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We’ve been ready for fall… we’re living like it’s summer… and this week, we’re looking ahead at what’s in store for winter. What a week! Clayton Franke looks at what a Super El Niño might mean for us in Outside, while in News, he reports on the possible expansion of geothermal energy projects on more public lands in the region. In Feature, Peter Madsen details another investigation of a sheriff’s office candidates. (Yes, another one.) We also have info on the upcoming Fungi Fest in Sunriver, the Fill Your Pantry event at the fairgrounds, and we’re introducing you to a new spot for breakfast at an established favorite. Enjoy the week!

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Members of Motorcyclists of Central Oregon gathered at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend on Saturday, Sept. 26 to present a $5,000 check to the St. Charles Foundation. Then, 170 riders went from the Bend hospital to hospitals in Prineville, Madras and Redmond as part of the 28th Annual Teddy Bear Run. They delivered teddy bears and other stuffed animals to children at all four hospitals and also raised more than $15,000. Pictured holding the check are, from left, Kyle Cahoon, a child life specialist at St. Charles, and club members Del Poppe Jr., center, and Dennis Smith, right, the club’s coordinator. Next up for the club is the 2nd Annual Toyz for Kidz ride on Nov. 14. Stay tuned for more details. Want to share your photo with Central Oregon? Email calendar@bendsource.com or share and tag @sourceweekly on Instagram for a chance to have your photo featured.

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VOLUME 30 ISSUE 41 / OCTOBER 8, 2026 / THE SOURCE

On the Cover: Debra Millette is a local, Bend artist diversified in styles and mediums; rendering landscapes, botanicals and pet portraits. She is presently working in acrylics and paints mostly from her own photographs. “I am inspired to paint seasonally! This 'Pumpkin Field' piece is a study from a landscape painting class that I am presently taking online with a favorite teacher of mine, Jim Musil!”

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OPINION Vote Chris Beck for Oregon’s Congressional District 2

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eyond the talk of flipping the U.S. House or sticking it to the Trump regime, the facts are plain: Cliff Bentz doesn’t seem to care much about the people of his district. The Oregon Health Plan covered some 70% of kids in Oregon’s large 2nd Congressional district in 2025. Over 40% of people in the district overall have been at least recently covered by Medicaid or the OHP. But in 2026, close to 10% of those may have already found themselves without coverage due to H.B. 1, better known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Sitting Rep. Cliff Bentz voted for that and championed it during numerous interviews in the runup to its passage. That alone should make a voter in the vast district, which encompasses most all of Oregon east of the mountains, and parts of Medford and Ashland too, think twice about re-electing him, and that doesn’t consider the number of people facing food insecurity due to cuts and/or increased reporting requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. In some quarters, you might find Cliff Bentz railing about the national debt; in others, he’ll defend the passage of that “beautiful bill” that is moving the nation backward in terms of public health and so much more. That bill alone added up to $4.7 trillion to the national debt, according to the Committee for a Responsible Budget. Bentz has done nothing to move toward the end of a so-called war (not approved by Congress) that is hitting American pocketbooks hard at the gas pump. He’s stood behind a president whose tariffs have caused increases in consumer prices and done damage to our relationships with our closest allies. All of these

things hit home in the increased costs of transportation, energy, and food. In addition, Bentz has made very little effort to reach out and hear the concerns or answer directly to his constituents. It’s been over 500 days since he conducted an in-person town hall in his vast district, according to a tracker on the website of his Democratic challenger, Chris Beck. Bentz has refused to debate Beck ahead of the election, either. Local TV station KTVZ invited both candidates to a debate to take place on Oct. 21; Bentz declined, so the show will now include just Beck. With experience in various levels of government — including a threeterm stint as an Oregon state legislator in the 1990s and early 2000s, and time working for a federal agency, Beck is perhaps not the type of challenger Bentz would prefer to see. Beck is experienced, well-educated, knows the issues and can speak with authority on wildfires, logging, health coverage, Social Security and other topics of interest to the people in the district. But if the idea here is to fly under the radar in the 2nd Congressional District and to appear as if there is no race at all to be won, then Bentz is succeeding. Pretending this race doesn’t exist gives him the best chance at simply riding that “incumbent” train to the next session of Congress. Right now, the dynamic in Washington allows Bentz to quietly move up the ladder on that MAGA wave. But come November, a vote for Bentz may very well be a vote for a party whose wave has crested. This is not the type of representation the people in a giant swath of Oregon deserve. Our vote is for Chris Beck for Oregon’s 2nd Congressional District.

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stop. Keep in mind that Ty Rupert and James McLaughlin supported Vander Kamp and were both promoted by Vander Kamp as well. So, the “Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” as the saying goes. Those promotions were most likely influenced by cronyism. Kind of a quid pro quo arrangement. Now, let’s put this into perspective. McLaughlin is being investigated for various allegations and to avoid being interviewed he does what Vander Kamp did and resorts to going on medical leave. By doing so, he avoids being interviewed, and the clock keeps ticking toward the election. If McLaughlin happens to win the election, he cannot be removed and we will be culpable of repeating exactly what his predecessor did with taxpayers again paying the price. In closing, I have this to say. Leaders learn from mistakes, but repeating a mistake when the outcome is crystal clear is not acceptable. If it’s predictable it’s preventable and the blatant corruptive behavior continues. Nothing has changed but the names and the faces. There is nothing tangible to substantiate that DCSO is making positive progress and for anyone to push that narrative is unfair to the voters. —Clifford Evelyn is a Redmond city councilor and a retired law enforcement officer.

BALLOT MEASURE 9-185

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outcome of the November 2024 election and honoring the voices of the voters who chose to increase the number of commissioners from three to five — with the understanding that five nonpartisan commissioners would represent all residents of Deschutes County. Accepting election results is a core League value. Changing course after voters were clearly informed undermines confidence in our elections and our democratic process. Please defend the 2024 voters’ choice and defend democracy by voting NO on Measure 9-185. —Joyce Durban

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU DREAM FOR AMERICA

Imagine America waking up tomorrow and millions of immigrants were suddenly gone, not just undocumented immigrants, but scientists, engineers, doctors, entrepreneurs, workers and business owners who came here legally, became citizens, paid taxes and made America their home. What would we lose? A great deal. Immigrants make up about 16% of America’s inventors and account for an estimated 32% of U.S. innovation. Immigrants and their children founded 231 companies on the 2025 Fortune 500 list, 46.2% of the total. And this isn’t just about statistics. President Trump’s own family reflects America’s immigrant story. His father was born in New York to German immigrant parents, while his mother immigrated from Scotland in 1930. Undocumented immigrants contribute to agriculture, construction, hospitality, home care, cleaning, etc. In 2022,

they paid an estimated $96.7 billion in federal, state and local taxes, including $25.7 billion into Social Security and $6.4 billion into Medicare, programs they generally cannot receive benefits from. America needs secure borders and an immigration system that works. But before cheering policies designed to drive immigrants away, we should ask: Who exactly are we getting rid of? Congress has repeatedly failed to deliver meaningful, long-term reform. America’s product spoils when its citizens and immigrants are treated inhumanely, scaring away the best of the best who want to work, build businesses, invent and create better lives. We risk becoming smaller, less innovative and less competitive. The world’s talent will always go somewhere. For generations, America’s advantage was that the world’s talent wanted to come here. We can secure our borders without turning our backs on the people who help build our country. —Mike Zapp

Letter of the Week: Thanks for your insight, Mike. Come on by for your gift card to Palate! —Nicole Vulcan

5 VOLUME 30 ISSUE 41 / OCTOBER 8, 2026 / THE SOURCE

RE: “Hope for the Sheriff’s Office,” guest opinion, 9/17 By Clifford Evelyn, Sr. I was rereading the guest opinion in the Sept. 17 Source and I could not disagree more in regard to the Sheriff’s Office improving. DCSO has had issues of corrupt behavior well before the Kent Vander Kamp fiasco. I also get very concerned when those unfamiliar with the inner workings of law enforcement attempt to rationalize, justify or assume something is improving when it blatantly continues. I can assure you the citizens have not seen any progress or been made aware of any since the “embarrassing” chapter of Vander Kamp. In fact, since that time new allegations have surfaced and it involves the interim Sheriff and a candidate for the position who also has allegations. Having optimism is great, but the reality is Vander Kamp continued abusing his position by collecting a paycheck, deciding when he was going to leave the Sheriff’s department, was allowed to continue entering the department armed. Can you imagine the liability if he had harmed anyone or did you even consider that possibility, because I did. He was then given his badge and gun, which is Sheriff’s department property, as if he “retired” in good standing. Well, he didn’t so let’s stop pretending he did and remember the DA had him placed on the Brady list. When he realized his past was catching up with him, he made a strategic move by going on medical leave to avoid being interviewed. Because, when you’re on leave, investigations temporarily

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NEWS

OCTOBER 8, 2026 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE - NOW DAILY AT WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM

Deschutes National Forest May Open More of Newberry Volcano to Geothermal Prospecting

Energy developers want to explore more of the area for “hot rocks” miles underneath the earth’s crust By Clayton Franke

nergy developers who use heat from the earth to create power want to explore a broader swath of the Newberry Volcano for the super-hot rock that lies miles underground. The Deschutes National Forest is considering a request from the Bureau of Land Management to open 30,000 acres on the flanks of the volcano southeast of Bend for potential geothermal exploration and development. While it’s too early to say how many acres might eventually be developed, and how much energy could be produced, the request would add to the land currently available for geothermal prospecting at Newberry — what’s already a global frontier for emerging geothermal technologies. The request comes as geothermal energy enters a new era in United States and creates local excitement as a clean and renewable energy source that could help meet the region’s ever-growing demand for power. On Sept. 17, the U.S. Forest Service posted draft environmental review documents for the BLM’s “consent to lease” request, triggering a 30-day public comment period. It’s an early step in a complicated process that could eventually lead to new geothermal projects at Newberry. First, energy prospectors “nominate” lands they want to explore to the BLM, the federal agency in charge of underground mineral rights. But the BLM must first get permission to lease the land from the Forest Service, which manages the forest above Newberry’s hot rocks. If that permission is granted, the BLM can sell underground rights to hot-rock prospectors in an auction. “Just because we put out a lease, it doesn’t mean it’ll be bid on,” said Sarah Bennett, a spokesperson for the BLM in Portland. “Even if it is bid on, it’s up to the winning bidder whether they want to actively explore the area for those geothermal resources or not.” According to the U.S. Forest Service, about 20,000 acres in the Deschutes National Forest are currently open to geothermal leasing, and geothermal infrastructure has been developed on about 60 acres.

Race for the hottest rock The BLM declined to provide a list of developers who nominated the lands, citing proprietary information. But a spokesperson for Mazama Energy, the Texas-based company

U.S. Forest Service

A screenshot from the U.S. Forest Service’s draft environmental review shows the land nominated for geothermal leasing in gray, around the Newberry National Volcanic Monument boundary.

demonstrating new geothermal technologies at Newberry, told the Source the company nominated a portion of the land for lease. Last month, the company announced $135 million in capital investment and said it’s eventually targeting 10 gigawatts of energy production at Newberry, which is equivalent to 10 nuclear reactors, enough energy to power millions of homes. Geothermal has the potential to fill an important space in Oregon’s future energy needs, said Rob Del Mar, senior policy analyst with the Oregon Department of Energy. It doesn’t rely on burning fossil fuels, and unlike wind and solar, it can create energy around the clock, he said. Mazama said it holds the record for the hottest geothermal system ever built, at 629 degrees Fahrenheit. In September, one of Mazama’s wells reached a depth of about 2 miles in just 15 days, aiming to reach a depth of 3 miles and a temperature of 750 degrees. Meanwhile, another Texas-based company, Quaise Energy, says it’s creating the “world’s first commercial superhot geothermal power plant” at Newberry, with the capacity to expand up to 1 gigawatt. A spokesperson said the company plans to use millimeter wave drilling to create geothermal wells, which will allow it to reach superhot rock at depth and temperature that would be too expensive for other technologies. Both companies are pioneering in “superhot” systems, drilling deep wells

to create fractures in the rock and injecting water to produce electricity, borrowing from technologies developed by the oil and gas industry. “That’s the very frontier of geothermal right now,” said Adam Schultz, a geophysics professor at Oregon State University who has founded geothermal exploration companies. “When you get to extremely high temperatures, the amount of water you need and the number of wells you need is dramatically reduced.” Water use can vary depending on the project, but both Mazama and Quaise say their systems use about one-quarter the water of conventional geothermal or gas-fired power plants. Because superhot geothermal projects use only a few dozen acres apiece, it won’t be feasible to develop all 30,000 acres in the lease request, Schultz said. Developers likely nominated lands with a broad brush to keep exploratory options open, he said.

Necklace of geothermal? Deschutes County Commissioner Phil Chang has applauded the efforts to develop new geothermal technology at Newberry and talked about the potential for Central Oregon to become a regional exporter of energy. Chang said recent announcements from geothermal companies have showed the potential for geothermal is becoming a reality. But now, he’s becoming anxious about what he called

a “necklace of geothermal wells all around the Newberry Caldera.” “I would love to see hundreds of megawatts of development around the Newberry Caldera. I don’t think that would have too big of a footprint and too big of an impact,” he said. “I don’t know how I feel about thousands of megawatts of development around the Newberry Caldera.” The Newberry Caldera is a 5-milewide crater that formed in an explosive eruption about 65,000 years ago. Two high-elevation lakes, Paulina Lake and East Lake, sit within the caldera. It’s protected from geothermal drilling by the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Interest from geothermal developers was what spurred the monument’s designation in 1990. Still, the BLM proposed to include nearly 5,000 acres within the monument boundary for geothermal leasing. The Forest Service’s proposed environmental review shoots down that request. Fiona Noonan, wild lands and water program manager with nonprofit Central Oregon LandWatch, called the monument’s protections against energy development a “story of success.” But she said the group will be watching closely when details about specific projects come forward. One initial concern, Noonan said, is that the Forest Service’s environmental statement proposes removing protections for trees larger than 21 inches wide, which applies to Eastern Oregon. “Right now, these exploratory projects that are going on near Newberry, to LandWatch feel like pretty interesting opportunities with exciting potential for renewable energy in Central Oregon,” Noonan said. “We definitely have some uncertainties remaining when it comes to long-term forest impacts, when it comes to water use. That is something we would like to see by the companies proposing these projects, by the agencies overseeing these processes.” —This article is made possible by the Lay It Out Foundation. The Foundation is a Central Oregon nonprofit organization dedicated to producing independent journalism. This reporting is available for republication by news organizations statewide.

NEWS

The City was accused of favoring one company over another when awarding food, beverage and retail contracts

COCC Faculty, Administration Reach Tentative Salary Agreement to Avoid Strike The new employment contract will raise full-time faculty salaries by 13% to 27% By Clayton Franke

By Clayton Franke

Courtesy OEA

Fly RDM

Above, an exterior rendering of the Redmond Municipal Airport expansion. At left, current concessionaire Aviano, LLC filed a complaint alleging that Redmond illegally favored a larger national company, Tailwind Hospitality, during a competitive process for contracts.

he City of Redmond is moving ahead with a new retail and vending company at the Redmond Municipal Airport, even with a judge set to rule on whether the City violated government contracting law during its selection process. Aviano LLC, the airport’s current concessionaire, filed a complaint July 30 in Deschutes County Circuit Court alleging the City illegally favored a larger national company, Tailwind Hospitality, during a competitive process for contracts for food and beverage service and shopping. The complaint accused then-airport director Zach Bass, who resigned Sept. 4, of having a “close personal relationship” with Tailwind representatives and meeting with them behind closed doors. The City was also accused of curating its requests for services to make it easier for Tailwind to score highly. Both the resignation and Aviano’s complaint were first reported by the Source. At a special meeting on Sept. 29, the City Council approved a contract with Tailwind for retail and vending, even though the company’s request was evaluated under the same process now being legally challenged. The controversy comes amid a $180 million construction project to expand the Redmond Airport, adding 80,000 square feet including 6,000 square feet of new concessions and 3,000 square feet of new or renovated retail space. The project is expected to wrap up by November 2027. Aviano, which has run the concessions and retail at the airport since 2009, filed the court complaint after the City awarded the concessions portion of the contract to Tailwind in June.

In its complaint, Aviano is asking the court to find the City in violation of public contracting law, sending the matter back to the City and awarding attorney’s fees to Aviano. Oregon law says that if contract decisions are appealed in court, the government shouldn’t move ahead unless there is a “compelling governmental interest in proceeding or that the goods and services are urgently needed.” In a pair of legal responses sent to Aviano on Sept. 17, the City argued moving forward with the contracts would be necessary to keep the airport expansion project on schedule. “We want to keep on schedule,” Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch told the Source. “We think that the ultimate decision was correct. I do think that the Council was correct in moving forward with it.” He added: “It was a clear difference between the two bidders.” Lawyers with Aviano didn’t respond to a request for comment. At the Sept. 29 meeting, Redmond city councilors didn’t mention the contracting dispute, but several commented that they wanted to maintain a “Redmond feel” with the new shops. Tailwind proposed a “Base Camp Marketplace” including a local and national retail merchandise list and partnerships with Destination Redmond and Sisters Coffee. As for its food and beverage proposal, Tailwind plans to bring Bend Brewing, Sisters Coffee and Sparrow Bakery brands to the airport.

Thor Erickson, a culinary instructor at COCC, leads a faculty rally on the college campus in Bend on Sept. 23.

aculty and administrators at Central Oregon Community College reached a tentative agreement over salaries Oct. 2, averting a strike scheduled to begin Oct. 5. The new employment contract will raise full-time faculty salaries by 13% to 27% and create “substantial” increases for part-time faculty, according to a Friday press release from the Oregon Education Association, the statewide teacher’s union representing the COCC Faculty Forum, a collective bargaining unit of 171 educators at the college. The press release called the agreement “the most transformative contract in the history of the Faculty Forum,” and said it would result in “life-changing gains” for faculty. It raises starting faculty salary from about $61,000 to $75,000, according to the release. “Our members bravely fought for this contract because they believe COCC faculty deserve to be fairly compensated for the work they do every day for our students and our community,” said Sara Henson, faculty forum president, in a press release. “These agreements will change lives, strengthen our faculty and help COCC build the workforce our students deserve.” The union said the agreement delivers on the goal to put COCC faculty pay on par with the statewide average for community college instructors. The agreement also increases overload and

summer compensation while reducing health insurance costs, according to the release. The agreement is still subject to ratification by faculty members and approval by the COCC Board of Directors. The union and the college entered mediation in September after months-long negotiations reached a stalemate. Dozens of faculty gathered for rallies on the college campus in west Bend on Sept. 23 and again on Oct. 1 ahead of a final negotiation session. The college had already offered a contract option on Sept. 17 to raise salaries by an average of 17% in the first year, with a starting salary of $69,000, according to a COCC webpage. The college came up from its August proposal, which offered an average salary increase of 9.4%. “This agreement represents an important investment in our faculty while ensuring the College remains financially sustainable,” said Jim Porter, chair of the COCC Board of Directors, in a college press release. “We appreciate the efforts of both bargaining teams to reach an agreement and, most importantly, avoid disruption to our students and their education.” The college had rejected previous offers from the union, primarily citing costs. According to the college, general fund reserves are projected to dip to historical lows amid financial headwinds like falling enrollment and federal spending cuts.

7 VOLUME 30 ISSUE 41 / OCTOBER 8, 2026 / THE SOURCE

Redmond Moves Ahead with New Vendor, Despite Legal Appeals

IN OTHER NEWS...

OCTOBER 8, 2026 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE - NOW DAILY AT WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM 8

Eight people are running between three City Council and one mayoral seat

REDMOND PICKS 10/9 – 10/10 FRIDAY 10/9 Josiah Pensado

By Clayton Franke

ith the Nov. 3 general election about one month away, candidates running for Redmond City Council and mayor discussed growth and development, water use, data centers and more at a forum hosted by the League of Women Voters Sept. 30 at the Central Oregon Community College technology education building in Redmond. Candidates had a minute and a half to answer each of a series of questions the league sourced from the public. A field of five candidates is running for three seats on the City Council. Tobias Colvin, Katherine Osborne and Paul Povey were in attendance. Raven Hansen and Barbara Tate are also running, but Hansen called out due to a work trip and Tate was out of the country, according to Carol Loesche, an organizer with the league. Mayor candidates Jay Patrick, Ed Fitch and Charles Baer followed. City Council

Early in the forum, City Council candidates were asked which specific water conservation policies they would support. The City is facing uncertainty about securing additional municipal water rights in the future amid declining underground aquifer levels in the Deschutes Basin due to drought, increased demand and canal piping projects. Colvin, Osborne and Povey all said they support the recently adopted tiered rate structure, which raised rates for bigger water users, and wanted to look at other ways to incentivize conservation, although none made specific suggestions. Povey said conservation measures are needed, but said he believes the aquifer might also start “replenishing itself” eventually. “At some point it might come back around and start filling itself back up,” said Povey, who runs a land surveying company in Redmond. Hydrologists and state regulators don’t expect the aquifer levels to rise naturally anytime soon. The discussion on water led to another about whether Redmond should consider new policies on data centers. All of the candidates agreed that data centers shouldn’t be sited in Redmond due to the lack of water. Osborne, who is seeking a second term on the City Council, said the City should have a “real discussion on a moratorium” on data centers. But candidates all said they wanted to support the vision of building out an industrial hub on the east side of Redmond. When asked about balancing Redmond’s growth while maintaining the City’s character, Colvin, a former councilor and general manager of the SCP Hotel, called preserving downtown’s feel his “key issue.” “I want it to feel like Redmond in five, 10, 50 years,” he said. “To have that downtown core feel like a Hallmark movie, that has all the people walking around and enjoying being outside,” he said, adding, “There is a lot of forces that could go the opposite direction.” Both Colvin and Osborne described the Northpoint Vista project in northeast Redmond as a good example of how the City has helped encourage construction of less-expensive housing. There, the state allowed the City an exception to bypass urban growth boundary planning rules under the requirement that at least 30% of the new housing in the 450-home neighborhood be restricted to certain incomes. “We’ve got some really exciting opportunities coming down the line, but we need to wait, see how it works, take some of those lessons and implement what works,” Osborne said. When it comes to housing, Povey said the City should do more to help the “small guys,” referring to smaller lot-property developers as opposed to large regional developers building

regionalbusinessalliance.com

master-planned neighborhoods. “We’ve gotta feed big housing, but we’ve also gotta help out with the little guys and find a way for them to develop their property like they used to be able to do, because people are priced out these days,” Povey said. Mayor Each of the candidates also ran for mayor in 2022. Fitch won that race and has served consecutive two-year terms as mayor. Now he’s seeking a final, four-year term after voters extended term lengths and set term limits in 2024. Fitch said the City has done a good job navigating issues like water scarcity, homelessness and increased traffic under his tenure. He said free discussion is one key. “When you open it up and invite everyone to have their piece and their say in issues facing our community, you can build consensus that way,” he said. “What we’ve accomplished in the last four years is really the proof in the pudding of why I should be mayor and lead the Council for the next four years.” Patrick has served on the City Council for 26 years, and said his style of leadership would be better for the City. “Leadership matters,” Patrick said. “I believe I’m a more collaborative, team-minded, building trust type of leader.” Baer, a perennial candidate for local office, is an advocate for depopulationism, or policies limiting childbirth. He presented a handful of other eccentric ideas during Wednesday’s forum, including building a six-lane highway or light rail bypass train miles east of Bend and Redmond and a new homeless facility in Millican, a ghost town 25 miles east of Bend. “I think that I would be the best mayor for Redmond. I’ve said this in 2020, 2022, 2024 and 2026, because I feel that it’s true. I feel I’ve got a good vision for the future, for Redmond and for the whole planet,” Baer said. Fitch said he wouldn’t be in favor of adjusting System Development Charges for affordable housing. SDCs are fees that builders pay to help fund infrastructure like roads, water and sewer. “Those things are essential to the safety of our people,” Fitch said. “If you don’t have the money, they’re just not going to get done. Would I prefer that we be able to waive some of the SDCs for affordable housing, no, because they have the same impact on infrastructure as anyone else. Are there other ways to financially benefit affordable housing, yes.” Patrick said he would be open to looking at fees the City is charging other than SDCs that add to housing prices. “They keep on going up, little bit by little bit, and you start adding all those pieces together,” he said. He said he sees ways the City could be better about building the proper roads to handle growth. —A longer version of this story is available at bendsource.com.

BOY NAMED SUE: A TRIBUTE TO JOHNNY CASH AND OTHER COUNTRY LEGENDS A HORN TRIBUTE TO THE MAN IN BLACK AND OTHERS

Boy Named Sue, Oregon’s finest horn-band tribute to Johnny Cash and other country legends, brings its signature sound to Redmond for one night only. Fronted by Cuchulain, a lowvoiced songwriter, the band performs a mix of original pieces and a plethora of country faves from Cash, Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton and Josh Turner. 6-9pm at High Desert Music Hall, 818 SW Forest Ave., Redmond. $20.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY 10/9-10/10 Scaregrounds Haunted Attractions

SCAREGROUNDS HAUNTED ATTRACTIONS GET READY TO BE TERRIFIED!

The ScareGrounds returns with two terrifying haunted attractions in one location. Step into Juniper Hollow, where a mysterious traveling circus left an entire town changed forever, or brave The Asylum for the Crazy and Criminally Insane. With immersive sets, live scares, special effects and timed ticketing. 7-9pm both nights, continues through Oct. 31, at The Scaregrounds, 120 SE Glacier Ave., Redmond. $25-$40.

9 VOLUME 30 ISSUE 41 / OCTOBER 8, 2026 / THE SOURCE

REDMOND NEWS W

Redmond Council and Mayor Candidates Weigh in on Growth, Data Centers, Water at Forum

FEATURE

Ethics Commission to Investigate OCTOBER 8, 2026 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE - NOW DAILY AT WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM

Sheriff Candidate Ty Rupert for

Misuse of County Resources Peter Madsen

Advancing from a preliminary review stage, the inquiry centers on a campaign letter Rupert sent through official DCSO channels By Peter Madsen

“It seems like Rupert messed up. He apologized. He did what we teach our criminal justice students to do when they make a mistake. But there are still consequences to mistakes. We’ll have to see how this plays out.” — Roxie Supplee, COCC criminal justice program director and assistant professor

s if the race for Deschutes County sheriff wasn’t sufficiently fraught, another investigation has been added to the hopper. On Aug. 5, the Oregon Government Ethics Commission moved to investigate Interim Sheriff Ty Rupert’s alleged misuse of county resources during his current campaign for sheriff. Rupert was appointed interim sheriff by Deschutes County commissioners in July. He’s running against James “Mac” McLaughlin, a detective lieutenant who was hired at DSCO around the same time as Rupert, about 20 years ago. During its preliminary review, the commission found a “substantial objective basis” that Rupert may have violated two statutes pertaining to the prohibited use of official position or office and methods of handling conflicts of interest. After considering the preliminary review report, the commission voted to open the investigation on Sept.11. Rupert had been informed of the findings prior to the meeting, OGEC Executive Director Susan Myers told the Source. The case could be resolved through an investigation report or through a stipulated final order, which is a written settlement agreement. Sometimes those agreements involve the levy of fines. Rupert, who’s running on a platform of accountability and transparency, did not respond to several emails the Source sent him seeking comment for this story. (As a result, most of his following statements are from an Oct. 1 interview with the Source editorial board.)

But the interim sheriff is not the only one facing additional scrutiny this election season. This ethics investigation comes as the ongoing misconduct investigation into McLaughlin, stemming from a SWAT arrest McLaughlin supervised four months earlier in Sunriver, stretches on.

The investigation into Rupert The OGEC investigation that’s moving forward revolves around an email — and the finding that Rupert didn’t properly handle the conflict of interest therewithin. On Jan. 27, Rupert asked Jason Carr, the sheriff’s office spokesman, to use his work computer to email a campaign newsletter to several news outlets, according to the report. The email was in response to McLaughlin’s announcement about throwing his hat in the ring for sheriff. The commission’s report also indicates that Rupert, by not issuing a press release regarding the inherent conflict of interest in using county resources for campaign purposes, may have also violated ORS 244.120(2), which deals with proper ways of announcing those conflicts. In the Jan. 27 campaign statement, which The Bulletin published the same day, Rupert stated, “this campaign is about who is best prepared to serve the public with integrity, transparency and sound judgment. I am confident that my record of leadership, financial stewardship and operational experience demonstrates that I am the strongest candidate

to guide the sheriff’s office forward.” Speaking with Oregon Public Broadcasting on Feb. 4, Rupert called it “a mistake” to have used public resources to send a campaign email, chalking it up to his inexperience as a political candidate. “I didn’t think about it at the time and it won’t happen again,” Rupert told the outlet. Oregon Statute 244.040 maintains that “… a public official may not use or attempt to use official position or office to obtain financial gain or avoidance of financial detriment for the public official… if the financial gain or avoidance of financial detriment would not otherwise be available but for the public official’s holding of the official position or office.” Rupert also admitted to this misuse of county resources in his response to OGEC on June 29. He wrote that after the event, he consulted with the county’s legal department, whose officials told him it would be better if he sent such communication himself. Accordingly, Rupert asked county counsel about whether it was OK to have in-uniform, on-duty DSCO employees accompany him at his town halls. He was told it wasn’t a good idea. The OGEC preliminary review report, however, cleared Rupert of the allegation that he misused county resources in the promotion of his town hall series throughout the county, which were publicized by DCSO spokesman Carr in emails and social media posts. The events were decorated with DCSO insignia and attended by members of DCSO brass. While Rupert did

FEATURE Peter Madsen

acknowledge that he was running for sheriff at these town halls, OGEC concluded that there isn’t enough evidence to show that Rupert obtained a financial benefit — or avoided a financial detriment — during these events. But while OGEC officials cleared Rupert on those points, the commission found substantive evidence that Rupert not only misused county resources, but also did not properly declare that conflict of interest either before or after the event, per ORS 244.120(2), a conflict of interest statute. Roxie Supplee, the criminal justice program director and assistant professor at Central Oregon Community College, reviewed the two statutes Rupert is accused of violating. “It seems like Rupert messed up. He apologized,” Supplee told the Source. “He did what we teach our criminal justice students to do when they make a mistake. But there are still consequences to mistakes. We’ll have to see how this plays out.” In conversation with the Source editorial board on Oct. 1, Rupert said, “anytime there is a conflict of interest, we need to look at having an outside independent investigator.” That investigator, Rupert explained, coordinates with the Deschutes County legal team and the

“I didn’t think about it at the time and it won’t happen again.” — sheriff candidate and DCSO Interim Sheriff Ty Rupert.

DCSO professional standards unit, presently supervised by Lt. Blair Barkhurst. It’s not clear whether Rupert has opened an administrative investigation into his having sent the Jan. 27 campaign release through county channels.

Numerous DSCO complaints This is the second time a complaint into Rupert’s alleged misuse of county resources has been filed with the Oregon Government Ethics Commission. The first one, filed on Aug. 5, involved DCSO employees mingling with Rupert at his campaign booth at the Deschutes County Fair. The commission cleared Rupert of any wrongdoing by late August. And in September, Redmond City Councilor Clifford Evelyn filed a voluminous complaint with the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training — the state’s “police watchdogs,” in addition to the Oregon Department of Justice, the state attorney general’s office and even the FBI. Evelyn directed his critique not at either sheriff candidate but the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office as a whole. He says he’s frustrated that only two agencies have confirmed receiving his complaint. “I’m a damn city councilman and even I can’t get answers,” Evelyn told the Source. As reported by OPB, DPSST has referred the matter back to Deschutes County, which has until Nov. 2 to respond. That’s the eve of the General Election.

The future handling of misconduct investigations

During their Sept. 30 debate with KTVZ and the following morning in

conversation with the Source’s editorial board, Rupert and McLaughlin shared plans for how they’d improve oversight and transparency at the sheriff’s office, should they be elected. A component of the “stabilization plan” Rupert submitted to Deschutes County commissioners is a citizen advisory panel. Carr told the Source DCSO is finalizing the application process in the coming weeks. Then the agency will solicit applicants for the seven- or nine-person panel of unpaid volunteers in the coming weeks. “It’ll be a multi-purpose panel for me,” Rupert told the Source on Oct. 1. “It will be comprised of people from around the county. It’ll be a multi-role where we can learn of issues to better serve our community, but also in situations like this. They can understand the process, they can be involved in the process, but there is information through due process that is confidential — you can’t just share that with civilians.” In contrast to Rupert’s volunteer citizen advisory panel, McLaughlin calls for a permanent ombuds with teeth — granted the power to make lasting administrative inquiries and certain deciding powers. That, he says, would be an important improvement to the current structure, where the sitting sheriff has the power to decide the fate of an employee who may also be an opponent in the race for sheriff. An ombuds office is not paid by the sheriff’s office; in theory, its staff instead would be employed by the county. “I believe we need to bring someone who is truly outside,” McLaughlin said. There’s precedent in the state. In November 2022, 85% of voters in Multnomah County passed a charter amendment adding the ombudsperson as a role in the county auditor’s office. The ombudsperson can assist the public by

conducting independent, impartial investigations into administrative acts of county programs and recommending changes. McLaughlin told the Source that the DCSO’s current way of conducting serious misconduct investigations, in which a sitting sheriff hires an independent investigator and then delegates the final ruling to the county manager, can come with some baked-in institutional biases. McLaughlin cited an investigator’s profit motive — wanting to make repeat customers of law enforcement agencies — as additionally problematic. “I think it’s an engineering fault,” McLaughlin said. McLaughlin also detailed opacity at the sheriff’s office regarding his own internal investigation. He told the Source he learned of key developments not through DCSO administrators nor command staff, but from local news outlets, including the Source. During the Sept. 30 KTVZ debate, Rupert told voters that despite rising through DCSO ranks while misconduct and scandal engulfed others, he’s presently charting the sheriff’s office on a sound course. “…It’s time for change,” Rupert said. “That’s why I put my name in last year to become sheriff, so we can make that change. I can’t change the past, but I can certainly change the direction we’re going, and we’re on a good trajectory so far.” The Oregon Government Ethics Commission’s investigation into Rupert may last 180 days. The soonest date the commission will revisit the Rupert’s case is March 5, 2027 in a public meeting. There, the case may see any of several outcomes. The commission might dismiss it; continue investigating for another month; or arrive at a finding of ethics violations. Negotiated settlements are common. This March 5 revisitation into Rupert’s conduct will arrive four months past Jan. 1, 2027, when the sheriff-elect will begin a four-year term — and half a year past the 2026 General Election. —This article is made possible by the Lay It Out Foundation. The Foundation is a Central Oregon nonprofit organization dedicated to producing independent journalism. This reporting is available for republication by news organizations statewide.

11 VOLUME 30 ISSUE 41 / OCTOBER 8, 2026 / THE SOURCE

Candidates for Deschutes County sheriff, Det. Lt. James “Mac” McLaughlin, left, and Interim Sheriff Ty Rupert, right, both of DCSO, met with the Source editorial board at our office on Oct. 1.

“I believe we need to bring someone who is truly outside." — sheriff candidate and DCSO Det. Lt. James McLaughlin.

SOURCE PICKS THURSDAY

OCTOBER 8, 2026 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE - NOW DAILY AT WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM

10/8

POUR IT FORWARD WITH CASA HELP CENTRAL OREGON CHILDREN WHILE ENJOYING DELICIOUS WINES

Raise funds for CASA of Central Oregon, supporting the volunteers who advocate for children navigating the foster care and child welfare systems. A portion of bar proceeds will be donated to CASA. No reservations required. Just come and raise a glass for this essential nonprofit. 3-9pm at Viaggio Wine Merchant, 210 SW Century Drive, Bend. Free.

FRIDAY

10/9

SATURDAY

10/8 – 10/13

10/10

NAMI GATHER: SUNSET ALPACA TAI CHI SLOW DOWN, RECONNECT AND EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY OF ALPACAS AND CENTRAL OREGON

The National Alliance on Mental Illness Central Oregon, Owl Nest and Bend Alpaca Ranch are offering a free community Alpaca Tai Chi class at sunset as a tool to promote mental wellness. Participants get to spend time feeding and getting to know the friendly Flying Dutchman Alpacas and then enjoy the beauty of the sunset with a gentle, beginner-friendly tai chi session. 5-6:30pm at Bend Alpaca Ranch, 64380 High Mowing Lane, Bend. Free.

SATURDAY

10/10

SATURDAY

10/10

BEAM BALL 2026: UNMASKED – ACONNECTION, NIGHT OFCELEBRATION BELONGING AND COMMUNITY IMPACT

Enjoy music, small bites, refreshments and stories while celebrating a community where every child belongs. This joyful fundraiser supports BEAM’s trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming programs for Central Oregon children with complex learning and behavioral needs. 4-6pm at Hanai Center, 62430 Eagle Road, Bend. $100.

MONDAY

10/12

KIMBERLY JUNE LIVE AT COMMONWEALTH PUB SHARING THE RAW AND REAL STORIES OF HER LIFE

Kimberly June (“KJ”) is an indie-folk songwriter, performer and producer with roots in both Nashville and Hawaii. Her authentic, soul-centered stage presence captivates audiences, while her songs—whimsical, witty and wise—tell the raw and real stories of her life. KJ’s work has also been featured on TV shows like ABC’s "Nashville." 8:30-10:30pm at The Commonwealth Pub, 30 SW Century Dr., Bend. Free.

Steve Gorn

AN EVENING OF INDIAN CLASSICAL MUSIC WORLD-RENOWNED MUSICIANS AT CONTINUUM

TUESDAY

Enjoy a transformative evening of heart-opening music and connection while diving into the sacred ocean of raga with Grammy winner and five-time Grammy nominee Steve Gorn on Bansuri flute and renowned multi-instrumentalist Benjy Wertheimer, joined by Bend's own Wyetta Bontempo. 7-9pm at Continuum, A School of Shadow Yoga, 155 SW Century Drive, Bend. $30.

FRIDAY

10/9 Caldera Free Movie Night

**BEND HIGH WATERPOLO FUNDRAISER ENJOY DELICIOUS FOOD AND DRINKS WHILE UPP Liquids

PRETZEL FEST AT UPP LIQUIDS GO FOR THE PRETZELS, STAY FOR THE BEER

Get ready to raise a stein as Pretzel Fest is back and better than ever! Enjoy award-winning beer with homemade pretzel pairings, live music by Mari and the Dream, local vendors, games and plenty of festive fun. Come hungry, grab a pint and celebrate. 5-9pm at UPP Liquids, 550 SW Industrial Way, Bend. Free.

SATURDAY

BACK TO THE FUTURE: COMMUNITY MOVIE NIGHT FREE SHOWING OF THE FUN, FAMILY-FRIENDLY MOVIE

Caldera Family Organization presents a free showing of “Back to The Future” with a Delorian replica to boot. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. No outside food or drink. Check out www.calderafamily. org. Doors open at 6:30pm at Caldera High School JV soccer field, 60925 SE 15th St., Bend. Free.

towertheatre.org

10/13

10/10

3 MICS: ONE STAGE. THREE MICS. THREE KINDS OF COMEDY. ONE-LINERS, COMEDY BITS AND HEARTFELT STORIES

Check out a new comedy experience, inspired by comedian Neal Brennan’s acclaimed “3 Mics” format: one for one-liners, one for comedy bits and one for emotional, heartfelt, surprisingly honest stuff. A rotating lineup of comedians kicks things off in a round-robin format followed by headliners. 7-9:30pm at Silver Moon Brewing, 24 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend. $20.

Sunday, November 8

MARC BROUSSARD W/ SPECIAL GUEST CHRISTINA VANE

SUPPORTING LOCAL WATER-POLO PLAYERS

Lava Bears Water Polo, which has players from Bend Senior, Caldera and other high schools, is self-funded through fundraisers and donations. They receive no funding from the school district. Cascade Lakes Pub will donate 10% of the day’s sales to the club, so have a tasty meal and beverage and support local youth athletes. 11am-9pm at Cascade Lakes Pub on Reed Market, 21175 SE Reed Market Road, Bend.

TUESDAY

10/13

OTTMAR LIEBERT & LUNA NEGRA HE’S A MASTER OF STRONG MELODIES, SHADES OF MELANCHOLY AND UPBEAT RHYTHMS

Liebert’s global success can be attributed to a myriad of things – his creative vision, his determination and a strong sense of melody. After living in Germany, Asia and Boston, he settled in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he returned to the acoustic guitar and honed his musical style, which is a mix of Spanish, Mexican and World elements. Doors open 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:30pm at Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend. $37-$47 plus $8 Historic Preservation Fee.

Sunday, November 15

SOLAS

Friday, November 20

PICK UP THE PIECES:

A CELEBRATION OF MOTOWN & CLASSIC SOUL

Audiences will be treated to an intimate listening experience at the Bend arts hub By Dallas Finn Calvert

n inaugural, intimate listening experience is kicking off at the Open Arts Center in Bend, offering audience members the opportunity to get a glimpse behind the curtain at the musicians and creative processes behind their music. Maija Kellner-Rode, one of OAC’s co-founders and its creative director, said The Gallery Sessions will feature performances and live question-and-answer sessions with the musicians. Additionally, a teen music pilot program will run in parallel with the series, which is slated for specific Fridays between October 2026 and March 2027. Concerts include Rooster Blackspur with Bella Cooper on Oct. 16; Joel Chadd and Sturtz on Nov. 13; local band Sun Dive with Travis Ehrenstrom on Dec. 11; Nathaniel Talbot on Feb. 19; and Alicia Viani and Beth Wood on March 12. Tickets are $15-$35 per show, and a season pass is $90-$210. “There are not a lot of places where you can actually go and have a sit-down listening experience that isn’t the Tower Theatre. Most often, musicians are playing in front of crowds at bars or cafes, and there’s not as much of that really intentional listening experience,” Kellner-Rode said. “Also, audiences aren’t often able to get to know the artists behind the music that they love. We’re setting it up in a way where there’ll be a select numbers of questions that will be asked to every musician at every show, and then there’ll also be the ability for the audience to ask their own questions, so that’ll be more organic.” The idea of the music series evolved after a “magical” benefit concert in January, Kellner-Rode said. The concert featured performances by OAC board members and was a “songwriters-in-the-round event” that more than 100 people attended. The concert’s format was so well received that Kellner-Rode and Claire Brislin, the other OAC co-founder and programs director, decided to leverage it into a series that would be open to the community.

“It was this really magical listening experience where we got to know each artist as they performed. It was a really intimate and special evening,” Kellner-Rode said. OAC is partnering with Cascade School of Music to create the teen program that will offer a select number of young people the opportunity to participate in a singer/songwriter workshop series. “We want to create an experience that not only gives musicians this intimate and unique concert experience but also wanted to give teens the experience to be able to develop stage presence and work in front of a crowd and really empower them that there’s a future for them if they want to be a working musician,” Kellner-Rode said. Kellner-Rode, 35, has been a “working artist my whole adult life,” and also has a background in teen mentorship and mental health, while Brislin, 40, is a longtime teacher, dancer and performer. The two women met by chance in 2023, when Kellner-Rode was on an artists’ panel at an event Brislin attended. Kellner-Rode and Brislin continued talking long after the panel discussion ended, discovering they had similar dreams of a community arts hub where teens and adults alike could pursue creation. “We both had this shared vision and connection and immediately said, ‘OK, we’re doing this.’ It felt like a very magical meeting,” Kellner-Rode said. “We both showed up to the equation with different skill sets. We both had been working toward some vision of this and then, through our shared vision, and obviously having been influenced by many others, we’ve now got this whole ecosystem of arts. It’s really meant to be a space for the community. We wanted a real home for arts for adults in our community. There are so many creative people here, but there isn’t really a hub.” Long-term, Kellner-Rode said they have big plans, building off the new music series. “It’s our inaugural series, but we really see it being

Becca Breed Photography

Maija Kellner-Rode, left, and Claire Brislin are co-founders of the Open Arts Center in Bend.

a staple in our programming and something that we will continue to evolve and build,” she said. “This one is mostly oriented towards singers and songwriters. We see it as something that could grow into different genres, and our dream is to have some bigger performers who may be playing at, say, Tower [Theatre] or at Hayden Homes [Amphitheater], and they want to have a more intimate listening session tacked on to their tour, where you really get to know the artists behind the music.” In other OAC news, the organization recently received an Oregon Arts Commission Arts Learning grant, which is dedicated to strengthening K-12 arts education. The OAC is one of 15 statewide organizations that received the $10,000 grants and will use it to support equitable access to arts education for students at Bear Creek Elementary, a bilingual Title I school that recently lost dedicated arts instruction. The OAC will partner with educators to provide three sequential six-week artist residencies during the 2026-2027 school year, engaging approximately 75-90 students in hands-on visual, performing and interdisciplinary arts experiences led by professional teaching artists, culminating with public showcases of student learning.

JUST 10 MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN BEND!

Introducing our new mixed animal veterinarian

Dr. Avery Mandel!

Dr. Cochran • Dr. Westbrook Dr. Cuthbert • Dr. Nicol • Dr. Mandel 541.389.1540 | tumaloanimalhospital.com |

@TumaloAnimalHospital

VOLUME 30 ISSUE 41 / OCTOBER 8, 2026 / THE SOURCE

SOUND A

Inaugural Music Series Set for Open Arts Center

OCTOBER 8, 2026 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE - NOW DAILY AT WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM 14

LIVE MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

CALENDAR

Ticket and promote your events with BendTicket! Bend Ticket

7 Wednesday

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.

Bingo For Bunnies! is an exciting series of bingo nights at Midtown Yacht Club in Bend, hosted by Ember’s Bunny Rescue. Come play bingo, grab food and drinks, and support the rabbits, All proceeds go directly to support the rabbits in the rescue's care. 6-8pm.$3.

Don’t miss Wes Urbaniak at Silver Moon Brewing on Sat. Oct. 10 for a full night of heartfelt storytelling, soulful music and one-of-a-kind craftsmanship.

Continuum, A School of Shadow Yoga An Evening of Indian Classical Music with

The Cellar Live Irish Trad Music with the Ballybogs! Live music featuring Bend's Irish Trad band, The Ballybogs! Seats fill up, so get there early! 6-8pm. Free. The Domino Room David Nihill: Taking Tangents Tour Leaving Dublin, Ireland where he was born and raised until the age of 22, David got drunk on travel and never quite hit sobriety of it. His shows draw on his wide travels, cultural observations, and language study. 8-10pm. $41.67. The Lot Jenna Hansen Jenna is a versatile

singer with experience performing both solo and with a band. She has a smooth, clean, voice with beautiful vibrato and break that is an aural delight. Critics have compared her to Adele! 6-8pm. Free.

Portello Lounge Comedy at Portello

Comedy night at Portello. Join Bits N Skits Productions for our opening comedy night at Portello cocktail and wine bar! This is a talented lineup that’s not to be missed. 7:30-9pm. $15-$20.

Silver Moon Brewing Jimbo Scott

& Yesterday’s Biscuits With songs that jump from Country, to Rock, to Folk and Bluegrass to Soul, the band offers a lush demonstration of instrumental prowess dripping in premier vocal performances. 7-10pm. $14.92.

The Winery at Manzanita - Bend Vino &

Vibes Enjoy an evening of wine and Local community grooves every Thursday. Local singers and song writers welcome. 5-7pm. Free.

Steve Gorn and Benjy Wertheimer Dive into the sacred ocean of raga with Grammy winner and five-time Grammy nominee Steve Gorn on Bansuri flute and renowned multi-instrumentalist Benjy Wertheimer. Joined by Bend’s very own Wyetta Bontempo. 7-9pm. $30.

The Domino Room Kevin Moan and The Howling Kevin Moan & The Howling are a garage and rock and roll two-piece out of Oakland. Kevin Moan on bass and vocals, Marc Martell on drums. Kevin came out of Bay Area garage punk band The Atom Age. They are touring the West Coast this October behind a new vinyl. 7-10pm. $12.69. High Desert Music Hall Boy Named Sue: a Tribute to Johnny Cash and other country legends by Cuchulain Oregon’s finest horn band tribute to Johnny Cash & other country legends is bringing their signature sound to the High Desert Music Hall. Doors at 6pm, music from 7-9pm. 6-9pm. $20.

The Commonwealth Pub ShineOla Singalong The Shine you know and love now has an alter ego... meet Shineola!! Shineola has one main aim- to get the audience singing at the top of their lungs! 5-7pm.Free. The Commonwealth Pub The Cutmen The Cutmen are an eight-piece instrumental funk and soul jazz band with a horn section. The band has been performing in the Oregon area for the last 10 years playing house shows, clubs and festivals. 8-10pm.Free.

high‑energy mix of classic rock, blues and Americana delivered by a full band with great chemistry. Familiar songs, strong vocals and a fun, nostalgic vibe fill the room while Portello’s cocktails, wine and warm atmosphere make it the perfect Saturday night hang. Reservations encouraged, walkins welcome! 6:30-8:30pm. Free for customers.

Silver Moon Brewing Wes Urbaniak

& The Mountain Folk Wes Urbaniak is an artist who strives to create the most beautiful worlds he can imagine. And the mountain folk are joining him on tour to share this music throughout the Northwest. 7-10pm. $14.82.

Midtown Ballroom Too Short live Too $hort

is live in concert in Bend, Oregon at The Midtown Ballroom. 8pm. $55.20-$71.21.

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. 7-10pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing $5 Comedy Night There are many things in Bend you can’t buy for five dollars. But $5 can get you a ticket to some of the best laughs in Bend! 7:30-9pm. $5.

The Domino Room Echos, Lana Del Rabies, & Witch Eyes ALEXANDRA NORTON, THE VOICE AND SONGSTRESS BEHIND ECHOS, WEAVES HER MUSIC FROM THE THREADS OF HER OWN TUMULTUOUS JOURNEY. 7:30-10pm. $24.28.

The Commonwealth Pub The Rusty Frets The Rusty Frets are a rising American reggae band from Bend serving up feel-good reggae built for a packed dance floor. Formed in 2023, the band quickly gained momentum with charting singles "Tide Keeps Rising," "No One" and "Swervy," earning spots on the iTunes Reggae Top 100. 8-10pm. Free.

14 Wednesday

11 Sunday

Silver Moon Brewing Spina, Riastrad & Cabfighter Spina, Riastrad & Cabfighter bring a night of heavy music to Silver Moon Brewing! 7-10pm. $15.

Bend Cider’s last concert of the season, featuring the Celtic Americana folk-rock of the Riverstones! E. 4-6pm. Free.

in Plant Bingo! A fundraiser that will support upcoming activities and events for the chapter.

Silver Moon Brewing John Hewitt & the New Americans & Guests If you like John Prine, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison and the Beatles you’ll love this Edmonton gem! 7-10pm. $14.92.

Boneyard Pub LeftSlide Rockin’ Boneyard’s Division St. Closing Party LeftSlide will be closing down the Boneyard Division St. Pub with one last musical blast. Thick and greasy, gritty guitars plus fat bass plus heavy bouncing drums. Last call for the great food great beer at this location. Let it be known! 5-7pm. Free.

10 Saturday

Worthy Brewing - Main Pub and Brewery Plant Bingo! Join the High Desert Chapter

Silver Moon Brewing 3 Mics: One Stage. Three Mics. Three Kinds of Comedy. Three mics, three comedy styles! Enjoy one-liners, comedy bits and heartfelt stories. 7-9:30pm. $20.

Silver Moon Brewing Bigfoot Country Local band Bigfoot County is a blues-rock and country band known for their soulful takes on classic tunes. Mixing the grit of old school Allman Brothers with the swagger of Waylon Jennings, this dueling guitar band brings high energy and a rippin’ good time to every show. 7-10pm. $14.92.

Bend Cider Co. The Riverstones Come out for

9 Friday

Portello Lounge Long Gone Wilder A

The Commonwealth Pub Lisa Dae Quartet Lisa Dae is a jazz vocalist celebrated for her three-octave-plus range, emotionally rich phrasing and deep connection to the American Songbook. Known as a “vocal chameleon,” she brings both subtlety and power to her interpretations, captivating audiences with her warmth, clarity and effortless swing. 7-9pm.

River's Place Bim Jean & The Sadness Intimate, no frills detour into some of the best of American roots music 5-7pm. Free. Volcanic Theatre Pub Shovels & Rope

Genre - Americana. Doors @ 7PM - Show Starts @ 8PM. Presale - $25 Door - $35. 7pm. $25-$35.

12 Monday The Commonwealth Pub Kimberly June Kimberly June (“KJ”) is an indie-folk songwriter, performer and producer with roots in both Nashville and Hawaii. Her authentic, soul-centered stage presence captivates audiences, while her songs—whimsical, witty, and wise—tell the raw and real stories of her life. 8:30-10:30pm. Free.

Submitting an event is free and easy.

MUSIC

27th Street Brass Quintet Enjoy an hour

of music courtesy of Central Oregon Symphony. Oct. 10, 2-3pm. La Pine Library, 16425 1st St, La Pine. Contact: 541-312-1032. lizg@dpls.lib. or.us. Free.

Dove String Quartet The Dove String

Quartet, featuring two violins, viola and cello, presents a free concert at the Prineville Public Library. Oct. 10, 2-3pm. Crook County Library, 175 NW Meadow Lakes Drive, Prineville. Contact: 541-317-3941. info@cosymphony.com. Free.

The High Desert Wind Quintet Enjoy an hour of music courtesy of Central Oregon Symphony. Oct. 10, 2-3pm. Redmond Public Library, 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond. Contact: 541312-1032. lizg@dpls.lib.or.us. Free. Ottmar Liebert & Luna Negra Ottmar Liebert’s global success can be attributed to a myriad of things: his creative vision, his determination, and a strong sense of melody. Oct. 13, 7:30pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-317-0700. info@towertheatre.org. $37-$47 (plus $8 Historic Preservation Fee).

Add your event to our calendar at bendsource.com

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15 VOLUME 30 ISSUE 41 / OCTOBER 8, 2026 / THE SOURCE

13 Tuesday

Midtown Yacht Club Bingo For Bunnies!

8 Thursday

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. 9pm. Free.

The Domino Room Live Dead & Brothers Perform Grateful Dead & Allman Brothers Prepare to embark on a mesmerizing journey through the golden era of psychedelic blues and the seeds of the ‘jam band’ scene as Live Dead & Brothers takes the stage. 8-11pm. $47.46.

Silver Moon Brewing Haunted Like Human & Annika Hankshaw With a background in poetry and prose, Dale Chapman’s granular focus on language is simpatico with Cody Clark’s background in classical guitar, where each note carries its own weight. The result is a shapely set of songs that borrow from universal lore in order to reveal intimate truths. 7-10pm. $14.92.

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EVENTS

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT

CALENDAR

Mt. Bachelor

FILM EVENTS

Big Sexy Movie Night: The Labyrinth Big Sexy Movie Night is a whole new way to

OCTOBER 8, 2026 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE - NOW DAILY AT WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM

monthly Sip and Swap. Bring gently used clothing and accessories to swap out for a new-to-you style! All clothing not brought to a new home will be donated directly to November's nonprofit, The Shepherds house. Oct. 11, 12-2pm. Upp Liquids, 550 SW Industrial Way, Bend. Contact: rose@ uppliquids. Free.

watch favorite movies and films. Through a seamless blend of burlesque, drag, pole dance and more, we bring the characters off the screen to give you a unique live rendition of the most iconic (and infamous!) characters. Oct. 8, 7:30-9:30pm. Funky Fauna Artisan Ales, 1125 NE 2nd St, Bend. Contact: kruegerthecreator@gmail.com. $30+.

Future Takes Flight: An Evening with Friends The Friends of Malheur NWR are

Free Screening: People's Emergency Briefing Most Oregonians want action

celebrating National Wildlife Refuge Week with an evening of fun in honor of Malheur NWR and the Friends who promote its conservation. It is the generous support of the public that enables FOMR to focus on Malheur’s future. Register now! Oct. 10, 5-8pm. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon, 61980 Skyline Ranch Rd, Bend, OR 97703, Bend. Contact: 541-4130398. friends@malheurfriends.org. $40-$320.

on climate. Most never bring it up. That gap is why leaders treat this a fringe issue. Watch a screening of the People's Emergency Briefing with Oregon climate ecologist Ernie Niemi with follow-up conversation on what matters to our local community most. Oct. 7, 6-8pm. Worthy Brewing - Main Pub and Brewing, 495 NE Bellevue Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-316-0080. info@ worthygardenclub.org. Free.

Movies in the Mountains Experience a classic movie night at the mountain this October. Enjoy a cozy evening with a film under the stars, surrounded by the beautiful Central Oregon landscape. Tune in from your car radio or bring a portable FM radio if you plan to sit outside your vehicle. Fridays, 5:30-9:30pm, continues through Nov. 1. Mt. Bachelor, 13000 Century Drive, Bend. $25 per vehicle. National Theatre Live: The Misanthrope Award-winner Sandra Oh plays the title

role in this razor-sharp reimagining of Molière’s classic dark comedy. Telling the truth isn’t always that simple. Alice, a brilliant novelist, despises the carefully constructed lies of modern society. But the more she challenges those around her, the fiercer the backlash becomes. Oct. 14, 6:30-8:30pm. Sisters Movie House & Cafe, 720 S Desperado Ct, SISTERS. Contact: 541-549-8833. inquiries@sistersmoviehouse.com. $17.

Never Stop Chasing Storm chaser Reed

Timmer and his crew pursue the world’s most powerful tornadoes, confronting danger, friendship and the personal cost of a life driven by the relentless pursuit of storms. Oct. 7, 6:30-8:30pm. Sisters Movie House & Cafe, 720 S Desperado Ct, SISTERS. Contact: 541-549-8833. inquiries@ sistersmoviehouse.com. $17.

THEATER

The Importance of Being Earnest

Directed by Antony Sparrow, this show reimagines Oscar Wilde’s beloved comedy amid the tabloid frenzy, romantic deception and social satire. Experience Wilde’s timeless wit and outrageous characters as Ellipse tours Central Oregon Sept. 17-Oct. 10. Oct. 10, 2-4:30 and 7-9:30pm. Unity Community, 63645 Scenic Dr., Bend. $28.29 online/$25 at the door.

ETC.

Casino Royale Open House Enjoy an after-

noon of friendly competition with three blackjack tables and a poker table, along with appetizers and drinks. Between hands, tour available cottages and apartments, explore the community and discover the maintenance-free lifestyle. Oct. 8, 1-3pm. Touchmark at Pilot Butte, 1125 NE Watt Way, Bend. Contact: 541-330-6000. Free.

Opportunity Foundation Of Central Oregon Hosts: Free Business Breakfast A relationship focused breakfast designed

Catch a movie under the stars with a one-of-a-kind, drive-in movie experience at Mt. Bachelor on Fri. Oct. 9!

Riverbank Remedies: A Guided Herbal Plant Walk Join herbalists from The Peoples

Apothecary on a meander in a park to discover medicinal and edible plants that grow in our area. Oct. 11, 4-6pm. The Peoples Apothecary, 1841 NE Division St Ste 150, Bend. Contact: 541-7282368. classes@thepeoplesapothecary.net. $25 sliding scale available.

ScareGrounds Haunted Attractions Step into Juniper Hollow, where a myste-

rious traveling circus left an entire town changed forever, or brave The Asylum for the Crazy and Criminally Insane. With immersive sets, live scares and special effects. Fridays-Saturdays, 7-9pm. Through Oct. 31. The Scaregrounds, 120 SE Glacier Ave., Redmond. Contact: 541-548 4755. info@scaremegood.com. $25 to $40.

6th Annual Customer Appreciation Event Brings together pet owners, national

Candidate Forum 2026: U.S. Congressional District 5 Candidate forum

presented by the League of Women Voters of Deschutes County. Submit questions 72 hours in advance to questions@lwvdeschutes.org. This forum features the U.S. Congressional District 5 candidates. Oct. 10, 11am. Ridgeview High School, 4555 SW Elkhorn Ave., Redmond. Free.

BIG SEXY MOVIE NIGHT: THE LABYRINTH

Women Voters of Deschutes County sponsors live Candidate Forums that are free and open to the public. The candidates for County Commissioner immediately followed by the candidates for County Sheriff will each answer questions the League collects directly from the public. Oct. 14, 5:30-7:45pm. Deschutes County Government Building, Sawyer Room, 1300 NW Wall Street, Bend. Contact: 541-931-9096. info@lwvdeschutes.org. Free.

of tea one sip at a time with this monthly Tea Tasting with Al experience. Whether a longtime tea enthusiast or just beginning the tea journey, this casual and welcoming tasting is the perfect way to expand one's palate, learn something new and find a favorite.Oct. 7, 12-1pm. Bend Tea and Art Lounge, 1024 NW Bond St, Suite 101, Bend. Contact: 541-668-6708. info@bendteal.com. Free (RSVP).

pet brands, local animal rescues, nonprofits and community members for a day focused on pets, people and giving back. There’ll be a raffle benefitting the four attending nonprofits and free insulated totes filled with samples, treats, food and pet goodies for first 200 qualifying purchases. Oct. 10, 9am-2pm. Local Paws, 435 SW Evergreen Ave., Redmond.

Biz & Bevs Join the Bend business community for Biz & Bevs @ Kiln Coworking Space! Extend professional networks while enjoying beer, cider and small bites! Free for Bend Chamber members, $10 for non-members. Registration required. Oct. 13, 4:30-6pm. Kiln Co-Working, 501 SW Hill St., Bend. $0-$10.

Candidate Forums - County Commissioners and Sheriff The League of

Tea Tasting With AL Discover the world

GROUPS + MEETUPS

FEATURED EVENTS COMEDY NIGHT AT PORTELLO

Community Clothing Swap To Benefit Shepherd's House UPP Liquids is hosting its

FUNDRAISING

BEAM Ball 2026: Unmasked — A Night of Belonging Come as your most

authentic self to BEAM Ball: Unmasked — A Night of Belonging. Enjoy music, small bites, refreshments and stories while celebrating a community where every child belongs. This joyful fundraiser supports BEAM’s trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming programs for Central Oregon children with complex learning and behavioral needs. Oct. 10, 4-6pm. Hanai Center, 62430 Eagle Road, Bend. Contact: emmy@thebeamprogram. org. $100.

Bend High Waterpolo Fundraiser

Cascade Lakes Pub will donate 10% of all sales to support the Bend High Waterpolo team. Unlike many school sports programs, our water polo team receives no funding from the school district and fundraising is imperative to keeping the team playing. Oct. 13, 11am-9pm. Cascade Lakes Pub on Reed Market, 21175 SE Reed Market Rd., Bend.

to connect business leaders with the mission of Opportunity Foundation in celebration with National Disability Employment Awareness month. Oct. 13, 9-10:30am. Redmond Oregon VFW Post 4108, 491 SW Veterans Way, Redmond. Contact: 541-548-2611. tyschraeder@opportunityfound. org. Free.

Pour It Forward Fundraiser for CASA of Central Oregon Join us in raising

funds for CASA of Central Oregon, supporting the volunteers who advocate for children navigating the foster care and child welfare systems. A portion of bar proceeds will be donated to CASA. No reservations required. Just come and raise a glass for this essential nonprofit. Oct. 8, 3-9pm. Viaggio Wine Merchant, 210 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-299-5060. info@viaggiowine.com.

Sparrow Club Dancing With The Stars Fundraiser! 20% of all sales that mention the

Sparrow Club Dancing With The Stars fundraiser will be donated back all day from Mountain Burger! Come grab some delicious food and help support! Oct. 7, 11:30am-9pm. Mountain Burger, 2747 NW Crossing Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-6687177. info@mountainburgerbend.com.

EVENTS + MARKETS

Elevation Farmers Market Food, handmade goods, music and the good ol’ feeling of community. Shop and support local makers and farmers. Fridays, 3-7pm. Through Oct. 30. Elevation Bend, 61334 S U.S. Highway 97, Bend. Free. Pretzel Fest Get ready to raise your stein, Pretzel Fest is back and better than ever! Enjoy award winning beer with homemade pretzel pairings, live music by Mari and the Dream, local vendors, games and plenty of festive fun. Come hungry, grab a pint and celebrate with us at UPP Liquids! Oct. 10, 5-9pm. Upp Liquids, 550 SW Industrial way, Bend. Contact: 541-728-3288. rose@uppliquids.com.

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Portello Cocktail And Wine Bar

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SATURDAY OCT 10 @ 2:00pm

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EVENTS

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FAMILY + KIDS

Back to The Future: Community Movie Night Caldera Family Organization pres-

Cascade Astronomy Festival This cele-

bration in Central Oregon will support Cascade Astronomy and Rocketry Academy (CARA) educational programs. Festival participants will have access to daytime and nighttime viewing opportunities throughout Central Oregon.Oct. 10, 10:45am12pm. Central Oregon Community College, 2600 NW College Way, Bend. Contact: 541-390-7937. festival@cascadeastronomy.org. $0-$85.

Char-BOO-terie: A Frightful Charcuterie Workshop Supplies are limited. Registration is required. This event is intended for elementary aged children 7-11, and all children must be accompanied by a caregiver. Little wizards and witches will enjoy Halloween- themed snacks on a char-BOO-terie board. Oct. 10, 10-11:30am. Central Library, 61956 SE Santorini Street, Bend. Contact: 5413121063. beccar@ dpls.lib.or.us. Free but registration is required.

Guest Storytime with Emily Mizen!

Meet Emily Mizen, local illustrator & author of The Pumpkin Squid! Oct. 10, 10-11am. Paulina Springs Books-Sisters, 252 W Hood Ave., Sisters. Contact: 541-549-0866. dana@paulinaspringsbooks.com. Free.

Pop-Up Exhibits with the Children's Museum of Central Oregon This program is intended for children ages 11 and younger, and all children must be accompanied by a caregiver. The Children's Museum of Central Oregon will have some favorite exhibits available during this open playtime. Experiment, create, collaborate and explore. Oct. 7, 10-11:30am. La Pine Library, 16425 1st St, La Pine. Contact: 5413121063. beccar@dpls.lib.or.us. Free.

The Haunted Waypoint Meet at The Haunt-

Big Ski's Pierogis at Austin Kitchen

Need a pierogi fix? Enjoy Rich's Big Ski's Pierogis at Austin Kitchen every Wednesday and Saturday from 4pm to 8pm (or they're sold out). Wednesdays-Saturdays, 4pm. Austin Kitchen, 19570 Amber Meadow Dr Suite 190, Bend. Free.

Food Waste Prevention Workshop For Food Waste Prevention Week, Deschutes County, Cascade Culinary Institute, Strictly Organic and Love Yourself Nutrition are hosting a workshop for local food-service businesses. The session offers practical tools to reduce waste, build sustainable kitchen practices, safely donate surplus food and use commercial composting. Oct. 7, 9am-Noon. Cascade Culinary Institute, 2555 NW Campus Village Way, Bend. $10.

BEER + DRINK

Fenocchio Piedmont Wine Tasting

Explore six wines from their historic vineyards in the very heart of Piedmont, Italy. Reservations required. Seating limited. Oct. 9, 5:30-7pm. Viaggio Wine Merchant, 210 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-299-5060. info@viaggiowine.com. $40 ($30 Wine Club).

Great American Beer Watch Party Come cheer on and watch your favorite local Brewers from UPP Liquids compete in the Great American Beer Festival in Denver! Support the Bend beer community while sipping on a fresh pint of Upp’s award-winning beer and try a bite from the brand new menu! Oct. 11, 11:30am-3:30pm. The Barrel Room at Upp Liquids, 550 SW Industrial Way, Bend. Contact: rose@uppliquids.com. Free.

Pinot Noir Exploration Flight Experience Join for a curated tasting of six distinctive

Pinot Noirs, each showcasing a unique expression of its vineyard. A winery ambassador will guide participants through the flight, sharing insights into the varietal, vineyards and stories behind these complex wines. Oct. 10, 6-7:30pm. Willamette Valley Vineyards, 916 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: (541) 306-6000. bend@wvv.com. $40-$45. Grit Clinics

ed Waypoint for an immersive, spine-tingling experience where spirits gather and then quickly disappear. Step into a world of haunted décor and wickedly crafted seasonal cocktails that are just to die for. Oct. 7-31. Waypoint by Bend Brewing Co., 921 Northwest Mount Washington Drive, Bend. Contact: waypointbbc@gmail.com. Free.

HEALTH + WELLNESS

Akashic Soul Record Workshop Explore

the deeper story of the soul through an Akashic Soul Record Reading. Sarah will uncover five key facets of soul records: origins, archetypes, trainings, energy centers and life lessons. Receive a personalized report before the workshop begins, and then gather at The Peoples Apothecary to explore your soul’s purpose and innate wisdom. Oct. 13, 6:30-8:30pm. The Peoples Apothecary, 1841 NE Division Street, Bend. Contact: 541-7282368. classes@thepeoplesapothecary.net. $133; sliding scale available.

Badass Sound Bath Empowering, elevated, and anything but average. This sound bath brings a bold twist to deep R&R. Oct. 13, 6:307:30pm. Continuum, A School of Shadow Yoga, 155 SW Century Drive, Suite 112, Bend. $28.29. Chair Massage at The Peoples Apothecary Stephanie Cottrell is a licensed massage

therapist dedicated to helping others find relaxation, realignment and rejuvenation. Passionate about the healing power of massage, she offers 30-minute chair massages for $30 on the first Saturday of each month at The People’s Apothecary, supporting optimal health and well-being. Oct. 13, Noon-4pm. The Peoples Apothecary, 1841 NE Division St Ste 150, Bend. Contact: 541-728-2368. classes@thepeoplesapothecary.net. $15-$30.

Expert Strategies for Living Well with Dementia Join Living Well with Dementia Sis-

ters for an afternoon of practical guidance from five local experts on dementia, social connection, healthy living, incapacity planning and long-term care. Learn strategies to help individuals and families plan ahead, stay engaged and live well throughout the dementia journey. Oct. 7, 1-3pm. Sisters Community Church, 1300 W McKenzie Hwy., Sisters. Contact: 541 588-5200. hello@ lwwds.com. Free.

Grit Clinics MTB 101 Fall Series New

to mountain biking or a very beginning rider? Check out MTB 101. Over three weeks, Grit Clinics coach will help build the foundational skills participants need. Good for new riders, men and women, ages 18+. Wednesdays, 5-7pm. Through Oct. 8. Seventh Mountain Resort, 18575 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: info@gritclinics. com. $235.

Herbal Medicine Making Fall Series: Infused Oils w/Dr. Ashley This series

Get ready to take your mountain biking to the next level with Grit Clinics on Wed. Oct. 7.

offers an introduction to the multiple ways to incorporate plant medicines in your home, among family, and within your communities. We’ll discuss the various applications of plants used topically and internally as oils, salves, tinctures and teas. This class will focus on infused oils. All materials provided. Oct. 7, 5-6:30pm. The Peoples Apothecary, 1841 NE Division St Ste 150, Bend. Contact: 541-728-2368. classes@thepeoplesapothecary.net. $46, sliding scale available.

Intro to a Plant-Based Diet Learn about

small, sustainable steps toward a plant-based lifestyle. This class will explore how simple, nourishing plant-centered meals can support our health, energy, digestion and overall well-being, without needing to be perfect or change everything at once. Oct. 10, 10-11am. Central Library, 61956 SE Santorini Street, Bend. Contact: 541241-3395. emilyc@deschuteslibrary.org. Free.

Living the Five Agreements with don Jose Ruiz Join renowned Toltec teacher and

bestselling author don Jose Ruiz for Living the Five Agreements, an inspiring exploration of timeless wisdom for creating greater awareness, authenticity and inner freedom. Presented by Sunnyside Up Farm. Oct. 10, 1:30-3:30pm. Larkspur Community Center Event Room, 1600 SE Reed Market Rd,, Bend. Contact: 541-420-0794. info@sunnysideupbend.com. $65.

Meet The Doctor - Free Presentation

“Meet the Doctor” introduces Dr. Cameron Craw, ND, LAc who will discuss regenerative medicine injection therapies including PRP and Prolotherapy. Learn how these treatments can help address chronic pain and injuries. Get questions about regenerative medicine injection therapies answered. Oct. 8, 5:30-6:30pm. Hawthorn Healing Arts Center, 39 NW Louisiana Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-330-0334. info@hawthorncenter. com. Free.

NAMI Gather: Sunset Alpaca Tai Chi NAMI Central Oregon, Owl Nest and Bend

Alpaca Ranch are offering a free community Alpaca Tai Chi class at sunset as a tool to promote mental wellness. Oct. 10, 5-6:30pm. Bend Alpaca Ranch, 64380 High Mowing Ln, Bend. Contact: 541-316-0167. organize@namicentraloregon. org. Free.

Purrrfect Harmony: A Cat Cafe Sound Bath Experience ultimate relaxation with a

Sound Bath & Cats! Let soothing vibrations from bowls, gongs and chimes blend with calming purrs to reduce stress and boost mood. Bring a yoga mat and eye mask. Space is limited, so reserve a spot now for this purr-fectly peaceful escape! Sat, Oct. 10, 9:30-10:30am and Sat, Nov. 7, 9:30-10:30am. Playful Paws Cat Cafe, 1465 SW Knoll Ave, Bend. Contact: 541-728-3871. meow@playfulpawscatcafe.com. $35.

Ski & Ride Conditioning Class Ski and snowboard season demands leg strength, core stability, balance and all-day endurance. Our coach-led Ski & Snowboard Conditioning program builds strength and stamina to power turns and protect knees on variable terrain. Beginner or seasoned pro, hit Mt. Bachelor opening day strong and ready. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 5:456:45pm and Tuesdays-Thursdays, 5:45-6:45pm. Through Dec. 10. Fortitude Fitness Training, 63222 Service Road, Bend. Contact: 541-5160138. info@fortitudefitnesstraining.com. $149. The Deep Exhale, Guided Wellness Experience in the Lava Cave The Deep

Exhale is a guided wellness experience designed to help participants slow down, regulate their nervous systems and reconnect with themselves in a meaningful way. Held in an ancient cave, this grounding experience invites you to slow down, let go of tension and deeply exhale. Thu, Sept. 24, 5:30-7:30pm and Thu, Oct. 8, 5:30-7:30pm. Juniper Preserve, 65600 Pronghorn Club Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-693-5388. info@juniperpreserve. com. $77.

17 VOLUME 30 ISSUE 41 / OCTOBER 8, 2026 / THE SOURCE

ents a free showing of “Back to The Future” on the JV soccer field at Caldera High School. Doors open at 6:30pm. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. No outside food or drink. Check out www.calderafamily.org. Oct. 9, 6:30pm. Caldera High School, 60925 15th Street, Bend. Free.

FOOD + DRINK

CALENDAR

OCTOBER 8, 2026 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE - NOW DAILY AT WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM 18

CULTURE

Sunriver Fungi Fest & Mushroom Show Finds a Home at SHARC

“Ex-spore” the fascinating world of fungi during Fungi Fest

Damian Fagan

hose who have never explored the Fungi Fest & Mushroom Show in Sunriver will have an opportunity to enjoy this fungi extravaganza this year on Saturday, Oct. 17, but with a change of venue from previous years. “The Central Oregon Mushroom Club is thrilled that the festival is happening for our 10th year!” said Linda Gilpin, Central Oregon Mushroom Club president. “The big change for us is that we are no longer partnering with the Sunriver Nature Center, which started the Fungi Fest, but we are now partnering with the SHARC organization.” The changes stem from the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory’s focus on its nature center rebuild and other priorities. “Unfortunately, Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory had to back off a little as the main organizer for the Fungi Fest,” said Kel- Volunteers staff the mushroom display table during a past Fungi Fest. li Anderson, SNCO grants and community engagement manager. “We are still an education partner, but we will only be providing the kids’ Mushroom spores are fascinating in that they are activities this year.” single-celled and carry half the genetic makeup needAlong with the Sunriver Homeowners Association ed to produce a new mushroom. Microscopic in size, as a sponsor, the Fungi Fest is a multi-day affair which two spores need to fuse together to form a new funwill kick off with two events on Thursday, Oct. 15. A gus. Like many entities in nature, the shape and size keynote presentation at the club’s monthly meeting of spores varies, as does the method of their dispersal, takes place at the Trinity Episcopal Church in down- from wind-borne to animal to water and other ways. town Bend. Also on Thursday, Owner and Chef Jackson “Roost“We have scheduled Dr. Else Vellinga, who is from the er” Higdon of the restaurant Luckey’s Woodsman, will Bay Area, as our keynote speaker for Thursday, October prepare a small-plate indulgence featuring locally for15, and she will serve as the festival’s main mycologist,” aged mushrooms paired with Oregon wines. Tips on said Gilpin. “Her talk, titled ‘Fascinating Mushroom how to forage for wild mushrooms and cooking techSpores,’ will be held at our club’s usual meeting spot niques will be discussed during the evening “forest to at the Trinity Episcopal Church.” The program runs table” event. Tickets for the Wild Woodsman Dinner, from 6:30–8pm. Non-members are invited to attend and which takes place at the SHARC at 5:30pm, are limited there is a suggested $5 donation at the door. and on sale via the Bend Ticket website; cost is $162.05

(which includes fees). Proceeds from the event support the Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory Field Trip Fund, which provides field trip opportunities for local students. There will also be a field trip on Thursday, Oct. 16, to forage for specimens for the show. Last year this was a private event, but this year it’s open for sign-ups. “On Friday, we have scheduled two field trips, one with Else and the other with local mushroom forager Brian Keister, to gather specimens for the mushroom show,” added Gilpin. The forays, from 9am-2pm, will meet at the SHARC and are an excellent way to learn about foraging for local fungi in the field with experts. These field trips don’t just focus on edible mushrooms, but explore the wide world of fungi. Many of these ‘shrooms will be on display during the festival. Space is very limited for these outings, so sign up early. The main event takes place on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10am-3pm at the SHARC in Sunriver. Events include a cooking demonstration, a talk by Dr. Vellinga, children’s activities, the specimen table with identification labels and a “bring in and ID table” with a mycologist. Numerous vendors will also be on hand selling fresh and prepared mushrooms, art work and more. Tickets for the festival are $15 and SROA, SNCO, and COMC members get a discount. Sunriver Fungi Fest & Mushroom Show Sat., Oct. 17, 10am-4pm Sunriver SHARC 57250 Overlook Rd., Sunriver fungifest.snco.org bendticket.com $15; SROA, SNCO, COMC members $10

VOLUME 30 ISSUE 41 / OCTOBER 8, 2026 / THE SOURCE

By Damian Fagan

OCTOBER 8, 2026 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE - NOW DAILY AT WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM

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Rise and Shine at Dear Mom Cafe By Donna Britt

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ome mornings, breakfast needs to be an event. You want the eggs, the coffee, the crispy potatoes and perhaps a cocktail, and you’re willing to wait for them. Other mornings what you really want is a good cup of tea, a delicious bite and a comfortable place to sit and catch up with a friend without feeling like you need to hurry out the door. Those are the mornings when Dear Mom Cafe’s new breakfast menu feels just right. The popular Thai restaurant on Bend’s west side introduced its new “8 am breakfast” concept in late August, serving a farm-to-table morning menu from 7 to 11 am. The addition comes from owner Jattalee Chalernhinthong, affectionately known as JJ, who recently closed The Good Egg at The Grove and decided to bring breakfast into the Dear Mom Cafe kitchen instead. Given her experience with breakfast, it seems like a natural fit, but the result feels distinctly Dear Mom. I stopped in on a recent morning expecting breakfast and found myself pleasantly surprised by just how inviting the cafe felt. With high ceilings, plenty of natural light, wooden tables and chairs, and a sweet patio filled with plants and flowers, the space is welcoming and homey without feeling old-fashioned. There is a relaxed, modern warmth to it that makes it easy to settle in. On my visit, it was pleasantly quiet, the kind of morning atmosphere that practically begs you to linger over another cup of tea. Speaking of tea, the pot of hot tea is one of the simple pleasures here. At $5, it’s generous enough for two people to share, making it an ideal companion for breakfast and conversation. Coffee is available too, along with orange juice, a $10 mimosa and a lychee bellini for those who want to ease into the day with a little more sparkle. The breakfast menu offers a nice range without becoming overwhelming. Sweet and savory choices, egg dishes and bread-based options, along with lighter fare, are all on the menu. One of the simplest offerings, the Toast Basket, is now one of my favorites. It comes with locally baked sourdough and artisan bread from Big Ed’s, accompanied by house jam and a jalapeno fruit spread. The toast was excellent, and with a pot of hot tea on the table, it was exactly the kind of breakfast I wanted that morning. The menu has plenty more to tempt diners. Country French Toast features custard-soaked challah, maple syrup and market berries, while the Croque Madame brings brioche, ham, Gruyere, mornay sauce and a fried egg to the table, with greens or fries on the side. The 8am Breakfast Sandwich is another substantial option, layering pork sausage, a sunny egg, cheddar, Thai chili jam and pickled cucumber on an English muffin. It comes with greens or fries. For something a little lighter, the Farmer’s Green Bowl combines greens, avocado, tomato, cucumber, sunflower seeds and a soft egg with a sherry wine vinaigrette. Then there’s the Banana Bread Pudding Toast, which sounds like breakfast and dessert decided to meet somewhere in the middle. The Mini Sugar “OMG” Donuts are soft little brioche balls, served with a chocolate hazelnut dipping sauce, and every bit as lovely as they sound. A $10 order gives you a plateful, making them a fun choice for sharing or an indulgent way to start the morning.

Donna Britt

A How about breakfast on the Dear Mom patio on these cool fall mornings?

JJ has been developing her own doughnut following outside the cafe through Oh My Goodness Bakery, her donut pop-up operation featuring brioche donuts with Asian-inspired flavors. She regularly sells them at farmers markets and other events. I was hoping to catch some of those larger donuts on my breakfast visit, but JJ and her team were preparing for a market that morning, so only the mini sugar donuts, which are a regular part of the breakfast menu, were available. Whether some of the full-size Oh My Goodness creations eventually make their way onto the breakfast menu remains to be seen, but I would certainly welcome the possibility. Prices are reasonable for the quality and portions. Full breakfast plates range from $14 for the Banana Bread Pudding Toast and Farmer’s Green Bowl to $18 for the Croque Madame. Sides include thick-cut bacon, country ham, pork sausage, avocado, green salad, market fruit and sourdough with jam. What I particularly enjoyed about breakfast at Dear Mom was the lack of urgency. Bend has no shortage of excellent breakfast and brunch spots, but popularity can come with a price, especially first thing in the morning. Sometimes the thought of a long wait or a packed dining room is enough to send me straight home for toast. There’s something refreshing about finding a place where you can actually sit down, sip your tea, eat your breakfast and have a conversation without feeling like you are competing for a table. Dear Mom already has a loyal following for its Thai food and happy hour offerings, so it may not stay a quiet breakfast secret for long. For now, though, it’s a lovely little morning escape on the west side, serving simple, thoughtful food in a space that makes lingering easy. Consider this your warning: Hurry before everyone finds out. Dear Mom 8 AM Breakfast

@ Dear Mom Cafe 320 SW Century Dr., Suite 140, Bend 541-728-0753 Breakfast hours Thu-Mon 7am-11am dearmomcafe.com IG:dearmomcafe.bend

local event that helps people stock their pantries with locally grown food for the cold season is right around the corner. The Central Oregon Fill Your Pantry event takes place Nov. 7, with the window to pre-order goods set for Oct. 18-28. For the second year in a row, the event also helps locals get more food into the hands of low-income people and those who receive and those in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which saw some 70,000 fewer participants in Oregon in 2026 than it did at the same time in 2025. In addition to buying local pantry staples by ordering ahead or purchasing on the day of the event, people can donate to the Fill All Pantries fundraiser, in which organizers hope to raise $75,000 to go toward three special programs. The Fill Your Pantry event includes bulk items from 35 vendors, including potatoes, onions, leeks, beets, winter squash, garlic, honey, flour, apples, pears, dried beans, krauts and baked goods, all in large quantities. Pre-ordering is not required but is available starting Oct. 18 at centraloregonfillyourpantry.com/pre-order. Central Oregon Fill Your Pantry

Sat., Nov. 7, 11am-3pm Deschutes County Fairgrounds – OSU Extension parking lot centraloregonfillyourpantry.com

BITE OF THE WEEK: BUCKWHEAT CREPE Out and about with food writer Donna Britt Donna Britt

Bistro Colette's Buckwheat Crepe filled with raclette cheese, ham & braised Savoy cabbage with a Dijon cheese sauce and an apple-frisée salad is a luscious bite to be savored.

21 VOLUME 30 ISSUE 41 / OCTOBER 8, 2026 / THE SOURCE

The popular Thai restaurant on Century Drive now brings breakfast to the table

Fill Your Pantry Helps Locals Stock Up, Provide Food to Others

OCTOBER 8, 2026 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE - NOW DAILY AT WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM 22

Sanders at the End of the World SCREEN Colonel "Digger" tunnels a fascinating, electric mess By Jared Rasic Warner Bros.

23 VOLUME 30 ISSUE 41 / OCTOBER 8, 2026 / THE SOURCE

Tom Cruise playing to the cheap seats in "Digger."

don’t think I realized how truly divisive a filmmaker Alejandro González Iñárritu was before prepping to write this article. I mean, he’s one of the most decorated Mexican filmmakers in history, with four Academy Awards, three BAFTAs, four Golden Globes and a win for Best Director at Cannes, but it seems like most of his movies eventually suffer from some sort of backlash. Because I am a man of apparently limitless free time, I decided to watch Iñárritu’s films chronologically before the release of his already massively divisive new film (and box office flop), “Digger.” I don’t want to dive (dig?) too deeply because there is only room for so many words on these pages, but I definitely learned a few things about movies while watching Iñárritu’s filmography. His first three films, “Amores Perros,” “21 Grams” and “Babel” make up a thematically connected triptych he calls his “Trilogy of Death,” which uses nonlinear storytelling and an intertwining narrative structure to tell the stories of several disparate characters as their lives intersect in ways both beautiful and harrowing. While “Amores Perros” is still one of the most electrifying film debuts in history, combined with the near-identical structures and thematic weight of “Babel” and “21 Grams,” this period makes Iñárritu feel like a one-note filmmaker, pounding home again and again that the world is vast, ugly and beautiful at the same time, with no upper limit to the breadth of its cruelty. While he may call it his “Trilogy of Death,” I think I have to call it his “Miserabilist Trilogy,” a powerfully made triplet of films I will never watch again.

While 2010’s “Biutiful,” is also a profoundly depressing piece of work, Javier Bardem gives one of the greatest performances ever captured on film, and there’s this glimmer of luminous humanism behind all the trauma that makes it more palatable. “Birdman” sees Iñárritu try and discover a sense of humor and then somehow end up more self-serious than ever before. Still, as a recovering theater kid, I love it unreservedly. “The Revenant” got Leo his acting Oscar and Iñárritu a slew of awards. It’s a technical marvel, but doesn’t generate much emotional resonance or stay firmly lodged in the brain as a memorable piece of cinema. “Bardo” is another beautifully directed and ultimately forgettable exercise in flashy, technically jaw-dropping filmmaking. Watching all of these films in such a short window of time made me realize something key about Iñárritu as a filmmaker: His work with his editors, cinematographers and sound designers is second to none, making even the worst of his films feel like a sensory experience designed to place the viewers directly inside his meticulously crafted worlds. At least “Birdman” aside, it’s almost like they’re designed for single-use viewing. I’ll never watch any of these movies again, but I’m glad I was able to experience them once. With Iñárritu’s newest, “Digger,” we have something entirely different. A howlingly angry attack on the politicians who spitefully whistle their way through the graveyard as they find new ways to destroy the climate, individual

freedoms and humanity as a whole. It’s a movie that spits in the face of those who light the atmosphere on fire and then make millions proclaiming that the sky is falling. “Digger” is an obvious, unsubtle, ridiculous screed about the stupidity of humanity and, within 50 years, will be one of the most recognized, maybe even respected satires of the suicidal hubris of late-stage capitalism of our generation. The trailers don’t show what the actual structure and narrative of this film are, and I don’t want to spoil it here, but I will say that the majority of people who see this will despise it. “Digger” will be much too weird for a general audience and nowhere near weird enough for critics and cinephiles like me. Tom Cruise chews the screen to pieces as Digger Rockwell, a wealthy oil tycoon whose aggressive oil extraction in Greenland has dislodged an ice shelf the size of Maryland, leading to a possible extinction-level event. Cruise will escape unscathed from this. That’s only a small piece of what the film is actually about, as there are also layers of meta-storytelling, monologues-on-monologues that turn all the subtext into actual text and a righteousness that is somehow both off-putting and completely justified. With this and with Bong Joon Ho’s “Mickey 17,” we have international filmmakers loudly exclaiming that America doesn’t deserve subtle satire, because we wouldn’t understand it if they made it. I can’t disagree with that in the slightest. We deserve a roasting at this point in our history. We certainly don’t deserve subtlety, and aside from people who dissect film for a living and you

blessed cinephiles, most people don’t care enough to try and understand difficult messages and themes. But why are we loudly exclaiming that satire needs to be subtle in this year of our lord 2026? “Dr. Strangelove” doesn’t have a subtle bone in its body, bouncing between satire and farce like Mel Brooks could only dream. “Network” is arguably one of the finest, most groundbreaking satires in history and spells out its themes furiously. To earn subtle cinema, we have to prove our intelligence as a society. But obviousness doesn’t always mean simplicity, either. Is “Digger” a good movie? Yeah, there’s something in there that’s pure and righteous and brilliant. It’s also an overindulgent mess that marries Iñárritu’s worst instincts as a storyteller with his best ones as a filmmaker. Regardless, I know it must be one of his best works because I will definitely watch it again, if only to understand exactly what he’s trying to say and why he is saying it in exactly the way he is. The conversations around the movie might one day be more interesting than the movie itself, but that’s OK. For now, it’s what we deserve. “Digger”

Dir. Alejandro González Iñárritu Grade: BNow Playing at Regal Old Mill, Sisters Movie House, Redmond Cinema, Madras Cinema 5.

B¯

OUTSIDE An Incoming ‘Super’ El Niño Points to

OCTOBER 8, 2026 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE - NOW DAILY AT WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM

a Snowy Winter in the Cascades. But There are Some Caveats. Past events have resulted in good snow years, but scientists say the unprecedented state of the current El Niño makes snowfall harder to predict By Clayton Franke

ased on historical snowfall data, folks with Mt. Bachelor Ski Area are hopeful an unusual climate event will bring above-average snowfall to the mountains near Bend this winter. But climate scientists say this season’s weather pattern is shaping up to be like nothing we’ve seen before. All signs point to a “very strong” El Niño event this winter, according to the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center. The phenomenon is caused by warming water near the equator in the Pacific Ocean. Typically, El Niño events mean warmer, drier weather than normal in the Pacific Northwest. But counterintuitively, when an El Niño grows strong enough — what’s known as a Super El Niño — the weather pattern is reversed, pushing more storms into the Pacific Northwest. That’s happened only three times on record: The winters of 1982-1983, 19971998 and 2015-2016. Among those years, Mt. Bachelor averaged 427 inches of snowfall — 2 feet more than the annual average, according to a Tuesday blog post on the ski resort’s website. “To be fair, three seasons is a small sample size, but this data makes me optimistic about the Super El Niño season ahead,” Communications Director Presley Quon wrote. The snowiest of past Super El Niño winters at Mt. Bachelor was in the early 1980s, when the mountain received 536 inches of snow, more than three times the 2025-26 season’s snowfall, which was historically low across the state. The 19971998 Super El Niño season produced 333 inches of snow, according to Quon, which is below average for Mt. Bachelor.

Mt. Bachelor

Snowboarders ride on Mt. Bachelor in happier, snowier times.

Though observational data points on Super El Niño are sparse, the trend at Mt. Bachelor is supported by broader climate modeling, said Larry O’Neill, the state climatologist for Oregon. To get a better idea of the link between the strength of an El Niño event and precipitation, O’Neill and other researchers ran hundreds of weather simulations based on past data and ocean temperature conditions as part of the 2025 Oregon Climate Assessment. Under the models, the trend held true: Strong El Niño years usually meant drier winters, but Very Strong El Niño winters were “significantly wetter than normal and comparable to those during Strong La Niñas,” the report reads.

Redmond’s Commission for Art in Public Places HELP SHAPE REDMOND'S PUBLIC ART Take our short survey to share your ideas and enter for a chance to win one of two $50 gift cards!! Scan the QR code to take the survey and share your ideas, or visit redmondoregon.gov/PublicArtSurvey for more information.

“That is one reason we have a little bit more confidence we’re not seeing a sparseness of data issue,” O’Neill said. Based on observational data, Super El Niños still produce warmer temperatures, but that can vary between northern and southern Oregon, with southern Oregon sometimes seeing cooler temperatures, according to the assessment. The catch is that this winter’s El Niño could be unprecedented. There’s a 75% chance this winter’s El Niño will be stronger than any event dating back to 1950, according to the weather service. “Because it’s unprecedented, we don’t know if that will hold true for this winter as well,” O’Neill said.

“The second caveat is the climate has been changing, and it’s been 10 years since we had a very strong El Niño event,” he added. “In that time, the atmosphere has warmed a certain extent. We’ve seen that warming is making our snowpack unpredictable. Over time, we’ve been getting less mountain snow.” Oregon’s average annual temperature has warmed three degrees Fahrenheit since the early 20th Century due to human activity, the assessment says. O’Neill said ocean temperatures in the Pacific that indicate an El Niño have already risen past historical levels, and those temperatures don’t usually peak until December or January. “We still have about three more months of warming in the Pacific, and we’re already at the warmest that’s ever been measured,” O’Neill told the Source. “This is likely to blow any previous El Niño off the charts, at least in terms of ocean temperatures,” he added. Super El Niño events are usually linked to more intense hurricanes in the tropics and flash flooding from heavy rains in western Oregon, O’Neill said. Those rain events, called “atmospheric rivers,” could put a damper on snowpack if mountain temperatures aren’t cold enough to turn precipitation to snow, O’Neill said. But climate patterns like El Niño and its counterpart, La Niña, don’t always result in predictable outcomes, O’Neill said. “We could have a really wide variety of outcomes here,” he said.

WE NEED YOUR INPUT ON THE FUTURE OF PUBLIC ART IN OUR CITY!

GO HERE By Damian Fagan

Post-Fire Land Recovery with Native Seeds

Damian Fagan

Landowners and growers inspect native grass plants growing at Dry Fly Ranch in Terrebonne.

fter devastating wildfires spread across Central Oregon this year, it’s now the post-recovery period for landowners and land managers. Returning the landscape to pre-fire conditions, or better, requires much more than just spreading some seeds. “We’ve been a well-kept secret for 25 years,” said Berta Youtie, restoration ecologist with Eastern Oregon Stewardship Services and secretary/treasurer of the Deschutes Basin Native Plant Seedbank. Established in 2004, the nonprofit seedbank partners with over 20 organizations and is dedicated to providing genetically local native plant seed for restoration and revegetation projects in the tri-county area. “We’ve been mostly serving the agencies, utility companies and land trusts selling them our seeds, but with administrative change and agencies buying less seed, we thought if we’re going to survive, we need to offer seed to landowners, also.” To assist landowners with seed selection and the restoration process, Youtie may conduct a site visit, as well as providing the landowner with the booklet, “Guidelines for Seeding Native Plants” which contains a wealth of information about weed control, site preparation and seeding techniques. Her goal is for landowners to be successful because the process can be complex. Though many of the growers of native seed are located in the Columbia River Basin, Dry Fly Management Company in Terrebonne now grows native grass seed.

“We used bluebunch wheatgrass, Idaho fescue and Great Basin wildrye from Berta to plant native seed fields at Dry Fly,” said Conrad Crawford, Dry Fly Management Company’s Head of Farming Operations. “The fields are established really well and we are looking forward to harvesting seed in the next couple of years.” “For many entities engaged in native plant restoration throughout the country, it’s difficult to source local native seed for projects,” said Jen Zalewski, Deschutes Land Trust associate stewardship director. “Using seeds that are sourced far from a project location; from somewhere with a different elevation or precipitation pattern, means that the plants grown from those seeds might not be well-adapted to the area and you may have less success establishing native vegetation.” Seedbank orders are kept in a storage facility owned by the East Cascades Native Plant Hub program of Oregon State University, which is located at the Dry Fly Farm. This year’s seed order pickup is Oct. 7. Visit the Seedbank website to view the seed catalog, and to place an order contact Berta Youtie at byoutie@crestviewcable.com or 541-447-8166, ASAP. Deschutes Basin

Native Plant Seedbank Dbnpseed.org Berta Youtie 541-447-8166

VOLUME 30 ISSUE 41 / OCTOBER 8, 2026 / THE SOURCE

Deschutes Basin Native Plant Seedbank offers expertise and native seeds to landowners impacted by wildfires

WELLNESS

CRAFT Lava Lanes’ mound of fried apps

is the new hotness By Brian Yaeger

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon (541) 316-0627 borstingmd.com

hether you head to Lava Lanes to bring your kids to the arcade, belt out some Sinatra on a Saturday night, bet the ponies, or, oh yeah, bowl, odds are pretty good you’re gonna snack. Lava Lanes’ 300 Sports Bar is named after a perfect game and, likewise, when it comes to their snack bar, there’s no striking out. Whereas it usually takes inclement weather to drive me into a bowling alley, Lava Lanes’ happy hour is 3-5 pm each weekday. And in 2026 there’s no arguing about $5 pints. For the beer pairings, not to knock macrobrewers or outof-state craft brewers, but since the beloved tater tot is indigenous to Oregon, we’re going to focus on pitch-perfect app pairings from homegrown breweries. While you can order a basket of tots, mozzarella sticks or onion rings on their own, the sheer glory of noshing at Lava Lanes is what they undersell as the “appetizer combo platter.” That’s like calling the Guinness World Records book a pamphlet listing some impressive feats or the last Blockbuster on Earth YouTube, but brick’n’mortar. For those who are faint—or arterially blocked—of heart, look away. The euphemistically titled appetizer combo platter contains tater tots, onion rings, (a stingy amount of) fried cheese sticks and chicken wings, and the pièces de resistance: lava rocks. A lava rock is billed as “potato bits with jalapeno and cheese.” What it really is is a tot wrapped around a popper. Let’s start with the most abundant morsel in the mountain of yummies. I’d hazard a guess that it weighs three solid pounds (or half the weight of the alley’s smallest bowling balls). The only three pounds that turns into 13 if you were able to polish off the platter all by yourself. So don’t you and your friends go ordering this thinking it’s just a side order. If the app combo platter could perform karaoke, it’d sing Lizzo’s “Juice.” I’m not a snack at all. Look, baby, I’m the whole damn meal. The price tag is $25.95. That’s also not hyperbole. There’s an expression in the wine world, “If it grows, it goes.” Likewise, the tots beckon to be paired with Brian Yeager

OCTOBER 8, 2026 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE - NOW DAILY AT WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM

Beers to Pair with Your Lava Rocks and Other Gut(ter) Bombs

Widmer Hefeweizen since both potatoes and wheat are two of Eastern Oregon’s biggest cash crops. Don’t deny the lemon wedge, as the tanginess and acidic bite help refresh the palate. When most of the mound is monochromatically tannish-orangish, the onion rings are as golden brown as Golden Tempo, the most recent winner of the Kentucky Derby, announcing its unctuousness before the first bite shatters its crunchy exterior. To wash these down, you’re going to want a highly carbonated beer like Crux Pilz (though you’re more than forgiven for quaffing with PBR or a can of Vitamin R). The effervescence built into Crux’s classic Czech-style lager that smacks of peppery Saaz hops perfectly complements those O’s. If you’re lucky enough to get one of the three mozz sticks, the ideal beer pairing is Deschutes Black Butte Porter. The roasted coffee and sweet toffee notes love to offset creamy cheeses, and when you’ve got a bridge of cheese extending from your fingers —need I mention this a little late in the game here, but if you’re bowling and your finger food is being eaten using fingers that repeatedly get stuck into holes that have never, ever been sanitized, you have two choices: BYO hand sani or throw caution to the wind. In this era, when even lettuce can notoriously be to your detriment, you just gotta live on the edge. The wings —as delectable as they are scarce (three per order)— call for Boneyard RPM IPA. Live like you bowl: boldly. Finally, the lava rocks. For an hors d’oeuvre so right, there’s no going wrong. That said, this Certified Cicerone and Certified Cider Professional recommends a pairing as unexpected as a popper-filled tot itself: POG (passion fruit orange guava) cider from Legend Cider in La Pine. The duo offers the complete gustatory spectrum: sweet from the apples, salty from the extruded potato, sour from the tropical fruits, umami from the cheese coupled with the nuttiness of the frying oil and bitter from the lack of judgment at having scarfed down so much fried food in the time it takes to bowl two games.

COLUMN

UNDERSTANDING INTIMACY

REAL ESTATE

A column that fosters deeper love between couples By Dr. Jane Guyn

Let it fall: Five gentle ways to give your body evidence of safety I have been having a lot of issues in my relationship lately. I think it’s because of my upbringing. I was raised in a very conservative church, and even though my husband wasn’t, we both grew up with a lot of shame around intimacy. I know we have a great relationship in a lot of ways, but when I think about what’s going on in our bedroom, I feel very sad. I love my husband with all my heart, but when he hits on me, I feel my body tighten. It’s almost like I’m repulsed. I avoid sex because I can’t handle these feelings. I tell him that I’m very attracted to him, which is real, but he doesn’t believe me. This is particularly true when we don’t have enough sex, or he thinks I’m not into it. Can you help me? —Feeling Confused in Bend

hear about this situation all the time. Many of us were raised with a feeling that intimacy is shameful rather than something healthy and healing. There’s a sense of disconnect — even when both people work beautifully as partners and love each other very much. What we often don’t understand is that the root of this challenging feeling is somatic. It’s shame stored in the body. Sexual shame is like the ghost that haunts us at Halloween. Even after the mind has moved on, shame stays in the body. This feeling of being haunted by shame is super hard to deal with. And it’s not just about sex. Shame is the critical voice that shows up all the time. It’s the voice that says, “Those jeans don’t look right” or “You’re too old to wear that skirt,” even when the clothes are just fine. You want to feel different in your body. This is a common experience for many people. Like everyone, you want to feel confident, playful and at ease. This makes perfect sense. It should be easier. You’ve done the work, been through therapy, maybe even done retreats or plant medicine. Your mind is on board. It’s got good answers and deep understanding. That’s definitely important, but shame is stored in the body. This is why you can’t think this feeling away. I understand. Here’s what I recommend: • Slow down and just notice. Be present with your body and allow yourself to relax. Relaxation is so important. Your body learned this tense and distrustful feeling over time. It happened through repetition. The feeling won’t disappear immediately, but it will soften as you become more and more relaxed. Allow yourself to connect to your body as a human, a wonderful, sacred human who has perfect imperfections. Do your best to love yourself.

• Give your body evidence of safety. Offer your body small, lowstakes experiences, such as a warm bath or some kind of non-invasive touch, so that you feel safe. Try exploring sensations when you’re alone, like stroking your arm with a silk scarf. Maybe get a therapeutic massage. • Use breath and orienting. Take long exhales and notice what’s actually here in this room, right now. Say this mantra quietly or out loud: “I’m safe in this body, right here and right now.” • Talk to the part that’s still scared. There’s a part of you that’s still scared, and it’s OK to talk to that part and let your body know that it’s all right to be afraid. The scared part is actually your body’s way of doing the job it was told to do. Now it has a new job: allowing, opening and receiving. Acknowledge and validate it. • Go at the body’s pace. Don’t try to rush. Even small experiences with intimacy, like physical holding, touching or warmth, can help. You can improve your relationship without feeling pressured to create something that looks or feels like what you used to call intimacy. “Intimacy” was often not intimate. It was a sexual experience that feels damaging when it doesn’t work well for both people. It’s fall. The trees are losing their leaves. Just like the trees, you can allow these feelings to gently and easily fall. You’re prepared for something new. You got this. Xoxo, Dr. Jane —Dr. Jane Guyn (she/her) is a wellknown relationship coach who received her Ph.D. in Human Sexuality. Send her your questions at thesource@drjaneguyn. com.

27 VOLUME 30 ISSUE 41 / OCTOBER 8, 2026 / THE SOURCE

Haunted by Shame: When Your Body Won’t Follow Your Mind

REAL ESTATE Otis Craig Broker, CRS

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OCTOBER 8, 2026 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE - NOW DAILY AT WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM

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TAKE ME HOME

By Ann Willis

Want to Buy a New Home, But Need to Sell Yours First?

ave you ever thought, “I’d love to move, but I need the money from this house to buy the next one”? I hear this all the time. Most homeowners don’t have an extra down payment sitting around. Their equity is in their current home, which can make buying the next one feel like a chickenand-egg situation. The good news? There’s more than one way to make a move. Buy first, sell second Recently, clients of mine (we’ll call them T&S) found their dream home. It had the views they wanted, and we knew they didn’t want to risk losing it while waiting for their current home to sell. This is where having a good lender involved early really helped. Elevate Mortgage found a financing option that allowed them to purchase the new home while their existing home was listed for sale, with a plan in place if their home didn’t sell within a certain amount of time. There are more financing options out there than many people realize. The costs and qualifications vary, of course, so that part is a conversation for your lender. But in this case, it gave my clients options — and the ability to go after the house they really wanted. Sell and buy on the same day Another set of clients, M&J, listed their home first and received an accepted offer. The only problem? They hadn’t

found their next home yet. Instead of buying something just because the clock was ticking, they asked their buyers to extend the closing date. When the right home came along, we wrote an offer contingent on the successful sale of their existing home. Because their house was already under contract, the seller accepted the contingency. Then came the fun part: coordinating everything so their old home sold and their new home closed on the same day! Sell first — and take your time L&R chose an even simpler route. They sold their home, put the proceeds in the bank and rented an Airbnb for a few months. It was summer, so they decided to make an adventure out of it. More importantly, they didn’t have to rush into buying a house simply because they needed somewhere to live. Eventually, the right one came along. There are other possibilities, too, including negotiating a short-term rent-back after closing or talking with a lender about ways to use your existing equity before you sell. The point is, there isn’t one “right” way to do it. If you’d like to move but feel stuck because you need to sell your current home first, don’t assume you’re out of options. Sometimes it just takes a little planning (and the right team!) to figure out a path that works for you.

HOME PRICE ROUNDUP << LOW

20526 SE Cameron Ave., Bend 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 1,983 square feet; .08 acres Built in 2020 $585,000 Listed by Ann Willis, REMAX Key Properties

MID >>

63177 NE Meridian Place, Bend 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,771 square feet; 0.16 acres Built in 2016 $859,000 Listed by Michelle Mills, REMAX Key Properties

<< HIGH

16515 Wren Lane, Sisters 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 3,457 square feet; 4.85 acres Built in 1998 $1,650,000 Listed by Sheree MacRitchie and Shelby MacRitchie, REMAX Key Properties

VOLUME 30 ISSUE 41 / OCTOBER 8, 2026 / THE SOURCE

There’s more than one way to make a move

ASTROLOGY By Rob Brezsny LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Periodically, you

have the cosmic right to receive precisely what you need. Life is duty-bound to deliver a close approximation of full satisfaction. I believe now is one of those times. So please be bold and articulate about naming the specific blessings you require. Write them down, speak them aloud, and pray for them—not as a demand, but as a hearty invitation. Then, for a while, live as if all of creation is indeed honor-bound to respond accordingly, adjusting its behavior so it's in harmony with the gifts you’ve asked for.

OCTOBER 8, 2026 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE - NOW DAILY AT WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Every Thursday

2026 HALF MARATHON 10K & 5K

OCT. 24

night, I haul my trash bin out to the street so the collectors can empty it the following morning. Most weeks it’s three-quarters full. But now and then I produce an unusually large haul of debris. On those occasions, I have to turn into a one-person compaction crew: I grab a low-hanging branch of the persimmon tree, hoist myself up, drop down feet-first into the can, and bounce around to squash everything enough to squeeze in the overflow. Consider this my audition to be your role model, Scorpio. According to my reading of the celestial weather, it’s time for you to consolidate and discard at least half a year’s accumulation of obsolete clutter—both the invisible emotional kind and the tangible stuff filling your space.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Ancient

navigators sometimes crossed vast stretches of sea by studying the swells beneath their boats. Their bodies were instruments of perception that enabled them to feel the subtle wave patterns generated by winds and distant islands. Your intuition has a similar sensitivity these days, Sagittarius. I hope you will trust it: what your whole being senses before your rational mind assembles the evidence. I call this fully embodied intelligence. It deserves a key role in your decision-making.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): I’ve never been

a fan of Capricorn poet Kahlil Gibran (1883–1931). The ideas he expressed seem commonplace and sentimental to me. But his book The Prophet is an all-time bestseller translated into over 100 languages. Millions of readers have adored and benefited from his words, and he’s acclaimed as a literary hero in his native Lebanon. So who cares what I think! I’ll just shut up and appreciate the fact that he worked hard and published a lot. His disciplined, painstaking efforts have been widely inspirational. Let’s make him your role model for the coming months. I think you’re primed to create enduring offerings that nourish people’s souls.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Think of an as-

pect of your life that you have always wished you could change but have assumed or feared you could never change. What if, sometime soon, you try to change it, but this time you do it with playful lightheartedness? You resolve to feel zero stress and have as much fun as possible as you try to shift how this problem works. You decide you will use your imagination to dream up unprecedented and even outrageous ways to break your trance and invite sweet liberation to swoop in.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Geologists tell

us that over time, rocks really do get transformed under sustained pressure. Their material gets reorganized into denser, more stable stuff. This is an apt metaphor for you, dear Pisces. You're under pressure right now, and it may feel intense. But what if it's actually reconfiguring you? Maybe the constraints are what you need to make you more focused, more essential, and more real. Not all pressure is bad, and this is proof. Ask yourself: What is this pressure making possible that freedom couldn't create? Let yourself be reorganized.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): “Dear Oracle: My secret terror is being ordinary. I need to be special, and lately I'm worried I'm just average and unremarkable. That thought is repugnant to me! Can you offer any advice? —Afraid of Average."

Dear Afraid: The pressure to be extraordinary is exhausting because it's the wrong goal. Your birthright and your life assignment aren't about being special in the sense of better-than. You’re simply meant to be vividly, generously, amazingly yourself. In the coming weeks, I invite you to trade the anxious hunt for superiority for the warm, throbbing joy of full self-expression. Shine because it feels fantastic, not to outrank anyone.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Ravens some-

times hide food while pretending to conceal it elsewhere, especially if another raven is observing. They're strategic and imaginative and aware of how they're perceived. With their social intelligence as inspiration, I will encourage you to think more consciously about the stories you're broadcasting. Which precious projects will flourish better if protected from premature scrutiny? Do you have any in-progress blooms that really should continue to incubate before being revealed? Discernment isn't deception. PS: Conversely, there may be a part of you that deserves greater visibility.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The Taurus philos-

opher Søren Kierkegaard wrote that life must be lived forward but can only be understood backward. You Geminis are naturally inclined to resist that advice. Many of you analyze experiences while they're still unfolding. Can I coax you to try a different approach in the coming weeks? As usual, you may be tempted to figure everything out immediately. But the most useful clarity won’t arrive until later, as you survey what has occurred and recognize patterns you couldn’t see in real time. So try to stay curious rather than overly diagnostic. Keep gathering impressions, stories, and clues. Allow events to transpire like chapters in a book whose ending you haven’t reached yet.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): The Germans have a word, Sehnsucht, for a feeling that my English language can't quite convey: a deep, sweet, aching longing for something you can't name. It may be a faraway home you've never visited or a wholeness you seem to remember without ever having had it. Most people treat this yearning as a problem to be fixed or numbed. But I think it's sacred information, Cancerian, and you’re especially fluent in it right now. Don't rush to resolve the ache or explain it away. Instead, follow it like a scent. What is your Sehnsucht pointing toward? Let it lead you toward the beauty and meaning your soul is homesick for. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Botanists know that climbing vines have a simple approach. They keep extending their sensitive tendrils until they discover something sturdy enough to support upward growth. Their progress depends on continual experimentation. I love it when you imitate this style of intelligence, Leo, which I think will be especially useful and successful during the coming weeks. So instead of demanding guarantees before beginning a new endeavor, offer exploratory feelers. Ask friendly questions. Test prototypes. The right support system probably already exists, but may not reveal itself until you reach toward it. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): One of my favorite

Virgos works in a museum cleaning centuries-old paintings with exquisite patience. She uses tiny swabs and gentle solvents to lift away layers of darkened varnish and grime. She’s an expert at making the original colors emerge so vividly that the painting looks newly made. But her work demands artful restraint. If she presses too hard or applies the wrong solvent, she could destroy the very thing she means to reveal. This approach can be your specialty in the coming weeks, Virgo. I hope you will attend to valuables that have been obscured by accumulated grime, like old habits, stale assumptions, and other people's projections. Your task is to gently lift it all away and let the true colors shine.

Homework: Do you know how to turn one of your so-called liabilities into an asset? https://tinyurl.com/y8y8y8y

THE REC ROOM Crossword

By Brendan Emmett Quigley

Questions, comments or suggestions for our local puzzle guru? Email Pearl Stark at pearl@bendsource.com

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The highlighted letters read left to right and to bottom the quote: “I'mtop writing a book.will I'vecomplete got the _______s done.” “I'm writing a book. I've got the _______s done.” — Stephen Wright - Stephen Wright

Answer for the week of 9/28/26:

ACROSS 1 Pass by 7 Establishment named after a drink it serves 11 Mood swings woe, for short 14 Ed of the Chemical Brothers 15 Double-reed instrument 16 Drink served at a 7-Across 17 Don's punctuation? 19 Movie magic: Abbr. 20 Some mortgage swaps, in short 21 "Hold it right there" 22 Hallmark of "Toy Story" and "Up"? 28 Savory taste 29 "Hey!" in Huesca 30 "Too ___ to name" 31 "Six Pieces for Orchestra, Op. 6" composer Anton 35 Org. that reviews deductions 38 Big green org. 39 Improved a former lover? 40 See 62-Across 41 "I remember the first time I had ___. I kept the receipt." (Groucho Marx) 42 "Eugene ___" (Tchaikovsky opera) 43 Salon job, for short 44 Compulsive condition, initially 45 "What are you ... deaf?" 46 Swallows an unpretentious sprite? 53 Religion teacher 54 Health insurer owned by CVS 55 "___ on Indolence" (Keats) 56 Paper cup filled to the brim? 62 With 40-Across, food drive collection 63 Purplish brown 64 Antiseptic element 65 Thing rolled out on the lawn 66 Pack away 67 Showing disapproval

VOLUME 30 ISSUE 41 / OCTOBER 8, 2026 / THE SOURCE

“1st and 10”

Pearl’s Puzzle

Puzzle for the week of October 5, 2026

DOWN 1 Lawyer's title: Abbr 2 ___ Kang (Mortal Kombat fighter) 3 Tours trusty 4 Evil curse 5 Icelandic author Sturluson 6 Fisrt name in cosmetics 7 Open mic performer 8 Humble 9 Lined up behind 10 Cartoon squeal 11 Pie nut 12 It does the trick 13 Collection of games 18 Movie magic, for short 21 Diminutive 22 Heels 23 Mental ___ 24 Alternative to Niravam 25 "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" creator Sherman-Palladino 26 "Bob's Burgers" creator Bouchard 27 Wildcat with tufted ears 31 Samuel L. Jackson's Jedi Mace ___ 32 Windows file ending 33 Command to a boxer 34 "The Righteous Gemstones" actress Patterson 35 Permafrost climber's tool 36 Circle lines from the center 37 Sneering 39 French marshal of WWI Ferdinand 43 Pressure unit 44 Buckeyes' sch 45 Apple tablet runner 46 Rare showbiz grand slams 47 Now hear this! 48 It's hot right now 49 Auto paint chain 50 Moisten with drops 51 5G predecessor 52 Call off the wedding, say 56 Crate diggers collect them 57 Just released 58 "You tell me," in texts 59 It's at the top of some faces 60 Business that is a homophone of an antonym of 57-Down 61 Neurologist's test: Abbr.

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O N S F L T A R E E F L R A N O S T 5 / < 6 $ 0 / 0 2 1 T A R O S E F = (Nas5 a2&Ltree.$ Indeed, $ 6 ( unless $ 3 2 , 1 7 “I think that I shall never see a billboard lovely the billboards ' , $ / ( ' * ( 5 , ' 2 / fall, I'll never see a tree at all.” O1 $F ( 7 5 ( 5 ( $ ' < -L OgdenT NashA E R S N7 8 F R N L O A E T S © Pearl Stark S E O N T F L A R www.mathpuzzlesgames.com/quodoku A O F T E R S L N N S T A F L R E O R L E S N O T F A

“I think that I shall never see a billboard lovely as a tree. Indeed, unless the billboards fall, I'll never see a tree at all.” — Ogden Nash

“I think that I shall never see a billboard lovely as a tree. In fall, I'll never see a tree at all.” - Ogden Nash © Pearl Stark www.mathpuzzlesgames.com/quodoku

OCTOBER 8, 2026 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE - NOW DAILY AT WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM 32