Issuu

EDITOR’S NOTE:

the Source 704 NW Georgia Ave., Bend, OR 97703 t. 541-383-0800

bendsource.com info@bendsource.com

daily food service.

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

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Nicole Vulcan–nicole@bendsource.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Nic Moye–editor@bendsource.com

FEATURES AND INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER

Peter Madsen–peter@layitoutfoundation.org

REPORTER / CALENDAR EDITOR

Maddie Franz–calendar@bendsource.com

COPY EDITOR

Richard Sitts

FREELANCERS

Jared Rasic, Donna Britt, Burt Gershater, Joshua Savage, Chris Young, Sue Dougherty, Sophie Elliot, Jesse Zimmermann, Josh Jardine

SYNDICATED CONTENT

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

PRODUCTION MANAGER / ART DIRECTOR

Jennifer Galler–production@bendsource.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Adrian Galler–design@bendsource.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Ashley Sarvis

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Ban Tat, Chad Barnes

advertise@bendsource.com

TECHNOLOGY OFFICER

Megan Burton–megan@layitoutevents.com

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Sean Switzer

CONTROLLER

Angela Switzer–angela@bendsource.com

PUBLISHER

Aaron Switzer–aaron@bendsource.com

WILD CARD

Paul Butler

NATIONAL ADVERTISING

Alternative Weekly Network 916-551-1770

Sales

Editorial

NEVER MISS AN ISSUE!

Become a subscriber to the Source today. For only $175 per year, receive every issue delivered to your doorstep. Subscribe today: info@bendsource.com

Our CO Gives issue comes at a time when many people are stretching paychecks to cover higher costs for essential items. Thousands of Central Oregon families are learning this week they will only receive half of their monthly food assistance benefits due to the federal government shutdown. Local nonprofits are frantically working to fill a rapidly growing need in a variety of services, even beyond food security. They provide critical resources and human connection to support individuals and families in a number of ways. In these pages you will find 80+ nonprofits participating in our CO Gives campaign, relying on the compassion Central Oregon residents repeatedly show for their neighbors during times of distress. —Managing Editor Nic Moye

LIGHTMETER:

Can you spot the happy snow creature? Last week’s early-season storm provided a perfect playground for adventure with two and four-legged friends.

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

HARVESTMOONWOODWORKS.COM CUSTOM. CABINE TS

PRESENTED BY HARVEST MOON WOODWORKS

Lauri LePore

On the Cover: Photo by Jennifer Galler.

If Feeding the Hungry Isn’t Big Government’s Role, Show Us Whose Role

AIt Is

s we write this, one in eight Americans is living in an existential limbo. Monday was the deadline for the Trump Administration to say whether it would follow the rule of law and comply with a judge’s order to release emergency funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — a lifeline for a vast contingent of people in this country. Federal officials said Monday they would comply, but SNAP benefits are going to be delayed and they’ll only be partial payments. With the government shutdown over a tax credit that helps make health care affordable for tens of millions of Americans facing hunger, it’s a bleak time.

However, we have to acknowledge that this is precisely what some voters this past election wanted. While we as an editorial board believe that funding the social safety net is the highest and best use of our tax money — far over funding the military or other uses — those currently in the majority don’t share those views. Amid the suffering that is about to ensue, we are about to get a lesson in how the tax system works.

If you thought the American health care system was broken, then we’re about to get an education in what it looks like to see emergency rooms as the center for primary care. Broke your arm? Get in line; you’re going to be there a while. Emergency departments are where people are getting their health care, right alongside you and that broken bone.

This week, as we roll out the latest edition of our Central Oregon Gives program, the 85 nonprofits taking part are telling a dire tale. Many are scaling back programs that have been cut

by the federal government. Others that are not directly affected by federal funding cuts are seeing impacts in another way: When one nonprofit suffers, they turn to larger philanthropic organizations to fill the gaps. That leaves less in the pot to go around.

For those who don’t believe government has a role in providing a social safety net, the philosophy is that the wealthy, who benefit the most from less taxation, should step up. Well, now’s really the time to do so and see the proof of concept.

Demonstrate how, lacking federal government support, we can keep people employed, fed and housed all on our own, in our own states, counties and communities. Show how the tide of trickle-down economics really helps to lift all boats. With SNAP benefits curtailed and so many food banks and soup kitchens scrambling to fill the gap, there’s no shortage of opportunity to prove that this type of philanthropy works. However, we maintain that the federal government is the most viable entity to provide the kind of support that has made this country great and built a middle class that is the envy of the world. Thrown into this self-imposed crisis, regardless of income level, or politics, nonprofits and the people they serve need your support. Central Oregon Gives is one way to donate to numerous entities, all in one place. It’s a locally based program that takes no fees from the donor and gets 100% of proceeds into the hands of those who need it. Regardless of philosophy, benefits are lapsing across the spectrum. It’s the right time to give.

Corrections:

In the letter, “A Lack of Oversight” (Oct. 29, 2025), the author implies that NeighborImpact has operational oversight or involvement in the permanent supportive housing project at Cleveland Commons. This is inaccurate. NeighborImpact does not operate, manage, or provide services at Cleveland Commons. The agency’s only connection to the property is ownership of the land on which the facility was constructed. All operations, resident services, and day-to-day oversight are managed independently by another organization. This clarification is provided to ensure readers have accurate information about NeighborImpact’s role.

—Rachel Haakenson, NeighborImpact Director of Marketing & Communications

HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY? Send your thoughts to editor@bendsource.com. Letters must be received by noon Friday for inclusion in the following week’s paper. Please limit letters to 250 words. Submission does not guarantee publication. Opinions printed here do not constitute an editorial endorsement of said opinions. Letter of the week receives $5 to Palate!

IN RESPONSE TO “BEND CONSIDERS ADDING A FEE TO DISCOURAGE NATURAL GAS IN NEW HOMES” (OCT. 30)

These policies seek to replace fossil fuels (natural gas, coal, petroleum) with electricity, a worthy goal. However in 2023, 63% of residential CO2 emissions come from using electricity generated by utilities, 29% from natural gas and 8% from petroleum. (https://www.eia.gov/ energyexplained/energy-and-the-environment/where-greenhouse-gasescome-from.php) Simply switching to electricity does not accomplish the goal of reducing CO2 emissions. That would require reduction of CO2 emissions from electricity generation, something outside the control of the city council.

—Geoff Reynolds

QUALITY SUBSTITUTES WANTED

Schools across central Oregon continue to face a critical need for substitutes and the High Desert Education Service District is asking our community to consider stepping in. HDESD

An Evening of Words & Wonder

Join us for an inspiring night of creativity, storytelling, and local journalism — hosted by the Lay It Out Foundation.

Featuring:

Ellen Waterston, Oregon Poet Laureate

Jared Rasic, Film Critic & Writer

Nicole Vulcan, The Source Editor in Chief

Aaron Switzer, Publisher, The Source

Enjoy live readings, candid conversation, spontaneous moments of magic, and free speech in support of keeping independent journalism thriving in Central Oregon.

supports districts throughout the region in filling substitute positions, both licensed and non-licensed, in classrooms, support programs and early learning environments. Opportunities range from instructional assistants to licensed substitute teachers and many roles do not require a teaching degree.

Substitute teaching offers flexibility for those balancing other responsibilities and meaningful, purpose-driven work for those looking to make a difference. Substitute roles can be perfect for individuals exploring education as a career path, retired professionals, recent college graduates, parents interested in working during the hours their children are in school and longtime community members who enjoy staying connected to local schools.

In addition to its flexibility and impact, substitute teaching offers competitive pay across a wide range of roles. Depending on the position, substitutes

can earn between $18 to $31.56 per hour, with additional incentives and schedule options that suit both full-time and part-time availability. Every substitute helps keep schools running, supports student learning and contributes to a stronger education system for all.

HDESD welcomes those who are curious about classroom work, eager to serve, or simply passionate about supporting kids. Now is an ideal time to get involved, whether you’re interested in a few days a month or considering a pathway toward a long-term career in education.

To learn more about current openings and how to apply, visit: www.hdesd.org/services/substitute-services. Questions can be directed to AnnMarie.Anderson@hdesd.org Central Oregon’s schools thrive when the community steps in, and substitutes are a vital part of that success.

—Debi Brazelton, HDESD Chief Human Resources Officer

Friday, November 14 @ 5:30pm

Hanai Center, Bend, OR

RSVP: support@layitoutfoundation.org

RSVP today! Space is Limited to 100 Guests

FIND OUR PODCASTS HERE THIS WEEK ON BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Manslaughter Conviction Overturned on Appeal

The Oregon Court of Appeals reversed and remanded the manslaughter conviction of Ian Cranston. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of manslaughter in the first and second degree, first-degree assault and two counts of unlawful use of a weapon in the shooting death of 22-year-old Barry Washington Jr. in September 2021 after the two men got into an altercation outside a bar in downtown Bend. There is now a plaque in honor of Washington at the corner of NW Wall Street and Oregon Avenue.

The Appeals Court decision stated, "Defendant argues that the trial court erred when it refused to use his special jury instruction regarding the absence of a duty to retreat under Oregon self-defense law. We agree with defendant.” Cranston has claimed he was acting in self-defense. The Oregon Department of Justice will decide whether to ask the Oregon Supreme Court to review the decision, before the Deschutes County District Attorney decides on next steps in the case. DA Steve Gunnels told the Source, “We respect the Court of Appeals’ decision, but I am hopeful that there will be a review of the issue by the Oregon Supreme Court.” A link to the Appeals Court decision can be found at bendsource.com.

—Nic Moye

17.7%

—The

“We’ve created a word and our word is ‘brutiful.’”

—Cathie

Coe Sipe, founder of New Each Morning, from “Navigating a Sober World.”

Stressful Times for SNAP Recipients

Local agencies and businesses step up to feed families

By Nic Moye

RESOURCES

Food Pantries in Central Oregon: foodpantries.org/ci/or-bend Assistance in connecting to other resources: thrivecentraloregon.org/

More than 23,000 households in Central Oregon face uncertainty about food aid through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program after Monday’s announcement that they will only receive half of their benefits in November. The program was set to lapse on Nov. 1 due to the federal government shutdown, but on the eve of despair, two federal court judges ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture to distribute emergency funds. On Monday, Nov. 3, the Trump administration told a federal judge it would not tap additional money beyond the emergency reserve, which only has enough to cover about 50% of the benefits for eligible households.

“We have been getting so many messages these past few weeks from people who are so genuinely concerned about how they’re going to eat, how they’re going to feed their families. The stress that people are under is so enormous,” Ann Pistacchi-Peck, program director for High Desert Food & Farm Alliance, told the Source.

An analysis by the Oregon Journalism Project found that Jefferson and Malheur counties have the highest percentage of Oregon households receiving SNAP benefits, at 26%. In Deschutes County, 9% of households are registered for SNAP. It’s 15% in Crook County. NeighborImpact says there are 23,405 Central Oregon families using SNAP. The program is entirely federally funded.

Despite the judges’ decisions, several local entities have made contingency plans to help fill any delay in funds. The Central Oregon Fill Your Pantry program, scheduled for Saturday Nov. 8 at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds, launched a fundraiser to cover SNAP card holders, should their cards be empty. Last year nearly $19,000 in food access money was spent at the event, including SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks and Protein Perks. Fill Your Pantry, which is in its 10th year, is a bulk-buying farmers market with 34 vendors selling produce, meat, bread, coffee and more. Event coordinator Megan Kellner-Rode says they’re hoping to raise at least $15,000 to cover SNAP recipients. Any funds raised above that amount will go into food access programs. Donations can be made through the High Desert Food and Farm Alliance and are tax deductible.

“Our plan is to buy between $15,000 and $20,000 worth of food. And essentially, it’s not going to be policed at all, but we’re just going to have it out in bins in the center of the market,” Kellner-Rode says. “There’ll be volunteers there and what you’ll do is, if you receive SNAP you just kind of flash your card. We’re not going to check to see if there’s benefits on it. We’re not going to do any policing but just flash your SNAP card and then take what you need. We’re hoping for around 5,000 pounds of storage vegetables that we can give out. There’ll be a more limited supply of bread and meat.”

Pistacchi-Peck says if SNAP recipients have even $1 left on their card, Fill Your Pantry will provide up to $100 worth of Double Up Food Bucks at the event.

“This year, the High Desert Food and Farm Alliance is also running an entire education tent to help people learn how to store that food, so it’ll last through the winter,” she says. “We have received some grant funds that are allowing us to provide basically the materials that people need… We’ll be giving out all kinds of things…from burlap sacks and buckets with sand for their root vegetables and stockings. We’re going to teach people how to tie up your onions so they last for the whole winter.”

Other entities, big and small, are doing what they can to ensure families have enough food. The Crook County School District is offering sandwiches and snacks at the end of each school day and providing weekend take-home food bags for families in need. Laughing Planet on Third Street in Bend is offering free adult or kid SNAP meals during any disruption in benefits. Bo’s on SW Century Drive in Bend is offering a special $5 deal on all breakfast sandwiches for dinner starting at 5:30pm on Thursday, Nov. 6. Luckey’s Woodsman launched a soup program on Nov. 1 out of its Sisters restaurant on East Hood Avenue to help families struggling to make ends meet without their benefits. Customers pay whatever they can afford, even if it’s nothing, for a pint of soup. And on Fridays in November, Luckey’s is hosting a Hold the Line Dinner which will be a hearty meal at whatever price the customer can afford. In an Instagram post, Luckey’s stated,

“We’re here to feed our community, no strings attached.” The restaurant also launched its annual Thanksgiving Kit Program which customers can buy for themselves or donate to a family in need. Last year, the program fed about 75 families. Burgerville is offering a free Kids Cheeseburger or Hamburger Basket through Nov. 9 to children relying on SNAP.

One in six Oregonians receive SNAP benefits which is nearly 18% of the state’s population, ranking it fourth highest in the nation for the percentage of residents receiving food assistance. On Oct. 31, Gov. Tina Kotek declared a 60-day food security emergency and directed $5 million to the statewide food bank network. Crystal Garnett, senior development manager for The Giving Plate, told the Source, “We have seen an influx of support in recent weeks and we are hopeful that support will continue and grow as we do what we do best — fight hunger and feed hope. This community has always embodied a togetherness culture, and that is exactly what is going to carry us through this season.”

Meanwhile, the Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners approved $70,000 in County discretionary funds to help families facing food insecurity. One-time payments of $35,000 each will go to NeighborImpact and The Giving Plate. The Oregon BottleDrop is donating $30,000 from its emergency fund to 12 nonprofits including NeighborImpact and The Giving Plate. It will also match up to $35,000 in donations made via BottleDrop’s Emergency Fund through Nov. 30. The Giving Plate says it serves 8,000 people each month through four hunger relief programs. Approximately 60% are children. Nearly 95% are housed with one or even multiple income sources within the home, but still need assistance.

Oregon was one of 25 states suing the Trump administration to release emergency funding for SNAP. Nationwide, approximately 42 million people rely on the program. If judges hadn’t ruled in favor of funding, it would have been the first time in history that SNAP benefits were suspended.

“It’s been a crazy time to be working in emergency food relief. That’s for sure,” Pistacchi-Peck said.

percentage of Oregonians receiving SNAP, the 4th highest in the nation.

Oregon Food Bank Facebook

The Reed Market Railroad Bridge is In View

The City of Bend released details about the bridge and what needs to be done before construction begins

By Nic Moye

The City of Bend has revealed the proposed bridge design for the Reed Market railroad overpass. The bridge will stretch from American Lane east to just past SE Quill Place. Access at American Lane will continue to exist when the bridge opens, but access to SE Ninth Street will be modified. The intersection will be raised and connected to the bridge. Eastbound drivers will still be able to turn left onto Ninth, but drivers exiting Ninth will only be allowed to turn right onto Reed Market.

There will still be two eastbound lanes on Reed Market and one westbound lane, but the bridge itself will have two lanes in each direction along with buffered bike lanes and sidewalks on each side. A pedestrian tunnel will be built west of Ninth Street for people to cross Reed Market north-south and hook up with a trail that currently exists on the south side.

A report developed by engineering consultant DOWL, LLC outlines four alternatives the City considered, including a shorter 86-foot span, a medium 142-foot span, a longer span and an undercrossing. The plan that advanced is 108 feet, which can accommodate an additional rail line that BNSF Railway may add in the future. The underpass concept was dismissed due to drainage issues and cost.

Reed Market is the only road south of Greenwood Avenue to connect 27th Street on the east side of Bend to the west side of the river. The City says six

to eight trains cross Reed Market daily and can stop traffic for more than 20 minutes at a time. City staff received a lot of feedback from the community prior to selecting a bridge design, including concerns about intersection safety at SE 9th Street, American Lane and Quill Place. More than half of the people who responded to a survey said they want shared paths for walking and biking on both sides of the bridge.

Three businesses on Reed Market will be heavily impacted by the railroad bridge. Mars of Bend, which restores cars, will lose its Reed Market driveway, but the City plans to use the old American Lane bridge crossing the canal to create new access to Mars and the self-storage unit the business also owns. Across the street, Legacy Motorsportz Automotive Repair and Northwest Staple Supply Bend will be forced to relocate.

Two of Legacy’s owners told the Source that the building is being demolished so the City can relocate utilities that are currently underneath Reed Market.

“We’re going to move on down to American Lane where they’re building some new buildings,” co-owner Chris Parco says.

Jesse Hedrick of Northwest Staple Supply owns the building and says he’s uncertain about his next steps.

“We don’t know what the payout will be to move and buy another building. Buildings in Bend are very expensive. We don’t know. I have no idea,” he says about his future.

“We are still exploring access options for all impacted properties and it is too early to have details on timeline or cost,” City Engineer Ryan Oster told the Source. There are specific steps the City is required to take before it can assemble an exact timeline.

“Due to the use of federal funds, the right-of-way acquisition process cannot start until after the National Environmental Policy Act [review] is completed and approved,” Oster explains. The environmental law was enacted in 1970, requiring federal agencies to consider the environmental impact of proposed actions before making decisions.

Funding for the design and construction of the project is a mix of an expected $32 million grant from the Federal

Rail Administration and the City matching 30% of that amount. An agreement for the federal funds is expected to be signed in the first half of 2026.

“If the grant does not come through, as this is a priority project for the City, we would prioritize local funds to finish the project,” Oster says. “The City has dedicated funds from the current 2020 Transportation GO Bond budget to build the Reed Market Bridge if the funding from the Federal Rail Administration does not come through. Either way, we will stay on schedule for designing and building the bridge.”

Hedrick, at Northwest Staple Supply, says he’ll feel better once a timeline is figured out and he knows he needs to be prepared to move by a specific date. The City says BNSF Railway has provided preliminary approval for the concept design.

Before construction can begin, two roundabouts on SE 15th Street, which is expected to be a detour route, need to be completed. The roundabout at Reed Market and 15th will be widened to ensure there are two full lanes entering and exiting from each side. A new roundabout will be built at 15th and Ferguson Road. Construction on the railroad bridge is expected to begin in mid-2027 with completion in 2029.

The railroad overpass will have four lanes of traffic plus bike lanes and sidewalks on both sides.

A pedestrian tunnel (indicated on the map in blue) will be built under Reed Market near SE Ninth Street.

Construction of a railroad overpass bridge on Reed Market is expected to begin in mid-2027.

City of Bend

Nic Moye

Bring your friends, your curiosity and your appetite for something extraordinary in downtown Bend.

Join us in downtown Bend for a vibrant First Friday from 5 – 8 p.m. then stay the evening for the bold, community-wide Dia de los Muertos celebration, happening from 4 – 10 p.m.! Explore art, live music, altars, and revelry in honor of tradition and creativity.

DIVERSABILITY, INC. CREATES CONNECTION for Those With Disabilities

By Nicole Vulcan

Local “Happyning Hub” offers fun, friendship and personal growth

“We believe that people with disabilities need to be seen. Their voices need to be heard. They need to be in the community.”

—Amanda Hamer

The first thing to know about Diversability: Its name is the word the nonprofit would prefer people use when referring to those with varying disabilities. “Disability” refers to something someone cannot do, while “diversability” indicates that someone’s abilities are, instead, diverse.

The founding of Diversability, Inc was a labor of love. Founder Amanda Hamer started the nonprofit after her oldest daughter was born with Down Syndrome. Wanting a venue for connection and resources, and not finding it in the community, Hamer started her own nonprofit.

“When I founded Diversability, my goal was to connect our community,” Hamer told the Source. “I felt at the time, and I think there still is a little bit, there’s always a need for connection. But at the time, I was hearing from our community, from different entities like the education realm and the medical realm and parents, families, that they just didn’t know what the other folks were doing, and they didn’t know what the resources were, and the resources were changing all the time.”

Initially, Hamer sought to develop a website that served as a portal to resources for those with disabilities and their families. Too often, Hamer said, families would get referrals from doctors or other providers, only to find that those resources were no longer available or that the information the provider gave was outdated. To meet the need for accurate information, Diversability, Inc. began to develop its Diversability Village website. Alongside that, the nonprofit created its Diversability Village Resource Guides program, that allows people who have lived experience and professional training help people navigate the medical system, employment system and more. Maintaining that database, with so much information, is a challenge that results in the site continually being in what Hamer calls a, “beta phase.”

With a nonprofit formed, Hamer next set out to tap Medicaid dollars to help people with disabilities obtain and thrive in the world of work.

“We started a supported employment service where we help people find jobs and maintain those jobs in integrated settings where they earn competitive wages, and they’re working alongside everyone else doing work that is typical of everyone, but they might need supports or accommodations,” Hamer said. That program helped employ a host of people, including those who were placed in jobs, along with the support staff that helped them succeed at work. Unfortunately, due to funding issues across the spectrum at the federal level, Diversability had to shut down its employment program just last month. With renewed investment in federal programs, Hamer hopes to see that program brought back to life.

In the meantime, Hamer has returned to what she said was the initial focus of Diversability: To help foster connections for individuals and their families. To that end, Diversability is currently running three programs, including the Happyning Hub that organizes fun activities that encourage “personal growth, integration, independence and building friendships,” according to the nonprofit’s website. Another current program is the Sibling Support group, which offers community and activities for the siblings of those with diversabilities.

“That’s just been consistently something that we offer that I’m pretty passionate about,” Hamer said. “I’m not a sib, but I have raised siblings.”

With funding at the federal level uncertain, and so much need remaining in the community, Hamer hopes to use the momentum of the Central Oregon Gives program to help support the Happyning Hub’s mission of connection.

“Our society has had pretty low expectations for people with disabilities, as far as their ability level and also their care, and we believe that people with disabilities need to be seen. Their voices need to be heard. They need to be in the community,” Hamer said. “Our intention is for people with disabilities, particularly those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, that they are out in the community, that they’re building those community connections, that they’re building relationships with their neighbors.”

Photos

Nicole Vulcan

Founder Amanda Hamer and her daughter, Abby.

NAVIGATING a SOBER WORLD

New Each Morning provides women the support needed after a recovery program

By Nic Moye

Gina has been fighting alcohol addiction for decades.

“I realized, wow, I’m drinking to get drunk. I’m drinking to black out,” she says. She was arrested four times within 10 years for driving under the influence, resulting in her losing her driver’s license for 10 years. She spent time in jail, lost several jobs, even tried rehab —which didn’t work. Her mother, daughters and friends repeatedly told her she needed to make a change, but Gina says she was an angry drunk, which caused people to ultimately avoid her.

“I was waking up drinking just to not have a hangover,” said Gina, who asked us not to use her last name for privacy. “My whole day was just constantly thinking of alcohol… I was drinking like a fifth every day.”

After losing yet another job, she went to Recover Together Bend, a 30-day inpatient rehab facility.

“I was ready. They say, you know, you just surrender yourself.”

Gina said, for some reason, this time, the program worked, but it might not have lasted if she hadn’t met Cathie Coe Sipe from New Each Morning, a nonprofit that provides one-on-one peer support for women who’ve completed a recovery treatment program.

“I cannot say enough how much New Each Morning with Cathie has helped me,” Gina says adamantly. “They helped me with Uber cards because I had no license when I had to get to appointments… Within three weeks I had one job and then I found a really good job. It was really stressful…you know, learning things sober.”

New Each Morning started in 2020. Sipe, a hairdresser for 40 years, wanted to do more to help women feel good about themselves. She started volunteering for Dress for Success, a nonprofit in Portland, but eventually realized the need also existed in Central Oregon, so she volunteered at a residential home for women by providing haircuts.

“I would watch the women come in from the most broken of places — and that’s at least a year-long

program, so I watched them work super hard, courageous and then it would be graduation time and it was, ‘Yay you did it. Congratulations. Have a nice life.’ I was, like, wait a minute, we’re dropping them off a cliff. There’s no place to live. There’s no transportation… It was a huge gap in our community.” That’s when Sipe began planning New Each Morning.

The program began with four female clients. That’s expanded to 10, with another four who also check in from time to time. New Each Morning only works with women who have been referred from alcohol and drug treatment programs. The nonprofit is managed by volunteers who meet weekly with the women. While the program requires a 90-day commitment, Sipe says, after building a relationship with someone, there is no expiration date.

“We have two mamas that have been reunited with their babies, and one of them is expecting again,” Sipe beams. “We were able to help another woman with driving lessons. [She was] 41, never had a driver’s license and got her driver’s license.”

“It’s now time to start creating structure and funding to be able to hire peer support specialists to work with clients, because the demand is great,” Sipe explains about why she’s part of the Central Oregon Gives fundraising effort.

“Peer support is about meeting someone right where they are, for who they are and helping them become their own best resource.” Sipe says she can relate, sharing that she has an adult child with an active alcohol addiction whose father died at the age of 49 from alcohol abuse.

New Each Morning goes beyond conversations. It helps with resumes, appropriate clothing for work, transportation, even home repairs.

For Gina, who owns a mobile home, that last part was crucial. “My bathroom sink didn’t work,” she says. “I was brushing my teeth in the kitchen for three years. I just finally got that done, which is so nice.” The nonprofit also helped fix steps outside her home which had been a safety hazard.

“They got me a vacuum, things I didn’t have. I got a down comforter. I’ve never had a down comforter before,” she says excitedly.

Money raised would also help women in the program with rent assistance until they can support themselves. Sipe says housing is the number one issue facing women coming out of rehab.

“Our long-term goal is to actually have a residential house so that we can offer that housing and take that pressure off, and then have some sort of enterprise where we can offer employment as well,” Sipe says.

Gina has three grown daughters, ages 19, 21 and 23, who have all come back into her life. She’s going to be a grandmother soon, and has goals. She’s saving for a car. “I’ve always wanted a Toyota,” she says. In three years she can apply for a new driver’s license. “I want to go camping. I want to take my dog places and I can take him with me and not worry that I’m gonna drink.” As of October, Gina is six months sober. “I feel amazing,” she says with a big smile.

“I’m just so proud of you,” Sipe says to Gina with tears in her eyes. “When we meet with clients we always pay for coffee or lunch or whatever, and the last time we went out she’s like, ‘No, I’m working. I can get my own. That’s progress.”

“Yeah, it’s a good feeling,” Gina responds. “I’m sure I’ve hurt a lot of friendships. I’m sure there’s apologies I still need to give. There’s some apologies that I can’t give where I just write it down on paper, I burn it and it’s gone.”

A quote on the website of New Each Morning, reads, “The opposite of addiction is not sobriety. It is human connection.” That’s at the heart of the nonprofit’s mission.

“I’m telling you, these women, they are more courageous than the majority of people,” Sipe says. “We’ve created a word and our word is ‘brutiful.’ It’s beautiful work that is sometimes brutal.”

Sipe celebrates the little wins. “One more day. One more day. They’re walking in sobriety another day. That’s a victory.”

Cathie Coe Sipe, left, says Gina, right, who’s six months sober, is a New Each Morning success story.

Photos by Nic Moye

Family Kitchen has provided daily warm meals and “sanctuary” to hungry Central Oregonians since 1986

HOPE by the PLATEFUL

By Peter Madsen

On Halloween Day, the bustle of the Family Kitchen was at peak crescendo during lunch time. Eighties club music mixed with the clack of utensils as two dozen diners spread across rows of communal tables. A father and young child played Scrabble while noshing on homemade pizza squares. Others spooned chili, sipped coffee and chatted. Around them, a chorus of Family Kitchen staffers and volunteers kept the meals coming. In the kitchen, an aproned volunteer pulled a sheet of pizza from the oven and placed it on a cooling rack. In the far corner, volunteers carved ham and cubed potatoes — preparation for Sunday’s meal of meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green beans.

Clipboard in hand, Olivia Parker, Family Kitchen’s executive director, navigated the bustle. That day, two federal judges ruled that the U.S. Department of Agriculture must utilize emergency savings to fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payments through November. On Nov. 3, the Trump administration said payments would only be partial. And then there’s the question of when the federal shutdown will end, and whether there will be SNAP funding for December.

Nationally, roughly 42 million Americans rely on SNAP benefits, which are good for a variety of groceries and necessities. In Oregon, about 750,000 residents rely on the payments, according to OPB.

“All of the food nonprofits in town have really been coming together with this idea of ‘We don’t know what this [shutdown] is going to bring us,’” Parker said.

Parker has noticed a gradual uptick in regular visitors to the nonprofit she’s helmed since late 2024. Family Kitchen has served up daily, free hot meals according to a no-questions-asked, come-as-you-are open-door policy since 1986. The end of any month is the busiest for Family Kitchen, when monthly SNAP benefits may have run out, Parker said.

“I think a lot of people are kind of holding tightly on to any dollars they have,” Parker said. “If money is tight, come eat here. Save those dollars so that you don’t get evicted. I’m really proud that Family Kitchen can also be a preventative measure for families.”

At the beginning of the year, Family Kitchen served about 4,500 in-person meals each month. By May, that number jumped to nearly 7,000 monthly meals. That’s a marked increase from the busiest month in 2024, where November saw about 5,200 meals distributed in person. This year, counting the Family Kitchen’s Bend location and others in Redmond and Sisters, the nonprofit has consistently provided more than 12,000 meals each month. (In Sisters, Family Kitchen serves meals to-go; In Redmond, the nonprofit operates a prep kitchen where meals are made and then distributed to partners, which include homeless shelters.) All told, October would see about 13,000 served meals, Parker said.

“We’ve been seeing an increase in diners over the months,” she said, adding that anywhere from 40 to 260 people eat at their Bend location each day. “And food is getting more expensive and money is getting harder to come by.”

Like many other Central Oregon hunger-related nonprofits, Family Kitchen does not rely on federal or state grants to fund its operations. Instead, donations from local corporations, churches, grant organizations and individuals keep the nonprofit operating. The average donation is $220.

And while local hunger is acute, Family Kitchen staff don’t rush their food preparation. The pizza squares, for example, are completely made from scratch, right down to the local vegetables and ingredients that go into the red sauce and toppings.

The federal turmoil isn’t lost on Benjamin Courtney, 35, a SNAP recipient and Family Kitchen regular. He took bites of pizza while poring over a well-worn copy of “Seeds of Revolt: 1821-1849,” a biography of Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky.

“There’s just less food for more people,” Courtney said. He’s been visiting the Family Kitchen for four years, usually in the morning, when he can secure a bathroom where he can wash up and shave in privacy. Aside from warm meals, Courtney appreciates the Family Kitchen’s “great staff” that’s “really good with dealing with behavioral issues and de-escalation.” The communal tables are also where Courtney catches up with his friends, many of whom are also unhoused.

John Zwierzycki, 58, took a break from washing dishes — a role that has since become his default since he began volunteering at Family Kitchen nearly two years ago. Having moved to Bend from Durango via Philadelphia at the tail-end of Covid, Zwierzycki said he noticed Bend’s homeless crisis while walking past Second Street to his regular coffee socials downtown. He wanted to get involved.

“I couldn’t not do something,” Zwierzycki said. “A psychologist once told me, ‘There’s an ocean of suffering and you only have a bucket. You can choose to use that bucket or you can choose to not use that bucket.’”

During his break, Zwierzycki sat near a corkboard that listed free pet care and addiction treatments. He says he’s gotten to know most of the Family Kitchen regulars; volunteering here five to 10 hours a week has also helped Zwierzycki feel socially integrated into Bend.

“There’s a lot of economic distress,” Zwierzycki said. “I think people at Family Kitchen have a real sense of compassion for their fellow man. This place is a sanctuary for people to get ahold of themselves.”

Across the dining room, near the racks of free second-hand clothing, Keturah Stefani, 48, tucked into a pizza slice. A Family Kitchen regular for four years, she moved in with a boyfriend, who rents a studio, in June. Still, Stefani pops into Family Kitchen on Fridays or anytime she attends service at Trinity Lutheran Church. She also finds time to volunteer. “It’s nice to pay it forward,” she said.

“Family Kitchen has given me the chance to face my fears,” Stefani added. “Once you become fearless, life becomes limitless.”

Photos by Jennifer Galler

SOURCE PICKS

FRIDAY 11/7

KARA GRACE WILSON

EP RELEASE SHOW

The culmination of nearly 15 years of songwriting, “Don’t Shoot the Messenger,” is a six-song record with sound influences from the likes of Lucinda Williams, Joni Mitchell, Laura Marling and Charlotte Day Wilson. Kara Grace Wilson was raised in the Alaska folk scene and her music is a heartfelt reflection of her experiences between there and here. Fri., Nov. 7, 7pm at Silver Moon Brewing. 24 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend. $10.

FRIDAY 11/7

LEAH SOTTILE

AUTHOR EVENT AND CONVERSATION

Oregon-based investigative journalist and writer Leah Sottile has produced an excellent body of work on topics ranging from the Malheur Wildlife Refuge occupation to an unsolved death in Columbia County. At this event, hear the author discuss her latest book, “Blazing Eye Sees All: Love Has Won, False Prophets, and the Fever Dream of the American New Age.” Fri., Nov. 7, 6-8pm at Dudley’s Bookshop Cafe. 135 NW Minnesota Ave., Bend. $5.

FRIDAY & SATURDAY 11/7 & 11/8

BEND DESIGN CONFERENCE

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF CREATIVE COMMUNITY

Bend Design unites artists, designers and creative minds for a celebration of the growing innovative and creative Bend design community. The event includes talks, workshops and social gatherings, encouraging connected among attendees, speakers and the greater Bend community. This year is headlined by Portland artist Lisa Congdon. Fri, Nov. 7-Sat., Nov. 8 at OSU Cascades Ray Hall Atrium. 1500 SW Chandler Ave., Bend. $35-$215.

SATURDAY 11/8

SNOW & AVALANCHE WORKSHOP

GET SNOW-SEASON READY

Presented by the American Avalanche Association and Mt. Bachelor, speakers from around the country will touch on topics from risk and decision-making, to traveling safely through the backcountry, to snow science and human factors. All experience levels are welcome and encouraged to attend. Sat., Nov. 8, 8am-4pm at COCC Wille Hall. 2600 College Way, Bend. $50.

SATURDAY 11/8

GET WILD CHILI COOK-OFF

THINK WILD’S SECOND ANNUAL COOK-OFF

A delicious fall fundraiser for Think Wild, Central Oregon’s wildlife hospital and conservation center. With entry, guests will get to sample and vote on their favorite chilis, soups and sides within five categories. Sat., Nov. 8, 4-8pm at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon. 61980 Skyline Ranch Rd., Bend. $15-$40.

SATURDAY 11/8

PATTERSON HOOD + CRAIG FINN

AMERICANA STORYTELLERS AT VOLCANIC

Patterson Hood (co-founder of the Drive-By Truckers) and Craig Finn (The Hold Steady) will bring their decades of experience as singer/songwriters to stage for an evening of rich Americana sounds and stories. Sat., Nov. 8, 7pm at Volcanic Theatre Pub. 70 SW Century Dr., Bend. $30-$50.

MONDAY

TURNING PASSION INTO ADVOCACY

WORKSHOP AT WORTHY BREWING

Join Oregon Wild and Protect Our Winters at this workshop to learn how to craft your personal story and how to leverage your voice to make the most impact. The presenters will discuss the most pressing issues facing public lands and wildlife in Oregon and provide tools and resources needed to effectively advocate for the places and critters we all love. Mon., Nov. 10, 5:30pm at Worthy Brewing. 495 NE Bellevue Dr., Bend. Free. Register at oregonwild.org.

TUESDAY

EL KHAT + GUESTS

EXPERIMENTAL SOUNDS AT SILVER MOON

Experimenting with DIY, self-made instruments while remaining loyal to traditional Yemeni percussive roots, the three-piece group El Khat has developed a truly unique style. Although its detachment from any nation or flag is a driving force behind the group, the heart of its music and heritage remains deeply rooted in Yemeni culture. Tue., Nov. 11, 6pm at Silver Moon Brewing. 24 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend. $15.

El Khat FB

Dudley's Bookshop

Bend Design

Oregon Wild

Think Wild

Craig Finn

S SOUND California Honeydrops

The retro-soul, brass-filled band is scheduled at Midtown Ballroom

By Chris Young

You’re talking ancient history here, man,” laughed Lech Wierzynski, responding to a question during a late-June interview about the year he moved out to the Bay Area after studying ethnomusicology at Oberlin College in Ohio.

Ancient history by his definition is 20 or so years, but it’s easy to understand why things might be a blur for the dynamic frontman and trumpet player of The California Honeydrops, a retro-soul, brass-filled band steeped in the musical traditions of New Orleans with jug band roots.

For the first decade of the band, he was hustling all the time. “There was like 10 years where we did not do anything, anything, anything else but this band,” Wierzynski emphasized. “I didn’t go outside. I didn’t go to the park to play basketball. I did not watch TV. I had no life except for trying to do this thing and make it happen.”

Whether it was roots, ragtime or rhythm and blues, The California Honeydrops spent those early days refining a uniquely eclectic sound that pulls from the past while presenting snappy hooks and horns that resonate today. From busking at Bay Area subway stations in 2007 with founding percussionist Benjamin Malament to becoming festival and fan favorites, the current core of the band has been together for about a dozen years and features Yanos “Johnny Bones” Lustig on saxophone, Lorenzo Loera on keys and guitar, Beaumont Beaullieu on drums, Miles Blackwell on bass, Oliver Tuttle on trombone, Leon Cotter on saxophone and clarinet, and Miles Lyons on trombone and sousaphone.

Playing for tips at BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) stops provided Wierzynski and the burgeoning Honeydrops with a real-world performing arts education in what works and what doesn’t because, at the end of the day, they were paying their rent with what they earned from busking. They saw what people responded to and leaned into it.

Wierzynski recently dug through a bunch of old stuff in his house, “so my memories have been getting stirred all day,” he said. Amongst handwritten signs

and old posters from forgotten gigs, he found the original tip jar.

“Just a regular old jar, it had a bunch of hardware in it to fix the tub bass because the tub bass would always break,” he chuckled, listing utilitarian necessities like a screwdriver and nuts and bolts that came with them on those formative trips. Earning dollars, quarters and dimes was “sustenance” for the first two years.

“We busked a lot actually, because, you know, I wasn’t trying to get a real job,” Wierzynski said, “and I was trying to play music as much as possible.”

Wierzynski got his start playing trumpet with some older Oakland blues cats, “where I really learned, where I saw and got to play with my first real entertainers and singers.” Some had been doing it for 30 years so it “was a huge educational and influential experience for me,” he said, because the musicians he saw on TV during his youth were “grunge and gangster rap.” He began to base his style more on the Godfather of Soul than MTV.

This flair has been on display on stages with New Orleans legends like Dr. John, Allen Toussaint and Rebirth Brass Band as well as alongside blues giants B.B. King and Buddy Guy. Notable admirers include bluegrass forefather Del McCoury, who’s covered a pair of Honeydrops’ tunes, and Bonnie Raitt, who appeared on the title track of 2018’s double album, “Call It Home,” and later reinterpreted Wierzynski’s “Here Comes Love.”

The impact of old New Orleans music — like jazz and brass bands — on the Honeydrops’ sound can’t be overstated, and many of the band members have links to the music or geographic area. These are sounds they’ve studied, learning the language and idioms of their inspiration.

There’s also a sense they’ve learned the rules so they can break them, bringing their West coast amalgamation to the mix. “Being an outsider is always kind of good in a way. You get to see things from a different perspective,” Wierzynski said.

While some of the Honeydrops’ catalogue - now a dozen-plus albums including live releases — is suited for dusky lounges, the large group truly shines in sweaty clubs and on open-air stages where their contagious spirit can spread and multiply. The multifarious act has always brought a joie de vivre, never taking themselves too seriously and always offering a bit of silliness.

“The band is a little bit wired toward novelty,” Wierzynski said, “and nobody takes that much pride in being perfect.” It’s all about authenticity and “actually enjoying it,” he added. Back to that concept of taking cues from the audience, the band lives and dies by having no set list at shows.

“Some days it’s just flowing and you know what you wanna play,” Wierzynski explained. “Some days… you ask the crowd what they want to hear, and that’s part of the fun, part of what makes it more of a together experience.

“And then some days, you’re just lost in the wilderness. You don’t even know what the f*** you’re doing up there,” he said with a laugh. “Some nights, you have higher highs because it’s spontaneous. You’re opening up to the spontaneous nature of life and music and creativity.”

Wierzynski often calls the songs, but sometimes the band discusses it on stage,” he said. “People throw out ideas.”

No matter what, we’re all living in the moment with The California Honeydrops. It’s not preplanned or prerecorded, and “when it’s flowing,” Wierzynski said, “it’s this never-ending source of energy and creativity” — for both band and crowd.

The California Honeydrops Thu, Nov. 13,7PM Midtown Ballroom

51 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend $37

CALENDAR

5 Wednesday

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

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

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

The Commonwealth Pub Leadbetter and Moore Leadbetter and Moore is the dynamic duo. As members of the rocking Leadbetter Band, they bring high energy performances with soaring vocals. Eric Leadbetter, on vocals and guitar, offers a rich variety of originals and guitar skills. Aaron Moore, on bass and vocals, brings channeled energy and soul into every 7:30-9:30pm.

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

Crosscut Warming Hut No 5 High Strung Relax with a pint and enjoy great local music every Wednesday from 6-8pm. 6-8pm. Free.

Deschutes Brewery & Public House

Head Games Trivia Night Eat. Drink. Think. Win! Head Games multi-media trivia is at Deschutes Bend Public House every Wednesday. Win prizes. Teams up to six. 6:30-8:30pm. Free.

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. Every 2nd Wednesday. 7-10pm. Free.

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

LIVE MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

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

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

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

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

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

Portello Wine and Spirits Music Bingo 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! 6:308:30pm. Free.

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

The Bite Megan Alder Hailing from the Columbia River Gorge, Megan Alder is a vocal powerhouse performing upbeat swing and Americana music. She delivers her original songs with raw grit and soul. Influenced by artists like Billie Holiday and Bonnie Raitt, Alder will perform solo with live looping and kazoo flare. 6-8pm. Free.

The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse Jazz at the Suttle Lodge Join us for Dirty Jazz with Wolfe House Records, first and third Wednesdays of the month, all winter long! 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.

Ticket and promote your events with BendTicket! →

Wonderland Chicken X Worthy BrewSing your heart out, enjoy a cold beer and fried chicken! 7-11pm. Free.

Thursday

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

Austin Mercantile Paul Eddy “As long as we’re singing, then the world’s alright and everything’s swinging!” Paul Eddy sings hits through the decades, plus originals from his new album “Oregonian.” 4:30-6:30pm. Free.

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

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

The Capitol Noche Latina @ The Capitol Join us at The Capitol the first Thursday of every month for a night filled with vibrant music and amazing company. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and energetic atmosphere of Latino music and dance. Grab your friends and come party with us at Noche Latina @ The Capitol! 7:30-11:45pm. 0.

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

The Commonwealth Pub Cover Story Cover Story is a local country/rock cover band playing songs you forgot you love. 7:30-9:30pm. Free.

Crave Bend COMEDY OPEN MIC NIGHT

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

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

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

Elements Public House Trivia Night at Elements Public House with QuizHead Games Come be all you can be with Trivia Night every Thursday from 6-8pm! Featuring QuizHead. games. Located at the north end of Redmond. Full bar and great food! 6-8pm. Free.

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

The Lot Kaleo Young Originally from the serene landscapes of Hawaii and now based in Bend, Kaleo Young is a musician and singer-songwriter whose music reflects the warmth and soul of his island roots. Kaleo reaches listeners with his heartfelt acoustic performances and smooth vocals. 6-8pm. Free.

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

River’s Place Chris Baron and Two Secrets Engaging style of original funky folk. Smooth orchestral sections that feature cello and upright bass in creative ways 6-8pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Trivia on the Moon Come down to Silver Moon Brewing for a night of trivia! Teams are welcome to show up in groups up to 8 people. Silver Moon also offers seating reservations for $20 donations that all go to F*Cancer! If you would like to reserve a table please contact the Trivia on the Moon Facebook page. 7pm. Free.

Sisters Depot Geoffrey Louis Koch Geoffrey Louis Koch is known for weaving cinematic textures, intimate storytelling, and emotionally resonant songwriting into a sound that’s both timeless and current. 6-8pm. $5.

The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse Suttle Lodge’s Fireside Concert Series: Reb and The Good News Most Thursdays from November through May, we have some fireside live music. 6-8pm.

Volcanic Theatre Pub That 1 Guy Multi Instrumentalist/loop artist. 7-11pm. $20-$30.

7 Friday

The Capitol Proper with Giancarlo & Mr. Danimals Monthly DJ Residency with Giancarlo (Fantastic Voyage) & Mr. Danimals (House of Sutiki.) First Friday of every month, 9pm-2am. Free.

The Commonwealth Pub Sonic Benders “Brother Gabe” Johnson (Watkins Glen) on guitars, Patrick Ondrozeck (Company Grand) on keys, David Watts (The Cutmen) on bass, Jarrod Donatelli (Fractal) on percussion and Dylan Bernal (Mostest) on drums. 8-10pm. Free.

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

Desert Inn Sports Bar & Grill Chasin’ Bandits feat Christie Strode Chasin’ Bandits play Country, Rock & Southern Rock tunes. The Desert Inn has a great menu w Prime Rib Fridays. Catch this talented band first Friday monthly all season long. Great vibes off the Culver Hwy! First Friday of every month, 7-10pm. Free.

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

Portello Wine and Spirits First Friday with Mason James Join us for an unforgettable evening with Mason James, a local Bend artist with over 15 years of performing experience. Known for his dynamic acoustic and electric guitar work, Mason blends folk, indie, and pop into soulful re-imaginings of your favorite covers, plus compelling originals. 6:30-8:30pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing The Syco Billys & Guests The Syco Billys are not your average bluegrass band. This high-energy five-piece blends bluegrass with a French twist. Unforgettable live shows, masterful musicianship and a style all their own. 7pm. $15.

Marlon Funaki fuses psychedelic tone with jazz-inspired guitar in his entirely self-produced, soulful songs. Catch the alternative-rock solo artist Fri., Nov. 7, 8pm at The Domino Room.

BRIGHTER FUTURES FOR YOUTH

RISK: Family Conflict

75.5% - 90% of youth in shelters cite family conﬂict as a critical issue leading to their homelessness Crisis Intervention Cascade Youth & Family Center oﬀers crisis intervention services, including family mediation

RISK: Human Trafficking

Approximately 36% of runaway and homeless youth reported trading sex for a place to stay or another need

project (Anti Trafficking)

Direct support and assistance to victims and survivors of human traﬃcking

RISK: Lack of Mentors

Mentors contribute signiﬁcantly to the future success of youth. 1 in 3 young people will grow up without a mentor

RISK: Homelessness of homeless youth drop of school. Those without a high school diploma or GED 4.5x more likely to experience homelessness

Pregnancy & Parenting

Single parenting youth are 3x more likely to experience homelessness than their non-parenting peers

Brothers Big Sisters of CO

Creating and supporting one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth

LOFT: Living Options for Teens

Longer term shelter and support focused on personal accountability while youth complete their education & develop essential life skills

Shelter and programs for youth who are pregnant or parenting where they can continue their education and gain life skills

LETTER FROM OUR FOUNDER

Welcome to Central Oregon Gives 2025!

We’re thrilled to celebrate our eighth year of supporting local nonprofits through this community-driven, year-end digital giving campaign. Nothing inspires generosity like the amazing gifts our sponsors have provided for everyone who donates to their favorite nonprofit this season. I am very excited that we have even more folks from the community stepping forward to donate than we have in the past making our give back to donors only that more robust!

In today’s challenging funding landscape, many nonprofits continue to innovate while striving to meet community needs amid shifting federal and state funding. As resources tighten, the support of individuals like you becomes more vital than ever. Every dollar contributed through centraloregongives.com goes directly to the nonprofit you choose. By using stripe, all funds go directly to the non-profit without overhead. We extend a heartfelt thank-you to our primary local business supporter First Interstate Bank for going above and beyond to support an entire category again this year. Our team at The Source and Lay It Out Events invest countless hours to ensure each giving season is a success for our nonprofit partners. This is our year-end giving program to the community that supports us the rest of the year.

Last year, together, we raised more than one million dollars for Central Oregon charities — an incredible milestone made possible by you. This year, given the heightened need, let’s make it 1.5 for the people holding the social safety net together.

From all of us to all of you: thank you for your generosity, your spirit, and your commitment to giving. Let’s make this year our biggest yet!

Warmly,

Aaron Switzer, Publisher

The Source Weekly

BRIGHTER FUTURES FOR YOUTH

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

1. Research nonprofits using this guide or visit centraloregongives.com

2. At centraloregongives.com go to the nonprofit pages of your choice to donate

3. Click the donate now button and use a card to donate

4. For every donation of $25 or more you get the weekly incentive! Give generously!

5. Visit local businesses to redeem your special gifts by Jan. 15, 2026

6. Watch the donations roll in and see who wins the big prize!

SCAN TO VISIT

ABOUT CENTRAL OREGON GIVES

Central Oregon Gives is not just an annual giving program; it’s a movement that empowers our community to come together and make a real diﬀerence. Powered by your favorite free, weekly newspaper, the Source, Central Oregon Gives has consistently raised thousands of dollars each year for local nonprofits. But we need your help to keep the momentum going and continue supporting the causes that matter most to our community.

This year, we’re encouraging families to come together and inspire the next generation by teaching their young kids the importance of giving back. Through the Central Oregon Gives Family Giving initiative, kids and teens will have the opportunity to experience the joy of making a diﬀerence in their community, fostering a spirit of generosity and compassion from a young age. Join us in nurturing a culture of philanthropy and community support.

Every donation of $25 or more receives a SPECIAL OFFER from one of our local sponsors.

WEEK 1 - Nov 6-12

Pinky G’s Pizzeria, 3rd Street Beverage & Mt Bachelor

• 1 free slice of pizza from Pinky G’s Pizzeria

• Be entered to win a gift basket from 3rd Street Beverage

• Be entered to win 1 of 4 one day lift tickets to Mt. Bachelor

WEEK 2 - Nov 13-19

Stoller Wine Bar Bend & Evoke Healing Space and Spa

• 1 free Charcuterie Board with visit to Stoller Wine Bar Bend and be entered to win a wine tasting for 4 at Stoller Wine Bar

• Be entered to win a Renewal Retreat Spa Package from Evoke Healing Space and Spa

WEEK 3 - Nov 20-Nov 26

High Desert Frameworks, Metalheads Boutique & Powder House

• 1 free 8x10 print from High Desert Frameworks

• Be entered to win a custom pet tag & matching keychain OR bracelet from Metalheads Boutique

• Be entered to win a kids ski or snowboard season lease at the Powder House

WEEK 4 - Nov 27-Dec 3

Backporch Coﬀee Roasters & HooDoo Ski Area

• 1 free cup of coﬀee from Backporch Coﬀee Roasters (downtown location only)

• Be entered to win a Coffee Lovers Gift Box: 2 bags of coffee and a mug from Backporch Coffee Roasters

• Be entered to win 4 HooDoo Lift Tickets

FOR DONORS 21 AND UNDER!

Our Family Giving Category Sponsor is Mountain Burger. Earn a Free Dirty Soda when you donate.

WEEK 5 – Dec 4-Dec 10

Silver Moon Brewing, Moonﬁre & Sun Garden Center & Makin’ It Local

• 1 free pint from Silver Moon Brewing

• 1 free plant propogation from Moonﬁre & Sun Garden Center

• Be entered to win a $25, $50 or $100 Makin’ It Local Gift Card

• Be entered to win 1 of 2 $100 gift cards to Moonﬁre&Sun Garden Center

WEEK 6 - Dec 11-Dec 17

Cascade Lakes Brewing Co, Teacupfuls, Snow Dermatology, & Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge

• 1 free pint and be entered to win a $50 gift card Cascade Lakes Brewing Co (valid at Reed Market or Redmond location)

• Be entered to win a bundle of 5 free drinks from Teacupfuls

• Be entered to win one syringe of Restylane from Snow Dermatology

• Be entered to win a $250 gift card for Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge

WEEK 7 – Dec 18-Dec 24

Mountain Burger, Radiant Day Spa & Worthy Brewing

• 1 free basic shake from Mountain Burger ($7 value) and be entered to win $50 gift card and a beanie.

• Be entered to win a $150 gift card for any spa service from Radiant Day Spa

• Be entered to win 1 or 2 $50 gift cards at Worthy Brewing

WEEK 8 – Dec 25-Dec 31

Sisters Coﬀee, LIOE, Old Mill District & Tower Theatre

• 1 free drink from Sisters Coﬀee

• Be entered to win a free event bundle from LIOE

• Be entered to win a gift bundle from Old Mill District

• Be entered to win a $100 gift card to Tower Theatre

CATEGORY SPONSOR

EDUCATION, FAMILY & CHILDREN

MEET OUR LOCAL NON PROFITS

at: project

Bend Parks & Recreation Foundation BEAM

Bend Endurance Academy

Big Brother Big Sisters of Central Oregon Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend Better Together Central Oregon

CASA of Central Oregon

Cascade Youth & Family Center

Central Oregon Disability Support Network

City Club of Central Oregon COCC Foundation

Deschutes Children’s Foundation

Desert Sky Montessori

Every Child Central Oregon

Family Resource Center

Heart of Oregon Corps

Healing Reins Equine Assisted Services

J Bar J Boys Ranch KIDS Center

Kindred Connections

Mountainstar Family Relief Nursery

New Each Morning

Saving Grace Sisters GRO SMART reading

The Jasper Fox Project Treehouse Therapies Associates

As the local responders for the National Human Tra cking Hotline, the at: project (Anti-Tra cking Project) works directly with victims and survivors of human tra cking in Central Oregon. We support adult and minor survivors of sex and labor tra cking with crisis intervention and long term case management to promote healing and empowerment.

The at:project also coordinates the Anti-Tra cking Alliance of Central Oregon (ATACO) which is a multidisciplinary collaboration of agencies working together to coordinate and leverage local resources to provide a comprehensive approach to human tra cking and exploitation that brings trained, skilled, trauma-responsive service to identify and recovers victims of human tra cking; proactively investigate, identify, apprehend and prosecute those engaged in human tra cking; and provide trauma-informed, survivor-centered services to those impacted by human tra cking and exploitation.

We are J Bar J Youth Services

ABOUT US

Say YES!

work in Bend and ﬁnding the money to pay for essential programs like afterschool care and swim lessons or the chance for their children to play on a team. Your donation to Bend Park and Recreation Foundation can help by providing the resources needed to take part in Bend Park and Recreation District activities that can improve health, develop conﬁdence and independence, and enrich lives.

To learn more about the recreation scholarship program and how you can help, visit bendparksandrec org/give

This proﬁle is sponsored by:

ABOUT US

BEAM’s mission is to create an inclusive, supportive, and engaging environment where children with disabilities, trauma histories, and complex behavioral needs can thrive We provide evidence-based social-emotional learning, academic support, and restorative practices that build conﬁdence, connection, and resilience empowering every child to succeed in school, in relationships, and in life. Our specialized after-school program provides critical support and addresses a gap in services for children who often face exclusion from traditional after-school care and disproportionately experience shortened school days, suspensions, and social isolation

At BEAM, we help children rediscover their light. As one student put it: "Before BEAM I almost always felt like a dark star in a bright sky, and now I feel like a bright star lighting up a dark sky." We believe everyone belongs. No exceptions

EN D EN D U R ANCE AC A DE M Y

ABOUT US

EDUCATION, FAMILY & CHILDREN

proﬁle is sponsored by

Support the Bend Endurance Academy: Empower Youth Through Outdoor Adventure

Since 2009, Bend Endurance Academy has helped Central Oregon youth grow through Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking, and Nordic Skiing. We believe outdoor experiences build conﬁdence, resilience, and lifelong healthy habits.

Our mission is to champion active living and a passion for sport through inclusion, personal growth, and community engagement - cultivating compassionate, capable young leaders.

Serving more than 1,000 families each year, we’re committed to keeping programs welcoming, inclusive, and accessible. With community support, we lower ﬁnancial barriers and open doors for more youth to experience the life-changing beneﬁts of sport and recreation.

Why Your Support Matters

• Increase Access: Expand tuition assistance and scholarships so all kids can participate.

• Keep Programs A ordable: Maintain high-quality coaching and outdoor opportunities at accessible costs.

• Support Youth Development: Build conﬁdence, perseverance, and belonging through sport.

• Strengthen Community: Connect families through shared experiences and local events.

Your contribution helps create opportunities for young people to stay active, build conﬁdence, and discover their potential through meaningful outdoor adventures.

Donate today and empower the next generation. Learn more at www.bendenduranceacademy.org

This

BIG B R OTHE RS BI G

ABOUT US

EDUCATION, FAMILY & CHILDREN

Mentorship remains one of the most powerful tools we have to close the gap between people and possibility. The power of mentorship lies in the moments that spark curiosity, aspiration, and inspire potential. Maybe it was the coach who encouraged you to keep going. The guidance counselor who insisted your dreams were within reach. Even the littlest moments can grow into big ones – with a little encouragement, a little hope, and a little inspiration.

You don’t need to have a speciﬁc title, a degree, or any special qualiﬁcations other than being compassionate, patient, and accepting. You don’t have to be perfect, you just have to be present. It takes a little time, a little encouragement and a laugh or two, so that every child has what—and who—they need to achieve a BIG and brighter future.

90% of Bigs with Big Brothers Big Sisters are proud of their time mentoring. 85% of alumni believe their involvement changed their life for the better. Mentors, called Bigs, say they beneﬁtted from their mentorship relationship just as much, if not more, than their Littles.

You have a big opportunity in front of you—to not only impact a child’s life today, but to transform their potential for tomorrow.

Become a Mentor. Go Big Today.

We’re always looking for people eager to positively impact a child and improve their community at the same time. Big Brothers are especially in high demand. Nationwide, more than 70% of children waiting for a Big are boys, but only 3 out of every 10 inquiries to volunteer come from men. Research shows that having the positive inﬂuence of a mentor makes a real di erence in a kid’s life.

For a few hours, a couple times a month, you can give a Little the invaluable gift of your friendship. By simply changing their perspective of what the world can o er, you can literally start changing their life. Play a board game. Make fun crafts. Hit the playground together. Just as your options are unlimited, so is your Little’s potential. It takes LITTLE to be BIG.

We are J Bar J Youth Services

ABOUT US

Change is part of every child’s journey. Your support helps us meet that change with consistency, care, and opportunity. At BGCB, we provide a safe and nurturing environment where youth can build meaningful connections with trusted mentors and engage in life-enhancing experiences. Your support helps them stay on the path to success, encouraging growth, learning, and development in a supportive setting.

BGCB by the numbers:

350 Members Served Each Year

140 Kids Attend Daily During the School Year

60% of Families Receive Financial Aid in the Form of Scholarships

43% of Members Qualify for Free or Reduced School Lunch

Last year, thanks to your generosity, we provided over $400,432 in ﬁnancial aid to families in need. However, the demand for ﬁnancial support continues to grow. This fall you have the opportunity to make a profound impact on the lives of Central Oregon’s students.

$25 helps provide healthy snacks for Club kids each week.

$100 supports hands-on STEM learning and creative projects for Club members for three months.

$350 covers one month of full-time afterschool Club tuition.

Your Support Makes Every Season Count Give today to ensure youth in our community are supported from classroom to summer break and back again.

DOUBLE Your Impact! When you become a monthly donor, Hayden Homes will match your gifts through the end of the year—doubling your impact for local youth.

B OYS & G IR LS C LU B S O F BEN D

B ETT E R T O G E THE R C E NT RA L OREGO N

ABOUT US

EDUCATION, FAMILY & CHILDREN

Better Together is building a future where every child has the chance to thrive.

In partnership with 400+ cross-sector partners, we support 67,000+ children and youth across

We bring people and organizations together to tackle challenges no one can solve alone.

Whether you give $5 or $500, your support fuels work that:

• Brings schools, families, and partners to the same table to spark action.

• • Breaks down barriers to opportunity.

• Strengthens homegrown solutions led by and for our community.

Your donation to Better Together is an investment in hope, connection, and a more resilient Central Oregon. Thank you!

C A S A OF CENT R AL O R E G O N

ABOUT US

Who We Are

CASA of Central Oregon stands up for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. We make sure they are seen, heard, and not forgotten in the court system.

What We Do

We recruit, train, and support volunteers who advocate for the best interests of children in foster care. CASA volunteers work closely with judges, attorneys, and community partners to help every child ﬁnd safety, stability, and a permanent home.

Our Impact

Last year, CASA volunteers served 78% of children in foster care across Central Oregon.

Our goal is to reach 100% of children in foster care. With your support, we can reach every child who needs a voice.

Why It Matters

Children with a CASA fare better in school, receive vital services more quickly, are half as likely to re-enter foster care, and report higher levels of hope.

Just $50 helps train a new CASA volunteer to advocate for a child in crisis. Your gift today helps recruit and train CASA volunteers who stand beside children in foster care ensuring they are heard, supported, and never alone.

C A S C ADE YO U TH A N D FAM I LY CENTE R

ABOUT US

At Cascade Youth & Family Center (CYFC), we provide a holistic continuum of care to end youth homelessness:

Emergency Shelter: CYFC provides short term shelter for teens who are homeless, on the streets, or have run away.

Crisis Intervention: We o er crisis intervention services, including family mediation.

Street Outreach: Our outreach team o ers supplies and assistance to youth experiencing homelessness. They also sta drop-in hours where youth can access showers, laundry facilities, and nutritious meals.

Transitional Living: This program o ers longer-term support and focuses on personal accountability at the LOFT in Bend and Canal House in Redmond. Here, youth receive the tools they need to complete their education and develop essential life skills.

Independent Living: Our case managers work with current and former foster children, providing guidance and mentorship to navigate the challenges of independent living successfully.

Supportive Housing: This program supports young adults ages 16-24 as they work toward independence, o ering stable housing and case management in a setting that promotes self-su ciency. Unlike our Transitional Living program with 24-hour support, Supportive Housing provides a step toward independent living for those who need less intensive daily oversight.

Every step of our continuum of care helps young people gain the tools, conﬁdence, and resilience to build healthy, self-su cient lives. CYFC is the only shelter and program of its kind within 150 miles—helping youth not just survive homelessness, but overcome it.

Get Involved: Whether you’re interested in donating or simply spreading the word, your support helps our mission.

November is National Runaway Prevention Month (NRPM), a public awareness campaign designed to shine a light on youth who have run away and experienced homelessness that too often remain invisible.

Once a young person faces the instability associated with homelessness, whether they are couch surﬁng, staying in shelters, or sleeping on the streets, the consequences can be far-reaching. Some youth, including young people who identify as Black and/or African American, LGBTQIA2S+, non-White, and/or unmarried and parenting, experience homelessness at signiﬁcantly higher rates compared to their peers. Our goal is to work with homeless youth to prevent them from becoming homeless adults.

We are J Bar J Youth Services

(541) 745-4355

bettertogether@hdesd.org

bettertogethercentraloregon.org

EDUCATION, FAMILY & CHILDREN

CENTRAL OREGON DISABILITY SUPPORT NETWORK

ABOUT US

Central Oregon Disability Support Network (CODSN) helps children with disabilities and their families navigate life from the very beginning through young adulthood. Many families feel lost trying to understand medical, school, and service systems — especially in rural areas where help can be hard to ﬁnd.

CODSN provides guidance, family events, and practical trainings that make it easier to ﬁnd answers, connect with others, and build conﬁdence. Our team is made up of parents and people who have lived these experiences, so families know they’re not alone.

Serving eight rural Oregon counties, we work every day to make sure families raising children with disabilities have the tools, support, and community they need to thrive.

CITY CLUB

Our Mission

To create a more informed and engaged community by creating learning opportunities and fostering meaningful dialogue that inspire responsible civic involvement.

About Us

At City Club of Central Oregon, we believe that communities thrive when everyone has the chance to learn, engage, and make their voices heard. We bring Central Oregonians together for open, respectful discussions on the issues that matter most to our region—whether it’s local governance, environmental challenges, or community well-being. Through public forums and events, we connect neighbors and leaders, transforming complex issues into informed discussions that empower citizens and shape the future of our community.

Our Goal

To build a more informed, connected, and civil community where individuals can explore ideas, share perspectives, and make better decisions for Central Oregon.

OUN DAT IO N

WHO ARE WE

Since 1955, COCC Foundation scholarships have enabled students to learn new skills, earn technical certiﬁcates, complete two-year associate degrees and be prepared to pursue the remainder of their undergraduate studies at a college or university

WHAT WE DO

Our scholarships provide ﬁnancial support, but for many students being a scholarship recipient means something more. It means someone believes in them enough to provide them with the ﬁnancial resources needed to attend COCC. It means someone else believes in their dreams.

ABOUT US

Deschutes Children’s Foundation is a safe haven for children and a home for the nonproﬁts that serve them Each year, tens of thousands of vulnerable children and families seek essential resources at our campuses. With 23 nonproﬁt partners across four DCF locations in Redmond, Bend, and La Pine, we work together to ensure families have what they need to not just survive, but thrive Families can access vital services such as infant essentials, therapeutic care, early childhood education, nutrition assistance, and more

The demand for our services in the community is ever-growing, and you can help! We envision a community where all children and families have the resources they need to thrive, and you can play a key role in making that vision a reality Contributions to Deschutes Children’s Foundation support our mission of providing the space and support necessary for nonproﬁts to succeed in helping children and families

CO CC F

OF CENTRAL OREGON

DESERT SKY MONTESSORI

ABOUT US

EDUCATION, FAMILY & CHILDREN

Desert Sky Montessori is Central Oregon’s only tuition-free public Montessori Elementary School. As a public charter and nonproﬁt, we serve a diverse community and are committed to bringing the highest quality, Montessori-based education to our students.

Children at Desert Sky beneﬁt from individualized and self-paced lesson plans, and a smaller student-to-teacher ratio.

Our teachers and sta are committed to the development of the whole child through a curriculum rooted in Montessori philosophy and principles.

Our mission is to provide all children with an environment for joyful exploration that fosters self-discovery and a life-long love of learning.

Your contribution will help us extend our reach and empower more students to develop into successful people that will impact our community here in Central Oregon and beyond.

ABOUT US

Every Child Central Oregon exists to support children and families impacted by foster care through tangible goods, volunteer engagement, and community mobilization. Our mission is to create a community where every child experiencing foster care feels seen, valued, and supported. We work across Deschutes, Je erson, and Crook Counties, including the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, connecting those who want to help with the real-time needs of children and families navigating the child welfare system.

Our support extends to families providing foster care, youth who have recently aged out of care, and biological families who have reuniﬁed with their children. Through our My NeighbOR tangible goods support program, we experienced a 325% year-over-year growth, serving more families than ever from our centralized Redmond warehouse by fulﬁlling hundreds of requests for essential items like clothing, diapers, hygiene supplies, and more. In addition to this critical support, our organization recruits new resource foster families, engages community members through volunteer-driven programs, and o ers intentional resource foster family retention e orts—all designed to ensure children in care are surrounded by stability, dignity, and a deeply connected community. By empowering our community to show up with purpose and compassion, we work to improve outcomes and create a stronger, more connected foster care system in Central Oregon.

At Family Resource Center of Central Oregon, we believe every family deserves access to tools and support needed to thrive. Parenting is one of life’s most important and sometimes most overwhelming jobs. That is why we provide education, coaching, and resources that empower parents to raise healthy, conﬁdent, and resilient children.

Your donation makes a direct impact as every dollar you give invests in the future of our community.

Parenting support is powerful prevention. When parents feel supported, children feel secure, and families grow stronger together.

This season, we are leaning into our caring community to make a lasting di erence. Your gift will last for generations.

Join us in building stronger families and a stronger Central Oregon.

HE A R T O F O R E G O N CORPS

ABOUT US

1 in 8 Oregon youth are disconnected from school and work—but not at Heart of Oregon Corps.

For 25 years, we’ve trained rural and underserved youth in careers that solve Central Oregon’s biggest challenges: construction, childcare, wildfire risk reduction, and public lands conservation. Since 2000, more than 5,000 young people have built skills and confidence through our programs. Now, we’ve outgrown our aging, borrowed facilities. To meet the demand and serve 225 youth each year, we’re building a new $7.3M, 3.4-acre campus in Redmond—a place where youth can learn, earn certifications, and launch careers that strengthen Central Oregon communities for generations to come. Youth on the workforce track need a campus, too—help us build it!

EVERY CHILD CENTRAL OREGON

ABOUT US

EDUCATION, FAMILY & CHILDREN

At Healing Reins, we meet people where they are, in wide open spaces full of movement, connection, and possibility. Every day, children and adults of all abilities experience life-changing moments through equine-assisted services, nature-based pediatric therapies, and mental health programming. But as the need for services grows, so does the number of

and we've seen a sharp increase in the need for this funding that we can not keep up with. By giving through Central Oregon Gives, you’re not just donating; you’re opening the barn doors, the pasture gates, and the path toward healing for every person who needs it, regardless of their ability to pay. You're ensuring the 275 people per week that access our services continue to access, and that we never have to turn anyone away

Your donations make a signiﬁcant impact:

$25 – Helps us reach rural Central Oregon families who might not otherwise know healing is possible. Your gift fuels outreach and ensures everyone has a path to our ranch

$50 – Covers a participant’s initial welcome and orientation experience. This is the ﬁrst time they meet their therapy team, and begin their healing journey

$100 – Underwrites the cost of one therapy session, making equine-assisted or nature-based therapies accessible to families who need ﬁnancial assistance

$200 – Supports training and resources for our 80+ weekly volunteers, ensuring every participant has a safe, supported, and compassionate experience

$500 – Provides essential health care and wellness support for our Healing Herd — the partners who make breakthroughs possible

$700 - Fully funds a scholarship for one participant for an entire session, ensuring that ﬁnancial hardship is never a barrier to receiving care.

$1,000 – Invests in expanding program capacity supporting new therapists, animals, and equipment needed to meet the growing demand for services.

$3,000 – Sponsors a horse for a full year — covering its care, feed, training, and wellness, so it can continue changing lives

J BAR J BOYS RANCH

ABOUT US

J Bar J Boys Ranch is a residential treatment program for teen boys involved in the juvenile justice system, providing an opportunity to restructure thinking, succeed academically, and grow in responsibility.

The newest initiative on campus is a vocational program. By providing vocational training in addition to a strong academic curriculum, the opportunity for gainful employment increases. Meaningful employment reduces the likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior and the training helps to build a workforce. Help boys who have made poor choices build a brighter future and become contributing members of the community.

We are J Bar J Youth Services

ABOUT US

KIDS Center is the local nonproﬁt leading our region’s child abuse. As the Children’s Advocacy Center for Central Oregon, we provide no-cost child abuse evaluations, therapy and family support to hundreds of children and families each year. Since opening our doors in 1994, KIDS Center has helped more than 17,000 children and families ﬁnd hope and healing

safer place for kids.

KI N D RED CONN E C T IO N S

ABOUT US

EDUCATION, FAMILY & CHILDREN

Helping Families in crisis who lack a safety net: Mobilizing and equipping mentoring families and area church communities to provide support while parents work to secure stability for their families.

We provide families in crisis with mentoring relationships for parents and temporary housing for children. We connect families with needed support during a time of challenge, including possible job loss, serious illness, homelessness, or other issues that complicate parenting. By surrounding families with compassion and practical help during di cult times, we keep children safe and families together.

We are J Bar J Youth Services

At MountainStar Family Relief Nursery, we care for children ages 0–5 — the most critical years for brain development, and the time when our community sees the highest rates of child abuse and neglect. By surrounding families with care and connection early on, we help prevent crises before they happen

In our therapeutic classrooms, little ones learn to understand their emotions, build healthy relationships, and gain conﬁdence that lasts a lifetime. During home visits, parents receive personalized support and guidance to strengthen their parenting skills and keep their children safe.

Your support gives children and parents the chance to grow in safety and stability—creating a stronger Central Oregon where every family has the opportunity to thrive

Serving 1,315 community members in La Pine, Bend, Redmond, Madras, Warm Springs, and Prineville

FOUNDATION OF

o ring, a nd p r acti c al r es o u r ces that resto r e dignity, r e un ite families , and b u ild acco un tability

Ou r S tabl e Hou si n g A ssista n ce P r o j e ct u rge n tly n eeds

h o u si n g s u pp or t. S afe, stabl e ho usi n g is n ’t j u st shelte r —it’s t h

l a sti n g r e c o v er y. Ou r y e ar e n d go a l f o r t h e CO Giv e s ca m paig

th e Ho usi n g A ssista n ce P roject W ith sec ur e hou sing , re c ove r y begins , h ope r esides , a n d w ome n build t h e fo un dati o n to th r iv e

W ill you pa r t ner wit h us ?

e rgen c

Saving Grace o ers safety, hope, and healing to survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault — and engages Central Oregon to build lives free from violence.

DONATIONS CAN HELP US

$50 – Provides gas for a survivor ﬂeeing intimate partner violence

$100 – Provides a security camera for safety in a survivor’s home

$250 – Provides a safe hotel stay for a survivor and their children

$500 – Provides 3 weeks of meals for survivors at shelter

$1,000 – Provides rental assistance to survivors

Donations made through Central Oregon Gives will be matched, up to $95,000, thanks to an anonymous donor and the Eccles Coit Family Foundation.

S I STE R S G R O

ABOUT US

EDUCATION, FAMILY & CHILDREN

Sisters Graduate Resource Organization (Sisters GRO) helps Sisters High School graduates embark with more than a diploma they begin their post-secondary journey with a scholarship that reﬂects their community’s belief in them Sisters GRO raises, receives, and distributes scholarship funds; administers the application process; and supports students as they plan their educational futures

Since 2009, thanks to the generosity of local families, businesses, and organizations, Sisters GRO has distributed over $3.1 million to help SHS graduates pursue college, trade, and technical programs. These scholarships reduce ﬁnancial barriers and inspire students to give back by becoming more. We are deeply grateful to our donors past and present—who continue to grow funds for GROwing futures. Together, we’re building a community where every student has the opportunity to thrive beyond high school.

ABOUT US

SMART Reading is a children’s literacy nonprofit that serves kids in Oregon’s highest-need schools with two ingredients critical for literacy and learning success: shared reading time and access to books. We mobilize volunteers to read with PreK through third-grade children, building confidence, literacy skills, and a love of reading. Kids in our program get to choose and keep 14 books a year to build their own personal libraries!

Simply put, life is harder when children can’t read proficiently. Reading is a critical gateway skill that paves the pathway for successful futures. Without it, kids are less likely to graduate from high school or find gainful employment as adults, leading to a host of additional hardships. Building a strong foundation of literacy can change a child’s life trajectory, and can help prevent and alleviate issues of poverty, homelessness, hunger, and injustice.

THE JA SPE R F OX P R OJ E C T

ABOUT US

The mission of The Jasper Fox Project is to comfort families who have experienced stillbirth, miscarriage, exact birth weight of a child who passed away These foxes are personalized and unique gifts meant to foxes to families in 40 states and 3 countries internationally

We have begun networking with local churches and resource centers to be a readily available service when a community member experiences a loss. In a situation where

sweet gift to be sent to those who are grieving. Our goal is that no family would have empty arms after a loss

All donations go directly to the making of foxes, materials, and covering all shipping costs. Thank you so much for your support!

ABOUT US TREEHOUSE THERAPIES

At Treehouse Therapies, we bring to life our mission, to unlock the limitless potential of children, families and community by providing exceptional care regardless of ﬁnancial limitations. With locations in Bend, Redmond, Sisters, and Warm Springs, we make sure that every child with special needs, from birth through adolescence, can access essential physical, occupational, and behavioral health therapy, regardless of their family's ﬁnancial situation.

Our team of physical, occupational and behavioral health therapists help children with a variety of conditions including development delay, cerebral palsy, autism, sensory processing disorders, down syndrome, and behavioral health challenges including ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, depression and more. We help children gain conﬁdence, build new skills, improve functionality, reach their utmost potential, and live their best lives.

Help us ensure that cost is never a barrier to care! Together, we can open doors, remove obstacles, and give every child the chance to thrive.

This proﬁle is sponsored by:

SMART READING

ABOUT US

At BEAT Children’s Theatre, we believe in the power of theatre to inspire and empower youth. Through creativity, conﬁdence, and connection, young people discover who they want to be.

Demand for our programs exceeds capacity—a great challenge! With your support, we can grow: expanding sta , space, and access while keeping costs low for families.

We serve Central Oregon through performances, classes, camps, and outreach, o ering 3–4 main stage productions and 15–20 camps/classes each year—reaching up to 400 young artists. Our Cultural Student Productions bring 2,400 elementary students to live theatre annually, while school residencies, bilingual programs, and free community events extend our impact to several thousand more Central Oregon students.

Please consider supporting BEAT today. Our donors and partners make it possible to ensure that ﬁnancial barriers never stand between a young person and their potential. BEAT is a 501(c)(3) nonproﬁt, and all gifts are tax-deductible.

THE OPEN ARTS CENTER

ABOUT US

In January 2026, the Open Arts Center will celebrate its grand opening as Bend’s new creative home: a community-driven space for teens and adults to foster creativity, intergenerational learning, and belonging.

At the heart of our program is our free teen center, a place for them to gather, connect, and explore their creativity through the arts. Your donation helps us keep all of our teen programming free, including self-directed learning, classes and workshops, and one-to-one apprenticeship opportunities with creative professionals. With your help, we will nurture curiosity, empower voices, and provide resources for everyone in our community to discover and develop their creative identity.

To learn more and support our mission, visit theopenartscenter.org and follow us @theopenartscenter.

BEAT CHILDREN’S THEATRE

ABOUT US

Support BendFilm — Where Independent Voices Inspire Our Community

BendFilm believes in the power of independent film to connect people, spark conversation, and inspire change. As a nonprofit, we champion diverse filmmakers and bring bold, thought-provoking stories to audiences across Central Oregon through our year-round programs and our 22nd Annual Bend Film Festival, which now welcomes over 10,000 attendees across theaters, pop-up venues, and community spaces.

Your donation keeps the arts accessible to everyone — from free outdoor movies in local parks to hands-on education initiatives like Basecamp, our immersive ﬁlmmaker retreat, and our youth summer ﬁlmmaking camps, where scholarships ensure that cost is never a barrier to creativity.

With your support, BendFilm continues to:

• Present more than 130 independent ﬁlms, and host more than 100 ﬁlmmakers from around the world each year.

• Elevate underrepresented voices through our Indigenous Film Program, created in partnership with Warm Springs ﬁlmmakers and cultural leaders.

• Operate the Tin Pan Theater 365 days a year, bringing independent, classic, and international ﬁlms — plus special events — to the heart of downtown Bend.

• Collaborate with local businesses and nonproﬁts dent ﬁlm experiences to every corner of our region.

Every contribution — large or small — fuels creativity, builds empathy, and strengthens the arts in our community. Give today and help keep independent ﬁlm alive and thriving in Central Oregon.

L AY I T OUT F O UN DATI O N

ABOUT US

Supporting Independent Journalism in Central Oregon.

For 28 years, The Source has been a locally owned, independent voice for Central Oregon. As an unwavering watchdog, The Source remains beholden to no one and carries no political agenda—prioritizing transparency, integrity, and truth to deliver real journalism in a completely free publication.

Central Oregon Gives is a project of the Lay It Out Foundation, amplifying our impact by directing essential resources to where they’re needed most. Through this work, we strengthen community bonds, foster a collective spirit of responsibility, and help make Central Oregon a stronger, more inclusive, and resilient region.

Your contributions to the Lay It Out Foundation sustain independent, high-quality journalism that keeps readers informed about the critical news, culture, and events shaping our region. Support for the Foundation empowers The Source to deepen its role as a vital community resource—delivering impactful stories that matter.

Thanks to generous community support, the Lay It Out Foundation funds a full-time investigative reporter. Peter Madsen brings essential stories that serve the public good. And now, thanks to growing community support through the Source Member Program, we’re close to expanding this team even further with another full-time journalist, allowing us to deepen coverage and continue serving Central Oregon with integrity and insight.

We invite you to join us in our mission to keep Central Oregon informed, engaged, and empowered. Every contribution—no matter the size—goes directly toward sustaining independent journalism and the shared mission of keeping our community connected.

Thank you for standing with us! Your support means everything.

The Lay It Out Foundation abstains from the category prize competition.

info@bendﬂim.org

www.bendﬂim.org

The Source is Powered by

ABOUT US

At OUT Central Oregon, we work to ensure the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and our allies not only feel included but thrive. By fostering dynamic partnerships with businesses, government entities, and other organizations, we create an exciting, supportive environment that encourages community involvement and celebrates diversity. Together, we build a vibrant, inclusive culture that empowers everyone to ﬂourish in Central Oregon.

full spectrum of joyful events—from intimate pop-ups to our beloved annual Winter PrideFest. Your donation directly fuels our work to transform Central Oregon into a vibrant region where every single person is celebrated, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Highlights of some recent activities are included below:

• Annual production of Winter PrideFest, the only multi-day and multi-event celebration of inclusivity in the outdoors in the PNW, with approximately 2,500 attendees in 2025

• Produced a panel discussion primarily related to Trans and Non-Binary health topics, Queer civil rights, and 2SLGBTQIA+ housing during June Pride

• Hosting 2SLGBTQIA+ Social Mixers through the year

• Distributed over 79,000 YOU ARE WELCOME HERE progress pride ﬂag stickers to individuals, businesses, school districts, and cities/towns

• Promote other 2SLGBTQIA+ focused organizations and their initiatives by providing paid promotion, social media outreach social media marketing, and inclusion of their events on our Community Events Calendar

• Support of other 2SLGBTQIA+-focused and marginalized community groups on the High Desert, both ﬁnancial and in-kind

Your Donation will provide:

Provide critical funding needed for OUT Central Oregon to continue to serve our 2SLGBTQIA+ community currently facing signiﬁcant challenges:

• Enhance Winter PrideFest 2026 with new community events

• Continue to expand and enhance local and regional meetup events to help reduce isolation and connect people

• Continue to expand and build the resource and support networks for 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

• Continue our YOU ARE WELCOME HERE sticker program to provide Central Oregonians an opportunity to increase visible support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community

SCALEHOUSE COLLABORATIVE FOR THE ARTS

ABOUT US

Scalehouse Collaborative for the Arts is Central Oregon’s home for contemporary art, creativity, and connection.

We bring people together through rotating exhibitions, artist talks, and hands-on programs that spark curiosity, reﬂection, and conversation. We also support students—from kindergarten through college—by welcoming school groups to the gallery, connecting them with practicing artists, and o ering experiences that build creative skills, conﬁdence, and a love of art.

By supporting Scalehouse, you help keep our community vibrant, our local artists thriving, and contemporary art accessible to everyone in Central Oregon.

Your contribution helps make art a part of daily life, inspiring connection, imagination, and a sense of belonging for all who visit.

& Specialty Hospital 62889 NE Oxford Ct. Bend, OR 97701

Ph: 541-209-6960

ANIMAL WELFARE

MEET OUR LOCAL NON PROFITS

Brightside Animal Center

Companian Animal Medical Project

Dogpac

Embers Wildﬂower Animal Santuary & Bunny Rescue

Furry Freight

Happy Trails Horse Rescue

Harmony Farm Sanctuary

BRIG H T S I DE AN IMAL CENTE R

ABOUT US

Humane Society of Central Oregon

Lark Ranch Rescue and Rehabilitation

PET Evacuation Team

Pets Forward

Street Dog Hero

Riley May Rescue Ranch

Think Wild

Help BrightSide Animal Center Support Our Growing Community of Animals in Need!

At BrightSide Animal Center, we are dedicated to reducing animal homelessness and preventing unnecessary euthanasia. Our shelter plays a vital role in Central Oregon, providing essential services like sheltering, placement, and prevention programs.

As our community grows, we face significant challenges, including a troubling rise in homeless animals entering our shelter and an increase in families surrendering pets due to financial hardships. This has led to more animals needing our help more than ever before As a 501c3 nonprofit, BrightSide relies on grants, adoption revenues, donations, and income from our beverage recycling program and thrift store

Before animals leave our care, they receive comprehensive medical attention, including vaccinations, microchipping, and spaying or neutering, ensuring they are fully prepared for their new homes.

To continue our life-saving mission, we seek ﬁnancial assistance to provide necessary care for these animals and support our community Every animal deserves a chance at a secure future and at the core of our mission is a commitment to giving animals a second chance at a fulﬁlling life. BrightSide serves as their voice, advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Your donation, at any level, helps us save lives:

$20 can vaccinate a shelter cat.

$50 covers microchipping ﬁve animals.

$250 covers a dog’s spay or neuter surgery

$500 supports two dog adoptions.

$750 buys a month’s worth of kitty litter for the shelter

$1,000 supports one month of dog and cat food for the shelter

Thank you for your support and helping us create brighter futures for pets and people!

BrightSide

COMPANION ANIMAL MEDICAL PROJECT (CAMP)

ABOUT US

Companion Animal Medical Project (CAMP) has been serving Central Oregon since 2020, providing no-cost veterinary care and pet-retention services for individuals experiencing homelessness

ﬁguratively and literally

Through our mobile clinics, outreach, and partnerships, we aim to strengthen both ends of the leash. Our services include wellness care, vaccinations, spay/neuter, urgent medical assistance, pet deposits, fostering, rehoming, and now, shelter and housing navigation - helping people move from homelessness to shelter without leaving their pets behind

At CAMP, we believe no one should have to choose between their own needs and those of their companion animals

ABOUT US

We are a Bend-based volunteer group that has been instrumental in humans since 2008.

We believe that good dogs and their responsible humans should have designated outdoor spaces where they can roam free as nature intend ed.

We also believe that we have a responsibility to be good stewards of spaces.

Your donations fund everything we do including:

• Pet-waste removal services at Good Dog! (Rimrock Trailhead), Phil’s Trailhead and the dog-friendly Wanoga Nordic ski and snowshoe park.

• Grooming the Nordic ski trails at Wanoga Sno-Park.

• Advocating for more dog-friendly,

We are grateful for your support!

ABOUT US

Ember’s Wildflower Animal Sanctuary and Bunny Rescue is a registered nonprofit 501(c)(3) established in 2019. We are the only bunny-specific rescue serving Central Oregon and surrounding regions

Your gift allows bunnies to arrive at our rescue to experience, sometimes for the ﬁrst time, a feeling of safety, a caring voice, healing and pain relief, a rabbit-appropriate diet, grooming freedom to stretch and run and joy. Bunnies at our rescue will be given the opportunity to ﬁnd a carefully vetted forever home. If they have health or behavioral needs that preclude them from adoption, Ember’s will provide lifelong sanctuary Bunnies are the third most abandoned pet after cats and dogs, and we work to reduce the cycle of surrendering unwanted domestic bunnies by providing educational resources, carefully reviewing potential adopters, and ensuring good matches between humans and companion animals

$500 – Provides emergency veterinary care for a bunny in crisis

$250 – Supplies fresh hay for our sanctuary residents for 2 weeks

$150 – Covers the cost of a spay or neuter surgery

$50 – Buys toys, enrichment, and comfort items for one bunny

$35 – Provides an annual RHDV2 vaccination

$15 – Covers the cost of a microchip

When you donate, your gift this season will be doubled thanks to a generous donor providing a $1,500 matching fund!

D O G P A C

F

ABOUT US

Our mission is to save shelter pets one road trip at a time.

We help at-risk animals in severely overpopulated areas escape the risk of euthanasia by giving them a safe ride to our rescue partners throughout the Paciﬁc Northwest. Our volunteers drive as far as Oklahoma, Texas, and Central California to pick up our furry passengers and deliver them to safety

In addition, our Spay it Forward Program combats the root cause of this crisis by directly supporting low cost spay/ neuter surgery in these overpopulated areas where owners in low-income families can have their pet ﬁxed at low cost or free. This program prevents thousands of puppies from entering already overcapacity shelters

Your generosity directly saves lives and any amount is greatly appreciated.

HAPPY TRAILS HORSE RESCUE

ABOUT US

Happy Trails Horse Rescue is dedicated to the protection of horses and their quality of life. While we strive to rescue those horses in need, we also provide community outreach, education and resource - such as our SURRENDER PREVENTION PROGRAM (food, medical/farrier assistance or temporary shelter) in an effort to alleviate an owner’s difficult choices of relinquishment or euthanasia. We believe that every equine deserves compassionate care and unconditional love, regardless of age, health, or behavior.

$25 = One Microchip for one horse

$50 = One Farrier trim for one horse

$100 = Hay for one horse for one month

$250 = Basic needs for one rescue horse for one month

$750 = Pain medicine for one horse for one year

$1000 = Cushings medicine for one horse for one year

HA R M O NY F ARM SA NCT UAR Y

ABOUT US

Harmony Farm Sanctuary (HFS) is a 501(c)(3) nonproﬁt, volunteer-run and proudly accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS). For more than a decade, HFS has been a safe haven for over 150 rescued farm animals and has rescued, rehabilitated, and rehomed more than 1,200 animals in need. From pigs and cows to llamas, goats, sheep and chickens, every resident carries a story of resilience—of survival, of second chances, of hope.

When our residents arrive at Harmony, they’re not just safe. They’re home. Forever. A place where they root, roam, stretch out in the sun, and ﬁnally exhale.

Beyond rescue, we welcome hundreds of community members each year through our compassionate curriculum programs—including at-risk youth connection, and empathy through time spent with our residents.

We’re striving to raise $75,000 to continue our life-saving work for animals and people in our community. Your gift will directly support critical safety upgrades: building a much-needed shelter for our sheep, making vital farm improvements to protect both our residents and volunteers, and purchasing a large trailer for emergency evacuations during wildﬁres and other disasters-ensuring no animal is ever left behind.

Every contribution, large or small, grateful for the incredible support of our community.

HUMANE SOCIETY OF CENTRAL OREGON

ABOUT US

The Humane Society of Central Oregon (HSCO) has been a lifeline for pets and people since 1961. As a Socially Conscious Shelter, HSCO is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for every animal, serving seven counties across a 100-mile radius.

Your support makes hope possible:

• Safe shelter and second chances for thousands of pets each year

• Accessible veterinary care for animals in underserved communities

• Foster homes and lifesaving support for fragile puppies, kittens, and senior pets

• Swift response to cases of neglect and abuse, providing safety, medical care, and a path to recovery

• Programs that keep families together, helping pets stay with the people who love them even during crisis

A gift to HSCO doesn’t just save lives - it transforms them. Together, we can create a safer, healthier, and more humane Central Oregon for animals and their families.

ABOUT US

Lark Ranch Rescue and Rehabilitation is committed to helping animals have better lives through a number of programs. We run an animal sanctuary with 71 animals on site; each with their own story of hardship and redemption. We also provide free medical care and surgeries for other rescue groups and community cats. We have performed over 800 spay and neuter procedures on feral cats over 6 counties through our Trap-Neuter-Return program. We have also provided over 300 other surgeries to other non-proﬁt organizations.

LarkRRR has partners over 4 counties who we work with to provide medical care, wellness visits and needed surgeries in multiple species. We work with animal shelters, rescues and groups large and small to make Central Oregon a better place for both animals and people. We ask for your support so we can continue to contribute to our community in this positive way.

P E T E VAC UAT I ON T E A M

ABOUT US

SERVING ANIMALS AND PEOPLE IN CRISIS

Emergency animal evacuations and sheltering during disasters are critical to our community and save lives. PET works in partnership with the Red Cross, law enforcement and local emergency services during Central Oregon disasters, providing care and a safe haven for animals who have been evacuated. We have assisted in disasters for over 20 years, including 21 local wildﬁre evacuations. PET also assists individuals with animal/pet-related emergencies, and law enforcement in animal seizure cases. Our volunteer-based organization serves all of Deschutes

locations simultaneously, and lasting longer To serve people and pets in crisis PET is seeking donations to help us stay AT-THE-READY with our trucks, rescue equipment trailers and supplies.

PETS FORWARD

ABOUT US

When the Veterinary Referral Center of Central Oregon opened their doors they quickly recognized that not all pet-parents could

Since then, healthcare prices have continued to rise and economic euthanasia has become more prevalent throughout the veterinary industry. In response, VRCCO partnered with the Veterinary Care Foundation to establish a philanthropic fund dedicated to bridging this gap.

VO LU NTE E R S I N M E D I C I N E

VO LU NTE E R S I N ME D I C I N E

The VRCCO Care fund was created to help ﬁnancially constrained, neglected, and abused animals access the critical veterinary care necessary to thrive. What started as emergency ﬁnancial assistance for pets in crisis, quickly grew into a lifeline for families facing heartbreaking choices.

ABOUT US

Right now in Central Oregon, thousands of people without health insurance choose between healthcare and food, childcare, or housing. Without access to medical care, untreated conditions could lead to severe or life threatening illness, visits to the emergency room and overwhelming medical bills.

Through the generous support of donors and community members, the VRCCO Care Fund raised nearly $200,000 in two years, helping countless pets receive the advanced treatments and procedures that allow them a second chance at a long and healthy life. Additionally, more than 300 pets have beneﬁted from rehabilitation therapy to enhance their recoveries, these resources made possible by funding.

What we do

Right now in Central Oregon, thousands of people without health insurance choose between healthcare and food, childcare, or housing. Without medical care, untreated conditions could or life threatening illness, visits to the eme and overwhelming medical bills.

Volunteers in Medicine is our successful, to this terrible dilemma.

What we do

Volunteers in Medicine is our successful, local solution to this terrible dilemma.

Our patients are low-income, working covered by the Oregon Health Plan and

However as the Care Fund grew, so did its vision. The challenges facing pets and their families extend beyond emergency care, they also include access to the advanced treatments, innovations in medicine, and the resources veterinarians need to provide the best possible outcomes.

Our patients are low-income, working adults not covered by the Oregon Health Plan and who cannot

We treat people by partnering with St. pro-bono specialists, and nearly 2,000 doctors, nurses and community members 20 years.

We treat people by partnering with St. Charles, local pro-bono specialists, and nearly 2,000 volunteer doctors, nurses and community members over the last 20 years.

It’s special. We are neighbors taking ca e of neighbors.

Tony’s story

To meet this broader mission, the VRCCO Care fund is currently evolving into PetsForward, a 501(c)(3) nonproﬁt organization. PetsForward will build on years of community support and philanthropic success to create a larger platform for impact, supporting both pets in need and advancing access to innovative veterinary care options.

It’s special. We are neighbors taking care of neighbors.

Tony’s story

PetsForward is not just a fund, but a growing movement dedicated to compassion, progress, and the advancement of animal care. PetsForward will continue to be the heart of the Care Fund by ensuring pets in ﬁnancial need get the urgent care they require, but it will also take bold steps to move veterinary medicine forward. With your support, we can ensure that every animal, regardless of ﬁnancial means, has access to the high-quality medical care they deserve.

Tony is a dishwasher at a local taco shop who began feeling day he fainted at work. When he awoke, his co-worker said him of diabetes. They drove straight to the emergency room, was tested. The co-worker was right: Tony had diabetes.

Tony is a dishwasher at a local taco shop who began feeling dizzy until one day he fainted at work. When he awoke, his co-worker said this reminded him of diabetes. They drove straight to the emergency room, where Tony was tested. The co-worker was right: Tony had diabetes.

Now, with a large medical bill from the emergency room diagnosis, Tony was facing a major question. How would health problem and provide for his family?

Now, with a large medical bill from the emergency room and a new diagnosis, Tony was facing a major question. How would he pay for this health problem and provide for his family?

But the nurse told Tony about VIM. He got a referral to our seen quickly We provided glucose monitoring, education and the medication Tony needs to stay healthy and keep

But the nurse told Tony about VIM. He got a referral to our clinic and was seen quickly We provided glucose monitoring, education about nutrition, and the medication Tony needs to stay healthy and keep working.

Your contribution will help us wag our way forward by supporting the next chapter of the VRCCO Care Fund.

Move PetsForward Today:

“I don’t know what I would have done without VIM,” said Tony “I would probably have gotten sicker, with more complications. It could have spiraled out of control. It’s scary to think about.”

The outcomes

$25 – First Step: Give a little love that leaves a lasting mark.

The outcomes

$50 – Meaningful Advance: Help provide food, comfort, medication or supplies.

In our 20 years, we’ve:

• Treated 16,000 patients

$100 – Bold Stride: Support an urgent exam or diagnostics for a pet in need.

• Provided 111,000 patient visits

• Racked up 114,000 volunteer hours

$250 – Lasting Leap: Give pets a real shot at recovery through testing and treatment.

Change lives with a gift today! ABOUT US

• Provided $150 million+ in medical care and community beneﬁt

Change lives with a gift today!

$500 – Taking the Lead: Cover part of a life-saving procedure or specialty care.

$1,000+ the treatment of a pet in need of care.

ABOUT US

Founded in Bend in 2017, Street Dog Hero is a foster-based rescue with a global mission and a local heart. We save dogs in need, whether they are here at home in Central Oregon, in overcrowded U.S. shelters, or on the streets abroad, and give them the second chance they deserve through rescue, adoption, wellness, spay/neuter, and humane education.

By the end of 2025, Street Dog Hero will have rescued and rehomed more than 4,000 animals and provided over 12,000 low- or no-cost surgeries and wellness procedures.

caused by animal overpopulation.

Your support fuels this lifesaving work both here at home and across borders. Together, we are creating stronger, more compassionate communities by helping people care for the animals they love and ensuring that every dog has a chance at a better life.

• $500 rescues a dog from an uncertain fate and covers transport, veterinary care, and placement.

• $150 spays or neuters two pets and provides vaccines and wellness exams for families in need.

• $75 supplies food, training, and enrichment as dogs transition from foster care to forever homes.

• $40 funds an international spay/neuter, begins.

Every contribution creates a ripple of kindness that begins here in Central Oregon and extends around the world - saving lives, inspiring hope, and giving dogs everywhere a chance at a safe, loving home.,

RYLIEMAY RESCUE RANCH

ABOUT US

ANIMAL WELFARE

RylieMay Rescue Ranch is passionate about providing education towards rescue animals as well as providing a safe, soft place for dogs who would otherwise be euthanized. Our focus is older dogs or dogs with special needs who have found themselves overlooked in over crowded shelters.

RylieMay Rescue Ranch is also ﬁercely dedicated to saving as many lives as possible and showcasing the full and happy life of adventure that awaits when you rescue an animal. We want to educate about the world of rescue and help as many people as we can ﬁnd their new furry family members.

ABOUT US

Think Wild is a 501(c)(3) nonproﬁt wildlife hospital and conservation center based in Bend. Our mission is to inspire the High Desert community to care for and protect native wildlife through education, conservation, rescue, and rehabilitation

At our Wildlife Hospital, we rescue, treat, and release injured and orphaned native animals. Each year, hundreds of patients, from bobcats and bald eagles to hummingbirds, ducklings, and ﬂying squirrels, get a second chance at life thanks to our dedicated

Through our Youth Education programs, we connect students to local ecosystems through ﬁeld trips, classroom visits, interpretive walks, and summer camps that inspire curiosity and compassion for wildlife

Our Humane Wildlife Services program helps people coexist with native species through safe, nonlethal solutions such as exclusions, deterrents, and habitat installations like nest boxes, bat houses, and raptor perches

And our Beaver Works Oregon program restores streamside habitats with native plants, beaver dam analogs, and citizen science that beneﬁt beavers, ﬁsh, and many other species

We are lucky to call Central Oregon home, but the wild animals who share it with us are struggling as the community grows. Wildlife can’t ask for help, and it’s up to us to speak and act for them Please donate to ensure that Think Wild can be there when wildlife need us most.

T H I N K W I L D

CATEGORY SPONSOR

BASIC NEEDS

MEET OUR LOCAL NON PROFITS

Assistance League of Bend

Central Oregon Locavore

Family Kitchen

Furnish Hope

Grandma’s House

Heartwarmers

High Desert Food & Farm Alliance

Sisters Habitat for Humanity

Opportunity Foundation of Central Oregon

A S SI STANCE LE AG U E O F BEN D

ABOUT US

RootedHomes

Supporting Afghan Families Inc.

The Giving Plate

The Peaceful Presence Project

Thrive Central Oregon

United Way of Central Oregon

For more than 35 years, Assistance League® of Bend has brought comfort, dignity, and hope to local children and adults facing poverty and cancer. Every person who gives or volunteers helps change lives right here in Central Oregon. With no paid sta , every donation stays local—easing burdens and making a real di erence.

Your generosity supports programs such as:

Operation School Bell®, our signature program, provides new clothing, shoes, and books to children in need. Last year, we helped over 2,800 K–12 students in Deschutes County start school with conﬁdence. We also supply emergency clothing for children entering foster care and host a holiday celebration for foster families.

Cinderella’s Closet provides high school students with free formal wear so they can fully participate in milestone events like prom and homecoming.

These Kids are Cookin’ teaches cooking and nutrition skills to low-income 4th and 5th grade students in Title I-A schools.

Senior Caring delivers personal care items and holiday gifts to low-income seniors in assisted living and memory care.

Hats & More provides handmade hats, knit prosthetics and comfort shawls for cancer patients in infusion centers.

CENTRAL OREGON LOCAVORE

ABOUT US

Connecting Central Oregon with Local Food—All Year Long

Since 2009, Central Oregon Locavore Nonproﬁt has connected our community with the farmers and ranchers who feed us.

Our year-round indoor farmers market and ﬁve hands-on programs—like WWOLF, Small Farmer Support Program, and Meet Your Farmer Dinners—bring people closer to the source of their food.

When you shop at Locavore, you’re doing more than buying groceries: you’re supporting Central Oregon farms, strengthening our local economy, and helping ensure food security for our region.

Keep local farmers growing and ranchers going—no matter the season.

Shop Local. Eat Local. Support Local.

org/bend

FAMILY KITCHEN

ABOUT US

BASIC NEEDS

Family Kitchen was founded in 1986 by six women from Trinity Episcopal Church who felt the need to reach out to the community after the local mill shut down. They were concerned that, with the lack of local work, there would be a need for free meals. They were right.

Today, Family Kitchen serves meals every day of the year in downtown Bend and one meal a week in Sisters. In January 2024 we began providing meals six days a week in Redmond through partner agencies.

We distribute over 12,000 meals per month and have over 500 volunteers involved in our e orts.

ABOUT US

Furnish Hope is the only furniture bank east of the Cascades with the mission of turning empty spaces into homes and igniting hope for individuals and families rebuilding their lives in Central Oregon. Furnishing over 50 homes each month, we serve foster families, veterans, refugees and those transitioning from crisis. Through essential furnishings and community support, we create stability, restore dignity and foster a sense of belonging.

Together, we furnish hope and homes!

Young people with their babies are extremely vulnerable when they become homeless or escape abuse with no place to go. The immediate needs of safety, shelter, and food become enormous challenges. Such a rough beginning can be traumatizing and can have long-term e ects on these parents and the lives of their babies.

What they ﬁnd at Grandma’s House is a home and support, a second family. During their time with us they learn life skills and nutrition, get pre- and post- natal care for themselves and their babies, and work toward self-su ciency.

A beginning that prepares young parents to build a future they want, and bridges the opportunity gap for the next generation.

We are the only home in our region serving the shelter needs of this vulnerable population, giving young parents the start they deserve and bridging opportunity for the next generation.

We are J Bar J Youth Services

HE AR TW A R M ER S

ABOUT US

Heartwarmers is an all-volunteer organization that hosts weekly workshops to create free, handmade gifts for people in transition across Central Oregon. For more than 12 years, these gifts have been distributed through a network of over 60 partner non-proﬁts, many of which are also featured in the Central Oregon Gives listings.

In addition to supporting the missions of our partner organizations, Heartwarmers provides meaningful opportunities for over 100 volunteers who joyfully gather each week to help those most in need within our community.

All donated funds are used exclusively to purchase materials for these gifts—ensuring that every dollar directly supports individuals and families in need.

F URN I SH H O P E

Heartwarmers

ABOUT US

G R AN D M A’S H OU S E

H

The High Desert Food & Farm Alliance (HDFFA) builds a strong, resilient food system in Central Oregon. We support local farmers and ranchers, increase access to nutritious food for neighbors facing food insecurity, and educate our community about the value of local food.

These e orts create a ripple e ect: people have the healthy food they need, farmers and ranchers grow their businesses, and consumers engage in a thriving local food system.

Now more than ever, we need your support! Government funding is uncertain, but the need is growing. Your investment sustains our work ensuring access to healthy, locally grown food and helping our food producers thrive.

Together, we’re creating a stronger, more equitable food system that nourishes us all.

SISTERS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

ABOUT US

Sisters Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization that seeks to put love into action by building homes, communities, and hope. Sisters Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally through constructing, rehabilitating, and preserving affordable homes; advocating for fair and just housing policies; and providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions.

We build and repair homes to provide safe, stable and affordable homes in the greater Sisters community.

Since its founding, Sisters Habitat for Humanity has created more than 80 homes in Sisters to provide opportunities for households with incomes less than 80% Area Median Income to own a home. Our goal is to construct at least 30 affordable homes within the next three years. The stability inherent in homeownership is key to sustaining individual and family well-being.

ABOUT US

Promoting Opportunity for All

For 60 years Opportunity Foundation has been a cornerstone in our Central Oregon community empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to live, work, and thrive. What began as a small group of families determined to create more opportunities has grown into the only nonprofit in Central Oregon o ering a full range of services under one roof. When families turn to the Opportunity Foundation, they find more than a program, they find a partner. From employment support and residential services to skill-building, training, and community inclusion, we've built a continuum of care that helps people grow in confidence, independence, and belonging.

Whether in search of employment, independent living, social interaction, or personal growth, we provide personalized support so people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have the opportunity to reach their goals and make their dreams come true.

If you are interested in volunteering, seeking meaningful employment, or a local business interested in employing individuals with disabilities in the workplace, we would love to connect with you! Visit our website to get involved and to learn more about the wide range of services we provide throughout Central Oregon.

ABOUT US

RootedHomes provides environmentally sustainable and permanently a ordable homeownership opportunities for the people who make Central Oregon such an amazing place to live. These are the teachers, caregivers, and local workers who keep our communities thriving yet are often priced out of the very towns they serve.

For homeowner Denise Rowcroft, owning a home in Bend once felt impossible. “Absent the land trust, we would not have been able to own a house in Bend,” she shares. “It literally felt like we won the lottery.” RootedHomes helps families like the Rowcrofts-Sites put down lasting roots, living where they work, and creating a stable future.

RootedHomes is building over 100 sustainable, a ordable homes throughout Central Oregon in the next three years — from Redmond to Prineville and Madras. With your help, we can keep the heart of our community right here at home. Donate today to help us reach our $25,000 goal, which will be matched by a local family — doubling your impact!

S UPP O RTING AFGHAN FAMIL I E S INC .

ABOUT US – KEEPING OUR NATION’S PROMISES!

Supporting Afghan Families, a local 501c3 charity is led by Retired Army Colonel, Mark L. Rathburn, along with our board of community leaders, including an American with expertise beyond Kabul in Taliban controlled warzones. After serving multiple tours, Mark’s team has responded to the heart-wrenching evacuation of Kabul in August of 2021 leaving behind their Afghan Brothers-in-arms, and their families.

Our Vision is supporting Afghan families with immigration assistance because they stood by our service-members keeping them safe. Sadly, these families, approved through the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program are caught in limbo, sometimes months and years while awaiting ﬁnal immigration approval. Monthly, we deliver food and life support to these families in hiding. They are hunted and in fear of not only their life, but the lives of their extended family.

Donations from YOU, are transferred to our in-country Afghan partners, directly to vetted waiting families. Many Afghan lives are saved by networking with other Afghan rescue organizations in collaboration with Congressional Representatives, State Department Immigration O ces, and Embassies.

As a 100% volunteer organization, we rely entirely on citizen participation!

With your donations, we have anonymous donors willing to match up to $2,000!

• $100 feeds a family of four for one month.

• $50 buys a phone card critical for internet and communication access

Become a warrior of the human spirit! Help us to save lives one Afghan family at a time.

RootedHomes

THE GIV IN G P L AT E

ABOUT US

BASIC NEEDS

The Giving Plate operates four core hunger-relief programs: the Grocery Program, Kid’s Korner, Kid’s Korner Mobile Pantry, and Kids Korner Snack Packs. In 2024, we provided food to over 97,000 individuals, distributing over 986,000 pounds of food. Our Grocery Program allows families to access our new Community Store, where guests shop for free in an empowering, choice-based environment. Through Kid’s Korner, children joyfully select their own food in a kid-friendly space. We are committed to providing compassionate, digniﬁed support because no one should feel shame for needing help. Your support not only ﬁghts hunger but also feeds hope, making a real di erence. Join us to ensure no one in our community goes hungry.

THE PEACEFUL PRESENCE PROJECT

ABOUT US

BASIC NEEDS

The Peaceful Presence Project reimagines and transforms the way communities talk about, plan for and experience the last stage of life. We support individuals and families with planning for serious illness and the end of life, provide in-person, bedside presence during the last months, weeks or days of life a death.

We envision a culture in which every community member receives equitable, compassionate support through the end of life. To date, we have delivered more than 900 hours of client services at no charge to the recipient. Our Compassion Funds make it possible for anyone in Central Oregon to receive this care.

Your generous donation will help ensure that No One Dies Alone in Central Oregon.

TH R IV E CENT R AL OREGO N

ABOUT US

Thrive Central Oregon's mission is to connect individual needs to community resources.

Thrive Central Oregon meets families and individuals - our neighbors - in public spaces to connect them with the assistance they are looking for. There are many resources in Central Oregon, but the and utilize a holistic, individual-led approach to services, and in doing sustainable and trauma-informed way

In 2024, Thrive assisted over 2,000 households in connecting to needed resources. From locating food banks to applying for Social health insurance, Thrive works to meet whatever need folks come to our services with. In the past 12 months, Thrive Community Outreach Advocates have helped 184 households move into sustainable housing!

Anyone can utilize Thrive services through one of our 15 weekly drop-in times, by email, or by phone We have drop-in locations across Central Oregon's 3 counties, and are free of charge

Show your support with our Thrive winter pom hat, yours with any donation of $50 or more!

100% of every donation goes into the Thrive Housing Fund, which supports those in our community working toward housing stability by providing application fees, rent, and deposit assistance

UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL OREGON

ABOUT US

Invest in United Way. Join us in nurturing hope, dignity, and opportunity—for everyone.

We all believe Central Oregon deserves a future where everyone can thrive. Yet here in Central Oregon, 1 in 3 households—about 30,000 families—struggle daily just to make ends meet.

You have the power to strengthen our community—you can turn your compassion into action. That’s why we’re here: to help you make it happen.

Everything we do depends on you—your support helps move thousands of children, families, and neighbors in Central Oregon from surviving to thriving. Here’s how your investment makes a di erence:

• Housing Stabilization

• Eviction Prevention

• Food Insecurity

• Homelessness

• Financial Stability

• Transportation

• Health and Hygiene

• Disaster Resilience

Every child deserves a safe, nurturing home. Every family deserves the security of meeting their basic needs. Every neighbor deserves the chance to be strong and resilient. Yet for too many in Central Oregon, these basic dignities remain out of reach.

• 34% of Central Oregonians are ALICE—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed—meaning they don’t have enough income to cover their food, housing, transportation, healthcare, childcare, smartphone, and taxes.

• Oregon ranks worst in the nation in family homelessness—nearly 20 in 10,000 children live unsheltered in our state.

Central Oregonians like you have always stepped up—and so have we. Together, we’re showing up for our neighbors in Crook, Deschutes, and Je erson Counties with a commitment to fairness and opportunity. Here’s how United Way is making an impact:

Resilient Families Fund

Keeping families fed, housed and stable by providing immediate support for essential needs, like food, rent, utilities, eviction prevention, and emergency expenses.

Ride United

Opening doors to opportunity through free transportation to access work, education, food, housing, healthcare, and other essential services.

CARES – Community Access to Resources & Essential Supplies

Collection Drives and a Laundry Truck (coming soon) to meet urgent needs and restore dignity today while laying the foundation for lasting stability tomorrow.

Coalition to End Family Homelessness

Moving Oregon from worst to ﬁrst in family homelessness by leading statewide partners to drive systemic change through policy and advocacy.

Disaster Resilience

Helping families and neighbors weather wildﬁres, winter storms, and other extreme events—through disaster relief and resilience resources.

Grantmaking

Supporting nonproﬁts that meet urgent needs by providing emergency food and shelter.

When our neighbors thrive, our entire community thrives. But right now, too many children go to bed hungry. Too many families are unsure how they'll make ends meet.

This is where you come in. Your gift matters. Your support fuels change. By investing in our community, you help move families from surviving to thriving. United is the Way we inspire action, care for our neighbors, and build a stronger, more connected Central Oregon.

HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT

MEET OUR LOCAL NON PROFITS

Around the Bend Farms Incorporated

Bend Bikes

Cascade Cannery

Central Oregon Veteran’s Ranch

Deschutes Land Trust

Diversability Inc.

Destination Rehab

Friends of Family Farmers

NAMI Central Oregon

AROUND THE BEND FARMS

ABOUT US

Lines for Life

Partner’s In Care Inc

Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette

Shoot the Cancer Target Company

The Environmental Center

Project Happy Face

Upper Deschutes Watershed Council

Volunteers In Medicine

At Around the Bend Farms, our mission is to expand access to locally and sustainably grown healthy food, and share practical knowledge on healthy living and eating in the communities we support. Primarily, we build and operate compact urban farm solutions that help put more fresh local produce within reach of more people.

We work to build an all-inclusive urban agriculture society, and we intently strive to bridge communities and foster connections with the folks who will receive our fresh produce.

Our Farm-to-Warm Springs project emerged from recognition of the disconnect between our Bend community and the Native American population within Central Oregon. We collaborate directly with our Warm Springs neighbors to grow awareness and understanding of our cultures and communities. We work together to help achieve food sovereignty, and forge stable networks within our collective food system.

ABOUT US

Safer streets Stronger community

• Our mission is to make it safe and convenient for everyone to walk, ride, and roll to work, school, the st or just around town

• We believe Bend should have a complete, connected network of bike-friendly routes that serve every neighborhood

• The most vulnerable among us children, older adults, and those with fewer resources are at greater risk when our streets prioritize cars over people

• By pushing for safer, more accessible streets, we’re helping create a healthier, more sustainable Bend for everyone

• Every bike ride helps reduce pollution, ease congestion, and build community connections

Together, we’re working toward a Bend where biking is safe, practical, and joyful for all.

R Y

ABOUT US

Every jar holds a season: the brightness of summer berries, the tang of brined radish, the warmth of pickled peppers, and ﬂavors captured at their peak to be shared long after harvest Cascades Cannery partners with local farms to purchase surplus and imperfect produce, preserving it into shelf-stable foods that nourish Central Oregon year-round. These goods are

regional food economy

Since launching this summer, we’ve rescued 3,650 pounds of local produce, preserving it into more than 2,500 jars. With your support, we can grow to 20,000 jars in 2026, rescuing 30,000 pounds of food from waste

Your

C A S C A D E S CANNE

C

ABOUT US

Help Veterans Find Community and Purpose—Right Here at the Ranch

COVR is a working ranch where camaraderie, nature, and hands-on projects help veterans ﬁnd community. We’re a place for veterans looking for inspiration and healing, and for veterans who want to contribute and inspire others.

Your gift keeps the gates open—powering daily Ranch and hydroponic operations, site upkeep, and the sta who make our programs and events possible. This winter, we’re converting our garage into a community workshop: a space where veterans will both teach and learn, forge strong networks, ﬁnd inspiration, and rediscover hope. Make a gift. Change a life.

Keep the greenhouse growing · Equip volunteer workdays · Fund peer-led activities · Maintain safe, welcoming grounds

ABOUT US

The Deschutes Land Trust conserves and cares for the lands and waters that sustain Central Oregon, so local communities and the natural world can ﬂourish together for generations to come. The Land Trust is working to create a future where conservation and community care come together to protect, heal, and sustain the natural world around us.

At the Land Trust, we love Central Oregon and thrive in time spent outside exploring and caring for the land and waters of this amazing place with friends, family, and community. We are also passionate about conserving these places for today and tomorrow, and we take seriously our shared responsibility to care for the land now and for future generations.

Since 1995, the Land Trust has protected more than 18,700 acres in and around Central Oregon. This includes a network of local nature preserves that help local communities connect with the natural world close to home. Indian Ford Meadow Preserve and Whychus Canyon Preserve are just two examples. Each year, the Land Trust o ers more than 100 free walks, hikes, and outings, to explore these Preserves. We also o er a free, annual Nature Night lecture series and a variety of indoor and outdoor volunteer opportunities. Donate today: deschuteslandtrust.org

ABOUT US

We empower community connections for individuals with diverse abilities and their families. Our programs strengthen belonging for all.

The Happyning Hub (shown here)

Everyone belongs at The Happyning Hub! We host hands-on crafts, games, and community events that spark joy and friendship.

Youth Sibshops™

We host meet-up groups for 5 to 18-year-old siblings of people with disabilities/diversabilities. Every ﬁrst Saturday, Siblings create art, foster friendships, and learn skills.

Diversability Village

Diversability Village connects you with trusted resources, from physical therapy to legal and ﬁnancial planning and everything in between. We simplify the search so families can focus on what matters most — living fully. Visit DiversabilityVillage.org to begin your journey.

Join us in building a community where everyone belongs. Donate, volunteer, or connect today. Together, we create Connection!

D E SCHUT ES L A ND T RUS T

DESTINATION REHAB

ABOUT US

Our Mission Destination Rehab transforms the lives of adults with neurologic conditions through outdoor adventures in Central Oregon. Our services, such as personalized physical therapy, outdoor group support programs, and weekly ﬁtness classes, promote health, independence, and community reintegration.

Your donation directly impacts the lives of Destination Rehab participants:

• $85 – One month of PEAK Fitness membership

• $150 – Comprehensive evaluation and onboarding for a new participant

• $300 – Six weeks of walking soccer

• $1,000 – A full summer of our Adventure Group program

7,300+ service hours annually!

"Rehab has changed my life. Seriously. I had a pretty big stroke almost 17 years ago, which still limits my mobility. I used to really enjoy being outdoors with my work as a geologist and for fun recreation. Since my stroke, it’s been a challenge to do pretty much anything outside except short walks on a smooth sidewalk. Traditional therapy works on “Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)” such as putting on a shirt and sitting up and down in a chair. I think of my ADLs at Destination Rehab as Actually Doing Life! Now I put on a shirt AND a life jacket and sit in a kayak in the beautiful alpine waters of Little Lava Lake! Now that is pretty cool- I am really living!"

- A Trailblazer Participant

FR IENDS O F F AMIL Y F ARM ER S

ABOUT US

Friends of Family Farmers supports Oregon's small to mid-sized farmers and ranchers through programs and policies that protect, promote, and sustain sustainable local food systems across the state. We believe that when local farms thrive, so do the communities that depend on them.

For 20 years, we've been helping Oregon's independent farmers grow success through hands-on support, community building, and advocacy. Our Oregon Farm Link program helps new and expanding farmers ﬁnd secure access to land and community resources. The Oregon Pasture Network supports ranchers raising animals on pasture and rangeland, providing education, community building and marketing tools to expand access to pasture-raised, humanely produced meat, dairy, and eggs. And through farmer-led advocacy, we protect Oregon’s farmland, ecosystems, and the livelihoods of those who feed us.

Central Oregon values fresh, local food, open landscapes, and strong community connectionsjust like we do. Supporting Friends of Family Farmers is a meaningful way to keep local food systems thriving, nourish ourselves & our neighbors, and sustain Oregon’s local food future.

ABOUT US

NAMI Central Oregon is a non-proﬁt organization that provides support, education, and advocacy for people with mental illness and their loved ones in Deschutes, Crook, and Je erson Counties. NAMI stands for National Alliance on Mental Illness.

The Mission of NAMI Central Oregon is to improve the quality of life for persons living with mental health challenges and their families through engagement, support, education, and advocacy.

Serving Deschutes, Je erson, and Crook counties, our grassroots non-proﬁt organization was built on a foundation of using lived experience to empower individuals, families and communities.

NAMI CENTRAL OREGON

CENTRAL OREGON YOUTHLINE

ABOUT US

The Central Oregon YouthLine (COYL) is a teen-to-teen crisis line, supported by youth volunteers who deeply understand the challenges their peers face today. There are two COYL call centers in Central Oregon: in Bend and on the Warm Springs Reservation. We reach young people on the lines and through classroom programming in an area that is experiencing a youth mental health crisis. In 2023, 58% of all deaths of youth ages 10-17 were suicides. Deschutes County has the highest youth suicide rate in Oregon, as well as being 19% higher than the national average. Strengthening YouthLine’s ﬁnancial standing in Central Oregon is crucial to meeting the needs of youth in the tri-county area, more speciﬁcally Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Sisters, Madras and LaPine. Central Oregon deserves a strong, local response—and your support ensures we’re here for every teen in need.

Lines for Life is an Oregon-based nonproﬁt dedicated to the prevention of substance abuse and suicide and the promotion of mental wellness. We deliver our core services with 24/7 crisis helplines, community prevention initiatives, advocacy, and training programs. YouthLine Youth volunteers complete over 65 hours of extensive training, enabling them to professionally and compassionately support teen peers who may be experiencing anything from a poor test score to a break-up to a mental health crisis. In 2024, YouthLine volunteers answered over 25,000 crisis calls, chats and texts; and served over 65,000 youth.

PARTNE R S I N C A R E

ABOUT US

HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT

Partners In Care has been serving Central Oregon for over 45 years as the region’s leading and most trusted nonprofit hospice, home health, and palliative care provider, redefining hope for our community since the beginning. In 1979, a group of volunteers created their own model of care for people who were terminally ill, based on the hospice philosophy of care that had been adopted in the United States just years earlier. The organization, first known as ‘Friends of Hospice’ evolved into what we now know as Partners In Care, and has been serving communities across Deschutes, Crook, Je erson, Upper Klamath, and Lake Counties for over 45 years.

As the most trusted provider of home health, palliative care, and hospice services in Central Oregon, we provide care to communities throughout Deschutes, Crook, and Je erson counties. Our largely mobile workforce of over 200 employees serves patients and their families in a 10,000 square mile area. Nearly 200 local volunteers work with Partners In Care in fundraising, resource coordination, and other areas of community support. As the name Partners In Care suggests, our multi-disciplinary team not only serves patients with life-limiting illness and families during a most di cult time, but it’s also a valuable partner with other community resources and organizations, coordinating compassionate care and meeting a broad spectrum of care needs for many population segments.

PLANNED PARENTHOOD COLUMBIA WILLAMETTE

ABOUT US

Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette (PPCW) is the largest nonprofit sexual and reproductive health care organization in Oregon. Our mission is to provide, promote, and protect access to sexual and reproductive health care, regardless of the patient’s income level, insurance, immigration status, race, or sexual orientation.

Last year, our dedicated staff served a record 74,000+ patient visits at our eight health centers, providing birth control, STI testing and treatment, cervical cancer screening and treatment, abortion care, gender affirming care, vasectomies, and more. In addition to these services, PPCW’s Education & Outreach programs provide comprehensive sex education and resources for local schools, educators, and young people.

Donations to PPCW help us ensure that every person in our community has access to sexual and reproductive health care, no matter what.

Central Oregon Youthline (503) 244-5211

info@linesforlife.org

linesforlife.org

SHOOT THE CANCER TARGET COMPANY

ABOUT US

Shoot the Cancer Target Company is proud to call Central Oregon home and our mission is rooted in serving this community. Through our events, products, and partnerships, we provide a meaningful way for individuals and families to release the stress and emotions that often come with a cancer diagnosis, o ering a positive coping outlet during di cult times.

The majority of our proceeds stay local—supporting cancer centers, research, and patient programs throughout Central Oregon so contributions directly bring hope, healing, and vital resources to our neighbors a ected by cancer.

THE ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER

ABOUT US

Over the last 35 years, The Environmental Center has grown to become a regional leader in environmental education, engagement, and climate action. Our work helps to shape sustainable communities that meet human needs equitably, live within our planet’s ecological limits and build a prosperous economy for all — without compromising the ability for future generations to do the same.

Our mission is to embed sustainability into daily life in Central Oregon. We do this through educational programs, meaningful partnerships, and by advocating for policies to advance a low-carbon, resilient future.

Shoot The Cancer Target Company

PROJECT HAPPY FACE

ABOUT US

Project Happy Face: Clear Skin, Bright Futures. Delivered Healthcare with Compassion

In Oregon’s rural counties, where access to specialized healthcare is scarce, Project Happy Face (PHF) is transforming lives one patient, one smile, one mile at a time. Founded by nationally recognized Dermatology PA Amy Snow, PHF is a nonproﬁt dedicated to bridging the divide between urban and rural healthcare systems by delivering expert dermatologic care directly to underserved communities.

ABOUT US

VO LU NT E E R S I N

ABOUT US

Right now in Central without health insuranc and food, childcare, or medical care, untreated or life threatening illness, and overwhelming medical bills.

PHF’s mobile outreach trailer travels to remote zip codes where skin cancer screenings and dermatology services are virtually nonexistent. Through its Screen to Save program, PHF provides free skin cancer screenings, catching life-threatening conditions early and saving lives in areas where patients might otherwise go years without seeing a specialist. To date, PHF has identiﬁed multiple melanomas through its mobile unit, directly saving lives by catching skin cancer before it became deadly.

Right now in Central Oregon, thousands without health insurance choose between healthcare and food, childcare, or housing. Without access to medical care, untreated conditions could lead to severe or life threatening illness, visits to the emergency room and overwhelming medical bills.

Volunteers in Medicine is our successful, to this terrible dilemma.

What we do

Volunteers in Medicine is our successful, local solution to this terrible dilemma.

What we do

Our patients are low-income, working covered by the Oregon Health Plan and

Our patients are low-income, working adults not covered by the Oregon Health Plan and who cannot

Clear Skin, Bright Futures program, a confidence-building initiative that provides free acne treatments and skincare to high school students who have no access to dermatology. Medications are delivered directly to their schools, eliminating barriers like transportation and cost. But PHF’s approach goes deeper than skin. Students receiving care sign a contract to smile at strangers and respond to four reflective essay questions, fostering civility, empathy, and self-worth. They graduate not only with clearer skin, but with a renewed sense of confidence and a commitment to give back.

We treat people by partnering with St. pro-bono specialists, and nearly 2,000 doctors, nurses and community members 20 years.

We treat people by partnering with St. Charles, local pro-bono specialists, and nearly 2,000 volunteer doctors, nurses and community members over the last 20 years.

It’s special. We are neighbors taking ca e of neighbors.

Tony’s story

It’s special. We are neighbors taking care of neighbors.

Tony’s story

Now, with a large medical bill from the emergency room diagnosis, Tony was facing a major question. How would health problem and provide for his family?

Now, with a large medical bill from the emergency room and a new diagnosis, Tony was facing a major question. How would he pay for this health problem and provide for his family?

PHF’s model is rooted in mentorship and community-building. Teens are taught that receiving care is just the beginning, they’re encouraged to pay it forward once they’ve launched their careers. This philosophy plants seeds of civic responsibility and

But the nurse told Tony about VIM. He got a referral to our seen quickly We provided glucose monitoring, education and the medication Tony needs to stay healthy and keep

entire communities. The mobile unit is more than a trailer, it’s a lifeline, a safe space for teens, and a symbol of hope.

The outcomes

In our 20 years, we’ve:

• Treated 16,000 patients

As part of this year’s local nonproﬁt donation campaign, Project Happy Face invites the community to support its mission. Donations will go directly to the patients who need medications and to fuel the mobile unit that delivers care across rural counties. Every dollar helps provide life-saving screenings, medical-grade treatments, and mentorship to youth who are ready to shine.

• Provided 111,000 patient visits

• Racked up 114,000 volunteer hours

• Provided $150 million+ in medical care and community beneﬁt

Change lives with a gift today!

Project Happy Face isn’t just treating skin, its building futures, fostering civility, and saving lives. With your support, we can continue to reach the zip codes that need us most and ensure that no teenager with acne is left behind because of where they live.

Project Happy Face

ABOUT US

Volunteers in Medicine is our successful, local solution to this terrible dilemma.

What we do

VO LU NTEE R S I N M E DI CIN E

Our patients are low-income, working adults not covered by the Oregon Health Plan and who cannot otherwise a ord insurance.

VO LU NTEE R S IN MED I CIN E

We treat people by partnering with St. Charles, local pro-bono specialists, and nearly 2,000 volunteer doctors, nurses and community members over the last 20 years. It’s special. We are neighbors taking care of neighbors.

ABOUT US

In our 20 years, we’ve:

• Treated over 16,000 patients

• Provided 121,000 patient visits

• Racked up 123,000 volunteer hours

Volunteers in Medicine is our successful, to this terrible dilemma.

• Provided more $212 million in medical care and community beneﬁt Change lives with a gift today!

What we do

Healthcare at a Crossroads: Letter from the Executive Director

Volunteers in Medicine is our successful, local solution to this terrible dilemma.

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

What we do

Our patients are low-income, working covered by the Oregon Health Plan and

Our patients are low-income, working adults not covered by the Oregon Health Plan and who cannot

At Volunteers in Medicine, Clinic of the Cascades (VIM Cascades), we believe that healthcare is a fundamental human right. For over two decades, our clinic has been a lifeline for hardworking members of our Central Oregon community who, despite their many contributions, ﬁnd themselves without insurance or access to a ordable medical care.

We treat people by partnering with St. Charles, local pro-bono specialists, and nearly 2,000 volunteer doctors, nurses and community members over the last 20 years.

We treat people by partnering with St. pro-bono specialists, and nearly 2,000 doctors, nurses and community members 20 years.

It’s special. We are neighbors taking ca e of neighbors.

Tony’s story

It’s special. We are neighbors taking care of neighbors.

Tony’s story

Our patients are the backbone of this region: construction workers, hospitality sta , small business owners, artists, home healthcare providers, and so many others who keep our economy and community thriving. They deserve quality care, and thanks to the dedication of our clinical volunteers and pro-bono medical partners, we provide it. Since 2004, we’ve served over 16,000 patients, delivered $212 million in healthcare value and community beneﬁt, and distribute over $2.5 million in life-saving medications annually from our chartable pharmacy, the only one in Oregon east of the Cascades. We do all of this through a model built on compassion and community.

The healthcare landscape in America is at a crossroads. The A ordable Care Act’s subsidies are set to expire this December, leading to 200% increases in premiums for individuals and businesses, leaving many unable to a ord insurance. Also, recent legislation means over 250,000 Oregonians could lose Medicaid coverage in the future, with ripple e ects straining hospitals and clinics statewide. Here in Central Oregon, we’re preparing for an inﬂux of patients who may soon have nowhere else to turn.

Now, with a large medical bill from the emergency room and a new diagnosis, Tony was facing a major question. How would he pay for this health problem and provide for his family?

How You Can Help

Now, with a large medical bill from the emergency room diagnosis, Tony was facing a major question. How would health problem and provide for his family?

But the nurse told Tony about VIM. He got a referral to our seen quickly We provided glucose monitoring, education and the medication Tony needs to stay healthy and keep

This isn’t just a policy issue, it’s a human one. When people delay care because of cost, manageable conditions become emergencies. When clinics and hospitals close or waitlists grow, entire communities su er. VIM Cascades exists to bridge these issues, but we can’t do it alone.

The outcomes

The

outcomes

In our 20 years, we’ve:

• Treated 16,000 patients

• Provided 111,000 patient visits

• Give Generously – Every dollar helps us provide care for those who need it most. Your donation ensures prescriptions are ﬁlled, chronic conditions are managed and reduces burdens on our community health system.

• Provided 111,000 patient visits

• Racked up 114,000 volunteer hours

• Volunteer Your Time – Whether you’re a medical professional or a community member with a passion for service, your skills can make a di erence.

• Provided $150 million+ in medical care and community beneﬁt

Change lives with a gift today!

VIM Cascades was founded in 2001 by a group of visionaries who refused to accept that hardworking people should go without care because they did not have insurance. Today, we carry that same determination. But as needs grow, so must our resources. If you believe, as we do, that healthcare should be accessible to all—please act now. Donate via our Central Oregon Gives page, volunteer, or otherwise champion our cause. Let’s ensure no one in Central Oregon has to choose between their health and other basic needs

With gratitude and hope,

Kat Mastrangelo Executive Director

CALENDAR

Silver Moon Brewing Kara

Grace Wilson: Don’t Shoot the Messenger EP Release Show Raised in the Alaska folk scene, Kara Grace Wilson’s music is a heartfelt reflection of her experiences and the lessons she’s learned on her journey. 7pm.

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

Upp Liquids Bend Comedy November Showcase Bend Comedy is back with another unforgettable night of laughter! 8-10pm. $25-$35.

8 Saturday

Austin Mercantile Saturday Afternoon Live

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

The Belfry Dry Canyon Stampede Dry Canyon Stampede is Central Oregon’s favorite country dance band. Featuring 6 vocalists covering a wide variety of country dance tunes, this band is sure to get you on the dance floor. Hank to Brothers Osborne, Patsy to Miranda, and all the good stuff in between.Join us for Swing Dance lessons at 7 pm! 7-8pm.

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

The Capitol Lorin @ZEN Bend’s finest nightclub. Second Saturdays feature an ever-evolving blend of house, dance and ‘90s hip-hop. Second Saturday of every month, 9pm-2am. Free.

The Commonwealth Pub JuJu Eyeball Juju Eyeball’s energetic shows and top-notch musicianship hit the sweet spot with the audience from the first downbeat. Party on Jojo! 8-10pm. Free.

Craft Kitchen and Brewery Adult Prom at Craft Kitchen Half of the ticket sales will go to a charity (TBA.) We will have a variety of music playing outside (requests are welcome.) 7-9pm

M&J Tavern Night Channels, Giantess and Vanderwalls Stellar Sounds that are outta this world! 9pm. Free.

Pangaea Guild Hall Celestial Celebration: Scorpio A celebration of those born under the star sign of Scorpio. Join us for a night of bespoke cocktails, fine food, and more! Free admission, all ages. 6-11pm.

Portello Wine and Spirits Pete Kartsounes Join us for a night of dynamic Americana with masterful guitar, heartfelt storytelling, and soulful energy. Live music that blends roots, rhythm, and pure Bend vibes. 6:30-8:30pm. Free.

River’s Place Saturday Jazz Sessions Lonnie Mardis Trio 6-8pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Music Flow Youth Rock Show We are bringing the youth for this high-energy showcase of young rockers from our music school. These kids will be serving up plenty of classic rock, 90’s alternative, and heavy metal tunes for a night of epic proportions. This show is a fundraiser for local theater programs and band equipment. 6-9pm. $15-$20.

Silver Moon Brewing The Slap Frost Tour (Underground Bay Area Hip Hop) It’s been a wild ride through 110 cities and 45 states, producing a decade of incredible performances. The Slap Frost Tour was conceived of by three friends in a garage in Richmond, California in 2014. 7pm. $15.

Sisters Depot Hot Gypsy Swing with The Brandon Campbell Trio Come and join us at Frankie’s Upstairs (Sisters Depot) for some serious Speakeasy vibes accompanied by some Hot, Degenerate Gypsy Swing by The Brandon Campbell Trio - while it’s still legal!!! 7-9pm. $15.

The Barrel Room at UPP Lexis Shardé Live at The Barrel Room Comedy collides with music as Lexis Shardé turns millennial chaos, dating fails, and real talk into nonstop laughs. Hosted by Juan Denmark. With special guests Cam Stone & Liam Gibler. 8pm. $15-$25.

Volcanic Theatre Pub Patterson Hood & Craig Finn Americana singer/songwriter and storyteller. 7-11pm. $30-$50.

Wildwood Bar & Grill Billy and the Box Kid Billy and the Box Kid emerged as a duo in the Bend open mic scene when singer-songwriter Anderson Koenig (also known as Billy) and Scottie McClelland (the Box Kid) collided. Their music is influenced by 1950s Rock and Roll, country, and bluegrass, with a hint of Southern blues. 7-10pm. Free.

9 Sunday

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

The Commonwealth Pub Talamh Dubh and Friends Talamh Dubh is a trio with collective ties to Ireland and a love for Irish music. Their name, “Dark Earth” in Gaelic, pays homage to the volcanic ground of the Cascade range upon which the group formed. Featured in their repertoire are jigs, reels, hornpipes, marches, waltzes, and songs. 4-6pm. The Commonwealth Pub Head Games Trivia Night Eat. Drink. Think. Win! Live multi-media trivia every Sunday @ 6pm. The Commonwealth Pub - Bend Free to play. Win prizes. Teams up to 6. 6-8pm. Free.

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

River’s Place Bill Powers Roots, Americana, Folk 5-7pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Smallpools & Moon Rattles Nashville/LA indie-rockers Smallpools erupted onto the scene with their head turning opening statement, “Dreaming” (now RIAA Certified Gold). The song surged to the top of the HypeMachine chart; quickly earning the band support from alternative radio stations across the country, multiple late night television appearances and a home on the road as the opening act for Twenty One Pilots, Walk the Moon, Grouplove and Two Door Cinema Club on their national tours. 6:30-9:30pm.

Silver Moon Brewing Open Mic at the Moon

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

Ski Inn Taphouse Hotel Barringer & Baker

Mark Barringer; guitar and vocals, and Bob Baker; violin, create dynamic soundscapes. 6-8pm. Free.

Volcanic Theatre Pub King 810 + Tallah and Filth Metal 7-11pm. $20-$30.

10 Monday

Bevel Craft Brewing Bingo with Bren Supporting Habitat for Humanity Join us for Bingo with Bren, supporting Habitat for Humanity! Fifty percent of proceeds go to cash prizes, while the rest helps build safe, affordable housing for families in need. Play, win, and make a difference— together we can create a future where everyone has a place to call home. 6-8pm. $2.

The Commonwealth Pub Monday Night Musicians Open Showcase and Jam Calling all musicians, singers and performers! Join us for a weekly open showcase where you can share your talent, connect with other artists and perform in a welcoming atmosphere. Bring your instrument — backline is provided. 5-9pm. Free.

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

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

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

11 Tuesday

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

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

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

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

The Commonwealth Pub Michelle Van Handel - Tuesday Night Jazz Michelle is an award winning vocalist that has been singing for 25 years creating music through jazz and the great American song book. Her alto voice and ability to improvise gives her the natural resources to tell stories not only through lyric but also through instrumental like soul & tone. 7-9pm.

Crosscut Warming Hut No 5 Head Games

Trivia Night Live multi-media trivia every other Tuesday at Crosscut Warming Hut No. 5, Bend. Free to play, win prizes, teams up to 6. Please arrive early for best seats. Every other Tuesday, 6-8pm. 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.

M&J Tavern Karaoke Every Tuesday at your downtown living room! Sign-ups start at 8pm and the singing goes until last call OR last singer, whichever comes first! 8pm-1:15am. Free.

Midtown Ballroom Charles Wesley Godwin 8pm.

Mountain Burger Trivia Tuesday at Mountain Burger Come to Trivia Tuesday at Mountain Burger! Fun and prizes await! 7:30-9pm. Free.

Northside Bar & Grill Karaoke with DJ Chris Ossig Karaoke with DJ Chris. 7-9pm. Free. Pinky G’s Pizzeria TRIVIA NIGHT Test your knowledge in a casual/laid-back atmosphere. Pizza, beer and trivia. Free to play and prizes for 1st and 2nd place. 6-8pm. Free.

River’s Place Bingo! Have fun, win $ and help out a local non profit organization. 6-8pm.

Silver Moon Brewing Mary Chicken Soup & Rice Mary itself is a trickster spirit, channeled through the application of a little toxic face paint, the donning of dirty suits, and the practice of purgatorial theatrics: part psychedelic seance, part manic episode and all unnervingly sincere. 6pm. $13-$15.

Silver Moon Brewing El Khat & Guests Experimenting with DIY, self-made instruments as an expression of a minimalist life philosophy—while remaining loyal to traditional Yemeni percussive roots—the three-piece developed a unique Arabic-Yemeni style. Although their detachment from any nation or flag is a driving force behind the group, the heart of their music and heritage remains deeply rooted in Yemeni culture. 6-9pm

MUSIC

HDCM Concert Series: Quatuor Agate High Desert Chamber Music’s 18th season, presented by Washington Trust Bank and Lynch Murphy McLane LLP, continues with Quatuor Agate. Don’t miss this critically acclaimed string quartet’s Central Oregon debut, featuring works by Mozart, Haydn, and Ravel. Nov. 7, 7:30-9:30pm. Contact: 5413063988. mark@ highdesertchambermusic.com. $49.

DANCE

Argentine Tango Classes and Social Dancing Tango 101 lesson at 6:30pm, followed by a práctica from 7:15-9:30pm. All levels welcome. Check Facebook for latest info. Wednesdays, 6:30-9:30pm. Sons of Norway Hall, 549 NW Harmon Blvd., Bend. Contact: 901-550-5671. aneezerk@gmail.com. $10.

Hailing from the Columbia River Gorge, Megan Alder is a vocal powerhouse performing upbeat swing and Americana music. Wed., Nov. 5, 6pm at the Bite in Tumalo.

Megan Alder

CALENDAR EVENTS

Lindy Hop Social Dance and Intro Lesson Take back your night life! Join a community eager to share their excitement for this goofy, athletic and energetic dance. Danced to classic jazz standards Lindy Hop is connected to its roots, but always innovating. Sundays. Through Nov. 30. The Space, 63830 Clausen Rd, Bend. Contact: trevorsmith.or@gmail.com. $7-$12.

FILM EVENTS

KÖLN 75 Behind one of the best-selling jazz records of all time, Keith Jarrett’s 1975 Köln Concert, how it almost didn’t happen, and how one formidable German teenager, Vera Brandes, breaks every boundary to set the conditions for the creation of a masterpiece. Nov. 5, 6:158:30pm. Sisters Movie House, 720 Desperado Court, Sisters. Contact: 5415498833. inquiries@ sistersmoviehouse.com. $17.

ARTS + CRAFTS

Joren Traveller High Desert Art League member Joren Traveller is showing “My Oregon”, landscapes in oil in the lobby of the Oxford Hotel through the month of November. Meet the artist during the First Friday Art Walk, November 7, 5-7 p.m. Nov. 1-30, 9am-9pm. The Oxford Hotel, 10 Northwest Minnesota Avenue, Bend. Contact: 541-382-8436. Free.

November First Friday Surrounded by the breathtaking landscape photography of Jarod Gatley. We’ll be crafting seasonal wreaths with the offerings of Central Oregon and in connection with BEND DÍA DE MUERTOS symbolic marigolds, sipping warm cider, snacking on charcuterie, and enjoying good music and great company. Nov. 7, 5-8pm. RE/MAX Key Properties, 42 NW Greenwood Avenue, Bend. Contact: 541-728-0033. marketing@rmkporegon.com. Free.

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.

Second Saturday at the Gallery Enjoy free food and libations at the Artists Gallery Sunriver Village the 2nd Saturday of each month. Work of 30 local artists is on display and here’s your chance to meet some of those artists. Second Saturday of every month, 4-6pm. The Village at Sunriver, 57100 Beaver Dr., Sunriver. Contact: 541-593-8704. Free.

PRESENTATIONS + EXHIBITS

Author Event + Conversation featuring Leah Sottile Join us for author event and discussion with Oregon-based investigative journalist and writer, Leah Sottile as she discusses her new book, “Blazing Eye Sees All: Love Has Won, False Prophets, and the Fever Dream of the American New Age”. RSVP via website. Nov. 7, 6-8pm. Dudley’s Bookshop Cafe, 135 NW Minnesota Ave., Bend. Contact: dudleysbookshopcafe@gmail.com. $5.

Bend Design Conference Join us for Bend Design 2025, a conference not just for designers. Featuring internationally known artist Lisa Congdon! Speakers, workshops, creative connection, networking. Nov. 7-8. OSU Cascades Ray Hall Atrium, 1500 SW Chandler Ave, Bend. Contact: info@scalehouse.org. $35-$215. Indigenous Music from the Amazon with Txana Ikakaru and Nixiani Huni Kuin Gran Maestro Txana Ikakuru and his 17-year-old daughter Nixiani Huni Kuin are traveling from the Brazilian Amazon to share ancestral songs, prayers, and teachings of the Huni Kuin people. Come with respect, curiosity, and an open heart. Tea provided. Nov. 6, 6-9pm. Aspen Hall, 18920 Northwest Shevlin Park Rd., Bend. Contact: 9703430102. $40-$60.

THEATER

“The Little Mermaid” OPA is thrilled to voyage the seven seas to present Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”. This family-friendly musical invites the community to journey under the sea with all the unforgettable characters from the beloved story. Tickets ovationpa.com Fri, Nov. 7, 6:30-8:45pm, Sat, Nov. 8, 6:30-8:45pm, Sun, Nov. 9, 3-5:15pm, Fri, Nov. 14, 6:30-8:45pm, Sat, Nov. 15, 6:30-8:45pm and Sun, Nov. 16, 3-5:15pm. Redmond High School, 675 SW Rimrock Way, Redmond. Contact: 5418154160. theatre@ovationpa.com. $14.

Nancy Blue: Girl Detective Will Nancy and her friends solve the mystery of the missing principal? Find out in this fun parody-mystery production from BEAT Children’s Theatre! Fri, Aug. 15, 6-7pm, Ongoing, 2-3pm and Sat, Aug. 16, 2-3pm. Open Space Event Studios, 220 NE Lafayette Ave, Bend. $15-$20.

Once: The Musical A transcendent theatrical experience that will sweep you off your feet. As the sun sets on a charmingly gritty Irish cityscape, the ethereal music weaves a tapestry of love and longing, daring you to believe in the unexpected. Join us for a chronicle of chance encounters and soulful connection. Thursdays-Sundays, 7-9:30pm. Through Nov. 15. The Greenhouse Cabaret, 1017 NE 2nd St., Bend. Contact: 541.699.2840. info@thegreenhousecabaret.com. $49-$79.

WORDS

Meet Michael Cooper, Author Meet the Author of the Critically Acclaimed Miscalculated Risks: Attacked, Crippled, Paralyzed, Drowning, Unconscious and Freezing in The Wild (Just Not All at Once) Nov. 6, 6:30-8pm. Paulina Springs Books-Sisters, 252 W Hood Ave., Sisters. Contact: 541-549-0866. events@paulinaspringsbooks.com. Free.

The Secret of Writing Memoir with Cherie Kephart You can attend this program in person or take part online. To take part online, click “Register.” A memoir is more than just a personal story—it’s a craft. The secret to writing one lies in how you shape your life experiences into a compelling narrative. Nov. 11, 5:30-7:30pm. Downtown Bend Library - Brooks Room, 601 NW Wall St,, Bend. Contact: beccar@deschuteslibrary.org. Free. Writing Wednesdays at the OAC Join us every Wednesday night from 7pm-8:30pm for 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: 978-771-4635. claire@theopenartscenter.org. Free.

OUTDOOR EVENTS

2nd Annual Get Wild Chili CookOff Join us for a fun, delicious fall fundraiser this November 8! The event will support Think Wild, Central Oregon’s wildlife hospital and conservation center. With entry, guests will get to sample and vote on their favorite chilis, soups, and sides within five categories. Nov. 8, 4-8pm. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon, 61980 Skyline Ranch Rd, Bend, OR 97703, Bend. Contact: 541-668-6165. molly@thinkwildco.org. $15-$40.

Bend Snow & Avalanche Workshop Get snow-season ready with speakers from around the country touching on topics from risk and decision making, to traveling safely through the backcountry, to snow science and human factors. Presentations will benefit all experience levels and attendees will gain new tools and knowledge for backcountry travel. Nov. 8, 8am-4pm. COCC Campus Center - Wille Hall, 2600 College Way, Bend. Contact: 5038969818. info@coavalanche.org. $50.

Roller Skate Jam! Come skate with us— quads and inlines welcome! We throw down at the courts off SE Wilson, next to the skatepark. Music, dancing, rolling and a friendly community of welcoming skaters. All levels and ages welcome. Tuesdays, 6-8pm. Ponderosa Park, 225 SE 15th St., Bend. Contact: 206-334-8488. joe@ joe-walker.com. Free.

Sound Walk at Pine Meadow Ranch

Join Leah Crosby in this sound walk exploring the grounds of Pine Meadow Ranch! Get in tune with the world surrounding us and experience the different sonic environments. Leah will guide participants in physical centering and in practicing listening skills. Nov. 7, 2-4pm. Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture, 68467 Three Creek Rd., Sisters. Contact: 5419040700. inquiries@roundhousefoundation.org. Free.

VOLUNTEER

Aspen Fencing Work Party Join us for a fall aspen fencing work party at Camp Polk Meadow Preserve. Volunteers will remove wire fencing from thriving aspen stands and then help move them to places where the aspen need protection from heavy browsing by local wildlife. Your efforts will help improve habitat for native plants. Nov. 5, 10am-Noon. Camp Polk Meadow Preserve, outside Sisters, Sisters. Contact: 5413300017. event@deschuteslandtrust.org. Free. NeighborImpact Volunteer Opportunities Support NeighborImpact and its programs! Register as a volunteer, then browse open opportunities. Roles needed: Food Bank, HomeSource, facilities, special events and more! Mondays-Fridays. NeighborImpact Office - Redmond, 2303 SW First St., Redmond. Contact: 541-419-2595. grantj@neighborimpact.org. Free.

Redmond Family Kitchen Dinner Family Kitchen is continuing to provide nutritious meals to anyone in need, now in Redmond! Volunteers prepare dinners and clean up afterward. Email Tori with any questions or sign up here: https:// www.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. Volunteer, Feed the Masses! At Family Kitchen, the mission is to serve anyone who needs nutritious meals in a safe and caring environment. They have tons of volunteer needs - servers, cooks, shoppers, and more. Groups and teams wanted! Monthly or quarterly opportunities! Visit familykitchen.org/volunteer to fill out a volunteer interest form. Mondays-Sundays. Family Kitchen, 231 NW Idaho, Bend. Contact: tori@familykitchen.org. Free.

GROUPS + MEETUPS

Homeschool Open Play

Homeschool families are invited to a special time of play and exploration! Kids can climb rock walls, race down the giant red slide, cross the adventure net bridge, and soar through ninja obstacles while

Workshop: Turning Passion into Advocacy Join Oregon Wild and Protect Our Winters at this in-person workshop at Worthy Brewing to learn how to step up your activism and how to leverage your voice to make the most impact. Nov. 10, 5:30-7pm. Worthy Brewing - Main Pub and Brewery, 495 NE Bellevue Dr., Bend. Free.

FUNDRAISING

Annual Chili Feed and Raffle The Deschutes Historical Museum invites the public to our 42nd Annual Chili Feed and Raffle event November 7-8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., a fundraiser to support year-round programs and exhibits. Admission to the museum is free during the event. Featuring “Millie’s Chili” and assorted pie flavors for dessert. Nov. 7, 11am-3pm and Nov. 8, 11am-3pm. Deschutes Historical Museum, 129 NW Idaho Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-389-1813. info@deschuteshistory.org.

Mountain View High School Robotics

Annual Garage Sale Fundraiser Join us for the annual MVHS Robotics garage sale fundraiser this Saturday. We will have furniture, camping items, clothes, books, toys, crafts, electronics, decor, and more! Sellable donations accepted on 11/07 at the MVHS cafeteria. Nov. 8, 9am-2:30pm. Mountain View High School Cafeteria, 2755 NE 27th St., Bend. Contact: 541-3554400. todd.andresen@bend.k12.or.us. Free.

ToyZ for KidZ Motorcyclists of Central Oregon will be putting on a motorcycle Toy Run on November 8th to gather toys/gifts and fundraising to support families in need in our communities. All proceeds will support the Marine Corp League Detachment 1308. They are partnering with Summit Health and Veterans of Central Oregon. Nov. 8, 11am-4pm. General Duffy’s Waterhole, 404 SW Forest Ave., Redmond. Contact: 5412800478. centraloregontoyrun@gmail.com. Free.

EVENTS + MARKETS

The Enchanted Holiday Market Step into a winter wonderland of elevated holiday style! Explore a sprawling indoor market featuring exquisite décor from independent collectors — from Northwest modern to timeless traditional pieces. Enjoy hot cider, a kids’ craft station, and the joy of supporting Stroke Awareness Oregon and Family Access Network this season! Thu, Nov. 6, 10am-6pm, Fri, Nov. 7, 10am-6pm, Sat, Nov. 8, 10am-4pm and Sun, Nov. 9, 10am-4pm. The Enchanted Holiday Market, 325 SW Cyber Drive, Bend. $2.

Home For Christmas Holiday Bazaar Our fourth annual craft event, this year featuring 17 vendors selling arts, crafts, vintage and Christmas decor, woodworking, jewelry, macrame, baked goods and so much more. Fri, Nov. 7, 9am-4pm, Sat, Nov. 8, 9am-4pm, Fri, Nov. 14, 9am-4pm and Sat, Nov. 15, 9am-4pm. 674 NE Penn Ave., 674 NE Penn Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-640-9066. pattytichenor@gmail.com. Free. Snowflake Boutique This is the 49th year for an amazing holiday event that show cases local artists, crafters, food specialties for your shopping pleasure. The Snowflake Boutique is unique as it is set up as a store/boutique to shop as long as you wish and pay once before you leave. Nov. 7, 1-8pm and Nov. 8, 9am-5pm. Deschutes County Fairgrounds and Expo Center, 3800 SE Airport Way, Redmond. Contact: 541-233-3163. snowflakeboutique@snowflakeboutique.org. $4.00.

BEER + DRINK

$4 Pints Monday Night Football Fall, football, and beer! This week we feature Everybody’s Brewing. $4 pints and swag giveaways!

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

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

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

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

Mezcal Mondays Every Monday get to know one new mezcal in cocktail form, and as a neat pour, at a discounted price. Plus all of our signature mezcal drinks are just $11 all night. Mondays, 4-11pm. The Flamingo Room, 70 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-323-0472.

Monday Night Football Come down for Northside’s Monday night football! Food, drinks and a raffle for your chance to win a jersey! Mondays. Northside Bar & Grill, 62860 Boyd Acres Rd., Bend. Free.

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

Stoked for Thursdays Stoked for Thursdays! Get $2 draft Stokes Lager by Boss Rambler all day long — some of the cheapest draft beer in Bend! Come get stoked with us! Thursdays. $2 Stokes Lager drafts. Yeah, you read that right. Crazy cheap beer, crazy fun vibes! Thursdays. JC’s Bar & Grill, 642 NW Franklin Ave., Bend. Contact: 5413833000. jcsbend@gmail.com. Free.

Acclaimed string quartet Quatuor Agate makes its Central Oregon debut Fri., Nov. 7, 7:30pm at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, featuring works by Mozart, Haydn and Ravel.

Quatuor Agate

By Sophie Elliott

GUNG HO Bourbon and Bellows Bring Heartfelt Acoustic Music to Bend

It’ll be the first time some local family members will see frontman Ben Macy on stage

If you’re in search of a night full of good vibes and amazing music, don’t miss Bourbon and Bellows’ performance at Silver Moon Brewing on Saturday, Nov. 15. Hailing from Washington State, the acoustic four-piece band blends the genres of New Orleans folk, blues and gypsy jazz to create a rich sound that will be sure to have you moving and grooving.

Bourbon and Bellows formed in 2018, and after some lineup changes, the group recorded their debut album in 2022. When asked what inspired them to perform exclusively as an acoustic band, frontman Ben Macy shared, “Acoustic instruments have always been my personal preference. They bring a level of intimacy to music. You can’t hide the intent or emotion behind a facade of effects. It’s just all hanging out there.” The group uses a range of acoustic instruments, from accordion, fiddle, guitar and percussion, to create a sound that is sure to pull at the audience’s heartstrings.

“One of the main ideas of Bourbon and Bellows is that acoustic instruments aren’t just for sentimentality, but also for humor, dancing, anger, laughter, even risque stuff,” Macy says. “Basically, the whole range of human experience.” For him and his bandmates, music isn’t just a creative outlet, it’s a way to process and express emotions, whatever they may be. Their commitment to acoustic performance allows those emotions to surface authentically, creating a raw and honest connection with listeners.

Bourbon and Bellows draw inspiration from New Orleans and Deep South jazz influences, to the artistry of

performers like Tom Waits and Django Reinhardt. They love to take pieces of music they admire and bring them together with their own signature style. That creativity is exactly what they are hoping to capture with their next two albums which they are currently working on simultaneously. They have so much music they are eager to share, that one album just wasn’t enough.

Their upcoming show at Silver Moon Brewing is more than just a regular performance, it’s a family affair. Frontman Macy, a graduate from Culver High School, has many family ties in the area and many of his relatives will be seeing him live for the first time at this performance. Over the years, Macy has visited Bend with his family and was always inspired by the vibrant music scene. He is thrilled to finally be a part of the scene he once admired from afar and is even more excited to share the stage with his son who will be joining the band on fiddle.

Unlike other groups, Bourbon and Bellows isn’t concerned with fitting into one specific genre or label. Instead, they let the music lead and are guided by, “the groove, tight threepart harmonies and truly just enjoying whatever we are playing. If those three things come together, people seem to have a great time.”

Bourbon and Bellows

Kirsten Lundgreen

CULTURE

The Astounding Jim Schmit & His Fantastic Museum

Unique items fill the quirky museum in Sisters

By Joshua Savage

Walking down the main strip in Sisters, an extremely rare car sits noticeably parked in front of a little spot known as the Fantastic Museum. A Doval Shadow, rumor has it that only 20 of the vehicles were ever made. But as rare as that car may be, it’s nothing compared to the man who owns it.

Jim Schmit might be one the most interesting characters you’ll ever meet, and usually, he can be found sitting outside of the museum with his spunky dog, Gidget. Super friendly with a ton of charisma and charm, he strikes up conversation with anyone willing to stop. Within seconds he’ll have you laughing and is quick to share stories that sound almost too crazy to be true.

The original Fantastic Museum opened during the 1960s in Seattle. In 1984, after the death of the original owner, Doc Jones, the collection was donated to the Seattle’s Children Hospital. Not much a hospital can do with such a bizarre hodgepodge of items, and that’s when Schmit, already known as a major collector of oddities, stepped in to purchase the entire collection.

On my first visit, Schmit led me through the maze of small rooms, eager to tell a story for each piece of memorabilia. Cardboard cutouts of Taylor Swift and Elvis share space with framed photos of Bette Davis and even a pic of Donald Trump long before his presidency. There’s a rocking chair once used by JFK, autographed sports jerseys, Shaquille O’Neal’s actual shoes, and tons more in the small space. In several photos, Schmit has a big grin alongside the famous faces he’s met and interacted with over the years. Probably the most interesting piece in the collection is the mummified corpse of Olaf the Giant, a nine-foot-tall Viking king from Norway, reportedly over 600 years old!

After nearly every story, Schmit adds, “It’s in the book,” referring to A Most Improbable Millionaire, his official biography written by Laynie D. Weaver and published in 2021. I notice a nearly full box near the entrance and several copies strewn throughout the exhibits. All proceeds go to the local 4-H, which tells you a lot about Jim’s heart.

The book records his incredible journey from a childhood of poverty to working as a humble hotel bellhop in Hawaii where he once met the Beatles. He’s since rubbed shoulders with more celebrities than most people can name. Along the way, he built a real estate empire in Lake Tahoe and later invested in all sorts of ventures that funded his collecting obsession.

A huge basketball fan, Schmit became friends with NBA legend Rick Barry and even helped bring some of the first Chinese basketball players to the United States, like

Yao Ming. He also co-owned a basketball camp in Oregon. During those early years he accumulated an impressive collection of memorabilia from his adventures, pieces of pop culture, and even antique outhouses!

Schmit’s iteration of the Fantastic Museum first opened in Lakeview, Oregon, but the tiny town didn’t have enough visitors. Then he tried his luck in Redmond, but city officials didn’t appreciate his eccentricity and scoffed when he tried to put up a Ferris wheel on the property at one point.

Some would say Schmit is too trusting. Around 2009, during the real estate crash, he lost much of his fortune. He’ll tell you that his museum today holds only a small fraction of what he once owned. As for where the rest went?

“That’s a long story,” he says with a wink. “It’s in the book!”

In the back room I hop in Bob Hope’s stretch limousine (yes, the Bob Hope) to read a placard about the history of the car. I’m in the same seat where three different presidents have ridden!

The museum may be small, but it’s the kind of spot where you can lose track of time reading stories and discovering oddities around every corner. Every visit something new can be discovered.

The Fantastic Museum is free of charge, but again, and I can’t stress this enough, you can “Read the book.” I did and truthfully enjoyed it.

Though he went through some tough times, Schmit never lost his happiness and good spirits. Now in his mid-80s, he says he still rides his bike 20-30 miles a day.

“Goal setting is the key to success,” he tells me. As we part ways, he suddenly sprints off down the sidewalk, through some buildings, and quickly disappears from my sight, Gidget chasing closely behind him.

Intrigued, I walk away with my signed copy of The Improbable Millionaire, ready to learn more about this fascinating character. Visiting the Fantastic Museum is definitely worth a trip to Sisters. Full of unique memorabilia and stories, I suggest you get there soon, not because of Schmit’s age, but because he says he might be closing shop before too long and moving to a Blue Zone. He plans to live past 100!

The Fantastic Museum is open 11am-3pm daily. However, Jim tends to make his own hours. The

Top, Jim Schmit, with his dog Gidget, greet each visitor at the Fantastic Museum in Sisters. Middle, a rare Doval Shadow sits outside the Fantastic Museum. Rumor has it that only 20 were ever made. Bottom, you can sit in Bob Hope’s stretch limousine in which three different presidents have ridden.

Photos by Joshua Savage

CHOW C Our Daily Bread: The Bakers Who Keep Central Oregon Rising

Bend’s small-batch bread bakers and millers nourish the community one loaf at a time

By Donna Britt

If you were lucky enough to snag a crusty loaf or flaky croissant at the farmers markets this summer, you already know that Bend’s small-batch bakers are doing something special. Their stalls were often lined with early risers and bread lovers, hands clutching paper bags filled with sourdough, seeded loaves and buttery pastries still warm from the oven.

Now that the market tents have folded for the season, those bakers haven’t gone into hibernation. They’re still mixing, fermenting, shaping and baking right here in Central Oregon, and there are plenty of ways to keep their bread on your table through the winter. At the heart of it all is the simple act of transformation. Grain becomes flour, flour becomes dough, and dough becomes something alive and deeply human.

Mill Fire Baking

For baker and miller Timothy Currie of Mill Fire Baking, the transformation begins with the grain itself. His small bakery and mill are built around one central idea: fresh-milled flour makes better bread. It took him nearly a decade to get his own mill, and he says learning the craft of milling is an ongoing process.

“All of our breads are naturally leavened,” Currie explains. “Bread is love. Eating and the sharing of foods is one of the most intimate things we do.”

Mill Fire’s lineup includes the Pan Suegra, a tangy sourdough he affectionately calls “Mother-In-Law Bread,” a San Francisco-style sourdough with rosemary, a butter dill sourdough Pain de Mie, and the Staff of Life sourdough baguette, made with whole grains. There are also seasonal breads, baked spice bars, Tuscan fruit and nut cakes and other baked goodies.

Currie, who refers to himself as a recovering academic, is modest about his baking skills. “The dough knows what it wants to do,” he says. “At best on a good day, I’m a shepherd or a steward.” He also believes that breadmaking is both art and diplomacy. “The more of us baking and sharing food, the less we might argue.”

Mill Fire’s weekly bread list goes out by email. You can sign up through Instagram at @mill_fire_baking or by emailing love@millfirebaking.com.

Curmuffins

Across town, Lillian (Lilly) Owen, founder of Curmuffins, brings her humor and heart to the oven. The name itself, a mashup of “curmudgeon” and “muffin,” was born during the pandemic, when she was a self-described grump of a chef trying to find joy in the kitchen again. Baking became both therapy and a tribute to her late mother, who first taught her to knead dough and trust her instincts.

Curmuffins’ rustic French sourdough, wheat seeded sourdough loaves, English muffins, brioche braids and puff tarts are all made with the kind of

and even downtown at Dudley’s Bookshop Cafe, where her banana bread, coffee cake and chocolate babka make fine reading companions.

One Loaf

What started as one loaf of bread baked for the menu at San Simón has grown into a full-fledged micro-bakery for Jessica Dunaway, founder of One Loaf.

Her bread journey began as a passion project, something she did for herself and a few friends. Now, her artisan loaves are served at restaurants including Amaterra Kitchen + Social Club and Olvidemos wine and oyster bar. Her ciabatta rolls are the base for sandwiches at ‘Wich Doctor Sandwich Co. Her other bread offerings include a sandwich loaf,

care you can taste. Now that the farmers markets are over, Owen bakes out of Bend Roots Mercantile on the east side, offering Saturday and Sunday morning pastries (think croissants and cinnamon rolls) along with a rotating supply of breads every day of the week.

“I like the visual,” Owen shares. “I don’t have a polished, neat style. With bread, I like the fact that the bread grows and becomes its own thing. People at markets will handpick something that speaks to them and I love that.”

Find Curmuffins’ baked goods at Bend Roots Mercantile, Locavore, Local Acres

a cinnamon raisin loaf (a household fave and a by-product of her kids wanting softer bread) and ciabatta rolls. “I don’t bake or offer anything that I wouldn’t order for myself,” Dunaway says.

Beyond bread, she’s expanded into pastries and cookies, gluten-free muffins, scones and biscuits, many which make the coffee shop circuit around town. Palate, Still Vibrato, Fox & Fern, and Wild Roots Coffeehouse all carry One Loaf pastries. Seasonal favorites include a pumpkin-pecan maple muffin and a ginger molasses cookie, plus a tropical “tiki muffin” with mango,

blueberry, coconut and lime.

To order directly from the cottage bakery, email jessica@oneloafbend.com.

Leaven & Love Organic Bakehouse

For Jeff Stratman, founder of Leaven & Love Organic Bakehouse, breadmaking began as a family necessity. His family needed gluten-free, dairy-free bread that still tasted like something you’d want to eat every day. So they started baking for themselves, then for other families, slowly refining their process until their bread had its own identity and soul. Every loaf at Leaven & Love is naturally fermented, made from certified organic ingredients, and crafted through a three-day gluten-free sourdough process.

“Bread is more than a product,” Stratman says. “It’s a relationship. It’s slow. It asks you to pay attention. It rewards care, patience, curiosity, and presence. Good bread brings people together. And that’s the real work we’re doing.”

Right now, the bakehouse has paused production while they secure the right kitchen setup. But their online community keeps rising through Leaven & Love at Home, a weekly Substack where Stratman and his daughter Freya teach others how to make their gluten-free sourdoughs, bagels, pastries and more. Each lesson includes a printable recipe card and a video guide, often with a vegan alternative. Anyone can join. Updates and classes are available at leavenloveathome.substack.com.

In a time when a lot of folks buy bread in plastic bags without thinking twice, these local bakers are keeping something ancient alive. They’re working by hand, trusting time and fermentation, guided more by feel than formula. Their work feeds the body, yes, but it also restores a sense of community and patience that’s easy to lose in the rush of modern life.

Whether you prefer your loaf rustic and wild or soft and seeded, you can still find it, made fresh each week by the people who believe that real bread is worth the effort.

Donna Britt

One Loaf

LITTLE BITES

By Nic Moye

How Do You Say ‘Hasta Que Olvidemos’? Hard to say, so now it’s just plain Olvi.

Hasta Que Olvidemos is now simply Olvi.

“The reason for the change is probably pretty obvious: no one could pronounce or remember the original name,” Brian Trottier told the Source. “We knew it would be a mouthful when we first opened but we hoped that, in time, it would catch on. We were wrong. Even our most frequent regulars just call it “the oyster bar, or the wine bar on Galveston.” Trottier, who owns Olvi along with his wife Ashley, opened the wine bar on NW Galveston Avenue in Bend last July.

Trottier says the wine they serve is made exclusively for them, but they also serve other beverages

including beer, champagne and vermouths. Olvi’s website says the wine is created in small batches in Napa by winemaker Tim Colla. The bar also serves shuck oysters and other small plates. The cozy spot is winterized with walls wrapping around the porch to create heated cabins and nooks. Trottier says business is steady as more and more people discover them. They are planning future food popups and meet-the-winemaker events. The only hiccup appears to be the name.

“Hasta Que Olvidemos in Spanish means “until we forget,” he says. “The irony hasn’t been lost on us that no one could remember that.”

SC SCREEN From Andromeda With Love Yorgos Lanthimos makes it weird with

Bugonia

If you’re a hopeless film fan like myself, then you more than likely feel some kind of way about the films of Greek auteur Yorgos Lanthimos. Whether you’re a fan of his darker, edgier earlier work like “Dogtooth” and “Alps,” or of his more whimsical and experimental later films like “The Lobster” and “The Favourite,” or maybe you think he’s an overrated and pretentious hack like some…regardless, most cinephiles feel strongly about his work one way or another. Me? I’m a fan, while still aware that, as he becomes more and more renowned on the world stage as a filmmaker, he’s also susceptible to leaning into his worst impulses as a writer and director. If you look at “Dogtooth” in particular, Lanthimos tonally balances a brutal and violent fable with a darkly funny comedy and makes it work. With “The Lobster,” he flawlessly constructs an absurdist comedy from the ruins of a deeply sad rumination on loneliness and loss. But once he became an Academy Award darling with the hilariously depressing “The Favourite,” I think Lanthimos decided that he could get away with anything.

As much as I enjoyed “Poor Things” and “Kinds of Kindness” as visual and auditory theme park rides, I’m not sure either film exceeded the sum of its parts or binds into something with the same cohesion as his earlier work. I love that Lanthimos is still following the same weird muse in the back of his head as always instead of using his Hollywood cache to make a superhero movie or a “Jurassic Park” (although now that I say that out loud, I want it), but I don’t think the storytelling is as waterproof as it used to be.

With his new film, “Bugonia,” Lanthimos turns his lens on modern times in a way that not only feels astonishingly of the moment, but prescient for generations to come. We follow Teddy Gatz (a greasy, livewire act from Jesse Plemons), a conspiracy-obsessed warehouse worker who, along with his intellectually disabled cousin, Don (real-life autistic actor Aidan Delbis) kidnaps Michelle Fuller (Emma Stone, once again proving she has no upper limit to her range), a CEO of a large pharmaceutical company that he believes the forerunner of an invasive alien species.

Much of the fun of the film comes from watching Plemons and Stone scare off in a battle of wits where we aren’t sure whether to root for the possible alien or rage-fueled kidnapper. Working from a script by Will (“The Menu”) Tracy means there isn’t a ton of room for subtlety, so Lanthimos leans into the absurdism by constantly having the audience shift their allegiance between Teddy and Don and their scheme to “save the world,” to Michelle who is simultaneously the victim of a horrible crime and a completely heartless and unlikable CEO. Coming up to the first anniversary of Luigi Mangione’s assassination of the UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, this is some pretty fearless screenwriting.

Because Plemons and Stone are ultimately such charismatic and layered performers, they still manage to play deeply sympathetic notes across characters whose flaws have flaws. Plemons instills Teddy with such wide-eyed certainty that he’s the only person right in a post-truth landscape that he feels pulled straight from a flagged subreddit. He’s so desperate and, as he says, starving for answers, that he makes a meal of the far left, the alt-right and everything in between that will give the suffering his family has gone through some meaning.

By Jared Rasic

Stone’s Michelle is cold, clinical and removed enough that it’s easy for us to fall prey to Teddy’s belief that she’s an Andromedan spy sent to destroy the human race on the night of the lunar eclipse, while also fully allowing for Teddy to be completely mentally ill. That right there is the biggest strength of “Bugonia” as a film: throughout the entire runtime, Lanthimos kept me on a razor’s edge about deciding whether I wanted Teddy to be insane or the only human who knows the truth. Do we want the paranoid conspiracy theorists to be right or would that mean the world is beyond the scope of repair?

“Bugonia” is just as darkly, absurdly funny as the best of Lanthimos’ earlier work, while feeling like a step forward for him as a technician and artist. Shot on stunningly gorgeous 35mm, where the grain gives every single frame a swoon-worthy tactile immediacy, Lanthimos and brilliant Irish cinematographer Robbie Ryan have crafted “Bugonia” into their most elegantly composed work to date. Even if I wasn’t in love with all of Will Tracy’s choices as a writer, I respect that he created something that feels so sickeningly contemporary.

If you’re not on the same weirdo wavelength as Lanthimos and his team of madcap geniuses, then “Bugonia” certainly won’t make you one of us, but if you felt like he was losing the thread of what made him an interesting storyteller in the first place, this one might bring you back. It’s one hell of a weird movie that won’t necessarily move you emotionally like “The Lobster,” but will definitely send you out into the world questioning your place in the universe and whether your co-worker is a lizard person. And, really, isn’t that what a Yorgos Lanthimos movie is for?

“Bugonia” Dir. Yorgos Lanthimos Grade: B+

Now Playing at Regal Old Mill, Sisters Movie House

Emma Stone just keeps getting better, doesn't she?

Photos courtesy Focus Features

SMOKE SIGNALS

Dank Drinks: Is Ganja You Glug Any Good?

By Josh Jardine

For many people, smoking or vaping cannabis are their primary methods of getting high, followed by scarfing an edible. (Or, if you are me, both at the same time. #dontjudgeme)

But there is a growing number turning to hemp-derived, THC-infused beverages. And recent moves within the industry mean you may start seeing these drinks in some mainstream retail stores that you wouldn’t normally associate with weed.

Thanks to the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill (aka Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018) hemp and products derived from hemp became legal. The first and arguably best known of these is the hemp-derived cannabinoid CBD.

So long as that CBD contains no more than .3% Delta-9 THC, it’s not a “controlled substance,” and can be sold outside the highly regulated and restrictive dispensary systems where cannabis is sold. While CBD has numerous benefits including pain relief, inflammation reduction and assisting in relaxation and sleep, it isn’t considered an intoxicant.

As I’ve covered here previously, researchers, scientists, and people who like to get high soon began to play around with extracting, concentrating and purifying other cannabinoids which do get you high. While the Delta-9 THC found in cannabis is the most well known and consumed, some of the 100+ cannabinoids found in hemp began showing up in products, primarily in states without regulated Adult Use cannabis programs. Some of the hemp derived intoxicating cannabinoids include Delta-10, Delta-11 THC, HHC, HHC-O, HHC-P, THC-B, -H, -P and -V, THCM, THCA.

Hemp-derived Delta-9 is the primary cannabinoid used in beverages, which are finding both large-scale interest from retailers and consumers, and political resistance with a goal of shutting it all down. The interest in such beverages is coming from a wide range of groups, with some surprising results.

One recent survey of cannabis beverage consumers found that 77% had reduced their alcohol consumption and nearly a quarter of the respondents had entirely eliminated alcohol. That tracks with another recent survey looking at the “after work substance rituals” of 1,000 employed respondents. They report “...24% of Americans have at least partially replaced alcohol with non-alcoholic or cannabis drinks, led by Gen Z and millennials, 1 in 3 of whom now regularly drink THC-based beverages...” and “66% of Americans have tried alternatives to alcohol in the past 6 months, with seltzers and sparkling water (31%), cannabis drinks (27%)...”

This corresponds to other surveys and studies showing that more Americans believe cannabis to be safer than alcohol.

Big business is taking note, with recent announcements that Target and Circle K are testing out sales of a dozen hemp-derived THC beverages. But that’s based on hemp-derived THC remaining legal and allowable for use in beverages and other products. Which is in question, because some politicians are very concerned about it, and have lobbied to have it banned. The current government shutdown has hit pause on the matter, which many expect to be revisited when the Farm Bill of 2026 is crafted.

I was recently gifted a four-pack of Trippy Tiger, a seltzer infused with 5 mg of hemp-derived THC, and 10 mg of CBD, produced by Oregon’s own McMenamins.

I enjoyed its fruit-forward taste, and found its effects to be more of a gentle and subtle unwinding than anything resembling intoxication. With a tolerance higher than most, I drank three in my second go around, and while my stress-hunched shoulders lowered a bit more, I wasn’t high the way a cannabis derived THC beverage has gotten me. Plus, just 45 calories, with no hangover. Bottoms up.

Antoni Shkraba Studio

NATURAL WORLD

NW The Journey Back to the Wild Think Wild performs life-saving

surgery on a Great Horned Owl (GHOW 25-503)

By Sue Dougherty DVM MA DACVIM Think Wild Board President

Think Wild is Central Oregon’s nonprofit wildlife hospital and conservation center, caring for sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife while educating the public about coexistence and stewardship. Since opening for animal care in 2020, Think Wild has grown in staffing, services and the number of wildlife helped directly at its hospital. The spring and summer of 2025 were the busiest yet, with over 800 patients cared for so far.

Our level of expertise has also improved, with updated lab equipment and surgical training. Think Wild’s Wildlife Veterinarian, Dr. Laura Acevedo, has been performing difficult orthopedic surgeries on birds that would previously have been euthanized due to the severity of their injuries.

As a veterinarian myself, a photographer, and a visual storyteller, I want to share one of these journeys — the story of a Great Horned Owl that benefited from Think Wild’s meticulous veterinary and rehabilitative care.

On July 20, a Great Horned Owl (abbreviated GHOW) was admitted to the hospital by one of our wildlife technicians, Savanna. A concerned citizen brought the owl in after finding it in Redmond on a busy street, unable to fly and with an obvious wing injury. Savanna evaluated the bird and identified a right humeral fracture (a main bone in the wing) and some eye trauma — most likely the result of being hit by a car. Owls fly at dusk and dawn, often flying very low. They are difficult to see and indeed easy to collide with as they traverse the urban-wildlife interface that we share.

The owl, now identified as GHOW 25-503, was treated with pain medication and sedation, given fluids and admitted for ICU care. Radiographs confirmed a severe fracture, but Dr. Acevedo decided to take on the challenge — no guarantees, but worth trying. On July 23, she performed surgery to pin and stabilize the owl’s humerus.

Over the next seven weeks, while the bone healed, physical therapy was performed several times a week to maintain flexibility and flight strength. As in humans, PT is essential for birds recovering from injuries to maintain flexibility and range of motion for flight. During this

time, the bird was hand fed, or allowed to eat the provided “gourmet specialty” food (rats). There were times of handwringing about a possibility of infection at the site of the pin entry, all treated appropriately, and it never became a significant issue. By Sept. 10, the fracture had healed and the pin was removed.

For the next three weeks, the bird entered “flight camp” to rebuild muscle strength. Then, on Oct. 3, GHOW 25-503 was released back to the wild, and Dr. Acevedo did the honors. She related her good feeling that we are now seeing the benefits of being able to do orthopedic surgery, and hopefully this will be the first of many releases to come. This is the first bird of prey that we have released after a humerus repair, and it is truly a milestone. As the cage was opened from the top, the bird mantled defensively before realizing... (anthropomorphism alert) I CAN FLY AWAY! A short flight to a large branch, and the owl allowed the team to be voyeurs for a bit, taking some pictures and feeling really awesome that this owl gets to continue being an owl in the wild.

I asked a couple of staff members for some reflections on this patient:

“I was thinking the other day how this bird would have been euthanized on admission a couple of years ago because we wouldn’t have been able to repair that fracture,” said Lead Wildlife Technician Savanna Scheiner. “It’s pretty cool that we’re continuing to learn and expand the treatment options we have for these animals.”

“I am so proud of this team for releasing our first successful humeral orthopedic repair,” added Director of Wildlife Rehabilitation Pauline Hice. “Being able to offer this level of treatment is such a huge step forward for our hospital. With every new skill and capability we add, we’re opening the door for more animals to return to the wild where they belong.”

—Sue Dougherty, DVM, MA, DACVIM, is a veterinarian, wildlife photographer, and the board president of Think Wild, Central Oregon’s wildlife hospital and conservation center based in Bend.

By Nic Moye

New Asian-Inspired Store/Cafe Opening in Downtown Bend

Pika Pika celebrates the playful spirit and artistry in Asian culture

Anew store is opening in downtown Bend. Pika Pika, on NW Bond Street next to Red Chair Gallery, will specialize in Asian-inspired pop culture collectibles paired with a mini-cafe. Owner Vivienne Mariotti says customers will find designer toys, blind boxes, plushies, stationery and character items from brands like Labubu, Sonny Angel and Smiski. The cafe will serve Vietnamese coffee, matcha, waffle puffs and seasonal soft-serve.

“Our goal is to create a playful, immersive escape where cute meets crave — a space that feels like stepping into a little pocket of joy,” Mariotti told the Source. She’s a collector of Japanese designer toys, tapestries, vintage Kokeshi dolls, Sonny Angel figures and Ghibli pieces. Traveling throughout Japan deepened her love for the culture. She has a background in photography and as a creative director in the fashion and commercial world Her husband, Brian, created the designer toy company, Thrilljoy.

“I’m first-generation Vietnamese, born in Minnesota. My parents escaped the Vietnam War and rebuilt their lives from nothing, which instilled in me a deep appreciation for resilience, creativity and finding joy in the little things,” Mariotti says.

She hopes her shop will feel like a gallery with a treat bar.

“Growing up, we didn’t have much — toys and treats were a luxury — so as I got older, I developed a strong sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the things that spark delight.”

Eventually, Mariotti hopes to host live monthly events, workshops and kid-friendly tea parties, creating a hub for Japanese and Asian culture in Bend. Pika Pika’s grand opening celebration is Nov. 7-9.

Pika Pika Opens Nov 7, Sun, Wed-Thu 11am-5pm, Fri-Sat 11am-6pm 949 NW Bond St., Bend pikapikabend.com/

Nic Moye

Left, GHOW 25-503 hesitates before flying away to freedom. Right, an x-ray of GHOW 25-503’s wing fracture.

Photos by Dr. Sue Dougherty, Offleash Photography

ASTROLOGY

By Rob Brezsny

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Martin Luther King Jr. said that harnessing our pain and transforming it into wise love can change the world for the better. More than any other sign, Scorpio, you understand this mystery: how descent can lead to renewal, how darkness can awaken brilliance. It’s one of your birthrights to embody King’s militant tenderness: to take what has wounded you, alchemize it, and make it into a force that heals others as well as yourself. You have the natural power to demonstrate that vulnerability and ferocity can coexist, that forgiveness can live alongside uncompromising truth. When you transmute your shadows into offerings of power, you confirm King’s conviction that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Apophenia is the tendency to perceive meaningful patterns in seemingly random data. On the downside, it may cause a belief in delusional conspiracy theories. But it can also be a generator of life’s poetry, leading us to see faces in clouds, hear fateful messages in static, and find key revelations in a horoscope. Psychologist C.G. Jung articulated another positive variation of the phenomenon. His concept of synchronicity refers to the occurrence of meaningful coincidences between internal psychological states and external events that feel deeply significant and even astounding to the person experiencing them. Synchronicities suggest there’s a mysterious underlying order in the universe, linking mind and matter in nonrational ways. In the coming weeks, Sagittarius, I suspect you will experience a slew of synchronicities and the good kind of apophenia.

trophic cascade: one species reorganizing an entire ecosystem through a web of indirect effects. For the foreseeable future, Aries, you will be a trophic cascade, too. Your choices will create many ripples beyond your personal sphere. I hope you wield your influence with maximum integrity.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): I authorize you to explore the mysteries of sacred laziness. It’s your right and duty to engage in intense relaxing, unwinding, and detoxifying. Proceed on the theory that rest is not the absence of productivity but a different kind of production—the cultivation of dreams, the composting of experience, and the slow fermentation of insight. What if your worth isn’t always measured by your output? What if being less active for a while is essential to your beautiful success in the future?

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You are not yet who you will become. Your current struggle has not yet generated its full wisdom. Your confusion hasn’t fully clarified into purpose. The mess hasn’t composted into soil. The ending that looms hasn’t revealed the beginning it portends. In sum, Gemini, you are far from done. The story isn’t over. The verdict isn’t in. You haven’t met everyone who will love you and help you. You haven’t become delightfully impossible in all the ways you will eventually become delightfully impossible.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19): Philosopher Alfred Korzybski coined the phrase “the map is not the territory.” In other words, your concepts about reality are not reality itself. Your idea of love is not love. Your theory about who you are is not who you are. It’s true that many maps are useful fictions. But when you forget they’re fiction, you’re lost even when you think you know where you are. Here’s the good news, Capricorn: In the weeks ahead, you are poised to see and understand the world exactly as it is—maybe more than ever before. Lean into this awesome opportunity.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Babies are born with about 300 bones, but adults have 206. Many of our first bones fuse with others. From one perspective, then, we begin our lives abundant with possibility and rich with redundancy. Then we solidify, becoming structurally sound but less flexible. Aging is a process of strategic sacrifice, necessary but not without loss. Please meditate on these facts as a metaphor for the decisions you face. The question isn’t whether to ripen and mature—that’s a given—but which growth will serve you and which will diminish you.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Beneath every thriving forest lies a lacework of mycelium. Through it, tree roots trade nourishment, warn each other of drought or illness, and make sure that young shoots benefit from elders’ reserves. Scientists call it the “wood-wide web.” Indigenous traditions have long understood the principle: Life flourishes when a vast communication network operates below the surface to foster care and collaboration. Take your cues from these themes, Pisces. Tend creatively to the web of connections that joins you to friends, collaborators, and kindred spirits. Proceed with the faith that generosity multiplies pathways and invites good fortune to circulate freely. Offer what you can, knowing that the cycle of giving will find its way back to you.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): In 1995, wolves were reintroduced to the American wildlife area known as Yellowstone Park after a 70-year absence. They hunted elk, which changed elk behavior, which changed vegetation patterns, which stabilized riverbanks, which altered the course of the Lamar River and its tributaries. The wolves changed the rivers! This phenomenon is called a

CANCER (June 21-July 22): By the time he became an elder, Cancerian artist David Hockney had enjoyed a long and brilliant career as a painter, primarily applying paint to canvases. Then, at age 72, he made a radical departure, generating artworks using iPhones and iPads. He loved how these digital media allowed him to instantly capture fleeting moments of beauty. His success with this alternate form of expression has been as great as his previous work. I encourage you to be as daring and innovative as Hockney. Your imaginative energy and creative powers are peaking. Take full advantage!

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In his “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” Black activist Martin Luther King Jr. wrote, “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” He was proclaiming a universal truth: Real courage is never just about personal glory. It’s about using your fire to help and illuminate others. You Leos are made to do this: to be bold not just for your own sake, but as a source of strength for your community. Your charisma and creativity can be precious resources for all those whose lives you touch. In the coming weeks, how will you wield them for mutual uplift?

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Who would have predicted that the first woman to climb Mount Everest would have three planets in Virgo? Japanese mountaineer Junko Tabei did it in 1975. To what did she attribute her success? She described herself not as fearless, but as “a person who never gives up.” I will note another key character trait: rebellious willfulness. In her time, women were discouraged from the sport. They were regarded as too fragile and impractical for rugged ascents. She defied all that. Let’s make her your inspirational role model, Virgo. Be persistent, resolute, indefatigable, and, if necessary, renegade.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Among the Mbuti people of the Congo, there’s no word for “thank you.” Gratitude is so foundational to their culture that it requires no special acknowledgment. It’s not singled out in moments of politeness; it’s a sweet ambent presence in the daily flux. I invite you to live like that for now, Libra. Practice feeling reverence and respect for every little thing that makes your life such an amazing gift. Feel your appreciation humming through ordinary moments like background music. I guarantee you that this experiment will boost the flow of gratitude-worthy experiences in your direction.

Pearl’s Puzzle

By Brendan Emmett Quigley

1. Cries from the flock

2. Idris of "Hijack"

3. Waterfowl

4. Gentle friendly touch

5. Personal identification number?

6. Fight official

7. Tijuana time span 8. One of the Hobbits

9. Knock out

10. Sao Paulo greeting

11. "Really busy right now"

12. Two-time WNBA MVP Elena Delle ___

13. Jets numbers, briefly

18. Mind-blowing

22. Like the Burj Khalifa

25. Bryn ___ University

26. Arial alternative

27. Place to schuss

28. Hot-tub setting

29. Org. that offers prescription discounts

30. Artistic soul

32. Do damage to

35. Spud

36. Jay who said "You're not famous until my mother has heard of you"

38. "6-7" speaker

41. Tush

43. Hospital staff

45. Fervency

47. It's lit

49. High court, for short

52. Terrify

53. Big name in timekeeping

54. "Explain it to me"

56. Martini garnish

60. Olympian warmonger

61. [Ignore edit]

62. Ritual flammable pile

64. Rejections

66. Sushi fish that's always cooked

67. PGA Tour rival

68. Speedy Chevy, familiarly

Puzzle for the week of November 03, 2025

Difficulty Level: ●●○○

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

M I L K D E P T S exactly once.

The highlighted letters read left to right and top to bottom will complete the quote: “The end of daylight savings time: a week of waking up early because and ____ can’t ” - author unknown

Answer for the week of October 27, 2025

ANSWER TO LAST WEEK'S PUZZLES

T L M E O N R A S

A O T L M S N R E

S N R T E O A L M

L M E N R A S T O

M R S A T L E O N

E T N O S R L M A

O A L M N E T S R

“If you stare into the darkness for a long time, a monster will be created out of that darkness, and it will be very real.” — Chidi Ejeagba

“If you stare into the darkness for a long time, a monster will be created out of that darkness, and it will be very real.” - Chidi Ejeagba

What Central Oregon Seniors Need to Know About The Upcoming Year With Medicare

Explaining options during Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period

By Jesse Zimmermann Mountaintop Insurance Solutions

For many Central Oregon residents, fall doesn’t just mean changing leaves and cooler temperatures. It also marks the arrival of Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period. Running from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, AEP is the one time of year when most people with Medicare can make changes to their coverage for the following year.

Whether you’re already enrolled in Medicare or turning 65 soon, understanding your options is essential. Rest assured that Central Oregon offers access to a number of licensed insurance agents who are independent brokers. Some are solely focus on Medicare, which assures that they don’t have their skill-set spread too thin. It’s also important to know that you’ll never have to pay for these agents’ services. They are compensated by the insurance carrier that you choose to be insured with and you’ll never have to pay a higher premium, deductible, or copays/coinsurance when using their services. .

AEP allows you to:

Common Mistakes to Avoid During AEP Ignoring the Deadline. If you miss the AEP window, your options for making changes become limited unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Assuming Your Plan Hasn’t Changed. Even if your premium stays the same, your covered medications or doctors might not. Review your plan’s changes carefully.

Choosing Based on Premium Alone. A low monthly premium does not always mean lower total costs. Look at copays, medical/prescription deductibles, and your annual out-ofpocket maximum.

Not Checking Drug Coverage. Part D formularies change. A medication covered this year might be excluded or more expensive next year.

Going At It Alone. Comparing plans is not easy. Take advantage of the local services that are available to you.

Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: A Quick Refresher

• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C)

• Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare

• Change from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another

• Enroll in or switch Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)

Any changes you make during this window will take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

What’s Changing in 2026? Each year, Medicare Advantage and Part D plans can change. This could mean adjustments to:

• Premiums

• Out-of-pocket costs

• Prescription drug coverage

• Provider networks

Even if you’re happy with your current plan, take time to review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)

This document outlines everything your plan is changing for the upcoming year. That includes premiums, deductibles, copays, covered medications, and provider networks. A prescription you take today could move to a higher tier or no longer be covered at all. Your favorite doctor could no longer be in-network. Your maximum out-ofpocket cost could increase by hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Even if you don’t switch plans, comparing what else is available in your ZIP code is a wise choice. You may very well find better coverage for less money.

One of the biggest decisions people face is whether to stay on Original Medicare (Parts A & B) or move to a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) Original Medicare is the traditional program offered through the federal government. It allows you to visit any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare. It does not include prescription drug coverage. You would need a separate Part D plan and possibly a Medicare Supplement plan to help cover deductibles and coinsurance.

Medicare Advantage Plans are offered by private insurance companies. These plans often include prescription drug coverage and may come with added benefits like dental, vision, or hearing. However, they usually have provider networks and out-of-pocket costs can vary by plan.

Local Help for Local Decisions

In Oregon, available plans and provider networks vary by ZIP code. What works in Portland or Eugene may not work well in Deschutes County.

Talk to someone familiar with local providers, plan availability and how Medicare works here in Central Oregon.

—Jesse Zimmermann is a licensed insurance agent and independent broker who solely works in the Medicare space. He is the owner of Mountaintop Insurance Solutions, based in Bend. Learn more at mountaintopins.com or by calling him at 541-641-8886.

AWAKENING YOUR INNER HERO

By Burt Gershater

We Are All One

After writing inspirational messages for 25 years, I’m starting a slightly new chapter involving some version of poetry or lyrics

WE are all one. We ARE all one. We are ALL one. We are all ONE.

Say each line to yourself and put emphasis on each capitalized word. Slowly repeat. Whisper.

Feel the words.

There is as much message in this short exercise as in my entire song. Sing it.

Dance to it.

Repeat it.

Repeat is a very, very, very important concept. As important as all the other words in the title, WE ARE ALL ONE. Practice requires repetition. Disciplined repetition is required for us to improve in any area of life.

WE ARE ALL ONE. Let’s go word for word...

WE says it ALL. This is not just about you. Not just about me. WE! Get it? Everyone of us. WE are in this together. It’s hard for me to move on when WE is so important. WE. Feel WE. WE is so far beyond me. Me is important. Don’t get me wrong. I/me wrote this song. But not remotely by myself. I’ve read so many books. I’ve learned from so many wise teachers. My children have taught me much more than I’ve taught them. Sure, I wrote this message. I did.

But what is the truth? Did only I write it?

ARE also says it ALL. Oh, did I already say WE says it all? I did. Then how can ARE and WE be the most important words? Hold on tight and remember...there may just be more than only ONE most important word. Is that logical or even possible? Much of our wisdom goes beyond logic. Maybe even most of our wisdom goes beyond logic. ARE is a verb. WE is both a pronoun and a verb. Both. Not either-or. Think about it. No, don’t just think about it. Every subject, noun or pronoun does something. I wish my 7th grade English teacher, Stan Ashe,

was here. He passed away last year. He taught me grammar and soooo much more. And even though he passed away a year ago, he has never left. Hard to argue against that illogical truth. This is ALL true, about you and me, too. We don’t ever leave when we depart.

ALL says it ALL!

Oh, boy! What isn’t ALL? Right? ALL = ALL. Not less than ALL. Not more than ALL. ALL = ALL. That is even logical, if you know what I mean. ALL is everyone. ALL is everything. ALL leaves nothing out. Nothing is left out. No thing is left out. Not the bees. Not the trees. Not the seas. Not the breeze. Not the fees. Not he’s or she’s. See where this is going? Not the knees or the fleas, either.

ALL = ALL. No thing is left out.

Now, finally, ONE.

Before a young rabbi knocked on my door (now he is one of my very best friends) and asked to come into my office eighteen years ago, I always thought ONE = 1. Little did I know the biggest truth of ALL. ONE is not only the mathematical number 1, but in the rabbi’s words, “There is nothing but ONE.” His words gave me the chills and still do.

What is not connected when we go just a little bit outside our limited egos? NO THING is not connected.

We need the moon. We need the sun. We need the trees, the bees, the birds and the fleas.

This could be the chorus of our new song. Feel it. What have we ever done ALL by ourselves? Totally independently? I didn’t make one single thing in my beautiful home. Not the windows. Not the floors. Not the doors. Not the mattress, the sheets or the blankets.

I need you and you and you... WE ARE ALL ONE

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

T his holiday sea son, make a c har it able donation through the S ourc e Week

1 FR EE

slice of pizza from Pink y

R AFFLE

Be entered to win a gift basket from 3rd Street Beverage

R AFFLE

Be entered to win a Day Lif t Ticket

Must make a donation of $25 or more to receive incentive/enter drawing.

• 100% of you donation will go direc tly to the loc al nonproﬁt of your choice

• You k now your donation will be used to suppor t YOUR communit y

• You ’ll recei ve a special thank you oﬀer from one of our sponsor s.

• A tot al of $30k in awards will be gi ven to the par ticipating nonproﬁt s

Categor y Sponsor

G’s Pizzeria

TAKE ME HOME Planning To Sell in 2026?

Start the Prep Now

You’ve got big plans for 2026. But what you do this year could be the difference between a smooth sale and a stressful one. If you’re thinking of selling next spring (the busiest season in real estate), the smartest move you can make is to start prepping now. As Realtor.com says:

“If you’re aiming to sell in 2026, now is the time to start preparing, especially if you want to maximize the spring market’s higher buyer activity.”

Because the reality is, from small repairs to touch-ups and decluttering, the earlier you start, the easier it’ll be when you’re ready to list. And, the better your house will look when it’s time for it to hit the market.

Why Starting Now Matters

Talk to any good agent and they’ll tell you that you can’t afford to skip repairs in today’s market. There are more homes for sale right now than there have been in years. And since buyers have more to choose from, your house is going to need to look its best to stand out and get the attention it deserves.

Now, that doesn’t mean you have to do a full-on renovation. But it does mean you’ll want to tackle some projects before you sell. Your house will sell if it’s prepped right.

If you start this year, you’ll be able to space those upgrades and fixes out however you want to. More time. Less stress. No sense of being rushed or racing the clock.

Whether it’s fixing that leaky faucet, repainting your front door, or finally replacing your roof, you can do it right if you start now. And you have the time to find great contractors without

HOME PRICE ROUNDUP

blowing your budget or paying extra for rushed jobs.

Get an Agent’s Advice Early

To figure out what’s worth doing and what’s not in your market, you need to talk to a local agent early. As Realtor.com explains: “Respondents overwhelmingly agree that both buyers and sellers enjoy a smoother, more successful experience when they start early. In fact, a recent survey reveals that, for sellers, bringing a real estate agent into the process sooner can pay off significantly.”

A skilled agent can tell you:

• What buyers in your local area are looking for

• The repairs or updates you need to do before you list

• How to prioritize the projects, if you can’t do them all

• Skilled local contractors who can help you get the work done.

Here are the most common updates agents are recommending today, according to research from the National Association of Realtors (NAR): paint the entire home (50%), paint an interior room (41%), replace the roof (37%), upgrade the kitchen (30%), renovate the bathroom (24%).

Just remember, what’s worth updating really depends on the homes you’re competing with in your market. Some areas don’t have a ton of inventory, so little updates may be all you need to tackle. In other areas, there are far more homes for sale, so you may need to do a bit more to make your house stand out.

Your agent will walk you through what you need to do for your specific house and market. And that’s expertise that’ll really pay off.