead - Album Release! Celebrate as Central Oregon’s own Skillethead releases its debut album, Check the Weather! Supported by Never Come Down Duo. 7-10pm. $15.

Northside Bar & Grill Mellow Wednesday Open Mic Night Open Mic Night hosted by Derek Michael Marc!!! Sign up at 530pm to get a spot to play! 5:30-8pm. Free.

Pinky G’s Pizzeria Music Bingo Join Music Bingo (think name that tune meets tradition bingo). Every other Wednesday! Free to play and prizes for the winners. Every other Wednesday..

Ponch’s Place Bingo Wednesday Come out for bingo! 5:30-7pm. Free.

Portello Lounge Music Bingo Join for Music Bingo, hosted by the always entertaining Rachel Fishman, who keeps the crowd singing and laughing all night! It’s the perfect bonus to your night out enjoying great food, drinks and good company! 6:30-8:30pm. Free.

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

Silver Moon Brewing $5 Comedy Night There are many things in Bend that you can’t buy for five dollars. But $5 can get you a ticket to some of the best laughs in Bend! Whether you’re paying at the door or ahead of time, entry to this monthly comedy show is only 5 DOLLARS.Did we mention it’s only $5?This show features: Cam Stone, Tess Eddington, Logan Lennox, Ella Terese, Laura B Wright and Katy Ipock. Hosted by Jon Brown.21+. Strong Content Expected. 7:30-9pm.

Sunriver Public Library Pete Kartsounes Performance Enjoy the eclectic style of an award-winning singer-songwriter on guitar. Pete Kartsounes is known for his captivating and diverse live performances, weaving tales of life, love, connection with nature and adventure through song and story. 12:30-1:30pm. Free.

The Commonweath Pub Evan Mullins & Connor Bennett Evan Mullins & Conner Bennett Piano Grass Duo is a multi-dimensional improvisation-driven duo featuring Evan Mullins on piano & vocals and Conner Bennett on acoustic guitar and vocals. Sparks fly when they jam, blending bluegrass standards with the songbooks of the Grateful Dead, JGB, Dylan, the Allman Brothers, among other. 7:30-9:30pm. Upp Liquids Bend Comedy Open Mic The Bend Comedy Open Mic, every Wednesday at UPP Liquids. All peformance types and ages are welcome! 7-9pm. Free.

Wonderland Chicken X Worthy Brewing Karaoke Wednesday! Drink and food specials! Sing your favorite songs or do the trademark karaoke roulette and let your fate be at the will of the KJ! 8pm. Free.

MUSIC

Benefit Concert Benefit Concert to support the Music Ministry of St. Francis Catholic Church, featuring performances by the St. Francis Adult Choir as well as classical and contemporary selections performed by members of the St. Francis Music Ministry. Feb. 7, 2-3:30pm. Historic St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 599 NW Lava Rd, Bend. Contact: music@stfrancisbend.org. By donation.

Gadan

DANCE

Adult Ballet Class Learn or rediscover the art of ballet on Tuesday nights! Adult Ballet is an open-level class for adult learners and dancers. Tuesdays, 12:30-1:30 and 6:45-7:45pm. Acadamie De Ballet Classique, 1900 NE 3rd St #104, Bend. Contact: 541-3824055. dance@abcbend. com. Price varies.

Adult Jazz Dance Community Class

Intermediate-level adult jazz drop-in dance classes. Friendly, supportive atmosphere. Get your dance on! Fridays, 12:15-1:45pm. Acadamie De Ballet Classique, 1900 NE 3rd St #104, Bend. Contact: 408-857-6773. jcliff@gmail.com. $10.

Belly Dance Classes Expand your movement language by learning a variety of Belly Dance styles + build strength, grace, confidence, & community. Classes include a great workout, yoga, professional technique, functional fitness approach for alignment, longevity, & safety in movement and body. Performance opportunities for those who desire. Mondays, 5-6:15pm. Private Studio, ., Bend. Contact: templetribalfusion. com/contact/. $20.

Cuban Dance Class Series! Warm up your winter with dance! Rueda de Casino is an energetic, community-oriented dance from Cuba, where couples dance intermingled and in-sync with other couples. Price is for a 4-week progressive series, per person. Class series restarts every month. Singles or partners welcome! Mondays, 6-7:30pm. Through March 23. Upp Liquids, 550 SW Industrial way, Bend. Contact: 5416108865. bendrueda@gmail.com. $40.

La Bon Burlesque: Bridgerton Ball This Valentine season, surrender to stolen glances, scandalous temptation, and delicious drama at a two-night immersive experience inspired by the lavish romance of Bridgerton. Each evening features sultry burlesque performances, a chance to help us unmask Lady Whistledown and an opportunity to be named Diamond of the Season. Feb. 6, 7-10pm and Feb. 7, 7-10pm. Open Space, 220 NE Lafayette, Bend. Contact: NA. labonburlesque@gmail.com. $30.

Lindy Hop Social Dance and Lessons Are you going to the High Desert Museum’s Prohibition Party? Learn how to dance in era-appropriate style to live Jazz music! An energetic, athletic and goofy way to connect with a partner, Lindy Hop is the original swing dance. Lessons begin at 6pm, social dance at 7:15pm. Sundays, 6-8:30pm. Through Feb. 15. The Space, 63830 Clausen Rd, Bend. Contact: 360-316-1480. lindyhopcentralbend@gmail.com. $7-$12.

Lost and Found Bellydance Classes

Lost and Found Bellydance offers 6-week progressive sessions in improvisational bellydance, which covers foundational movements, formations and finger cymbals.No experience necessary: this class is suitable for beginners. Studio C--upstairs; Entry door is on the right of the building Mondays, 7-8pm, Mondays, 7-8pm, Mondays, 7-8pm, Mondays, 7-8pm, Mondays, 7-8pm and Mondays, 7-8pm. Through June 29. Terpsichorean Dance Studio, 1601 NW Newport Ave, Bend. Contact: 541-420-5416. lostandfoundbellydance@gmail.com. $75.

Salsa Dance Classes - Beginner Level

Join at Foundation Health and Fitness for Salsa Dance Classes for beginners! Whether you have two left feet or are looking to brush up on your moves, this class is perfect for you. Tuesdays, 7:30-8:30pm. Through Feb. 24. Foundation Health And Fitness, 1105 SE Centennial St, Bend. Contact: 5413256676. latindancebend@gmail. com. 15.

Salsa Dance Classes - Intermediate Level Ready to take your salsa skills to the next level? Whether you’re looking to improve your footwork or spice up your moves, our classes are perfect for dancers looking to enhance their salsa abilities. Get ready to groove to the rhythm and meet fellow dance enthusiasts. Tuesdays, 8:459:45pm. Through Feb. 24. Foundation Health And Fitness, 1105 SE Centennial St, Bend. Contact: 5413256676. latindancebend@gmail.com. 15.

Tango in Bend Learn and dance Argentine Tango. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dancer, the community welcomes you. First class is free! 6:30 - Intermediate Class (for those with previous experience). 7:15 - Beginners Class. 8:30 - Practice for all. Wednesdays, 6:30-9:30pm. Sons of Norway Hall, 549 NW Harmon Blvd., Bend. Contact: 818-207-1363. info@tangoinbend.com. $10 class & practice, $5 practice only.

FILM EVENTS

“Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am” Take an intimate portrait of Toni Morrison—Nobel and Pulitzer Prize–winning author, editor, and force at this film screening. The film traces her path to the front lines of activism alongside Angela Davis, while honoring the legacy she shared with other Black women literary giants. Discussion led by Stephanie Andre following. Feb. 10, 6-8:30pm. Cenral Oregon Community College, Coats Campus Center, Wille Hall, 2600 NW College Way, Bend. Contact: 541-330-4376. mlegrand2@cocc.edu. Free.

Free Movie Screening Free early screening of the Oscar Qualified Documentary feature "Complicated." Feb. 7, 1-3pm. Redmond Public Library, 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond. Contact: erindaugherty2@gmail.com. Free.

Mountainfilm on Tour: Night One Each year, The Environmental Center brings Mountainfilm on Tour to Bend to showcase incredible documentary films, thoughtfully curated for our Central Oregon audience. This film event features stories of adventure, climate change, culture, and resilience from around the world. Feb. 6, 5:30-9pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 5415085410. priscilla@envirocenter.org. $22-$25.

Mountainfilm on Tour: Night Two Each year, The Environmental Center brings Mountainfilm on Tour to Bend to showcase incredible documentary films, thoughtfully curated for our Central Oregon audience. This film event features stories of adventure, climate change, culture, and resilience from around the world. Feb. 7, 5:30-9pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 5415085410. priscilla@envirocenter.org. $22-$25.

ARTS + CRAFTS

Art Play Toddlers and preschoolers dive into process-based art through sensory stations, open-ended exploration, and hands-on creative play. With rotating themes and art stations each week, children develop independence, enhance fine motor skills, build expressive language abilities, and gain confidence through joyful experimentation and creative self-expression. Come dressed for mess! Ages 2-5 Thursdays-Saturdays, 10-11am. Two Suns Art Studio + MakerSpace, 70 SW Century Drive, Bend. Contact: 541-892-6471. taylor@twosunsartstudio.com. $25.

ArtHouse Presents: 808’s & artBreaks Celebrate Valentine’s Day a week early at Bend’s newest gallery where local artist Gabriel van Eikeren will be unveiling a fresh body of works exploring the themes of love & vulnerability. Featuring live music from Briantology, and a chance to win an original large-scale one-of-akind painting through a raffle drawing. Feb. 6, 5-9pm. artHouse LTA, 113 NW Minnesota Ave, Bend. Contact: arthouse.yrstruly@gmail.com. Free.

Beginner to Intermediate Botanical Illustration Take a two-day immersive course in botanical illustration with Jeanne Debons. Learn step-by-step techniques to render realistic plants using graphite and watercolor, from drawing fundamentals to color mixing. Jeanne combines scientific expertise with artistic training. All materials included. Limited to six participants for focused instruction. Feb. 7, 10-3am and Feb. 8, 10-3am. FREAK’N ART, 1265 NW Wall st., Bend. Contact: 5415087438. HelloFreakNArt@gmail. com. $250.

Bubble Bananza This class is all about Bubbles. Learn about surface tension and spheres. Learn how to paint 3 dimensional spheres and have fun creating bubble art. In science we will test a variety of bubble solutions. Midway through, we’ll take a play break at Drake! Feb. 4, 12:50-3:50pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: sarahanneswoffer@gmail.com. $45.

Create Together: Fused Glass Fun for Kids & Their Grown-Ups Looking for a fun way to spend time together and try something new with your creative kiddo? Join a fused glass workshop designed for adult-child pairs! You’ll explore how to arrange colorful glass pieces into a design that’s totally your own — whether playful, abstract, or decorative. Feb. 4, 5-7pm. DIY Cave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 5413882283. classes@diycave.com. $139.

Crochet Café Bring your crochet projects and join your host, Fancy Nancy, and other crocheters at Fancywork Yarn Shop. This 2-hour hook session is designed specifically to foster community among the crochet crew. All skill levels are welcome in this weekly drop-in event. Thursdays, 1-3pm. Fancywork Yarn Shop, 200 NE Greenwood Avenue, Bend. Contact: 541-3238686. hello@fancywork.com. Free.

Date Night Blacksmith Forged Hearts (Two-Day Workshop) Have fun with your partner and try your hand at the time-honored DIY craft of shaping, tapering, splitting, twisting and punching steel to create a beautiful set of forged steel hearts during the two 2-hour class series. Feb. 10, 5:30-7:30pm and Feb. 11, 5:307:30pm. DIY Cave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 5413882283. classes@diycave. com. $239.

Date Night Turn Wine Bottles into Drinking Glasses Have fun with a friend or special someone by creating something together. Fill your cupboard with seriously cool drinking glasses that you made from your empty wine bottles. Learn how to cut them using an easy to build jig and how to fire polish the rims. Wed, Feb. 11, 6pm and Sat, Feb. 14, 6pm. DIY Cave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 5413882283. classes@diycave.com. $129.

DIY Hours Drop in to create an on-site project, no experience or supplies needed. Walk-ins welcome; reservations optional and held 15 minutes. Sessions last two hours, and the reservation fee is applied to your project. Please reserve for each guest. Sundays, 11:30am-5:30pm and Tuesdays, Noon-6pm. Through March 31. FREAK’N ART, 1265 NW Wall st., Bend. Contact: 5415087438. HelloFreakNArt@gmail.com. $25.

East of the Cascades: The Oregon I Love Artist Pamela Beaverson is presenting an exhibit titled “East of the Cascades: The Oregon I Love” in The Oxford Hotel lobby during the month of February. She is showcasing oil paintings of landscapes and wildlife found east of the crest of the Oregon Cascades. Feb. 2-28, 9am-10pm. The Oxford Hotel, 10 Northwest Minnesota Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-382-8436..

Fused Glass Pocket Hearts: Valentines Day Gifts Create a beautiful custom pocket heart to give your loved ones for Valentines Day this year. Handmade with love, they will be able to keep it with them all year long. There is no glass cutting, just pure joy of choosing glass colors, writing an intention and shaping your heart. Feb. 7, 4:30-6 and 6:30-8pm. DIY Cave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 5413882283. classes@diycave.com. $99.

Heart on your Sleeve: Applique Workshop Led by local creative Chelsea Sanford, this hands-on workshop teaches three applique methods to add or repair a fabric heart on clothing. Suitable for artists ages 8+, participants explore stitching techniques while celebrating sustainability, self-expression and fiber art rooted in community, care and creative reuse. Feb. 9, 5-8am. FREAK’N ART, 1265 NW Wall st., Bend. Contact: 5415087438. HelloFreakNArt@ gmail.com. $50.

Hearts - Early Release Weds This class is all about Hearts. Make some sweet heart art for Valentines. But we are also deep dive into the human heart and learning about the four chambers of our hearts and how they pump blood throughout our body. Feb. 11, 1-4pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: sarahanneswoffer@ gmail.com. 45.

High Desert Art League Member

Show Members of the High Desert Art League present a new exhibit of paintings through the month of March. The collection includes works in oil, acrylic, watercolor, encaustic, mixed media, and photography. Jan. 7-March 31, 9am-5pm. Premiere Property Group, 25 NW Minnesota Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-241-6860. Free.

Intro to Blacksmithing: Make a Bottle Opener Step into the forge and learn the fundamentals of blacksmithing in this fast-paced, beginner-friendly workshop. In just two hours, you’ll get hands-on experience heating, shaping, and hammering steel as you create a custom bottle opener to take home. Feb. 7, 10am-Noon. DIY Cave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 5413882283. classes@diycave.com. $159.

Embrace the New Year with healthy habits in fitness, nutrition, mindfulness, and connection. Embrace the New Year with healthy habits in fitness, nutrition, mindfulness, and connection.

WEEKLY MEETINGS: FEB. 6 - MAR. 20

Fridays, 4 - 5:15pm

Special offer for *NEW students: 6 week yoga pass for 129

�

(*haven't been in for a year)

(541) 550-8550 www.namaspa.com

55 � FEB. 6 - MAR. 20

55 � Instructor: Ann Boyd Fridays, 4 - 5:15pm

WEEKLY MEETINGS: Instructor: Ann Boyd

Learn more, sign up and purchase your pass.

Intro to Jewelry Soldering - Silver Stacked Rings This fun and creative class introduces you to the basics of soldering and the art of creating beautiful sterling silver rings. You’ll use a torch for soldering and learn how to size, shape and texture your rings. Take home new skills and three beautifully crafted rings! Feb. 9, 6-8pm. DIY Cave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 541-388-2283. classes@ diycave.com. $129.

Intro to Leatherwork: Make a Crossbody Bag Cut, punch and rivet a beautiful, durable crossbody bag—no sewing required. Select leather and hardware, then learn classic no-sew assembly step by step. You’ll leave with a finished, fully functional bag you made, and proudly carry everywhere. Feb. 8, 1-3:30pm. Bend, RSVP for address, Bend. Contact: 650-224-6750. info@ schoolofranch.org. $170.

Kids Studio! Celebrating Black American Artists In this session students will learn about a variety of influential Black artists, and create works inspired by their different styles and processes! Artists to study: Alma Thomas, Reggie Laurent, Betye Saar, Bisa Butler. Space is limited to 10 young artists per session! Led by Kat Rains. Wednesdays, 1:30-3:30pm. Through Feb. 25. FREAK’N ART, 1265 NW Wall st., Bend. Contact: 541-508-7438. hellofreaknart@gmail. com. 200.00.

Lets Make a Zine! A zine is a self-published, paper-craft mini magazine rooted in 1990s youth counterculture. In this crash course, local zinester Heather Kennedy of the Bend Zine Library guides participants through prompts and projects, culminating in a collaborative zine. All materials provided; bring curiosity and explore self-expression, vulnerability, and community publishing together. Feb. 4, 5:30-7:30pm. FREAK’N ART, 1265 NW Wall st., Bend. Contact: 5415087438. HelloFreakNArt@gmail.com. $50. Make Your Own V-day Bouquet! Bring your bestie or your sweetie to the greenhouse for a fun date! Even if it’s snowing the greenhouse will be warm and cozy to make fun memories and a nice gift for yourself or your one and only. All supplies included to make a unique vase and dried bouquet. Feb. 8, 1-3pm. Moonfire & Sun Garden Center, 61944 SE 27th St., Bend. Contact: 541-318-6155. info@moonfireandsun.com. $20.

Naughty Valentine’s Pottery Workshop Valentine’s Day has gone fully unhinged. This loud, silly, wink-wink-inappropriate pottery workshop is all about chaotic Valentine energy, bold choices and ceramic pieces that feel like an inside joke made permanent. Expect laughter, questionable phrases, and lots of “should I do this?” moments. Adults only! Fri, Feb. 6, 5:307:30pm. Two Suns Art Studio + MakerSpace, 70 SW Century Drive, Bend. Contact: krista@ lalucestudio.com. $130.

Nice Valentine’s Two-Part Workshop

This Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day, slow down, get a little messy, and make something from the heart. Bring your partner, besties, sisters, or ride-or-die crew for a cozy, hands-on pottery workshop filled with laughter, connection, and creativity. Adults only. Sat, Feb. 7, 5:30-7:30pm. Two Suns Art Studio + MakerSpace, 70 SW Century Drive, Bend. Contact: 415-308-4538. krista@ lalucestudio.com. $130.

Open Art Nights Bring your art supplies and make art with your new creative community! No registration required, just show up with an open mind and willingness to create and connect. 18+. Questions? Email brian@theopenartscenter. org Tuesdays, 6-9pm. The Open Arts Center, 999 NE 2nd Street, Bend. Contact: 978-771-4635. brian@theopenartscenter.org. Free.

Paint Your Partner Paint & Sip Swap canvases for faces (well… portraits) and create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece of your partner! Feb. 8, 4-7pm. Bend Wine Bar & Winery Tasting Room. Contact: sarahanneswoffer@gmail.com. $65.

Paint Your Pet Paint & Sip You’re invited to a PAWS-itively fun evening of creativity, sips, and furry friends! A Paint & Sip Nightwhere you can paint a portrait of your beloved pet (or any pet you’d like!), all while sipping on your favorite drinks. Sun, Feb. 8, 4-7pm, 4-7pm. Bend Wine Bar & Winery Tasting Room. 550 SW Industrial Way, Bend. Contact: sarahanneswoffer@gmail.com. $65.

Petals & Texture: A Valentine’s Floral Experience Celebrate Valentine’s season with a hands-on floral workshop led by Tracy Curtis of Woodland and Floral. Create a romantic, modern arrangement using roses, tulips, and textured foliage in a decorative vase. Perfect for date night, friends, or gifting. Ages 12+. Feb. 11, 5:30-7:30pm. FREAK’N ART, 1265 NW Wall st., Bend. Contact: 5415087438. HelloFreakNArt@gmail.com. $75.

Soul of the Land: Quilts by June Jaeger

The Belknap Exhibit Center at the Bowman Museum presents Soul of the Land, quilts and textile art by renowned Oregon artist June Jaeger. Born in Prineville, Jaeger’s hand-crafted work reflects Central Oregon landscapes, tradition, and a lifelong connection to the land through award-winning artistry. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10am-5pm. Through March 21. Belknap Exhibit Center, 136 NE 3rd St, Prineville. Contact: 541-447-3715. sean.briscoe@crookcountyor.gov. Free.

Stained Glass 101: Feather Suncatcher (Two-Week Class) Let your creativity take flight in an upcoming Feather Stained Glass Suncatcher Class! This dreamy design is perfect for adding a touch of color and movement to your window. Great for beginners and seasoned makers alike come make something beautiful that shines in the sun! Mondays, 6-8pm. Through Feb. 9. DIY Cave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 5413882283. classes@diycave.com. $219.

Sweethearts Gallery Hop Enjoy local art by Becca Klassy, live music, desserts, wine, rose bouquets, shopping, and a chance to win a $150 Visa gift card. 42 NW Greenwood Ave. Feb. 6, 5-8pm. RE/MAX Key Properties, 42 NW Greenwood Avenue, Bend. Contact: 541- 728-0033. marketing@rmkporegon.com. Free. Teen CNC Design and Production Course (Ages 10-17) This multiweek course begins with an introduction to CNC machines, lasers, and 3D printers. Students will gain an understanding of how these machines operate, their capabilities, and their limitations. They will also learn about the different materials used with these machines and how to manage them safely. Wednesdays, 3-5:30pm. Through April 8. DIY Cave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 5413882283. classes@diycave.com. $57.

Victoria Smits Artist Talk Join us for an intimate gathering as artist Victoria Smits gives insights into her work and practice. Feb. 5, 5:306:30pm. Scalehouse Collaborative for the Arts, 550 NW Franklin Ave, Bend. Free/sliding scale..

PRESENTATIONS + EXHIBITS

2026 Beginners’ Beekeeping Course

Learn the essentials of first-year beekeeping at an in-person course tailored for Central Oregon’s high desert. Taught by COBKA volunteers with Oregon Master Beekeeper program experience, topics include woodenware, hive setup, installing bees, tools, inspections, bee biology and Varroa management. Feb. 7, 8:30am-3:30pm. The Embark Coworking Community, 2843 NW Lolo Dr., bend. $50.

2026 EDCO Annual Luncheon The Annual Luncheon is an EDCO tradition, providing the business community an opportunity to hear nationally recognized business leaders. Feb. 5, 11am-1:30pm. Riverhouse Lodge. Contact: 541388-3236. info@edcoinfo.com. $119-$168.

ET Expert Lab— Effective Communication and Emotional Intelligence This session blends self-awareness with actionable communication skills to help you show up as a more effective emotionally intelligent leader in every interaction at work and beyond. Feb. 11, 3:45-6pm. OSU Cascades Campus, Obsidian Hall, Room 207, 1500 SW Chandler Avenue, Bend.

Forged in Fire: The Volcanic Activity that Shaped Oregon’s High Desert Oregon Natural Desert Association’s High Desert Speaker Series continues with an exploration of the geologic forces that shaped eastern Oregon. Geologist, author and photographer Dr. Ellen Bishop will share new discoveries linking iconic high desert landscapes—including Steens Mountain and the Owyhee Canyonlands—to the Yellowstone hotspot. Feb. 11, 7-8pm. Contact: 5413302638. onda@onda.org. Free.

Joe Dispenza Group Meditation In The Energy Room Every Thursday and Sunday Epic Energy Centers opens the Energy Room early for a group meditation based off of Dr. Joe Dispenza’s work and guidance. Guided and supported by local Bend Practitioners. Thursdays-Sundays, 9-11am. Through Feb. 27. Epic Energy Centers, 205 NW Franklin Ave, Bend. Contact: 541..449.9829. support@theepicenergycenters.com. $40.

Phoenix Rising: Deschutes Land Trust’s 2025 Wildfire Experience Learn how Deschutes Land Trust prepares for and helps their preserves recover from wildfire events through the lens of the 2025 Flat & Cram fires. Registration required. Feb. 9, 6-7pm. Worthy Brewing - Main Pub and Brewery, 495 NE Bellevue Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-316-0080. info@worthygardenclub.org. Free.

Restoring a Keystone: Bringing Sea Otters Back to Oregon Join an engaging presentation about the Elakha Alliance’s efforts to restore sea otters, a keystone species, to the Oregon coast. Discover how these charismatic marine mammals are vital to the health of our

coastal ecosystems, the history behind their disappearance, and the collaborative work being done to bring them back. Feb. 10, 6-7pm. Contact: 5413121029. laurelh@deschuteslibrary.org.

The Universe Before There Were Stars with Dr. Brandon Matthews Long before galaxies existed, the universe left behind a faint glow that still surrounds us today, an echo of its earliest moments. This talk explores how cosmologists turned cosmic static into a detailed map of early structure that shaped the universe we see today, and why modern measurements now challenge our understanding of cosmic expansion. Contact: bac@cantordust.net. Talk takes place in Room 230 of Middleton Science Center. Feb. 11, 6pm. COCC, 2600 NW College Way, Bend.

The World of Amateur (Ham) Radio No grid, no internet, no cellular, no problem! What is ham radio, how did it start, why is it called ham? Explore the electromagnetic spectrum, radio waves, propagation and an array of radio frequencies with the High Desert Amateur Radio Group. Feb. 7, 4-5pm. Redmond Public Library, 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond. Contact: 541312-1032. lizg@deschuteslibrary.org. Free.

WORDS

“Miscalculated Risks” by Michael Cooper Join Bend author and adventurer Michael Cooper to discuss his 2025 American Writing Awards’ Best New (Debut) Non-Fiction winning book, “Miscalculated Risks: Attacked, Crippled, Paralyzed, Drowning, Unconscious and Freezing in The Wild (Just Not All at Once).” Feb. 5, 6:307:30pm. Roundabout Books, 900 NW Mount Washington Dr., #110, Bend. Contact: 5413066564. events@roundaboutbookshop.com. $5.

The Beaver Den: Scientific Literacy Book Club Each month features a published research paper relating to beavers to read, critically evaluate and discuss. Beavers are fascinating animals with so many mechanisms of influencing the world. Scientific writing can be impenetrable, but discussing it together is a great way to enhance understanding. First Wednesday of every month, 5:30-7pm. Through March 4. Think Wild, 150 NE Hawthorne Ave., Bend. Contact: 5416990616. maureen@thinkwildco. org. Free.

Current Fiction Book Club Discuss "Dream Count" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Feb. 4, 6-7pm. Roundabout Books, 900 NW Mount Washington Dr., #110, Bend. 0.

Hello! Storytime Share stories, movement and a touch of music with 0-5 year olds, geared toward those younger ages. There will be a heavy emphasis on fun, so bring your listening ears and a smile. Feb. 11, 10:30-11am. Roundabout Books, 900 NW Mount Washington Dr., #110, Bend. 0.

Meet the Authors! Central Oregon

Author Crawl “Meet the Authors” Valentine love is in the air! Get inspired by best-selling authors Marie Harte & KE Strand, and have your books personally signed. Enjoy delicious ciders, beer, wine, and n/a beverages while visiting with Bend’s own accomplished authors. Light appetizers available, outside food welcome. Kid & dog-friendly. Free! Feb. 7, 2-4pm. Bend Cider Co., 64649 Wharton Ave., Bend. Contact: 5413909587. Sarah1846@gmail.com. Free.

Raging Writers / Spoken Words One hour of inspiration and creative writing, followed by one hour of Open Mic. All welcome. Restaurant is closed for service—no food or bev, but plenty of juice. Second Sunday of every month, 2-4pm. Spork, 937 NW Newport Ave., Bend. Free.

Writing Wednesdays at the OAC A free evening of writing, connection and creativity. 1st & 3rd Wednesdays: Poetry Workshop; 2nd & 4th Wednesdays: Writing Workshop. Open to adults 18+, all levels welcome. Bring your notebook, your voice, and your curiosity. Let’s write together! Questions? Email: claire@theopenartscenter. org Wednesdays, 7-8:30pm. The Open Arts Center, 999 NE 2nd Street, Bend. Contact: 978-7714635. claire@theopenartscenter.org. Free.

After a fire, how does the land recover? What goes into that process? Learn about the Deschutes Land Trust’s recovery efforts after the 2025 Flat and Cram fires at a talk at Worthy Brewing Mon., Feb. 9.

Oregon State Fire Marshal

CALENDAR EVENTS

ETC.

Boeing, Boeing A Frence farce about an American bachelor named Bernard in Paris who juggles relationships with three flight attendants, each unaware of the others. Fri, Feb. 6, 7:30pm, Sat, Feb. 7, 7:30pm, Sun, Feb. 8, 2pm, Cascades Theatrical Co, 148 NW Greenwood Ave,, Bend.

Wednesday Night Rebuy Tournament

20-minute blind levels with a 10-minute break every hour. Wednesdays, 6-11pm. Bend Poker Room, 917 NE Greenwood Ave, Bend. Contact: 541-508-9123. bendpokerrroom@gmail.com. $20.

Soup: Comfort, Flavor & Confidence (Cooking Class) Soup is one of the most forgiving — and satisfying — things you can cook. In this cozy winter workshop, we’ll explore how to build deeply flavorful soups using simple ingredients, thoughtful seasoning, and techniques you can use again and again. Feb. 8. Noon-3pm at Sisters Depot. 250 W Cascade Ave., Sisters. $65.

OUTDOOR EVENTS

Bend Adult Volleyball Bend Hoops adult open gym volleyball sessions offer players a chance to get together and enjoy some competition. To sign up, go to meetup.com and RSVP. Bring exact change. Sundays, 7-9pm and Saturdays, 7:30pm. Bend Hoops, 1307 NE 1st St, Bend. $10.

Bevel Putting Mayhem Disc Golfers!! Join Wednesdays for Bevel Putting Mayhem in the hop garden at Bevel! $5 entry, with an optional $1 perfect putt pot, and $1 off beers for players. Sign-ups start at 5:30, first putts at 6pm. All skill levels welcome - meet new friends! Wednesdays, 5:30-8pm. Through April 29. Bevel Craft Brewing, 911 SE Armour St., Bend. Contact: 5419723835. holla@bevelbeer.com. $5.

Central Oregon Avalanche Center

Vertfest The Mt. Bachelor VertFest race is challenging but is meant to be fun as well. Participants will include everything from the superhuman SkiMo racers to recreational backcountry enthusiasts out in costume. This is a celebration of the backcountry and winter tribe. Come slog it out with friends. Feb. 8, 9am-2pm. Mt. Bachelor, 13000 Century Dr., Bend. Contact: info@coavalanche.org. $50.

Community Run Outside In and Skida host a community run. All are welcome to join and the vibe will be mellow and more about gathering than going fast. Feb. 7, 9:30am. Outside In, 845 Northwest Wall Street, Bend. Contact: 5413173569. info@outsideinbend.com. Free.

Super Bowl Party Watch the Super Bowl on the BIGGEST screen with the BIGGEST soundsystem in town. Feb. 8, 1pm. Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century Dr., Bend. Free.

VOLUNTEER

Bend ReStore If you want to help make affordable homeownership a reality for individuals and families in Central Oregon, consider volunteering at the Bend ReStore! Ongoing, 9am-5pm. Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 224 NE Thurston Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-312-6709. Volunteer@ brhabitat.org. Free.

Bunny Rescue Needs Volunteers

Looking for more volunteers to help with tidying bunny enclosures, feeding, watering, giving treats, head scratches, play time and fostering. All ages welcome and time commitments are flexible — weekly, monthly or fill-in. Located at the south end of Redmond. Email Lindsey with your interests and availability: wildflowerbunnylove@gmail.com. Ongoing.

COTA CURIOUS Learn how you can support Central Oregon Trail Alliance and your community trail network by being a part of an on-call volunteer group involved in supporting group rides, advocacy work, educational programs and more. Feb. 4, 6-7:30pm. Crux Fermentation Project, 50 SW Division St., Bend. Contact: none. free. Join the Pet Evacuation Team Board PET is actively seeking compassionate, committed leaders to serve on the board and help advance its mission of protecting animals during disasters. Contact: 5416106628. deb.k@petevacuationteam.com. Free.

League of Women Voters of Deschutes County First Thursday Public Information Meeting CASA of Central Oregon trains and supports Court Appointed Special Advocates for children in foster care. Laura Fitzgerald, Training and Recruitment Coordinator, and Kinsey Turnsplenty, Senior Program Coordinator will talk about the history of CASA with an overview of their work, including updates on current programs and their impact. Feb. 5, 11:30am-1pm. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon, 61980 Skyline Ranch Rd, Bend, OR 97703, Bend. Contact: 541-931-9096. info@lwvdeschutes.org. Free.

Mustangs to the Rescue Seeking help with all aspects of horse care. No experience necessary. Mondays-Sundays, 9am-4:30pm. Mustangs to the Rescue, 21670 McGilvray Road, Bend. Contact: 541-330-8943. volunteer@mustangstotherescue.org. Free.

NeighborImpact Support NeighborImpact and its programs! Roles needed: Food Bank, HomeSource, facilities, special events and more! Mondays-Fridays. NeighborImpact Office - Redmond, 2303 SW First St., Redmond. Contact: 541419-2595. grantj@neighborimpact.org. Free.

Redmond Family Kitchen Dinner

Volunteers prepare dinners and clean up afterward. Email Tori with any questions or sign up here: signupgenius.com/go/RedmondDinner Mondays-Fridays, 2-4:30pm. Mountain View Fellowship, 1475 SW 35th St, Redmond. Contact: 631-942-3528. tori@familykitchen.org. Free.

Think Wild Volunteer Orientation Learn about Think Wild’s various programs to benefit native wildlife. Mon, Feb. 9, 5-6pm, Sunlight Solar, 150 NE Hawthorne Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-316-8294. hailee@thinkwildco.org. 0.

Volunteer CASAs Needed Pre-service training classes are designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively advocate for these children. Ongoing. Rosie Bareis community campus, 1010 NW 14th Street, Bend. Contact: 541-389-1618. enoyes@casaofcentraloregon.org. Free.

Volunteer for Foster Dogs Volunteer to be a dog foster parent! There is a huge need and it is very rewarding, giving you a sense of purpose. Each dog is special. Thursdays. Contact: 458292-8362. HDRescueoregon.com.

Volunteer with St. Vinny’s Food Pantry! Support your neighbors facing food insecurity in Bend! Apply on the website. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 9:45am-2pm and Mondays, 1:45-6pm. St. Vincent de Paul, 950 SE 3rd, Bend. Volunteer, Feed the Masses! At Family Kitchen, the mission is to serve anyone who needs nutritious meals in a safe and caring environment. Visit familykitchen.org/volunteer to fill out a volunteer interest form. Mondays-Sundays. Family Kitchen, 231 NW Idaho, Bend. Contact: tori@familykitchen.org. Free.

Volunteering in Oregon’s High Desert with ONDA Visit onda.org/trips to find the full calendar and descriptions of current volunteer trip offerings. Ongoing.

Volunteers Needed for Humane Society Thrift Store Do you love animals and discovering “new” treasures? Then volunteering at the HSCO Thrift Store is a great way to combine your passions while helping raise funds to provide animal welfare services for the local community. For more information visit the website at hsco.org/volunteer. Ongoing. Humane Society Thrift Shop, 61220 S. Highway 97, Bend. Contact: 541-241-3840. abigail@hsco.org.

GROUPS + MEETUPS

1.25% Wildlife Bill Night Join Think Wild and Oregon Wild for an evening of information and advocacy regarding the 1.25% Wildlife Bill. Presenters are Molly Honea, Development and Communications Manager for Think Wild, and Erik Fernandez, Sr. Wilderness Program Manager at Oregon Wild. Sponsored by the Central/Eastern Oregon Chapter of the Great Old Broads for Wilderness Feb. 10, 4-5:30pm. Broken Top Bottle Shop, 1740 NW Pence Ln., Bend. Backcountry Brew The Backcountry Brew is a monthly meetup to talk hunting, fishing, cooking, conservation and everything else that goes with the hunting-angling-outdoors lifestyle. First Saturday of every month. The Commons Cafe & Taproom, 875 NW Brooks St., Bend. Free.

Bend Chess and Go Club Casual gathering for players of Chess and Go/Baduk/Weiqi. Informal and welcoming to players of all skill levels. Thursdays, 6-9pm. Crux Fermentation Project, 50 SW Division St., Bend. Contact: 425-354-8867. leifawiebe@gmail.com. Free.

Biz & Bevs Extend your professional network at Work-Collective Midway while enjoying beer from Deschutes Brewery and small bites from Alpenglow Adventure Catering! The best part? It is free to attend for members! Non-member pricing is $10 per person. Feb. 10, 4:30-6pm. Work-Collective Midway, 565 SE 9th St, Bend. $10. Connect W - Munch & Mingle Join ConnectW for a monthly noon gathering where professional women of Central Oregon connect over meaningful conversations. Held on the first Thursday of every month, this exclusive event fosters business growth, social networking and genuine friendships. Seating is limited to 12. Registration is required. Hope to see you there! Feb. 5, 11:45am-1pm. Feast Food Co, 546 NW 7th St, Redmond. Contact: 541-410-1894. info@ connectw.org. Cost of Meal.

Conversations on Connection - Feminine & Masculine Polarity Conversations on Connection is a multi-gender gathering exploring how we relate, connect and grow together. In this month’s circle, explore feminine and masculine polarity—how these energies live within us, shape attraction and conflict, and how greater self-connection allows polarity to become a source of vitality rather than tension. Feb. 9, 6:30-8:30pm. East Bend Private Residence, Emily Ct, Bend. Contact: 5412285330. elizabeth. weigand@gmail.com. $10

Herding dog Adoption Event Meet several nice dogs needing homes. Always looking for more fosters to help these dogs transition into permanent homes. Feb. 7, 11am-2pm. Bend Pet Express Eastside, 420 NE Windy Knolls Dr., Bend. Contact: 458-292-8362. Herdingdogrescue@ gmail.com.

Fans of uphill travel (pray for snow!) will enjoy Vertfest, the year’s celebration of backcountry winter fun. The race takes place Sun., Feb. 8.

Vertfest by Picryl

Let Tech Work for You: Harnessing the Power of Apps and Tools with Kate Penny Howard Kate Penny Howard, a genetic genealogist, will encourage the use of apps and tools on your computer to make genealogy research easier and more satisfying. Feb. 10, 10-11:30am. Contact: 541-317-9553. info@bendgenealogy.org. $10.

Marijuana Anonymous Marijuana Anonymous is a fellowship of people who share the experience, strength and hope with each other that we may solve our common problem and help others to recover from marijuana addiction. Entrance on Staats St. Mondays, 5:30-6:30pm. Bend Church, 680 NW Bond Street, Bend. Contact: 541-633-6025. curbdaherb@gmail.com. Free.

Mountain Muskrats Monthly Meeting

The Mountain Muskrats is an independent dive club set on exploring Central Oregon’s waterways. Join the club! First Saturday of every month, 5:30pm. The Den Dive Shop, 56881 Enterprise Drive, Sunriver. Contact: 541-600-9355. thedendiveshop@hotmail.com. $100 annual club fee.

Rally League Night Starting ping-pong and foosball leagues! First few meetings are round robin play to gauge interest and determine league formats. All ages and levels welcome. Wednesdays, 5-8pm. Rally Recreation, 549 NW York Dr, Bend. Contact: 541-241-8581. info@ rallyrecreation.com. $8-$10.

Seasons of Change Winter 2026 Book Club This *virtual* restorative justice book club hosted by Stand-in Restorative Justice; copy of “The Little Book of RJ” provided. The intention behind this book club is to learn about Restorative Justice through reading and facilitated dialogue with fellow Central Oregonians. Thu, Feb. 5, 6-7:30pm, Thu, Feb. 12, 6-7:30pm. Contact: 541-728-3783. info@standinrj.org. Free.

Silent Book Club Here’s how it works: 6-6:30pm: Get cozy with food / beverages and your book of choice. 6:30-7:30pm: Personal reading time. 7:30-8:00pm: Mingle with fellow book lovers, keep reading, or head home to rest. Second Sunday of every month, 6-8pm. The Cellar, 206 NW Oregon Ave., Bend. Contact: 5413821645. info@porterbrewingco.com. Free. Singles Mingle & Get to Know You BINGO An evening of fun conversation and new friends. Enjoy great wine and meet other local singles. Feb. 6, 6-8pm. The Winery at Manzanita- Bend, 550 SW Industrial Way #194, Bend. Contact: info@bendwinebar.com. Free.

Super Bowl Watch Party Join the Super Bowl watch party at On Tap. Volume on, beer discounts and food truck specials! Feb. 8, 3:30-9pm. On Tap, 1424 NE Cushing Dr., Bend.

Women’s Cancer Support Group A group of women cancer survivors providing support and information to those newly diagnosed with cancer and/or undergoing treatment. Thursdays, 1-3pm. First Presbyterian Church, 230 NE Ninth St., Bend. Contact: judyerickso@gmail.com. Free.

FUNDRAISING

Bingo Benefiting Shelter Pets! Half the pot goes to the winner and half goes to help local nonprofits Furry Freight Shelter Transport and RylieMay Rescue Ranch rescue more pets! Feb. 5, 6-8pm. Spider City Brewing - Brewery Tap Room, 1177 SE Ninth St., Bend. Contact: info@ furryfreight.org. $1-$3 per card.

Partners In Care Galentine’s Party!

Appetizers and cocktails to learn more about the Queen of Hearts campaign, an endowment for Hospice House - all while enjoying a fun girls night out! Feb. 7, 5-7pm. The Flamingo Room, 70 SW Century Dr., Bend. $50.

Snowballer Bingo Presented by CRUX Win some bling and help raise the roof for Central Oregon Avalanche Center. Hoodoo’s Snowballers Bingo Tuesdays from 6-8pm at CRUX. 50% goes to non-profit, 50% goes to winners! Tuesdays, 6-8pm. Through March 10. Crux Fermentation Project, 50 SW Division St., Bend. Contact: 541385-3333. eventsbreakingfree@gmail.com.

EVENTS + MARKETS

Bend Moonlight Market: Valentine’s Edition Local makers + dreamy goods. Feb. 7, 4-11pm. Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century Dr., Bend. Free.

Galentine’s Sip & Shop Maker’s Market

Featuring local women artisans and makers. Ceramics, jewelry, stained glass & more! Feb. 7, 2-7pm. The Winery at Manzanita- Bend, 550 SW Industrial Way #194, Bend. Contact: info@ bendwinebar.com. Free.

Love & Local Makers Market at Juniper Preserve Curated gifts from over 30 vendors , photo booth, flash tattoos from Blade & Ink, chair massages and Valentine’s mocktails. Feb. 7, 10am-3pm. Juniper Preserve, 65600 Pronghorn Club Dr., Bend. Contact: 5416935388. info@juniperpreserve.com. Free.

Love Local Market Stroll the outdoor patio, shop adorable local makers, find the sweetest gifts, and treat yourself just because. Feb. 7, Noon-4pm. Bevel Craft Brewing, 911 SE Armour St., Bend. Contact: 541-972-3835. holla@bevelbeer.com. Free.

Presale Shopping event & Galentines

Ladies Night Shop before the public at this ladies night presale event! Gently used clothes, shoes, accessories, home decor & more! Free raffle ticket to the first 50 guests. Thu Feb. 5, 5-8pm. Seventh Mountain Resort, 18575 SW Century Dr., Bend. riverbendresaleboutique@gmail.com. Free.

RBK Women’s Consignment Event

Central Oregons LARGEST Women’s Consignment event! 10,000 gently used items - women’s clothes, shoes, purses, accessories, home decor, & more. Feb. 6-8, 10am-7pm and Sun, Feb. 8, 10am-3pm. Seventh Mountain Resort, 18575 SW Century Dr., Bend. 541-390-6920. riverbendresaleboutique@gmail.com.

Galentine's Night Market This year's Valentine's Makerts Market is a night market! Local vendors, plus naughty cookies/pastries from Kooki! 5-8pm Feb. 5. Midtown Yacht Club., 1661 NE 4th St., Bend.

FAMILY + KIDS

An Evening with Author Jenny Anderson: The Disengaged Teen An evening with award-winning journalist and The Disengaged Teen co-author Jenny Anderson, sharing insights into why teens disengage and what parents and educators can do. Feb. 9, 6-7:30pm. Cascades Academy, 19860 Tumalo Reservoir Rd., Bend. Contact: 5413820699. info@cascadesacademy.org. Free.

Art for Pre-school Class A class designed just for preschoolers ages 3–5! Each month features new themes and includes hands-on art projects, games, poems, story time, sensory-based pretend play and fun! Tuesdays-Thursdays, 10am-Noon. Wondery Art + Adventure School, 19570 Amber Meadow Dr Suite 110, Bend. Contact: 434-603-0301. julie@wonderyschool.com. Starting at $45. Baby/Kid Ninja Classes. Classes include exploration through soft-obstacle Ninja Warrior courses to develop coordination and balance skills. Ongoing. Free Spirit Yoga Ninja Play, 320 SW Powerhouse Drive, Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 5412413919. info@freespiritbend.com. $134.

Black History Empowerment Retreat

This retreat celebrates the power of gathering, learning, and creating together—an event led by student voice, resilience, and the brilliance of community. Participants will explore three themes centered on creativity, resilience and wellness, and personal branding/business acumen. Feb. 7, 9am-2pm. Contact: 541-30-4376. mlegrand2@cocc.edu. Free.

Cascades Academy High School Information Night Inviting families of rising 9th–12th graders to a High School Information Night to explore the experiential college-prepprogram. Feb. 5, 5:30-7:30pm. Cascades Academy, 19860 Tumalo Reservoir Rd., Bend. Contact: 5413820699. admissions@cascadesacademy. org. Free.

Fencing Learn the Olympic sport of fencing! One-time free trial lesson on Tuesdays with a reservation. Fencing gear provided. Email HDFencing@gmail.com. High Desert Fencing Club, 61445 S. Hwy 97 Suite D, Bend. Contact: 541-419-7087. hdfencing@gmail.com. Free.

Kid’s Yoga at Namaspa! Kids Yoga Mondays at Namaspa! Kids classes (open to kids ages 3 and up) run in tandem with adult classes and in a separate and dedicated kid-friendly space Mondays, 4-5pm. Namaspa Yoga Studio, 1135 NW Galveston Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-5508550. soundbathstillness@gmail.com. $10.

Kids Night Out With Camp Fire Central Oregon Parents, treat yourself to a well-deserved evening out while your kiddos (ages 4–11) enjoy a night of games, crafts, dinner, and non-stop fun — all supervised by certified Camp Fire babysitters! This is a pick-your-price fundraiser for Camp Fire programs! Fri, Feb. 6, 5:30-8:30pm. Amity Creek Magnet School, 437 NW Wall Street, Bend. Contact: 5413824682. info@campfireco.org. $40.

Prenatal Yoga 6-Week Series Rejuvenate, relax, and recharge as we move, breathe, and build community with other expectant moms! . No class the week of 3/23. Saturdays, 10:30-11:45am. Through May 16. Free Spirit Yoga Ninja Play, 320 SW Powerhouse Drive, Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 5412413919. info@freespiritbend.com. $144.

Radiant Meno-Yoga 6-Week Series Join our transformative yoga series for individuals 35+ experiencing perimenopause and menopause. Thursdays, 6:30-7:45pm. Through Feb. 12. Free Spirit Yoga Ninja Play, 320 SW Powerhouse Drive, Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 5412413919. info@ freespiritbend.com. $144.

Storytime Art A play-based introduction to art styles and artists for ages 3-6. Blending read alouds and loosely guided lessons with open-ended exploration. Thursdays-Fridays, 1-2:30pm. Through Feb. 6. Two Suns Art Studio + MakerSpace, 70 SW Century Drive, Bend. Contact: 541-892-6471. Briony@twosunsartstudio. com. $25.

Tiny Artist Series Special art classes designed for ages 0-6! Dive into process-based art through sensory stations, open-ended exploration, and hands-on creative play. Tuesdays, 9:15-10:15am and Thursdays-Fridays, 10-11am. Through Feb. 13. Two Suns Art Studio + MakerSpace, 70 SW Century Drive, Bend. Contact: 541892-6471. Briony@twosunsartstudio.com. $18.

Wild Art Wednesdays! Come create with us each Wednesday on early release days from 3-6pm! Each week we explore new themes, art mediums and nature! Sibling discounts available! Wednesdays. Wondery Art + Adventure School, 19570 Amber Meadow Dr Suite 110, Bend. Contact: 4346030301. julie@wonderyschool.com.

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BEER + DRINK

$20 Tuesdays Every Tuesday, all to-go wine bottles are $20 with the purchase of a glass. Enjoy wines you cannot find anywhere else in the world, besides our little cabin. Made exclusively for us from grapes sourced mainly in California and Oregon, many of which are biodynamic, these wines are exceptional. Tuesdays, 3-10pm. Hasta Que Olvidemos, 1142 NW Galveston Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-241-2443.

4th Annual Shriners Crab Feed Cost of the ticket includes a fresh (delivered that day direct from Garabaldi) dungeness crab feed, with your choice of chicken, accompanied by baked beans, cole slaw, warm garlic bread and dessert. Contactcoshriners@ bendbroadband.com or at 541- 550-9100 for your corporate table reservations. Reservations required, no sales at the door. Feb. 7, 5-8pm. Bend Masonic Lodge, Contact: 541-323-0964..

First Friday Oyster Night Viaggio Wine Merchant’s monthly celebration of super-fresh oysters from Washington’s Hama Hama Oyster Company accompanied by an incredible roster of perfectly paired wines, Champagne, craft beer, and European-style small plates and nibbles. Come early for the best seats and find out why this party is the talk of the town! First Friday of every month, 3-9pm. Through March 5. Viaggio Wine Merchant, 210 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-299-5060. info@viaggiowine.com. Varies by Purchase.

Friday Night $80 Poker Tournament Bend Poker Room is hosting its most popular no limit hold’em poker tournament starting at 6pm. Register before 6pm for an extra 1/3 starting stack. Late registration runs till 7:10pm. Blind levels are 20 mins and a 10 min break every hour. Optional add-on after the 1st break! Fridays, 6-11:30pm. Bend Poker Room, 917 NE Greenwood Ave, Bend. Contact: 541-508-9123. bendpokerroom@gmail.com. $80..

Superb Owl Game Day Bring all your friends together for a few action-packed hours of football, food, advertising, and, of course, McMenamins ales, wines, and spirits. We’ll show the Big Game live on our screen. May the best team win! Feb. 8, 3:30-7pm. McMenamins Old St. Francis School, 700 NW Bond St., Bend. Contact: mcmenamins.com/events/275252-superb-owlgame-day. rachelf@mcmenamins.com. Free.

Superbowl Party at The Commonwealth Pub Watch the Super Bowl between the Seahawks and Patriots with us at The Commonwealth Pub! We’re bringing the big game to life with 13 big-screen TVs and pro sound so you won’t miss a single play. Grab your friends, wear your team colors and settle in for fun! Feb. 8, 3-9pm. The Commonweath Pub, 30 SW Century Dr #100, Bend, OR 97702, Bend.

Ticket to the Game Big plays, cold drinks, snack-worthy bites. Join the biggest football matchup of the season—served up with unbeatable vibes, crowd-energy and all-day cheering. Your ticket includes: two draft beers or glasses of house wine, access to a game-day snack buffet (featuring fan-favorite bites and rotating specials inspired by the teams on the field), big screens, bold flavors, and a lively game-day atmosphere. Feb. 8, 3-7pm. Currents at the Riverhouse, 3075 N. Hwy 97, Bend. Contact: 541-323-0964.

HEALTH

+ WELLNESS

“Cats on Mats” Meditation & Stretching Stretch, relax, and mingle with adoptable cats at “Cats on Mats” meditation and stretching! Led by Ulla Lundgren, this all-levels class is $30 and includes a 1-hour session. Bring your mat and wear comfy, cat-hair-friendly clothes. Space is limited—reserve your spot today! Sat, Feb. 7, 9:3010:30am, Sat, March 7, 9:30-10:30am and Sat, April 4, 9:30-10:30am. Playful Paws Cat Cafe, 1465 SW Knoll Ave, Bend. Contact: 5024686084. meow@playfulpawscatcafe.com. 30.

What’s your favorite Super Bowl snack? We’re guessing wherever you go, the nachos game will be strong.

Check out the big parties happening at On Tap and Currents at the Riverhouse, or perhaps the Superb Owl Game Day party at McMenamins, for a few places to watch the big game.

30th Annual Circle of Life Sacred Earth

Sacred Soul: An Evening Talk & Full Day Retreat with John Philip Newell and Cami Twilling Feb. 6, 6-8:30pm and Feb. 7, 9am-4pm. First Presbyterian Church, 230 NE 9th., Bend. Contact: (541) 3834179. info@sacredartofliving.org. $250 - $350.

Badass Sound Bath Kick things off with bold beats, badass mantras, and guided movement. Then settle in for a deeply relaxing sound bath. Second Tuesday of every month, 6:30-7:30pm. Through Dec. 8. Continuum, A School of Shadow Yoga, 155 SW Century Drive, Suite 112, Bend. Contact: 5038165837. maramcbeckerllc@gmail. com. $25.

Be & Belong: Suicide Prevention and Loss Support Come meet with others who struggle with suicide ideation, have lost someone to suicide or know someone struggling with suicide ideation. Wed, Feb. 11, 6-7:30pm. Cottage 33, 33 NW Louisiana Ave., Bend. Contact: 5416336117. onewellbend@gmail.com. Free.

Caregiver Burnout – A Healthier Way to Care In this presentation, Dr. Janet Foliano, a licensed psychologist explores common stressors caregivers face, how to recognize burnout and practical strategies. Feb. 4, Noon-1pm. Partners In Care, 2075 NE Wyatt Court, Bend. Contact: 541-706-1335. CommunityEvents@ partnersbend.org. Free.

Cutlass tournament training The Bend 1595 Club is holding another cutlass fencing campaign starting in March. Wednesdays, 5:157pm. Through Feb. 25. Bend Masonic Center, 1036 NE Eighth St., Bend. Contact: 541-2416742. contact@bend1595.com. Free.

Dance Hohm - 5 Rhythms-Inspired Dance A fun, therapeutic, multi-generational dance. Free-form. Come as you are. All are welcome. On-site childcare is also available. Feb. 8, 11am-1pm. The Belfry, 302 E Main Ave., Sisters. Contact: madetonourishyou@gmail.com. $25.

Healing Flow Yoga + Guided Sound

Meditation Start your Friday morning off with this powerful mind and body ‘reset’. Fridays, 9:30-10:30am. Through Feb. 27. Hanai Center, 62430 Eagle Road, Bend. Contact: 5419052949. soundbathstillness@gmail.com. $10-$15.

Introduction to Chakradance Explore your chakras with Lynette Ruppert in this event introducing you to the magical world of Chakradance™. Feb. 7, 10-11:30am. Contact: lynette@ sacredsoulflow.com. $60.

Intuition, Awareness, & You Expanding states of awareness and exploring levels of consciousness are no longer considered folklore. With Kristen Sowalsky PhD, DC. Feb. 7, 11amNoon. Foundation Health And Fitness, 1105 SE Centennial St, Bend. $25.

NAMI Mental Health Peer Support Group: Bend NAMI’s Peer Connection Support Group is a free, peer-led support group for adults living with mental health challenges. Held the 2nd & 4th Sunday monthly, 3-4pm. The Taylor Center (Best Care), 358 NE Marshall Ave, Bend. Contact: 541-316-0167. programs@namicentraloregon.org. Free.

Sensing the Exhibition: Be Right Back Participants are invited to engage with the artwork through guided practices that emphasize sensory exploration and embodied reflection. Feb. 7, 11:30am-1pm. Scalehouse Collaborative for the Arts, 550 NW Franklin Ave, Bend. Contact: 5413621288. info@scalehouse.com. $28-$48.

Sister Circle Community Gathering Step into a space of warmth, support, and celebration at our Monthly Sister Circle Gathering! Second Monday of every month, 6:30-8:45pm. Hanai Center, 62430 Eagle Road, Bend. Contact: 650-862-9336. willow@emergingheartscollective.com. $35-$55.

Soulful Sundays Conscious Dance A morning of moving mindfulness, play, connection, and exploration. Sun, Feb. 8, 10-11:30am. CONTINUUM, A School of Shadow Yoga Bend Oregon, Contact: 541-948-7015. soulinmotionbend@gmail.com. $25; pay-what-you-can.

Taizé Choir of Central Oregon

Participate in prayer and silence at a monthly interfaith service. All are welcome. Come early to participate in our rehearsal at 6:15 pm. First Thursday of every month, 7-8pm. Through May 7. Trinity Episcopal Church - St. Helens Hall, 231 NW Idaho St., Bend. Contact: 541-8155574. taizebend@gmail.com. Free - donations accepted..

Yoga + Community Tea With Do Yoga

Outside An hour of slow, intentional yoga and 30 minutes of Tea + Community Wednesdays, 6-7:30pm. Through Feb. 25. Yoga + Community Tea, 3091 NE Nathan Dr, Bend. Contact: 5416102779. hayley@doyogaoutside.com. $25.

Yoga + Sound Bath at Hanai Immerse yourself in an evening of deep relaxation and renewal with candle-lit gentle flow yoga and sound bath. Every other Thursday, 6-7:15pm and Thu, Jan. 22, 6-7:15pm. Through March 26. Hanai Center, 62430 Eagle Road, Bend. Contact: soundbathstillness@gmail.com. $20.

By Nic Moye

New Music Festival Features Retro Tribute Bands

Taken By the Sky provides a Fleetwood Mac experience.

Anew music festival is coming to Central Oregon this summer which will rewind the clock to a nostalgic, bygone era. Harefest LLC is presenting “Legends Reloaded.” It’s a two-day classic rock tribute festival celebrating rock’s most iconic artists. The family-friendly event will be at the Jefferson County Event Complex in Madras over two days on June 19-20.

Three bands are scheduled Friday evening. Hall & Bros performs the best of Hall & Oates and the Doobie Brothers. Eagle Eyes pays tribute to its namesake, The Eagles. Ramble On captures the energy of Led Zeppelin’s legacy.

On Saturday, music kicks off at 1pm with El Loco delivering an authentic ZZ Top experience. The Revival Brothers pay tribute to the iconic Allman Brothers. Rock Steady is a Bad Company tribute band. For Lynyrd Skynyrd fans, Whiskey River will not only recreate the sounds from the 70s, but will personify the group onstage. The band Barracuda bills itself as America’s Heart Tribute band. Petty Fever rocks the stage as only Tom Petty would do with four decades of classic hits such as “American Girl,” “Free Falling” and “Running Down a Dream.” And Taken by the Sky will provide a Fleetwood Mac experience. There will be onsite RV/tent camping available for an additional fee. Camping is only for adults 21+.

Legends Reloaded Fri. June 19 7-10:30pm, Sat. June 20 1-10:30pm Jefferson Co. Event Complex 430 SW Fairgrounds Rd, Madras harefest.com/legends-reloaded/ 2-day $89 advance/$105 day of show Fri $34 advance/$45 day Sat $69 advance/$85 day 12 & under free

Taken By the Sky Facebook

Unsplash

CHOW Sweet on Local From single origin craft bars to decadent truffles, these Central Oregon chocolatiers make Valentine’s giving easy

By Donna Britt

Valentine’s Day has a way of sneaking up on us. One minute it’s January gloom and wool socks. The next you are staring down Feb. 14 wondering how to say, “I love you,” without resorting to a drugstore heart box that could have been bought anywhere by anyone at the last minute. This is where local chocolate makers come in. Buying locally made chocolate is not just about sweetness. It’s about care. It’s also about knowing who made it and why. And it’s certainly about keeping dollars close to home and turning a small indulgence into something quite meaningful.

Central Oregon is quietly rich in chocolate talent. From bean to bar craft chocolate, to truffles that border on decadent art, to toffee that feels like a love letter passed down through generations. These are treats with stories baked in. For Valentine’s Day this year three local makers stand out as delicious reminders that romance can be handmade.

Seahorse Chocolate is a good place to start for anyone who likes their chocolate thoughtful and expressive. Based in Bend, Seahorse is a small batch craft chocolate roastery that treats cacao with the same respect usually reserved for wine grapes or single origin coffee. Their focus is single origin chocolate made from cocoa beans sourced directly from farmers and producers who prioritize transparency, quality and ethical practices. This is not just abstract, feel good language. Seahorse works with direct trade certified partners and can tell you exactly where the beans came from and how they were grown.

At their Second Street roastery cocoa beans are drum-roasted in small batches. This process brings out the unique flavor profile of each varietal. One bar might lean fruity and bright. Another might feel deep and earthy with notes that linger. Theirs is chocolate meant to be tasted slowly. Giving Seahorse Chocolate on Valentine’s Day is a subtle flex. It says you paid attention. It says you value craft and intention. It’s also a gift that invites a shared experience. Break a bar. Talk about what you taste. Decide which origin you love most. Romance through flavor is still romance.

If your Valentine leans more toward truffles and indulgence, then Lidia’s Chocolates is your answer. Lidia’s chocolates are handcrafted and luxurious, made using cacao grown in remote areas of Venezuela and processed using an all-natural method that retains all the flavonoids. The result is chocolate that tastes rich and full and unapologetically chocolaty.

Lidia’s truffles are the kind people talk about long after the box is empty. There are classic flavors done beautifully such as mocha, Marionberry and lemon. Each one is silky and balanced with fillings that complement rather than overpower the chocolate. Then there are the truffles for the adventurous. The Aztec Gold Truffle is a standout with ancho pepper and other spices finished with a dusting of gold. It’s warm and spicy and just a little dramatic, which feels just about right for Valentine’s Day.

Beyond truffles, Lidia also makes caramels that deserve their own moment. A vanilla bean caramel is simple and perfect. The Himalayan Pink Sea Salt Vanilla Bean Caramel hits that sweet/salty balance that keeps you reaching for just one more. Buying from Lidia is also buying into a passion project rooted in heritage, technique and an obvious love of the craft.

For those who believe Valentine’s Day should involve a little crunch, Holm Made Toffee Co. delivers. This family and women-owned business is based in Bend and built on a family recipe that has clearly stood the test of time. Holm Made Toffee feels generous. It is sturdy and rich and deeply satisfying in a way that feels nostalgic and celebratory at the same time.

Their Original Hazelnut Toffee is a classic for a reason. But the flavor lineup goes well beyond that. Marionberry adds a local fruit twist. Cardamom and Vanilla brings warmth and spice. Bourbon Brown Sugar leans cozy and grown up. White Chocolate Raspberry is playful and sweet. There is even a collaboration with Bohemian Roastery featuring Ethiopia Yirgacheffe beans which brings coffee and chocolate together in a way that feels very Central Oregon.

Supporting local chocolatiers for Valentine’s Day is about more than avoiding shipping delays or standing in line at a big box store. It’s about choosing gifts made by neighbors and about celebrating skill and creativity that exists right here where we live and work and play. When you buy from Seahorse Chocolate, Lidia’s Chocolates or Holm Made Toffee you are investing in people who care deeply about what they make. You are also giving a gift that cannot be replicated anywhere else

This Valentine’s Day let chocolate do the talking. Let it say thoughtful, intentional and local. Let it be rich and spicy and crunchy and complex. Let it taste like home.

You can find all three of these local chocolatiers’ chocolate offerings at Central Oregon Locavore while both Seahorse Chocolate and Holm Made Toffee are in other stores and coffee shops throughout the area.

Seahorse Chocolate

Mon-Fri 11am-3pm 1849 NE 2nd Street, Bend 541-668-1760 seahorsechocolate.com

Lidia’s Chocolates

541-306-7149

lidia@lidiaschocolates.com lidiaschocolates.com

Holm Made Toffee Co. 541-315-5915 holmmadetoffee.com

Lidia’s Chocolates

Donna Britt

Donna Britt

Truffles from Lidia’s Chocolates are truly melt-in-your-mouth gems.

Single origin chocolate bars are handcrafted at the Seahorse Chocolate factory in Bend’s Makers District.

So many flavors ... so little time! Holm Made Toffee Co. has something for everyone for Valentine’s Day.

CULTURE Bombing the Community with Love

The Waldorf School spends months preparing to heart bomb downtown Bend

By Nic Moye

Student elves at The Waldorf School of Bend have been busy for weeks making felt hearts. It’s a project the entire school, including parents, undertake to continue the annual tradition of heart bombing downtown Bend on Valentine’s Day.

“Our entire school comes together, sometimes other people not from my school, and it just feels joyful,” says 10-year-old Charlie Nelson, who was sitting at a desk sewing a red heart. “We get to hang out and it’s on Valentine’s. And we get to bring stuffies and wear pajamas on Valentine’s Day.”

More than 2,000 embroidered, stuffed fabric hearts are made and hung along Minnesota Avenue in downtown Bend every Feb. 14th. The project started 12 years ago, initiated by a parent, Erin Hansen, who lost her battle with cancer five years ago. The Waldorf’s handwork teacher, Rebecca McGuire, has spearheaded the project since 2020.

“Erin’s idea was, let’s shower our community with love,” McGuire says. The love has never stopped, not even during Covid-19. McGuire teaches a variety of artistic skills such as knitting, crocheting and sewing. Students making the hearts learn how to sew and perform different types of stitches.

“All of our early childhood teachers also have their students as young as three stitching hearts in class,” McGuire says. “And about five years ago, we started partnering with Fox Hollow…a retirement facility that’s down the street from our school.” Supplies are left at the front of The Waldorf School for parents to take home or they can attend a scheduled community crafting night. The work begins as early as October.

Nine-year-old Skyler Gere was hard at work on her design, on a Monday in January. “I’m trying to make a sun and a moon and then I’m writing love.”

“I like doing the embroidery,” 10-year-old Evelyn Thomsen says as she finishes stitching flowers on the front of her heart. Another student was stitching “you” on his heart with the letters in the

by

in the class was stitching a baseball. Each handmade heart is unique. The older the student, the more intricate the design.

“One of the important things in Waldorf education is that we use a lot of natural material,” McGuire explains. “So, we try our best to use wool, felt wool, or cotton stuffing, cotton embroidery floss. You’ll see knit and crocheted hearts, and those are using natural fibers for the yarn.” The Waldorf school pays for the materials with help from sponsors.

At 6am on Valentine’s Day, volunteers will prepare the trees on Minnesota Avenue. “Then our school community shows up at 7am and they will hang all of the hearts. And

each heart has a little tag on it with a little message of love… Our goal, and it happens every year, is that people come down and enjoy and they take a heart and they give it to someone they love. The next day, volunteers go back and clean up. And most of the time we find only a handful of hearts left.”

“One of my absolute favorite things to do is just be around town and see where all of these hearts show up. They’re in local businesses. They’re in people’s rearview mirrors,” McGuirre says. “It’s a special time. I think our world is missing a lot of kindness.”

The school partners with the Downtown Business Association. “They do have our blessing to “love bomb” downtown,” Rachel O’Rourke, with the Downtown Bend Business Association, told the Source. McGuire describes the event as a 24-hour, leave-notrace community service project.

“There’s something really magical about taking materials and watching them transform, and then the morning of, being able to hang all of these hearts. And you’re not hanging the heart that you made, but you’re hanging the hearts that other people made, and you just get to see how unique each one is,” McGuirre says. “It’s something really special to our school.”

While adults may have a deeper connection to the experience, many of the third graders interviewed for this story seem to agree with Charlie about their favorite moments that happen Valentine’s morning. Skyler sums it up, “The best part of the whole thing is pancakes at school…. We also get to wear pajamas if we want to.”

A basket of handmade stuffed hearts that will be a part of ‘‘heart bombing’’ downtown Bend.

Photos

Nic Moye

A class of third and fourth graders at The Waldorf School makes hearts to give away on Valentine’s Day.

SCREEN 15 Insanely Romantic Movies to Watch with Your Partner

The full spectrum of love in just over a dozen films

By Jared Rasic

I’m not sure if any two people find the same things romantic, but there are still movies and moments I think are absolutely undeniable. After a cozy night in or a decadent night out, here are a few romantic-as-all-hell movies that will play as the perfect nightcap to your special day.

Runners-Up:

“Say Anything”

“The Bodyguard”

“Love & Basketball”

“Love Jones”

“La La Land”

“Four Weddings and a Funeral”

“The Remains of the Day”

“Moonstruck”

“The Umbrellas of Cherbourg”

“Brokeback Mountain.”

“The Princess Bride”

“Phantom Thread” (2017)

1

Just the greatest movie ever made about finding the person that matches your freak set across the backdrop of a 1950’s fashion house in London. Be ready to swoon.

“Casablanca” (1942)

2

When you’re still hung up on your ex so badly that you help her and her husband escape to Lisbon during WWII. I can barely return a text, so I know this must be true love.

“Portrait of a Lady on Fire” (2019)

3

Beautifully acted, achingly romantic, gloriously queer, this underseen period piece is one of the finest examples of the “female gaze” put to film.

“In The Mood For Love” (2000)

4

Maybe one of the three or four greatest movies ever made, Wong Kar-wai’s masterpiece will not only take your breath away, but break your heart into big, sensual pieces.

“Only Lovers Left Alive” (2013)

5

To be a vampire and live for hundreds of years, yet still never fall out of love with your person… how romantic is that? Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton are ethereal and otherworldly.

“Her” (2013)

6

For those who slowly come to realize that their partner has evolved past them and is completely unrecognizable anymore from the person they fell in love with. It should be depressing, but it is somehow hopeful and profoundly, hopelessly romantic.

“The Age of Innocence” (1993)

7

Never have wistful glances and barely brushed hands been so erotically charged and so layered with longing. Only Martin Scorsese could direct something this quietly elegant.

“Once” (2007)

8

Taps into the part of our lizard brains that has always known how connected music is to sense memory and how hard it can be to hear the song that reminds us of the one that once was everything.

“Mississippi Masala” (1991)

9

Denzel Washington and Sarita Choudhury are searingly sexy as star-crossed lovers facing disapproving parents, clashing cultures, systemic racism and a love that transcends all. So underrated and moving.

10 “The Princess Bride” (1987)

As you wish, indeed.

11 “Past Lives” (2023)

This is the most profound look at the path not taken ever made. Filmmaker Celine Song captures the unspoken truth of longing in such a way that makes this a poem of the human soul in ways too hard to quantify.

12 ”Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (2004)

That feeling when you love someone so much that science can’t even get them out of your head. When you fight for someone so hard that it happens even in your dreams.

13 “Moonlight” (2016)

Painful, honest and searingly compassionate, “Moonlight” unpacks black masculinity and identity in ways that will engender empathy for generations to come.

14 The “Before” Trilogy (1995, 2004, 2013)

Watching Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy fall in (and out) (and in) love in real time across 20 actual years is the greatest experience I’ve ever had with the cinematic love story. It might be yours, too.

15 “Moulin Rouge!” (2001)

The only movie in history that could pull off the line, “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return,” and have it work, completely. Romance and love as the greatest, most powerful verbs in existence.

“Mississippi Masala”

“Before Sunset”

20th Century Fox

Warner Bros.

Samuel Goldwyn

LITTLE WOMEN

The Broadway Musical

Book by Allan Knee

Music by Jason Howland

Lyrics by Mindi Dickstein

Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott

FEB. 27th– MAR . 8th

February 27, 28 and March 6, 7 at 7pm March 1 and 8 at 2pm

Get your tickets now!

GO HERE

By Nic Moye

Special Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day Events

include dining, dancing, movies and bonfires

There are several ways you can celebrate Valentine’s Day, from an intimate evening at home to a splurge on a special dinner at a local restaurant. We’re highlighting just a few of the events happening over Valentine’s weekend.

Dinner & Wine Pairing

A pop-up dinner and wine pairing is being held at The Winery at Manzanita-Bend in the Box Factory on Sunday, Feb. 15. There are two seatings for the 10-course tasting menu prepared by Chef Adrien Calmels. A sample of the menu includes a buckwheat waffle with pumpkin puree, mussels prepared two ways, celery root ravioli tofu, crab salad, confit halibut with bonito sauce, cranberry with a cinnamon sponge soaked in orange oil and warm chocolate cake. The exclusive event only has a 12-person capacity per seating at 5pm and 8pm.

Valentine’s Pop-Up Dinner/ Wine Pairing

Sun, Feb 15 5pm & 8pm the Winery at Manzanita

550 SW Industrial Way #194, Bend bendwinebar.com/events

$130 per person +$65/wine pairing

Dinner & Dancing

Sunriver Resort is hosting a dinner and dance concert. Enjoy a multicourse dinner with the Notables Swing Band. The 17-piece band plays dance tunes from the 1920s, 30s and 40s that is sure to get you on your feet! The menu includes bruschetta, grilled romaine salad, butternut squash-crusted chicken breast, grilled New York strip loin, garlic herb ricotta stuffed shells and cannoli. The evening is being held in the resort’s Great Hall.

Valentine’s Dinner & Dance Concert

Sat, Feb 14, 5pm

Sunriver Resort Great Hall

57081 Great Hall Loop, Sunriver sunrivermusic.org/ $140/person

Dinner & Movie

How about a traditional date night involving dinner and a movie. The Riverhouse Lodge is offering a multi-course dinner with a viewing of “Romancing the Stone” which is about a writer who is pulled into a jungle escapade with a rugged stranger, priceless artifact and villains. The Valentine’s event involves romance, adventure and decadent bites.

Valentine’s Day Dinner

& Movie

Sat, Feb 14 6pm Riverhouse Lodge 3075 N Hwy 97, Bend riverhouse.com/events/valentines -dinner-a-movie/ $82/person

Bonfire on the Snow

Wanderlust Tours will lead snowshoers on a nighttime tour through a forest. The destination is an amphitheater, hand-carved in the snow, with a roaring bonfire in the middle, surrounded by the scent of pine trees. A naturalist guide will talk about planets, stars and constellations while guests sit back sipping hot cocoa with the option of hazelnut espresso vodka, champagne and dessert. The fee includes the goodies, snowshoes, headlamps and transportation.

Bonfire on the Snow

Fri-Sat Feb 13-14 7pm Wanderlust Tours

61535 S. Hwy 97 Ste. 13, Bend wanderlusttours.com/valentines-weekend $150

Dinner and dancing at Sunriver Lodge.

sunrivermusic.org

High Desert Speaker Series Coming This Winter

Exciting presentations cover geology and Tribal history

By Renee Schiavone

Oregon Natural Desert Association’s 2026 High Desert Speaker Series invites audiences across Oregon and beyond to uncover the landscapes, geology and cultural histories of eastern Oregon through a pair of engaging online talks this winter. Registration is now open for the free, online public series, which runs from February through March.

The High Desert Speaker Series is designed to inspire a deeper understanding of high desert ecology while cultivating appreciation for the land, water, wildlife and human histories that shape this vast region.

“ONDA is excited to share new perspectives on the high desert,” said Claire Cekander, ONDA’s donor relations manager. “This year, we’ll explore the volcanic forces that built these landscapes and hear a Tribal family history of the region. Whether you’ve been a desert enthusiast for decades or are just curious about this remarkable place, these talks will expand your knowledge and connection to Oregon’s dry side.”

On Wednesday, Feb. 11, the series features Forged in Fire: The Volcanic Activity that Shaped Oregon’s High Desert. This free, online talk covers the powerful volcanic forces that formed eastern Oregon’s iconic landscapes, including the lava flows and ash deposits that created the dramatic landforms that define the region today. Through a photography-rich

presentation by Ellen Bishop, author and geologist, attendees will explore how geology created and influenced the high desert’s ecology.

The series concludes on Wednesday, March 11 with A Tribal Family History of the Wadatika’a Band of Northern Paiutes. Dr. Diane Teeman, archaeologist and Tribal elder, will share a rich family history rooted in the high desert though cultural traditions and environmental stewardship. Her presentation provides historical and cultural context that situates the Wadatika’a Band within the long human history of this region. Ryan Houston, ONDA’s executive director, will join to highlight the current steps ONDA is taking to conserve Oregon’s high desert in partnership with local Tribes.

“No matter where you live or how you enjoy eastern Oregon, these talks will deepen your understanding and appreciation of the high desert,” Cekander added.

Both events are held online, free of charge, and open to the public, making it easy for anyone to participate from anywhere. See more information at onda.org/speakerseries/

—Renee Schiavone is the communications manager with Oregon Natural Desert Association, a nonprofit that protects and restores Oregon’s High Desert public lands and waters.

GO HERE

By Nic Moye

An Evening of Documentary Film Shorts

The Oregon Documentary Film Festival is in Bend for the first time

Aone-day film festival will feature more than two dozen documentary shorts made by filmmakers from around the world. The Oregon Documentary Film Festival is being held at The Commonwealth Pub on Sunday, Feb. 15. It begins mid-afternoon with a social networking event involving the filmmakers. An awards ceremony is at 3pm with screenings beginning at 4pm and ending around 10pm. Topics vary from protests to an unsolved murder to nature, with most films lasting about 10 minutes or less. The longest, at 44 minutes, is “The Most Biodiverse Place in America.” Naturalist and director John Fiske turns his camera on San Diego County, which is the most biodiverse county in the nation. Fiske shares his knowledge of habitats and species with his young sons as they explore the geography of the ocean, mountains and desert.

An adventure film, “The 3100,” takes viewers on a journey through wild whitewater in Idaho. It explores the scenic rivers raging through the state and the human transformations experienced by rafters facing the challenges of raging water.

Oregon-based films include the sights and sounds from a No Kings Protest in Corvallis and an emotional portrait of a Portland family seeking justice in the unsolved murder of a young family member. About half of the selected films come from the western U.S.

The Oregon Documentary Film Festival was originally scheduled in Portland but was moved to Bend for the first time. The change was done to better accommodate the festival’s judges, leadership and long-term vision to hold the festival around the state. The move also resulted in a lower ticket price, making the festival more accessible. The Commonwealth Pub has capacity for 150, with seating for 75, and will have multiple screens for viewing.

“Bend has a thriving arts community and a deep respect for independent artists. I think mixing film in a pub environment has always been a great idea here,” Festival Director Derek Sitter wrote in a news release.

The Oregon Documentary Film Festival has held 17 screenings over the past eight years in Portland and The Dalles.

Oregon Documentary Film Festival Sun. Feb 15 2pm networking, 4pm screenings

The Commonwealth Pub

30 SW Century Dr., Bend filmfestivalcircuit.com/event/oregon-documentary-film-festival-winter-2026

$10

“Kingdom of Fish” explores the power of water and obstacles within waterways.

Martin Falkliind

The first in the ONDA speakers series, Forged in Fire, will help explain how eastern Oregon’s dramatic landscape came to be.

Ellen Bishop

Jim Davis

John Burkhardt

By Brendan Emmett Quigley

Pearl’s Puzzle Difficulty

Puzzle for the week of February 02, 2026

Level

Puzzle for the week of February 02, 2026

We’re Local! Questions, comments or suggestions for our local puzzle guru? Email Pearl Stark at pearl@bendsource.com © Pearl Stark mathpuzzlesgames.com/quodoku

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

exactly once.

Fill in every row, column, and 3x3 box with each of the letters exactly once. HOPE STUCK The

read

The highlighted letters read left to right and top to bottom will complete the quote: "My strategy is to ."

exactly once.

to right and top to bottom will complete the quote: "My strategy is to _______." — Goaltender Tuukka Rask of Finland

Goaltender Tuukka Rask of Finland

Answer for the week of January 26, 2026

ANSWER TO LAST WEEK'S PUZZLES

The highlighted letters read left to right and top to bottom will "My strategy is to ." - Goaltender Tuukka Rask of Finland

Answer for the week of January 26, 2026

R T E

“Right now I’m having amnesia and déjà vu at the same time. I think I’ve forgotten this before.” — Steven Wright

“Right now I’m having amnesia and déjà vu at the same time. I think I’ve forgotten this before.” - Steven Wright

Pearl Stark

SMOKE SIGNALS

Oregon Breaks Its Own Record for Cannabis Production And lowest prices. Again.

By Josh Jardine

Oregon continues to have a cannabis industry with great news for cannabis consumers, but brings financial misery to those growing, processing and selling it.

Last year saw a trend continue that has plagued the Oregon industry, namely, growers produce far more cannabis than we consume. In 2025, licensed growers produced 13.5 million pounds, up from 12.3 million pounds in 2024. (Oregon’s population as of 2024 was 4.2 million, meaning growers produced over three pounds for every man, woman and child in the state. I’m doing my part, but some of y’all need to step it up.)

Oversupply leads to spiraling prices, with 2025 seeing an all time low of $3.33 per gram. In 2017, it was over $10 per gram. This isn’t to say that there aren’t still numerous $10 grams, and while price isn’t always an indica tor of quality, a $19 ounce isn’t going to be anyone’s go-to unless price is the primary consideration

recently closed, both less than a year after opening.

In April 2025, Ice-T joined other co-owners in the opening of New Jersey-based The Medicine Woman dispensary. According to NJ.com, the owners blamed “...”Despite significant investment, compliance, and readiness to launch, the lack of local oversight and regulatory infrastructure undermined our ability to grow and sustain operations, effectively driving the operation into the ground before it ever even had a real chance to get started.”

As OregonLive reports, “Oregon marijuana sales were down more than 20% last year from their peak in 2021, dropping to $926 million. Prices fell 40% in that time.”

While lower prices are a tremendous boon for those buying, it’s squeezing the industry into more consolidation. That means smaller craft growers may decide to sell out to a corporate entity, and as we’ve covered here before, corporate weed sucks.

Fixing this has no easy answers, but the industry is hoping that the recent announcement for cannabis rescheduling will offer a lifeline of sorts. The insanely punitive 280E tax code, which forbids cannabis businesses from taking any tax credit or deduction, is expected to be repealed. While there is no defined timeline, the deductions could save growers, processors and dispensaries tens of thousands of dollars annually.

Crumblin’ Erb

The intersection of hip-hop and cannabis has always been solid, and you could craft a banging and lengthy playlist of artists praising their love of it. But when it comes to the success rate of those in hip-hop entering into the cannabis industry, consumers don’t seem to have 5 on it.

Two New Jersey-based dispensaries with hip-hop connections have

Celebrity endorsed cannabis already has a mixed track record, with winners such as Willie Nelson and Mike Tyson. Despite being as cool as his name, Ice-T did tell Forbes that he doesn’t use cannabis. Also having a 40 poured out in its honor, the Newark-based Hashtoria dispensary shuttered, despite having co-owners Raekwon of Wu-Tang, and Charlamagne Tha God, among others. Local industry analysts also place blame on New Jersey’s cannabis regulatory agency, as well as the overwhelming number of local stores selling hemp-derived THC products.

And while it hasn’t shut down completely, the Cookies chain of dispensaries, started by Berner, has seen a number of lawsuits in recent years that have darkened its financial outlook. It exited the Michigan market in July of 2025, after shutting down its Santa Ana location in 2024.

While considered by many to be one of, if not the, best known brand in cannabis, November 2025 saw a San Francisco judge issue an $8.4 million judgement against Cookies. Their lawyers say that the judgement will “result in an immediate insolvency event”...”leaving Cookies without operating revenues.”

It’s not as though Berner can just sling more bags to make the money needed to settle the judgement. As MJBizDaily explains, “Royalties from Cookies-licensed, third-party owned stores in Canada, Israel and Thailand as well as the United States — the lifeblood of the “asset-light” marijuana branding powerhouse Forbes once estimated was worth $250 million — must instead be paid to the company’s erstwhile partner on a failed San Francisco marijuana store.”

Pexels

REGENERATIVE MEDICINE

ORTHOPEDIC

TREATMENTS

By Dr. Payson Flattery ND DC DAAPM

These therapies replicate the body’s ability to heal itself as it repairs and regenerates damaged cells and tissues

Regenerative medicine focuses on therapies to repair, replace and or regenerate damaged cells and tissues and restore normal function. Instead of just treating symptoms, it aims to heal the root causes of diseases or injuries using Prolotherapy, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), and Stem Cell Therapy. Regenerative medicine helps the body heal itself.

Regenerative Medicine involves harnessing the bodies own innate healing mechanisms to regenerate injured, degenerated, unhealthy tissue. After injury our bodies go through an orchestral production of inflammatory chemicals that direct cellular traffic to clean up and begin to replace or regenerate injured unhealthy tissue. It is this mechanism that regenerative medicine puts in motion to encourage the body to heal.

In medicine we have been conditioned to believe inflammation is a harmful painful process that needs to be controlled. Applying ice and using anti-inflammatories has become the mantra in dealing with injuries. But, science has long recognized that acute inflammation in the first 48-72 hours is intrinsic to the healing process. If suppressed, individuals may feel they have recovered more quickly but they are left with less tissue regeneration, setting them up for re-injury or a chronic condition. Chronic conditions lead to a chronic inflammatory mix of chemicals that lead to ongoing pain and ultimately degeneration of tissue. This can be seen as chronic tendinitis/tendinosis, muscle splinting, and ultimately degenerative arthritis or osteoarthritis.

Regenerative medicine turns back on the acute inflammatory cycle leading to cellular activation and migration; essentially tricking the body into believing it has been injured. This perceived injury gives the body a second chance to heal. During this time no ice or anti-inflammatories are allowed to encourage and support the healing process.

The most common types of regenerative medicine: Prolotherapy, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), and Stem Cell Therapy. The initial acute phase of injury is due to the release from the blood stream into the area of injury. As platelets enter the injured tissue they degranulate or break apart releasing a constellation of growth

factors activating local resident stem cells and attracting other cells into the area to begin the process of healing or regeneration of tissue.

During a PRP treatment a patient’s blood is taken and the platelets are concentrated and re-injected under Ultra Sound guided imagery to the areas of dysfunctional degenerated tissue. With Diagnostic Ultrasound, injured unhealthy tissue is documented and over time healing can be appreciated. Ultrasound has changed medicine by allowing physicians to accurately deliver medicine and document the changes in tissue, thereby validating regenerative procedures.

Prolotherapy, established in the 1950s, is where Regenerative medicine originated. Original studies showed the proliferation of tissue with the injection of dextrose into damaged tendons, ligaments and joints. In 2016, a study documented the regeneration of cartilage in human subjects with bone on bone osteoarthritis.

In some cases Micro Fragmented Adipose (MFAT), a stem cell procedure, is delivered in more mature patients, patients that require a scaffolding to bridge tissue tears, or have more serious degenerative conditions. Adipose is an ideal source of stem cells because these cells turn over every 7-10 years, making them behave younger than an individual’s biologic age. This therapy is mixed with PRP to activate cells and induce the proper cascade of growth factors necessary for the healing process.

One of the biggest hurdles in the adoption of Regenerative Medicine is the need for larger studies. The lack of large studies is driven by a lack of funding as these procedures are using our bodies own mechanism, which cannot be patented. Drug makers are working on growth factors that may have a similar outcome, but our body contains the perfect constellation that likely cannot be improved upon.

Regenerative Medicine is now practiced at Stanford, Mayo, John Hopkins and many other leading medical institutions in the U.S. and abroad.

—Dr. Payson Flattery is the medical director and founder of the Center for Integrative Medicine. He was a chiropractor before becoming a physician and this contributes to his hands-on approach, while incorporating state of the art diagnostics, including high definition Ultrasound.

BURT GERSHATER

ASTROLOGY

By Rob Brezsny

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): The coming weeks will challenge you to think with tenderness and feel with clarity. You’ll be called on to stay sharply alert even as you remain loose, kind, and at ease. Your good fortune will expand as you open your awareness wider, while also firming up the boundaries that keep mean people from bothering you. The really good news is that cosmic forces are lining up to guide you and coach you in exactly these skills. You are primed to explore intriguing paradoxes and contradictions that have valuable lessons.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In alchemy, solve et coagula is a Latin phrase translated as “dissolve and coagulate.” It means that transformation must begin with the process of breaking down before any building begins. You can’t skip over the dissolving phase and jump straight into creating the new structure. I mention this, dear Pisces, because I believe you’re now in the dissolving phase. It might feel destabilizing, even a bit unnerving, but I urge you to stick with it. When the moment comes to construct the beautiful new forms, you will know. But that time isn’t yet. Keep dissolving a while longer.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): I’m thrilled by your genius for initiating what others only dream about. I celebrate your holy impatience with fakery and your refusal to waste precious life-force on enterprises that have gone stale. I’m in awe of how you make fire your ally rather than your enemy, wielding it not to destroy but to forge new realities from the raw materials of possibility. Everything I just described will be in your wheelhouse during the coming weeks.

TAURUS (April 20May 20): How do I love you? Let me count some of the ways. 1. Your patience is masterful. You understand that some treasures can’t be rushed and that many beautiful things require slow nurturing through your devoted attention. 2. You have a knack for inducing the mundane world to reveal its small miracles and spiritual secrets. 3. You practice lucid loyalty without being in bondage to the past. You honor your history even as you make room for the future. 4. You know when to cling tightly to what needs to be protected and preserved, and you know when to gracefully loosen your grip to let everything breathe. In the coming weeks, all these superpowers of yours will be especially available to you and the people you care for.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In traditional Korean jogakbo, scraps of fabric too small to be useful alone are stitched together into a piece that’s both functional and beautiful. Every fragment contributes to the whole. I encourage you to treat your current life this way, Leo. Don’t dismiss iffy or unfinished experiences as “wasted time.” Instead, see if you can weave all the bits and scraps together into a valuable lesson or asset. Prediction: I foresee a lovely jogakbo in your future.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The Maori people of New Zealand practice mirimiri, a form of healing that works not by fighting disease but by restoring flow. The technique involves removing blockages so life force can move freely again. I think you need the equivalent of mirimiri, Virgo. There’s a small but non-trivial obstruction in your life. The good news is that you now have the power to figure out where the flow got stuck and then gently coax it back into motion. Let the healing begin! Here’s a good way to begin: Vow that you won’t hold yourself back from enjoying your life to the max.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In the coming weeks, I encourage you to prioritize mirth, revelry, and gratification. For starters, you could invite kindred spirits to join you in pursuing experimental forms of pleasure. Have fun riffing and brainstorming about feeling good in ways you’ve never tried or even imagined before. Seek out stories from other explorers of bliss and delight who can inspire you to expand your sense of wonder. Then, with your mind as open as your heart, give yourself the freedom to enjoy as many playful adventures and evocative amusements as you dare.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23Nov. 21): In the Inuktitut language of the Intuit people, the word ajurnarmat is translated as “it can’t be helped.” It acknowledges forces at work beyond human control. Rather than pure resignation, it reflects an attitude of accepting what can’t be changed, which helps people conserve energy and adapt creatively to challenging circumstances. So for example, when hunters encounter impossible ice conditions, ajurnamat allows them to refrain from forcing the situation and notice what may actually be possible. I suspect you’re facing your own ajurnarmat, Scorpio. Your breakthrough will emerge as soon as you admit the truth of what’s happening and allow your perception to shift. What looks unnavigable from one angle may reveal a solution if you approach it from another direction. Practice strategic surrender.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In carpentry, there’s a technique called “kerf bending.” It involves making a series of small cuts in wood so it can curve without breaking. The cuts weaken the material in one sense, but they make it flexible enough to create shapes that would otherwise be impossible. I suspect you’re being kerf-bent right now, Gemini. Life is making small nicks in your certainties, your plans, and your self-image. It might feel like you’re being diminished, but you’re actually being made flexible enough to bend into a new form. Don’t interpret the nicks as damage. They’re preparation for adjustments you can’t see yet. Let yourself be shaped.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): In Irish folklore, “thin places” are situations or areas where the material and spiritual worlds overlap. They aren’t always geographical. A thin place may be a moment: like the pre-dawn hour between sleeping and waking, or the silence after someone says “I love you” for the first time. I believe you’re living in a thin place right now, Cancer. The boundary between your inner world and outer circumstances is more porous than usual. This means your emotions may affect your environment more directly. Your intuitions will be even more accurate than usual, and your nightly dreams will provide you with practical clues. Be alert. Magic will be available if you notice it.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Your hunger for meaning is admirable! I love it. I never want you to mute your drive to discover what’s interesting and useful. But now and then, the hot intensity of your quest can make you feel that nothing is ever enough. You get into the habit of always looking past what’s actually here and being obsessed with what you imagine should be or could be there. In the coming days, dear Sagittarius, I invite you to avoid that tendency. Rather than compulsively pursuing high adventure and vast vistas, focus on the sweet, intimate details. The wisdom you yearn for might be embedded in ordinariness.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In architecture, a “flying buttress” is an external support system that allows a massive building like a cathedral to reach greater heights without collapsing under its own weight. Because the buttress is partly open to the air rather than solidly built against the wall from top to bottom, it appears to “fly,” which is where the name comes from. In the coming weeks, I encourage you Capricorns to acquire your own equivalent of at least one new flying buttress. Who or what could this be? A collaborator who shares the load? A new form of discipline that provides scaffolding? A truth you finally speak aloud that lets others help you? To get the process started, shed any belief you have that strength means carrying everything all by yourself.

AWAKENING YOUR INNER HERO A

COLUMN TO HELP LOCALS LIVE A KINDER AND MORE COURAGEOUS LIFE

By Burt Gershater

Peace on Earth and the Daily News

The impact each of us has on world peace

In my humble opinion, the majority of people in the world prefer Peace on Earth to the alternative. I’ve asked around, not exactly a scientific survey, and everyone I’ve asked prefers Peace on Earth. What exactly are we preferring when we contemplate this everprayed-for dream?

Peace on Earth is way more complex and soulful than just the absence of war. It is a state of harmony and goodwill. It is creating a world of kindness, forgiveness and reconciliation. It is a desire and a willingness to do what doesn’t always come naturally. It creates a world of physical, emotional and spiritual safety.

It will not be the end of our disagreements. Thank God! We’d become robots. But we will continue to learn how to disagree more peacefully. Peace requires letting go of something in order to get something that is even more important.

PEACE ON EARTHYou can’t always get what you want, but if you try some time, you might just find you get what you need.~The Rolling Stones Peace requires us to give at least as much as we wish to receive. Peace is created by folks like you and me. It is a combination of holding on and letting go. Can we do it?

Yes, and we will continue to learn how to do it better! And sometimes it is seemingly impossible to accomplish. There is no straight line to anything important.

Now, The Daily News. Again, this is my opinion.

Early in my career, I created a TV news segment called “Successful Living,” a spot on the Sunday news in Flagstaff, Arizona. I spoke of different ways to become a better human being, which I still try to do today, 40 years later. One day prior to filming my spot, a horrible event took place — a young girl was kidnapped and murdered. Upon arriving at the station, I heard the news director say, “Today is a great news day!” His words made me sick. At the same time, I understood what he was telling us. Thousands of people in Flagstaff will be watching.

That was when the news was on once a day. Today it is on all day long! But the rule is still the same.

Bad news is good news. The worse it is, the more people watch.

Humans are wired to attend to the worst, and there are reasons for this which I will go into another time.

The key here is that TV floods us with conflict and atrocities. Wherever there are wars, weather catastrophes, earthquakes and destructive fires... we tune in. Danger and conflict make a good news day. Very occasionally a peace treaty makes it into the headlines.

All these negative stories train our brains, and get us to believe that the news is what is mostly happening.

The world is falling apart.

Peace on Earth is far away. Then we... Talk about it. Worry about it. Argue about it.

This phenomenon both energizes and drains us.

It can become addictive, and is NOT the entire truth.

There are countless wonderful things going on in our world, too!

...And now, you and me!

Each one of us has both limited and infinite powers to create peace in our world. I say limited because most of us won’t have a huge impact on the news we watch. We can have some, for sure. I say infinite because in the world of our interactions, it can be infinite. We have no idea who might benefit from our words and actions of good will.

Anyone we interact with — spouses, children, doctors, Uber drivers or strangers, will leave our interaction and go on to touch untold numbers of other folks. The more positive vibes we put out, the more we put into our peace-hungry world’s hearts and minds. We just don’t know how much or for how many generations.

You and I absolutely have an impact on world peace, in the piece of the world we live in and beyond. This reality of our potential influence then gives us a responsibility: to work daily, in our own way, toward what we all desire... Peace on Earth.

Let’s do our duty!

—Burt Gershater is a local counselor, leadership trainer, speaker and writer. He can be reached at info@burtgershater.com

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TAKE ME HOME

By Nathan Powers

Engel Volkers Bend

Home Loans Made Simple

For many buyers, the most intimidating part of purchasing a home isn’t choosing the house—it’s choosing the loan. With so many acronyms and options, mortgages can feel unnecessarily complicated. The good news? Most buyers fall into just a handful of common loan categories. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of the most popular home loan options, explained in plain English.

Conventional Loans

Conventional loans are the most common type of mortgage and are not backed by the federal government. These loans typically require a higher credit score and stronger financial profile, but they offer flexibility and longterm stability. Buyers often associate conventional loans with a 20% down payment, but many programs allow as little as 3—5% down. If you have solid credit and predictable income, this is often the go-to option.

FHA Loans

FHA loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration and are designed to make homeownership more accessible. They allow for lower credit scores and down payments as low as 3.5%. Because of this flexibility, FHA loans are especially popular with firsttime buyers. The tradeoff is mortgage insurance, which adds to the monthly payment—but for many buyers, it’s a worthwhile path into the market.

V A Loans

Veterans Administration loans are available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and some surviving spouses. These loans are one of the most powerful benefits available to military families. VA loans often require no down payment, no private mortgage insurance,

and offer competitive interest rates. If you qualify, this loan can significantly reduce the upfront cost of buying a home.

USDA Loans

USDA loans are designed for buyers purchasing in eligible rural or semi-rural areas—which includes more places than many people expect. These loans also allow for zero down payment and offer favorable interest rates. Income limits apply, but for buyers who qualify, USDA loans can be an excellent option that often flies under the radar.

Jumbo Loans

Jumbo loans are used when a home’s price exceeds conforming loan limits. These are common in higher-priced markets and luxury real estate. Jumbo loans typically require higher credit scores, larger down payments, and stronger financial reserves. While they come with stricter requirements, they allow buyers to finance premium properties without splitting loans.

Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs)

Unlike fixed-rate loans, adjustable-rate mortgages start with a lower interest rate for a set period, then adjust over time. ARMs can make sense for buyers who plan to sell or refinance before the rate changes. They’re not for everyone, but in certain situations, they can offer short-term savings.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right loan isn’t about finding the “best” option—it’s about finding the right fit for your financial situation, timeline, and goals. A knowledgeable lender and real estate professional can help buyers navigate these options and avoid costly surprises. Understanding the basics is the first step toward a confident, informed home purchase.