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On the Cover: Everything That Rises Must Converge, oil on canvas, 30 x 24 inches, by Paula Bullwinkel.
Paula Bullwinkel is a narrative and figurative painter immersed in absurdist stories she invents.
In this painting, there is a suggestion of a goddess protecting an uneasy family. She has exhibited widely, including NYC, Brooklyn, Los Angeles, Switzerland and Portland. Born in Northern California, she spent her childhood making miniature clay animals and figures in her mom’s ceramic studio, reading classic fairytales, and playing for hours in the woods with imaginary characters. paulabullwinkel.com, @paula_bullwinkel
Represented by Blackfish Gallery in Portland, Oregon
Call for Artists: If you're interested in being a SW featured artist, email: production@bendsource.com.
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EDITOR’S NOTE:
Our feature story this week is about a local massage therapist fighting for her reputation. Investigative reporter Peter Madsen examines the trouble she’s had with trolls on the dark web.
In other news, the School of Rock is opening in Bend for budding rock musicians while the band, Brass Queens, is busting stereotypes, one party at a time. Thermal spas are the latest trend in rejuvenation and there's advice for living off the land by eating food grown in the wild. —Nic Moye, Managing Editor
LIGHTMETER: PRESENTED
BY
HARVEST MOON WOODWORKS
A moment of appreciation for quiet mornings along the river, long shadows and crisp breezes. We want to share your photo! Tag @sourceweekly or email info@sourceweekly.com for a chance to be featured.
HARVESTMOONWOODWORKS.COM CUSTOM. CABINE TS
Maddie Franz
The Jokes About a Portland Deployment Were Funny. The Cost of War on American Cities Isn’t.
Throughout the week, comedians both national and local have been having a lot of fun with the notion of sending National Guard troops into Portland to protect the Immigration and Customs Enforcement building from the few dozen demonstrators who have gathered there. Jokes about a need for troops to address shortages of oat milk, or to fix a series of disorganized Little Free Libraries have abounded — and they’ve certainly made us chuckle.
But in all seriousness, the notion of turning the troops of our state (and now, troops from California and Texas) against people exercising their right to petition the government for redress of grievances is no laughing matter. Violating the principles of the First Amendment should be bedrock enough to get anyone upset — but if the idea of the federal government attempting to shut down the very American right to dissent is not enough, then let’s consider the economic matters.
This administration is declaring war on cities that don’t align with the President’s politics, at a time when the federal government is shut down over efforts to cut Medicaid. In eastern Oregon, home to Congressional District 2 where voters lean more conservative, some 42% of Oregonians benefit from an expanded Medicaid program that we call the Oregon Health Plan. Across the state, some 57% of children are covered by Medicaid. As we have seen through the expansion of Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, having more people covered by insurance actually lowers the cost of health care for everyone. When fewer people are covered, expenses go up.
The people covered under these plans are not the undocumented people that continue to serve as targets
for MAGA cuts and anti-immigration rhetoric. Basically, Republicans are saying that the 42% of eastern Oregonians who now receive adequate medical coverage are expendable in the effort to wage war.
In a time when the national debt is soaring, what happened to the conservative deficit hawks? Just last week, the Oregon legislature began to talk about where it’s going to cut the Oregon Health Plan in order to balance a budget that will be severely limited by federal cuts. If those federal cuts were done in a spirit of deficit-trimming, that might be palatable to more people — but that’s not the case.
Wars — like the ones in Portland and Los Angeles — are expensive. In spite of the several Temporary Restraining Orders that were issued over the weekend, dozens of California National Guard troops still flew into Oregon Sunday, at no small cost. Feeding and housing them isn’t a negligible expense. Heck, even the effort to block these unnecessary troop deployments costs the Oregon Department of Justice money in staff time and a raft of ongoing lawsuits.
While the federal government deploys troops, real Oregonians are on a health care precipice. Federal tax dollars are being spent on troop deployments, as untold numbers of Oregonians are in danger of getting kicked off their health insurance. We don’t believe the expenditures on troops and immigration issues will have a return as great as investing those dollars in an increasingly shrinking health care safety net. Hopefully, some of the fiscally responsible folks in Washington, D.C., will prevail in reining in the more warlike tendencies of the current administration.
O Letters
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Send your thoughts to editor@bendsource.com.
Letters must be received by noon Friday for inclusion in the following week’s paper. Please limit letters to 250 words. Submission does not guarantee publication. Opinions printed here do not constitute an editorial endorsement of said opinions. Letter of the week receives $5 to Palate!
Corrections: In the Print Oct. 2 issue, a new pizza cart was mistakenly referred to as ‘Wood-Fired.’ The correct name is Wildfired. We regret the error.
RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS
My husband Tom and I went to Pizza Mondo for dinner this past Saturday. Tom was wearing his army military cap. A fellow Bendite, Michael and his wife, were just finishing their pizza. They thanked my husband Tom for his military service, graciously offered us their table and generously paid for our dinner! With all the current events of disrespect and disregard for our National Guard, our Military, and our fellow mankind, this random act of kindness from complete strangers brought humble and grateful tears to our eyes. Thank you kindly again Michael! We look forward to paying it forward and have great hope that common respect and kindness for one another will prevail.
—Denise
Chavira
GET
SERIOUS ABOUT GUN CONTROL
Eliminate guns. Guns are used to intimidate, maim, or kill either deliberately or accidentally. Guns do not serve the COMMON GOOD and are unacceptable in a decent society.
Create a buyback program such as the one enacted in Australia.
Implement financial consequences for failure to comply with a buyback program such as fines, garnishment of wages, freezing bank assets and house arrest.
Revoke the charters of corporations or businesses failing to meet the COMMON GOOD as required by state charters. Guns and weapons do not serve the COMMON GOOD.
Create and implement laws to prohibit the manufacture and sale of guns and weapons for domestic and international use.
Abolish the NRA.
Eliminate possession and use of guns and weapons by the police state. Issue guns and bullets to the National Guard to be checked in and out daily.
Revoke the Second Amendment which was enacted to permit southern slave owners to control and kill slaves. Entrust the National Guard, not unaccountable militias for protecting the COMMON GOOD.
—Sue Bastian, Privileged White Person
RE: THE SHOW MUST GO ON…SOMEWHERE ELSE (SEPT. 26 ISSUE)
Our City Council and Deschutes County must take the lead on this issue. Bend-La Pine Schools struggle to provide adequate space, yet dozens of community organizations urgently need a dedicated performing arts facility and the BLPS process is extremely frustrating. Instead of directing millions toward a pedestrian bridge, tax deferments for savvy developers, or low barrier shelter projects that are not addressing the root cause of homelessness, we should prioritize an investment that directly benefits residents, fosters creativity and strengthens community ties.
A performing arts space would meet a critical local need while generating lasting cultural and economic returns. Visit Bend and Visit Central Oregon should also be key partners, given the arts’ proven role in tourism and community vitality.
This is a real opportunity for our city and county to collaborate, think longterm, and invest in a project that truly elevates Bend’s future.
—Nicole
Moore Perullo
Letter of the Week:
Thank you Nicole. As letter of the week, you can stop by the Source office to pick up a gift card to Palate coffee.
— Nic Moye, Managing Editor
A Rush to Start Solar & Wind Projects
Gov. Tina Kotek signed an Executive Order to speed up the approval of renewable wind and solar projects in Oregon before federal clean energy tax credits end. The expiring credits require construction on commercial renewable energy projects to begin by July 4, 2026. The governor’s order directs state agencies to prioritize, authorize and accelerate renewable energy projects. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act made changes to when and how developers qualify for tax credits.
Challenge to Oregon’s Secret Recording Law Dismissed
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a case against Oregon’s secret recording law which generally requires all parties be informed about audio recordings of in-person conversations. The Oregon Capital Chronicle says the conservative group Project Veritas was challenging the law stating that the First Amendment protects citizens who record public officials doing public business, such as undercover journalists investigating corruption. Oregon attorneys argued the law is content-neutral and there is no First Amendment right to eavesdrop.
—Nic Moye
One Chapter Closing Leads to a New Beginning
The East Bend Library is closing, six months before the new Central Library is expected to open
By Nic Moye
Sarah Rankin visits the East Bend Library with her 1- and 3-year-old daughters on a regular basis, two or three times a month.
500
—The number of requests for home wildfire risk assessments this year from “City of Bend Creates New Position for Wildfire Preparedness.”
“I love picking out movies for us to watch…or recipe books for myself or crafting books,” she told the Source. Her oldest daughter’s first birthday was celebrated at the eastside library.
“We come here a lot for story time and even meeting friends for play dates,” Rankin says.
That East Bend branch, located off Highway 20 on Dean Swift Road, is set to close on Saturday, Nov. 15, shortly before the lease expires in December.
“I’m a little sad, but I’m really excited about the larger library,” Rankin said, referring to the Central Library currently under construction on SE 27th Street.
The East Bend Library opened in 2011, after the recession.
is rising. It’ll offer much more than the east branch — or even the downtown Bend location — ever could, with space confinements.
The state-of-the-art, net-zero building will have community meeting rooms, private study rooms, co-working spaces, a large children’s discovery center, a teen lounge, a maker’s space, a coffee kiosk and an outdoor plaza. The Central Library is expected to open in late May or early June.
the Central Library, leaving the current administration building empty. It will be up to the Board of Directors to decide what to do with the property.
“I saw a mountain bike as something that could really do it all.”
—Cam McCaul from “Cam McCaul Shreds — On and Off the Trails” in this week’s Outside.
“Usage of libraries and community college just shot way up,” says Library Director Todd Dunkelberg. “Downtown Bend [library] was overwhelmed, and so it was a really great relief valve for us, and it has been. At the time, we thought, ‘this is a good five-year solution until we find a permanent solution on the east side.’ And so, fast forward 15 years and here we are.”
About 75,000 people use the East Bend Library each year. A celebration to honor the staff and what the location meant to families will be held Sat. Nov. 8 from noon to 2pm.
Two miles away, in the new Stevens Ranch neighborhood, the 100,000-square-foot Central Library
The Deschutes Public Library system has been tackling an ambitious timeline to remodel all of its locations after voters approved a $195 million bond in 2020. Sunriver, Redmond, Sisters and La Pine are done. In February, the second floor of the Downtown Bend Library will close in preparation for remodeling. In March, only the lobby will be open for limited service in picking up and returning items. In April, the entire library will close. Dunkelberg says there will be about a two-week period when no library in Bend will be open. However, users can still check out items online and pick them up at a drive-thru window at the new Central Library.
Dunkelberg says while it may be an inconvenience, it’s necessary. “We have to shift everything, all the books and everything there [downtown] to the new Central Library and we have to shift our staff, so we need that transition.” Dunkelberg says he and all the staff working in the administration building on NW Wall Street next to the downtown branch will be relocated to
When it opened in 1998, the Downtown Bend Library was designed for a population of 35,000. The population today is more than triple that number. The remodel at the downtown library will include a new roof, new HVAC systems, the addition of a large meeting room along with smaller meeting or study rooms, a new youth programming room and a revamped teen area.
“This is a really great opportunity…setting us up so that building will be in great shape for the next 25 to, I don’t know, 50 years, if we’re lucky,” Dunkelberg says. He’s worked for the Deschutes County Library for 26 years.
“It’s fun to be able to bring something to light that we know the community wants,” he says, referring to the Central Library. “We are so lucky to have the support of the voters to get us to this spot. A lot of times, what happens is the population grows beyond what a library can handle and they then kind of squeak along for about 20 years until it’s so bad that finally people do something. I’m just happy that we’re in a spot where we’re able to keep up with growth.”
East Bend Library Community Event Sat. Nov 8, Noon-2pm
Dean Swift Rd., Bend Free
From left, the East Bend Library is closing for good on Nov. 15. The new Central Library on SE 27th Street is expected to open in late May or early June.
Photos by Nic Moye
City of Bend Creates New Position for Wildfire Preparedness
Melissa Steele is on a mission to teach you how to save your home
By Nic Moye
Melissa Steele has seen firsthand the devastation a wildfire can cause. She not only lost her home in the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, California, but worked for Cal Fire at the time, trying to save other people’s lives and property. That fire was one of the deadliest and most destructive in California history. Now she’s the first Deputy Fire Marshal of Wildfire Preparedness for Bend Fire & Rescue.
“We have to change the culture of how we look at wildfire,” she told the Source. “Wildfire is on people’s minds, but not as much as it should be.” Steele has worked in the fire service industry for 24 years and for Bend Fire since 2022 as a fire inspector. A big part of her newly created position is providing homeowners with a wildfire risk assessment of their property through the city’s free “Own Your Zone” program. That teaches people steps they can take to protect their homes, such as storing firewood 30 feet away from structures and removing other flammable materials like bark dust within a 5-foot radius of a home. Steele says the number of home assessment requests went from 115 annually to 500 requests so far this year. Each assessment takes about an hour. Bend Fire & Rescue also provides services through Deschutes County Rural Fire Protection District #2, expanding its coverage area to nearly 1,500 square miles. Steele’s job also includes applying for grants and keeping up to date on state and federal laws which may impact firefighting.
“The other aspect of it, which is kind of exciting, is that the City of Bend is now involved in an innovation project where we are meeting several hours a week — we meaning city officials, myself, another
chief from the fire department — and we are trying to figure out how we get the education, wildfire education out to the community.” Steele says that’s expected to be a 10-month project.
Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler says the topic of wildfire preparedness has been a frequent topic of interest from the public during City booths at local events, comments submitted to City Councilors and from community organizations like neighborhood districts. The general feedback is about the need for more education about home hardening and creating defensible space. It’s included in the City Council’s goals, which Kebler says helped craft Steele’s new position.
“Having Melissa focused solely on wildfire preparedness will allow the City to be more responsive to the community’s wishes for education and resources and provide consistent service and presence that can foster impactful relationships and noticeable data-driven progress,” Kebler told the Source. “This work requires a subject-matter expert with greater capacity, who can engage the community as their priority, and Melissa is well-suited for this role.” The City has created a section on its website with information about wildfire preparedness, found at bendoregon.gov.
One way Steele is getting the message out is by meeting with various homeowners associations. She tailors the advice to specific terrain. The west side of Bend is surrounded by a thick forest while the east side is a flatter, Juniper woodland, which creates different fire behavior, Steele says. Within the city itself, many homes were developed with wooden fences directly connecting homes.
“There is currently no building code for wildfire at this time, so they [developers] pretty much can do whatever they want,” Steele says. “Now, a lot of developers have taken wildfire precautions and are starting to put rock around homes and develop homes in ways where they’re a little farther apart.”
“While there’s currently no required wildfire prevention code for new developments, upcoming 2026 policy discussions will include potential development code changes around such things as fence and landscape materials, flammable vegetation code and building code updates, as well as wildfire community engagement,” Kebler says. “Community members and neighborhood organizations have come forward to request specific changes to the City’s code that would address building materials and other regulations to make them more fire-adapted.”
“That first 5 feet of the fence should be removed and should be replaced with a metal gate,” Steele says, “or some kind of noncombustible metal privacy panel in that first 5 feet. Research has shown that as the fire burns down the fence line, it literally stops 5 feet away from the home and goes out.”
Steele was awarded the Bend Fire & Rescue Appreciation Award for exceptional service in fire safety and community outreach after only a year of working with the department. In 2023, she earned the title of National Fire Academy Instructor, teaching a Fire Adapted Communities Course at the Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters in Emmitsburg, Maryland, sharing her knowledge of how to create wildfire-ready communities on a national stage.
“I’m passionate about it. I see the need for it. I really do think that it’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when we are going to have a big fire event, and it’s not going to be good. We have a lot of homes that aren’t prepared.”
Even though the City is taking steps to educate the public, look at building codes and create a new position focused solely on wildfire prevention, Steele says none of it will matter if homeowners don’t take action.
“I just think that it’s really important that people start to take some autonomy for what their role in becoming a Firewise community is… A lot of people are saying, ‘well, what’s the City doing to protect me?’ And it’s actually the opposite… The community needs to start protecting themselves, so that we have the capacity to go help them,” Steele says. “It’s very important to understand that if a firefighter is driving by your home, they only have 90 seconds to assess the structure. They have 90 seconds to say, ‘Yep, this is save-able or no, it’s not’ and move on to the next one. So you want your home to be the one that they stop at. We always tell people, you do your part and then that helps us do our part, and that’s where the community effort comes together.”
Kebler agrees. “We continue to rely on homeowner accountability and neighbors helping neighbors. To be successful, we need everyone to do their part to keep our community safe.”
Research shows that the first five feet of fence attached to a home should be metal to stop a fire.
Melissa Steele has a passion for wildfire preparedness after living through the Camp Fire in California.
Nic Moye
Bend Fire & Rescue
REDMOND NEWS Redmond Library Gets Nod for ‘Superior Sustainability’
Hub City’s new public facility recognized in national and regional awards
By Nicole Vulcan
The new Redmond Library, opened in January, cuts an imposing figure: Two stories of glass, wood and steel comprise a 40,000-square-foot facility that generates all its own energy, conserves water and has a lower carbon footprint compared to other buildings of its size. And for all that, the new downtown facility on SW Deschutes Avenue is earning regional and national awards in sustainability.
In its September edition, “American Libraries,” the magazine of the American Library Association, named the Redmond Library among its 2025 “most impressive new and renovated libraries,” giving it a nod for “superior sustainability.”
“The new Redmond Library prioritizes openness, adaptability, and sustainability,” the magazine wrote. “Large flowing spaces, mobile shelving, and configurable furniture invite multiple uses, while creative labs range from podcasting suites to study rooms.”
“We’re happy to find that this new library has quickly become a cornerstone for the community,” Deschutes Public Library Director Todd Dunkelberg wrote in a press release announcing the honor. “It offers spaces that support discovery, learning and connection, all while minimizing environmental impact.”
The downtown Redmond space also garnered recognition from the East Cascade Association of Realtors, which honored the library with a 2025 Building a Better Oregon Award. The awards recognize those who have “enhanced their community with outstanding new or renovated buildings/spaces.” Winners
receive recognition for “economic impact, neighborhood improvement, unique design or materials, and environmental friendliness.”
Construction of the new Redmond Library began in February 2023, following a $195 million voter-approved bond passed in November 2020. Building the $43 million space involved tearing down the old library and opening a temporary facility to continue to serve the community. That temporary facility closed in mid-December, and the new Redmond facility opened to the public on January 27. In addition to books and computers, inside is a unique, interactive children’s space, custom artwork, ample meeting rooms and a maker’s space complete with a 3D printer, sewing machines and various tools.
The 2020 Library Bond funds have been used to build or improve libraries across Deschutes County, including updating libraries in La Pine, Sisters and Sunriver, constructing a new Central Library at Stevens Ranch in east Bend and updating the Downtown Bend Library. The Bend projects are ongoing.
LOCAL PAWS CUSTOMER APPRECIATION EVENT
5TH ANNUAL!
A day full of giveaways, vendor booths, adoptable pets, treats and fun for the whole family. Two and four-legged friends welcome! There will also be a raffle, in-store sales and free treats for your pups. Sat., Oct. 11, 9:30am-7pm at Local Paws. 435 SW Evergreen Ave., Redmond. Free.
SATURDAY 10/11
HIGH DESERT HORROR AND THE LAVA LAKE MURDERS
THEATER AT THE VINEYARD
Written by Clint Clark and directed by Raechel Gilland, this will be an immersive theatrical event, paired with great wine and tasty food in a beautiful setting. Based on real events, a group of talented actors tell the story of Ray Van Buren Jackson and his eight victims, whose lives he brought to an untimely and tragic end. Sat., Oct. 11, 7pm at Maragas Winery. 15523 SW Hwy 97, Culver. $20.
The interactive children's space at the new Redmond Library.
Deschutes Public Library
Jai Uttal for Deep Sonic Restorative Mantra & Kirtan
Swatting Away the Creepshow
A local massage therapist’s images were appropriated by porn websites. Now she’s going public about the harassment that ensued
By Peter Madsen
Deanna Brodsky, who is a licensed massage therapist living and working in Bend, has something to say:
No, creeps; she doesn’t offer happy endings. Brodsky has worked as an LMT for a combined 10 years in upstate New York, Colorado and now in Bend. As the owner of her practice, Brodsky registered Sweet Dee Massage, LLC, with the Oregon Business Registry. She conducts her bodywork in her backyard ADU in the River West neighborhood. The number of solicitations for sexual services she has received in Bend skyrockets each summer, with the most recent as the worst.
“I was like, ‘Why does this keep happening to me?’” Brodsky recently told the Source.
This summer, an inquiring client tipped her off that her likeness and phone number appears on a website called WinkNKink, which is like a Craigslist for “local escorts.” The bottom of each webpage features pornographic images that are — ahem — decidedly Not Safe For Work. Alarmingly, Brodsky’s likeness and business details, seemingly scrubbed from her Google business profile (which she has since removed) appear, with some telling details changed. With some online sleuthing, Brodsky realized her likeness also appeared on sites including Nuru Finder, a (“local erotic massage directory”), Rub Maps (“Where fantasy meets reality”) and Rub My Body, which purports to compile “verified erotic massage therapists.”
Notably, Brodsky’s hours of operation — “I close at 8 pm, not 10 pm” — her hourly rate and her race — “I’m not Asian” — have been incorrectly listed in these listings.
“When I saw all this, I felt a sense of disgust, rage and sadness,” Brodsky said. “Nothing on my website indicates that I offer sexual services.”
(Willamette Week published an exposé last year on the rise of illicit Portland “rub & tugs” that profit from sex trafficking; it’s not inconceivable that a seedy slice of Central Oregonians are after the same.)
In the interest of spreading awareness about what licensed bodyworkers do — and definitely don’t do, at least the law-abiding ones, she says — Brodsky has shared with the Source an online drive of sexual inquiries she’s documented. Each oversteps practitioner-client boundaries. Brodsky, who’s 33, wanted to go public because she says she increasingly feels unsafe.
“I really love what I do. It’s a part of my identity. I want to be able to do it freely,” Brodsky said. “I don’t want to be crying to my partner about it. It’s an unsafe creep show.”
Most of the inappropriate solicitations Brodsky has documented occurred via text. Like many bodyworkers, Brodsky lists her mobile number on her website. While Brodsky does attribute the increase of inappropriate requests to the influx of summer tourists to Bend, she said it’s a “mixed bag” when it comes to senders’ area codes. Some are local; some out of state. As evinced by text chats Brodsky screen-grabbed from her phone and shared, some inquiries are relatively polite yet clueless:
“…Had a random question for you. Do you know anyone that offers any type of tantra style massages [rose emoji]?”
Other clients seeking sexual services had already received a conventional massage from Brodsky, and then followed up with salacious requests:
“Thanks for today,” such a person texted on May 30. “Check this out if you have any interest in learning more about tantra. Happy to talk more if you’re interested in discussing it.” The text includes a link to a Tantra explainer article.
“It felt so gaslight-y,” she said. “All LMTs know what Tantra is.”
This faux-innocent mansplaining — Oh, did you hear about this interesting spiritual/sexual practice?! — is one of the more common methods wouldbe clients use to broach the subject that Brodsky encounters. Other sexual winks happen during the session.
Some will say things like, “You remind me of my tantric masseuse.”
Others will glimpse Brodsky’s armpit hair, even though she purposely wears a large shawl that renders her into what she calls a “shapeless blob.”
“Your pits are so sexy,” she recalls one telling her. Often, in the text correspondences Brodsky shared with the Source, she opts for a constructive route. In responding to a question about whether she offers Thai (not sexual), Lomi (not sexual) or Tantra (in this context, likely sexual), Brodsky replied:
“Yep! I do offer Thai massage! The others, no.”
“Okay, well I pay BIG :)” texted the would-be client.
“No. I’m a licensed practitioner. I offer strictly professional therapeutic services,” Brodsky replied.
That was the end of that particular correspondence. Yet with each week, more would trickle in.
The Source reached out to the top 10 Bend LMT clinics listed on Yelp, asking for comments about whether they share Brodsky’s frustrations. None responded by press time. Several bodyworkers who had shared with Brodsky their own harassing correspondence with potential clients, which the Source reviewed, did not respond to interview requests.
What can she do?
By September, Brodsky had had enough. She searched her legal options online for getting her likeness removed from sex websites. Brodsky filed a report with the Internet Crime Complaint Center, which is operated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and funnels complaints to appropriate FBI field offices and partnering law enforcement agencies. Due to an overwhelming number of complaints, IC3 cannot reply to every submission, according to its website. Brodsky hasn’t received a follow-up.
Thomas Lilienthal, a detective sergeant with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office who specializes in digital forensics and internet crimes against children, said in an interview that he empathizes with
Deanna Brodsky, a licensed massage therapist, stands outside her massage studio in Bend on Sept. 23.
‘‘ I really love what I do. It’s a part of my identity. I want to be able to do it freely. I don’t want to be crying to my partner about it. It’s an unsafe creep show."
Deanna Brodsky
Brodsky and those in her situation. Yet this matter is beyond the jurisdiction of Oregon statutes, he says.
Lilienthal scanned the webpages that have appropriated Brodsky’s likeness, including those on Nuru Finder and Rub My Body. Lilienthal noticed that the sites appear to be identical, running the same pornographic ads and even featuring a matching page design. The web domain, he pointed out, is Swiss. Lilienthal ran the URLs through the database run by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. The nonprofit coordinates the global management of the Domain Name System, allocating IP addresses and domain names, according to its website. He learned that both were purchased in April.
Lilienthal said it’s not clear which country the website is being operated out of, but that its server is likely somewhere in the U.S.
“But the person running these sites could be anywhere in the world. The internet is really the Wild West,” Lilienthal said. “What we as a sheriff’s office can do to address these websites is, realistically, not much.”
Lilienthal pointed out that there are grounds for civil recourse, however. Those begin with issuing a complaint to the websites, which, interestingly, list email addresses for such matters. But Brodsky already did that, she says. She didn’t receive a response.
The next step would be filing a formal cease-and-desist order with the help of a lawyer. That’s where Brodsky is at. Doing so will take the time, money and emotional bandwidth that she’ll need to save up for, she said.
Andrew Gilden is a lawyer and faculty member at Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles. Versed in Oregon law, Gilden taught at Willamette University School of Law in Portland for nine years.
“There are a ton of potential legal issues here,” said Gilden.
The websites’ appropriation of original photos that Brodsky took, or had taken, may rise to the level of copyright infringement, especially given the commercial context in which they’re being used, he said.
Secondly, Gilden points out, the websites’ use of Brodsky’s personal and/or business name in a distinct commercial context raises questions about trademark infringement.
“Basically, will consumers be confused about whether [Brodsky] has some association with Rub My Body or these other ones? That’s a false or confusing signal of association,” Gilden said. “That’s something that trademark law cares about.”
Additionally, the use of Brodsky’s face or recognizable likeness for commercial purposes is not allowed. Oregon courts have recognized a right of publicity, which grants an individual the right to decide when and how their likenesses are used for commercial purposes in a trade setting. That’s potentially a misappropriation of likeness.
Also concerning are the false statements about the services Brodsky offers; those could hurt her reputation — a qualification for defamation.
by
“Those are the four intellectual property issues I’m seeing,” Gilden said.
Generally, websites that are hosting infringing material are highly likely to take it down, Gilden says. If they don’t, they’re potentially liable for copyright infringement. This is a much more powerful tool in the context of victims of revenge porn getting their images removed from offending websites, Gilden said, but less helpful here in what he calls the world of publicity. There isn’t the same obligation.
Copyright is a well-developed federal law which maintains that the creator of an original work is automatically its owner, according to the U.S. Copyright Office. Yet we have very little information about infringement of publicity in Oregon, Gilden says, because it has only been recognized in a few written decisions.
One weird quirk regarding Brodsky’s photos: the photographer who created Brodsky’s photos would be the one with authority to ask the websites for removal, says Gilden, via a cease-and-desist.
“Whoever clicked the button is technically the author or the copyright holder,” Gilden said. “They’d be the one who could most easily get those taken down.”
Trademarks are different. That an Oregon business owner has registered with the Secretary of State doesn’t mean the business is automatically trademarked, Gilden said. Filing with U.S. Patent & Trademark Office ensures national protection.
‘No response was received’
Situations like Brodsky’s are not unknown to the American Massage Therapist Association, of which Brodsky is a member. In a written response to the Source, the AMTA says it has pursued multiple avenues to protect LMT members whose information is misused. (Brodsky has not yet notified the AMTA of her situation.)
The association only receives a handful of requests a year, yet each one is taken seriously, says Kristen Taylor, the association’s senior manager of communications and content strategy.
In recent years, AMTA investigated RubMaps, sending formal letters to the web hosts, which they discerned operated in Switzerland, but also Belgium.
“Unfortunately, no response was received,” Taylor wrote.
The association took matters to the federal level by reaching out to agencies including the Federal Trade Commission. Under current internet laws, however, AMTA learned they don’t have the authority for direct
court action — that must come directly from the individuals directly harmed. That’s Gilden’s understanding, as well.
The AMTA says it encourages individuals in Brodsky’s shoes to file reports with law enforcement agencies including the FTC’s fraud reporting webpage (reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/form/main).
‘Wanna go with me to Maui?’
Brodsky points out that sexual predation of bodyworkers has a couple recent precedents.
According to a federal indictment, the late financier Jeffrey Epstein had sex-trafficked girls as young as 14 and engaged in sex trafficking conspiracy. He allegedly lured minors and young women into his sphere by soliciting legitimate massage work. While in custody, Epstein reportedly committed suicide in 2019, The New York Times reported.
More recently, Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson settled more than 20 lawsuits filed by massage therapists who allege he turned their appointments sexual without their consent, according to The New York Times.
Brodsky showed the Source documented interactions that go beyond the clueless. One interaction chilled her to the core. On June 5, a man purporting to be in a local country-music outfit invited her to travel with him to Nashville for onsite massages.
“Hi there! Thanks so much for reaching out,” Brodsky replied, using some emojis for effect. “Do we know each other? I don’t normally fly to the other side of the country with random people.”
The texter acknowledged she hadn’t worked on him before; he apologized for the late notice. When he later invited her to fly with him to Maui, Brodsky let him know that the whole exchange reeked of potential sex trafficking.
He stopped texting.
With a lawyer’s help, Brodsky intends to take the next step in issuing cease-and-desists.
“I just hope all this will stop when I get myself removed,” she said.
—This story is powered by the Lay It Out Foundation, the nonprofit with a mission of promoting deep reporting and investigative journalism in Central Oregon. Learn more and be part of this important work by visiting layitoutfoundation.org. If you're interested in syndicating Lay It Out Foundation content or purchasing an article for use, you can do so through the website.
Deanna Brodsky, a licensed massage therapist in Bend, noticed her likeness on numerous pornographic websites. She has received an uptick in harassing solicitations as a result.
Photos
Peter Madsen
SOURCE PICKS
WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY 10/8-10/12
22ND ANNUAL BEND FILM FESTIVAL
FIVE DAYS OF CINEMA IN BEND
The 2025 Bend Film Festival program promises 116 films that tell stories from all corners of the world, with a special focus this year on North American filmmakers. Over the course of the long weekend, check out four panels, 11 events and 110 screenings, all spread out across 12 different venues throughout Bend. In addition to seeing many great films, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and connect with many of this year’s filmmakers, hear from industry professionals about the behind the scenes of filmmaking and toast to the future of independent film with other cinephiles all over Bend. Wed., Oct. 8 through Sun., Oct. 12 in downtown Bend. Prices vary.
WEDNESDAY 10/8
SKELETON CREWE TRIO
PSYCHEDELIC SLACK KEY GUITAR AND PEDAL STEEL
Born from a serendipitous collaboration in early 2024, this unique musical collective features Rob Barraco (Dark Star Orchestra, Phil Lesh & Friends, The Dead), Barry Sless (Bobby Weir and Wolf Bros, David Nelson Band, Phil Lesh and Friends) and Grammy-nominated Hawaiian slack key guitarist Stephen Inglis. The Skeleton Crewe Trio will play original compositions, Grateful Dead interpretations and dynamic improvisations. Wed., Oct. 8, 8pm at the Domino Room. 51 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend. $30.
THURSDAY-SATURDAY 10/9-10/11
SUNRIVER FUNGI FEST & MUSHROOM SHOW
ALL THINGS FUNGI!
Join Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory and Central Oregon Mushroom Club for three days of events dedicated to appreciating and understanding fungi. Activities include lectures, a foraging field trip, a mushroom-themed dinner, vendors, hands-on activities, mushroom displays and ID stations, live music and more. Schedule details and tickets available online at fungifest.snco.org/tickets. Thu., Oct. 9, 6:30-8pm, Fri., Oct. 10, 9am-2pm and 5-7pm and Sat., Oct. 11, 10am-4pm at SHARC. 57250 Overlook Rd., Sunriver. Prices vary.
THURSDAY 10/9
SMOKEY BRIGHTS + GUESTS
FROM SEATTLE TO SILVER MOON
The first composite solid rocket fuel that eventually launched spaceships was made with asphalt, effectively paving the way to the moon. “Dashboard Heat,” the newest record by Seattle stalwarts Smokey Brights, embodies this funny little fact, using tough truths to slip the surly bonds of earth. Thu., Oct. 9, 7pm at Silver Moon Brewing. 24 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend. $15.
THURSDAY 10/9
NEZ PERCE MUSIC: ASSIMILATION AND RESISTANCE
WITH BOBBIE CONNER
Head to Sisters for an exhibition opening and lecture with Bobbie Conner on the history behind Nez Perce music. Conner is Cayuse, Umatilla and Nez Perce, a citizen of the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla and currently serves on the Oregon Historical Society Board of Trustees and Ecotrust, Oregon Community Foundation and Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland Project Board of Directors. She is a former chair of the National Museum of the American Indian Board of Directors. Thu., Oct. 9, 6pm at Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture. 68467 Three Creek Rd., Sisters. Free.
SATURDAY 10/11
WALK THE ROCK
INAUGURAL 5K AT FORT ROCK
Head to Lake County to participate in a 5k hosted by the Fort Rock Grange. The course will begin at the townsite, run to the base of Fort Rock and back to the start. Sat., Oct. 11, 9am at the Fort Rock Grange Hall. 64651 Fort Rock Rd., Fort Rock. $20-$30.
SATURDAY 10/11
BEND MOONLIGHT HAUNTED MARKET
THE HALLOWEEN EDITION
The ever-popular Bend Moonlight Market embraces spooky season this weekend with a haunted-themed event. Per usual, you’ll find live music and beats by DJ Sorski, vendors of all sorts, food, booze and tattoos. Sat., Oct. 11, 4-11pm at Silver Moon Brewing. 24 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend. All ages. Free.
MONDAY 10/13
ODDITIES, CURIOSITIES AND MACABRE
SHOW & TELL AT THE LIBRARY
Do you have a strange, spooky, macabre, or odd collectible that fascinates you? Are you curious about curiosities? You’re invited to share your items and their unique stories with the community at the Macabre Show & Tell! Bring your unusual heirlooms, antiques, crafts, or collectibles for display. Mon., Oct. 13, 5-6:30pm at East Bend Library. 62080 Dean Swift Rd., Bend. Free.
Sunriver Fungi Fest
BendFilm Festival
Deschutes Public Library
Smokey Brights FB
S SOUND A Female Brass Band is Changing Stereotypes Brass Queens brings sass to Silver Moon for its Pacific NW debut
By Nic Moye
The name “Brass Queens” represents a female brass band with attitude.
The Brooklyn-based group debuted in March of 2019, chipping out a reputation in a generally male-dominated landscape, one pop-up performance at a time. Now, the band is touring nationwide, including a stop at Silver Moon Brewing in Bend on Oct. 19.
“A lot of us met through bands and the emerging brass band scene in Brooklyn. We were playing in the same groups and going to the same shows and came to realize that most of these bands were dominated by men, so we decided to form our own all-female group,” says Alex Harris, one of the band’s co-founders.
Brass Queens has a goal to play for as many audiences as possible to increase the visibility of female musicians in brass bands. The group is made up of Harris on the trumpet, Ally Chapel on alto sax, Stephanie King on trumpet, Minerva Johnson on trumpet and aux percussion, Jenna Murdoch on tenor sax, Stephanie Young on trombone, Nora Nalepka on sousaphone, Ashley Baier on drums and Caitlin Crawley, percussion. Their sound is inspired by the New Orleans jazz tradition with influences from mambo, film scores, pop and classic rock.
“Brass Queens means so much to us as a project that we are never not thinking about how we can take ourselves to the next level,” Harris told the Source. “We’re always trying new things,
whether it’s experimenting with a new song or trying to find new audiences to share our music with. We hit the ground running from day one and have never lost that momentum.”
The group started small, playing for birthdays and weddings in Brooklyn, to build a reputation.
“Then we started booking shows at venues all around New York and at one of those shows we got scouted by an artist management company. Now we have a booking agent that helps us break into new markets all around the country,” Harris explains. Last year Brass Queens put
out its first album of original songs called “Hot Tub Sessions Vol. I.” The songs were inspired by th band’s experiences touring together. Harris says most of the tunes are filled with joy and excitement, while others are reflective and express challenges they’ve faced as a band. The group is already working on its next album, which it hopes to release next year.
This is how Harris describes her bandmates: “Stephanie Young: aggressive, passionate, adaptable. Ally Chapel: spirited, nimble, slinky. Jenna Murdoch: singing through reeds. Stephanie King: loud, proud, rowdy. Alex Harris: engaged,
Harris says she was attracted to brass because a horn allows for so much freedom of expression. “There’s nothing more exciting in a song than when the horns come in!”
The stop in Bend will be the first time Brass Queens has played in the Pacific Northwest. Harris says the audience should expect a lot of sass and energy. “We like to say that we bring the Big Easy to the Big Apple and the result is a nonstop party!”
Their goal is to tour internationally. Harris says, “And as ever, we want to increase the visibility of women in music. Women are still underrepresented and underestimated in this industry, and we’re seeking to change that.” Her advice to young female musicians starting out is to keep playing, despite any challenges. “Always remember that there is a place for you in music,” she says.
Brass Queens are busting stereotypes one note at a time.
Marc Basch
CALENDAR
8 Wednesday
The Astro Lounge Karaoke Get here early to put your name on the list! Drink specials every night. 9pm-2am. Free.
Bunk+Brew Open Mic Show off your talent at Bunk + Brew’s Open Mic Night! <0x1F3A4> Signups begin at 5:30 PM, the show kicks off at 6. All acts welcome—music, comedy, poetry, and more. Grab a drink, hit the stage, or cheer them on. Free to attend. Good vibes guaranteed. 6-8pm. Free.
The Capitol The Capitol Karaoke Music Weekly Karaoke at its finest! Central Oregon’s premiere karaoke experience has just moved locations! Now at the Capitol! Drink specials! Air guitars! Come see for yourself. 8pm-1am. Free.
The Cellar Live Music with Danger Gently Head down to The Cellar every Wednesday to enjoy live music from Danger Gently, a talented rotating cast of characters playing old-timey jams! 6-8pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub Sidney Joseph Sidney Joseph is a multi-instrumentalist who’s greatest passion has been creating and performing music since he was just a wee lad. With a foggy Philly past, the smokey voiced singer just moved to Bend Oregon, where he’s finding inspiration for new songs, performing both original and cover tunes. 7:30-9:30pm. Free.
Craft Kitchen and Brewery Comedy Open Mic Night Open mic comedy on Bend’s NE side. Come down, eat some BBQ, drink some drinks, and be prepared to laugh. Great for first timers to experienced performers. FREE 7:30-9pm. Free.
Crosscut Warming Hut No 5 Anderson Knight Koenig Relax with a pint and enjoy great local music! 6-8pm. Free.
Deschutes Brewery & Public House
Head Games Trivia Night Eat. Drink. Think. Win! Head Games multi-media trivia is at Deschutes Bend Public House every Wednesday. Win prizes. Teams up to six. 6:30-8:30pm. Free.
Dogwood At The Pine Shed Transmission: ‘80s Dark Wave Social Club Immerse yourself in the sounds of the ’80s underground. DJ Mark Brody spins Joy Division, Bauhaus, The Cure, Clan of Xymox, and more at Dogwood at The Pine Shed. A moody night of goth, post-punk, and darkwave. Every 2nd Wednesday. 7-10pm. Free.
The Domino Room Skeleton Crewe Trio The worlds of Hawaiian slack key guitar, psychedelic pedal steel, and masterful keyboard work converge. 8-11:30pm. $30.
Hosmer Bar Trivia Night Join us midweek for brainy banter and cold drinks! Whether you’re a seasoned quiz champ or just in it for the laughs, gather your crew and test your knowledge! See you there! 7-9pm. Free.
M&J Tavern Open Mic Night Downtown living room welcomes musicians to bring their acoustic set or turn it up to 11 with the whole band. Bring your own instruments. 6:30pm. Free.
Ponch’s Place Bingo Wednesdays at Ponch’s Place Enjoy Bingo at Ponch’s Place on Wednesdays. 5:30-7pm. Free.
Prost! - Bend WTF! Wednesday Trivia Fun! Genuine UKB Trivia is truly unique and entertaining trivia for you! Independent, locally owned and operated. Please bring something to write with and some positive vibes, too :). 7pm. Free.
our high desert oasis. 7:30-9pm.
Upp Liquids Bend Comedy Open Mic The Bend Comedy Open Mic, every Wednesday at UPP Liquids. All peformance types and ages are welcome! 7-9pm. Free.
9 Thursday
The Astro Lounge Karaoke Get here early to put your name on the list! Drink specials every night. 9pm-2am. Free.
Austin Mercantile Live Music Every Thursday Join at Austin Mercantile for live music every Thursday. Offering a light happy hour menu — daily flatbread, chili, charcuterie, soft pretzels and more! 4:30-6:30pm. Free.
Bar Rio Live Music at Bar Rio Grab your favorite bites and sips and relax into the music— ranging from jazz and blues to pop and flamenco. 6-8pm. Free.
Bunk+Brew Karaoke Thursdays Sing your heart out at Bunk + Brew’s Karaoke Night! Whether you’re a pro or just love the spotlight, all voices are welcome. Food carts available all evening! Located in the Historic Lucas House Living Room for winter. 7-10pm. Free.
The Cellar Live Irish Trad Music with The Ballybogs! Join us for a night of live music featuring Bend’s Irish Trad band, The Ballybogs! Every Thursday at The Cellar. Seats fill up, so get there early if you can! 6-8pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub Jeshua Marshall & The Flood Jeshua’s music is a mix of his Punk Rock Roots, Folk, Reggae, Americana and Indie Rock. He writes from his heart and experiences, delivering raw honest lyrics on a bed of energetic, emotional music. Jeshua Marshall is known for his energy drenched, theatrical live show. 7:30-9:30pm. Free.
Crave Bend COMEDY OPEN MIC NIGHT
Comedy Open Mic Night on the SW side of Bend! Adults only encouraged. Intimate, smaller venue, healthier food and beverages, and an interactive night of comedy every Thursday! Hosted By Hopper. 7-9pm. Free.
The Dez Lounge Open Mic Join Joyful Lane at open mic night! Enjoy NA cocktails, charcuterie and dessert while listening to local talent! 6-9pm. Free.
Dogwood At The Pine Shed Let’s Have a Kiki A weekly 2SLGBTQIA+ night hosted by Cliché, with a new featured resident DJ each month. Kicking off the series in May with DJ Lunallday. Let’s have a kiki! 7-10pm. Free.
Elements Public House Trivia Night at Elements Public House with QuizHead Games Come be all you can be with Trivia Night every Thursday from 6-8pm! Featuring QuizHead. games. Located at the north end of Redmond. Full bar and great food! 6-8pm. Free.
Hosmer Bar Bingo Night Your week just found its highlight—bingo! Join us for drinks, good company and a little friendly competition. Pull up a chair, grab a board and let’s make some memories! 7-9pm. Free.
The Lot Rusty McRae Rusty McRae is a solo act with rhythm accompaniment. Old and new country music, plus rock & blues. 6-8pm. Free.
LIVE MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE
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M&J Tavern Not Your Ex Lover, Family Obligation + Mari & The Dream Local ladies bring the rock, glitter and a force to be reckoned with! Guaranteed to be pretty and heavy. Don’t miss this slice of Thursday! 9pm. Free.
Mountain Burger Thursday Night Live If&when at Mountain Burger for Thursday Night Live! 6-8pm. Free.
Ponch’s Place Trivia Thursdays at Ponch’s Place Trivia Thursdays at Ponch’s Place with QuizHead Games. 6-8pm. Free.
Silver Moon Brewing Smokey Brights & Guests The first composite solid rocket fuel that eventually launched spaceships was made with asphalt, effectively paving the way to the moon. “Dashboard Heat,” the newest record by Seattle stalwarts Smokey Brights, embodies this funny little fact, using tough truths to slip the surly bonds of earth. 7pm. $15.
Stoller Wine Bar Bend Live Music Thursdays Join us for our live music series, featuring local artist we know and love! 6-8pm. Free.
10 Friday
Bend Cider Co. Lickety Split Come out and listen to the front-porch music style of Lickety Split. Original American roots, old-time, country blues, & ragtime at its best! Enjoy delicious ciders, beer, wine, & n/a beverages by the fire with friends & family. Light appetizers available, outside food welcome. Kid & dog-friendly. 5:307:30pm. Free.
Cheba Hut Comedy Open Mic Bring your friends and let’s have some laughs together! 7:45-9pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub Rod DeGeorge’s Guitar Gods Revue Rod DeGeorge’s Guitar Gods Revue is an internationally acclaimed tribute show that celebrates the music of guitar legends like Eddie Van Halen, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Prince and more. He has shared the stage with Paul Stanley of Kiss, Earl Slick, among other. 8-10pm. Free.
Hardtails Bar & Grill Stage 28 Karaoke Come out for a night of Stage 28 Karaoke with your host Miss Min! What’s your go-to karaoke tune? Come to Hardtails for a fun Friday night and sing your heart out! 8pm-Midnight. Free.
Ponch’s Place Music with Bill Powers Enjoy Friday night music! 6-8pm. Free.
Portello Wine and Spirits Jordan Wolfe Residency Join us for a monthly live music residency featuring Bend’s own Jordan Wolfe. Enjoy soulful vocals, acoustic grooves, and an intimate atmosphere paired with Portello’s signature cocktails, wine and bites. 6:30-8:30pm. Free.
Silver Moon Brewing Huntley & Guests It was a moment that validated two decades of determination and perseverance, of heart and soul dedicated to the pursuit of musical bliss. It was the moment Huntley stepped onto the stage of The Voice for his blind audition. 7pm. $25.
The Oxford Hotel Marc Broussard Acclaimed singer, songwriter, and musician Marc Broussard is an artist with a unique gift of channeling the spirits of classic R&B, rock and soul into contemporary terms. 6-8pm.
Wildwood Bar & Grill The Rumpeppers Local rock band The Rumpeppers were originally founded on two pillars, “we’re drunk and we’re hot,” lead singer Zeus Guelfex explained. The initial idea, a flame from Stratocaster-wielding guitar player Paul Streichan, helped launch the four-piece onto the Bend music scene as a force to be reckoned with. 8-10pm. Free.
11 Saturday
Austin Mercantile Saturday Afternoon Live Music Austin Mercantile is now adding live music on Saturdays! Serving wine, beer, lite happy hour menu, gifts and home decor. Hope to see you soon! 4:30-6:30pm. Free.
Bridge 99 Brewery Family-Friendly Karaoke Night Looking for family fun? You’ll find it every Saturday night at Bridge 99 Brewery. Family-friendly karaoke is hosted by DJ Jackie J and A Fine Note Karaoke Too from 6-9 PM. Adults, kids and good dogs welcome. 6-9pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub Travis Ehrenstrom Band The musical collective TEB—known to Oregonians as the Travis Ehrenstrom Band— transcends boundaries while blending funky fusion-rock jams with the soulful essence of singer-songwriter Travis Ehrenstrom. Songwriter Travis Ehrenstrom has been captivating audiences for over a decade as he writes of real life experiences and adventurous endeavors. 8-10pm. Free.
With his seventh studio album, “Another Petal Falls Off of the Rose,” Jeff Crosby embraces a new sonic direction, blending expansive arrangements with themes of redemption, forgiveness and new love. Sat., Oct. 11, 7pm at Silver Moon Brewing.
Jeff Crosby FB
The Commonwealth Pub Commonwealth DJ Dance Party with TRUNORTH Join TRUNORTH as he makes his way down from the 49th parallel, spinning the latest and greatest, raising the bar on this year’s playoff season. Join him Friday and Saturday nights at The Commonwealth Pub and cheer on the beats from soul, to funk, to today’s hits. 9pm-Midnight. Free.
The Domino Room An Evening with Shafty - Portland’s Tribute to Phish Shafty’s faithful recreation of Phish’s light-hearted progressive rock has enamored fans across the country. 8pm-Midnight. $19.
Hanai Center Haunted Masquerade Ball Cork & Barrel’s 3rd annual Masquerade Ball is back with an eerie twist! Here’s your excuse to dress up for a haunted evening at the beautiful Hanai Center, with a live DJ and dancing, specialty cocktails, small bites and desserts, and prizes for best dressed! A benefit for KIDS Center. 7-10pm. $75.
M&J Tavern LeftSlide + Dead Nobodies This night is a prime cut! Leftslide and Dead Nobodies are going to be delivering the choice rock n roll! 9pm. Free.
McKenzie General Store & Obsidian Grill Jennifer Purscelley at McKenzie General Store McKenzie General Store loves being able to provide free family friendly live music to our community of locals, adventures and travelers alike! With our outdoor beirgarden, restaurant and general store we’re sure to have all you need for an unforgettable evening! 6-9pm. Free.
River’s Place Classic Car Fest Grab a seasonal beer and check out some cool cars! Live music by Larkspur Stand Trio, local vendors and a raffle benefitting Saving Grace. Fire pits and big screen TVs with the game. A perfect Fall day 11am-3pm. Free.
Silver Moon Brewing Bend Moonlight Haunted Market Live music, DJ Sorski, vendors of all sorts, food, tattoos, and booze! It’s a spell of a good time! 4-11pm. Free.
The Oxford Hotel Marc Broussard Acclaimed singer, songwriter, and musician Marc Broussard is an artist with a unique gift of channeling the spirits of classic R&B, rock and soul into contemporary terms.
Wildwood Bar & Grill Bigfoot County Bigfoot County is a new 5-piece blues-rock band with a hint of country based out of Bend. 7-10pm. Free.
12 Sunday
The Commons Cafe & Taproom Trivia Night Sunday Funday Trivia with Sean. Gather your team, or roll solo and find a spot early in the cafe, knowledge tests begin at 6pm. Prizes for 1st and 2nd place. 6-8pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub Talam Dubh & Friends - Sunday Irish Evening Talamh Dubh is a trio with collective ties to Ireland and a love for Irish music. Their name, “Dark Earth” in Gaelic, pays homage to the volcanic ground of the Cascade range upon which the group formed. Featured in their repertoire are jigs, reels, hornpipes, marches, waltzes, and songs. 5-7pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub Head Games Trivia Night Eat. Drink. Think. Win! Live multi-media trivia every Sunday @ 6pm. The Commonwealth Pub - Bend Free to play. Win prizes. Teams up to 6. 6-8pm. Free.
Dogwood At The Pine Shed Okay Karaoke Sing your favorite songs with friends, enjoy professional sound and lighting, and let the spotlight shine on you. Hosted by the dynamic Tammy Larsen, it’s the perfect night out for music lovers and party people alike. Noon-11pm. Free.
River’s Place The Brainy Brunch Trivia! Useless Knowledge Bowl Trivia presents “The Brainy Brunch!” Bring your crew of friends or family and a pen/pencil! Play for fun and gift cards, play for free! Experienced, independent, locally owned and operated! Noon. Free.
Silver Moon Brewing Mike Pinto & Coloso His distinct voice and seamless storytelling has brought success both in the United States and overseas. 6pm. $15-$20.
Volcanic Theatre Pub Mistress of Reality + Sweet Demon All-female Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne Tribute Band. 7pm. $27.
13 Monday
Bevel Craft Brewing Bingo with Bren Supporting Central Oregon Disc Golf Club We love disc golf at Bevel! Join us for Bingo with Bren, where half the proceeds go to cash prizes and half support the Central Oregon Disc Golf Club. Cards are $2 each or six for $10. Every dollar raised helps grow disc golf as a fun, affordable sport. 6-8pm. $2.
The Commonwealth Pub Monday Night Musicians Open Showcase and Jam Calling all musicians, singers and performers! Join us for a weekly open showcase where you can share your talent, connect with other artists and perform in a welcoming atmosphere. Bring your instrument — backline is provided. 5-9pm. Free.
Crux Fermentation Project Trivia Night @ Crux Trivia Night at Crux! First place team wins a $25 gift card! 6-8pm. Free.
Elixir Winery and Tasting Room Locals Music Night and Open Mic Bend’s friendliest open-mic! All genres welcome. Oregon and international wine, beer and tapas menu available all evening. 6-9pm. Free.
On Tap Locals’ Day Plus Live Music Cheaper drinks all day and live music at night, get down to On Tap. 11am-9pm. Free.
Silver Moon Brewing Beertown Comedy Open Mic Voted #1 Open Mic and Locals Night, Beertown Comedy’s Open Mic happens every Monday at Silver Moon Brewing. Free to watch and perform! Sign-ups at 6:30pm, show at 7pm. With 20 spots available, bring your best jokes and get noticed for paid gigs. Laughter guaranteed! 6:30-9pm. Free.
Volcanic Theatre Pub LaMP ft Russ Lawton, Scott Metzger, Ray Paczkowski Interstate jammers LaMP distill singular, road-honed improv instincts into taut, instrumental epics. 7pm. $34.
14 Tuesday
The Astro Lounge Karaoke Get here early to put your name on the list! Drink specials every night. 9pm-2am. Free.
Beach Hut Deli Tip of the Tongue Trivia Come out and play Tip of the Tongue trivia for a chance to win some great prizes and show off your trivia skills! 6-8pm. Free.
Bunk+Brew Backyard Trivia Tuesdays! Big brains, cold beers, bragging rights! Battle it out under the stars with rotating trivia themes and epic prizes. Grab food from the food carts and drinks from the beer truck. Think you’ve got what it takes? 7-9pm. Free.
The Capitol The Capitol Karaoke Music Weekly Karaoke at its finest! Central Oregon’s premiere karaoke experience has just moved locations! Now at the Capitol! Drink specials! Air guitars! Come see for yourself. 8pm-1am. Free.
The Cellar Open Mic Open mic at The Cellar hosted by Mari! 6-8pm and all are welcome! 6-8pm. Free.
The Commons Cafe & Taproom Open Mic StoryTellers open mic nights are full of music, laughs and community. Mason James is the host. Poetry, comedy and spoken word are welcome, but this is mainly a musical open mic. Performance slots are a quick 10 minutes each, so being warmed up and ready is ideal. If you wish to perform sign-ups start at 5pm in the cafe. 6pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub Tuesday Night Jazz Come join us for a night of smooth jazz led by bass-man Thomas Tsuneta. 7-9pm. Free.
Crosscut Warming Hut No 5 Head Games Trivia Night Live multi-media trivia every other Tuesday at Crosscut Warming Hut No. 5, Bend. Free to play, win prizes, teams up to 6. Please arrive early for best seats. Every other Tuesday, 6-8pm. Free.
Elements Public House Trivia (&Taco) Tuesdays Quiz fans of Redmond: bring your crew this week for UKB live trivia & more! Delicious menu favorites, brews, cocktails, plus Taco Tuesday menu! Play for gift card prizes or just for fun. Bring good vibes and a pen. 6:30pm. Free.
M&J Tavern Karaoke Every Tuesday at your downtown living room! Sign-ups start at 8pm and the singing goes until last call OR last singer, whichever comes first! 8pm-1:15am. Free.
Mountain Burger Trivia Tuesday at Mountain Burger Come to Trivia Tuesday at Mountain Burger! Fun and prizes await! 7:30-9pm. Free.
Northside Bar & Grill Karaoke with DJ Chris Ossig Karaoke with DJ Chris. 7-9pm. Free. Pinky G’s Pizzeria TRIVIA NIGHT Test your knowledge in a casual/laid-back atmosphere. Pizza, beer and trivia. Free to play and prizes for 1st and 2nd place. 6-8pm. Free.
DANCE
Bend Community Contra Dance No partners needed! Intro lesson at 7pm. This is a fun easy dance to live music played on acoustic instruments such as fiddle, guitar, mandolin, accordion, banjo, etc. 7-9:30pm at Pine Forest Grange Hall, 63214 Boyd Acres Rd., Bend. 559313-5266. bendcontra@gmail.com. $10-$20.
FILM EVENTS
22nd Annual Bend Film Festival
Five full days of films, fun and festivities at theaters and venues around town. Enjoy individual screenings or grab a pass for better access to the best weekend of independent film in Central Oregon. Wed, Oct. 8, 2-8pm, Thu, Oct. 9, Noon10pm, Fri, Oct. 10, 10am-10pm, Sat, Oct. 11, 10am-10pm and Sun, Oct. 12, 10am-8pm. Downtown Bend, Downtown Bend, Bend. Contact: 5413883378. info@bendfilm.org. $15-$325.
PRESENTATIONS + EXHIBITS
Nez Perce Music: Assimilation and Resistance Join us for an exhibition and lecture on the history of Nez Perce music with Bobbie Conner. Oct. 9, 6-7:30pm. Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture, 68467 Three Creek Rd., Sisters. Contact: 5419040700. inquiries@roundhousefoundation.org. Free.
OUTDOOR EVENTS
Roller Skate Jam! Come skate with us— quads and inlines welcome! We throw down at the courts off SE Wilson, next to the skatepark. Music, dancing, rolling and a friendly community of welcoming skaters. All levels and ages welcome. Tuesdays, 6-8pm. Ponderosa Park, 225 SE 15th St., Bend. Contact: 206-334-8488. joe@ joe-walker.com. Free.
Walk the Rock Walk or run from the Fort Rock townsite to Fort Rock State Park and back. Oct. 11, 9am-Noon. Walk the Rock, 64651 Fort Rock Rd., Fort Rock. Contact: 541-613-1222. $20-$30.
EVENTS + MARKETS
Local Paws 5th Annual Customer Appreciation Event A day full of giveaways, vendor booths, adoptable pets, treats, and fun for the whole family (two- and four-legged). Don’t miss this tail-wagging community favorite! Find out more information at localpawsredmond. com. Oct. 11, 9:30am-7pm. Local Paws, 435 SW Evergreen Ave., Redmond. Contact: 5416048990. Free.
Season of the Witch Market Local artists & vendors bringing their magic and unique treasures. Astrology, tarot & bone readings to guide your journey. Raffle prizes & more! Oct. 12, 10am-5pm. Nature’s Bling, 133 SW Century Drive, Bend. Contact: 5416400888. Free.
Sunriver Fungi Fest & Mushroom Show Celebrate the fantastic world of fungi! New, bigger venue! Massive mushroom display. Mushroom Marketplace with 24+ vendors. Mushroom ID station. Educational talks every hour. Cooking demonstration. Mushroom hunting resources. Live music and food vendors. Oct. 11, 10am-4pm. SHARC, 57250 Overlook Rd., Sunriver. Contact: info@snco.org. $15.
Bend Farmers Market The Bend Farmers Market is a true farmers market dedicated to supporting the viability of local farmers, ranchers and food producers who offer fresh local produce, protein and farm products to the people of Central Oregon. Wednesdays, 11am-3pm. Through Oct. 9. Brooks Alley, downtown Bend, Bend. Contact: bendfarmersmarket@gmail.com. Free.
Sisters Farmers Market Join us on Sundays June-Oct for a vibrant community gathering featuring fresh produce, local goods, live music and community activities.The market hosts a diverse range of over 45 Central Oregon vendors weekly. Sundays, 10am-2pm. Through Oct. 26. Fir Street Park, Sisters, Sisters. Contact: sistersfarmersmarket@gmail.com. Free.
Magoo is a progressive bluegrass quartet based in Denver. Catch them Sun., Oct. 12, 8pm at Silver Moon Brewing.
Magoo The Band FB
By Nic Moye
Rockin’ Confidence and Fun!
The kids are alright at School of Rock Bend
Teachers at a new music school are excited to guide budding rock stars. The School of Rock Bend offers music lessons followed by the opportunity to jam with other students in a rock band, even performing in public on local stages. The school, opening Oct. 9, is in the same plaza as Blockbuster on NE Revere Avenue. Jeff and Niki Reading are the husband-wife team opening the school, which is part of a music education franchise with more than 400 locations worldwide. A variety of lessons are offered including individual instruments, songwriting, performance and house band.
“To us, having more places in our community where kids and adults can play creatively, express themselves and build their self-confidence is not just a nice-tohave, it’s necessary,” Jeff Reading told the Source. He and Niki are writers by trade who own and operate a communications /public affairs firm.
The teachers are local musicians. Julia Canales is lead guitarist with the band, Not Your Ex Lover. “Music has been a huge part of my life forever,” Canales says. “It’s been a constant through everything. Whatever is going on in the world, whatever is going on in life, it’s always just been my outlet. It’s always been there for me to push myself and challenge and learn new things.”
Jeff Reading says the school year is divided into fourmonth seasons. The music and performance directors have already selected songs for incoming students to
learn. “In January, the themes for our first two shows will be “British Invasion” and “90s Rock,” he explains. In addition, he says there will also be a house band for which students can audition.
“Music is my safest place. Performing and playing is where I feel the most happy, the most confident and that’s something that’s developed over the years,” another teacher, Huddy Mickel from the band, Mama’s Boy, says. “And the idea of getting to be involved with the school and teaching kids and helping them grow that same confidence and passion really excites me.”
“It’s really cool to pay it forward. That’s why I’m excited to be here,” teacher Ryan Lucas told the Source. “Being of service is really important to me and to be able to pay it forward to all these kids and share my experience with them is just a great opportunity.” Lucas has played bass for about 15 years with several bands including Denver Says, Double Jump and Dive Bar Theology.
Other teachers for School of Rock Bend include Mason James, a solo artist and member of Double Jump and The Living Room; Sam Gibney of The Hasbens and Call Down Thunder; Sam Rabolvsky, also of The Hasbens and Mama’s Boy; Beverly Anderson, both a solo artist and member of Mama’s Boy; and solo artist, Brianna Gonzalez.
The cost for lessons varies. School of Rock has programs for students as young as 4-years-old, as well as
scholarships available for students ages 8 to 18. Pricing for the performance program, which includes a weekly private lesson and a weekly two-hour group rehearsal for the band experience, starts at $345 per month.
Everyone involved agrees it’s a way for young people to express themselves, build confidence and learn new skills.
Ponderosa Players and Iconic Dance are next door to The School of Rock. “We’re so excited to create a new arts hub, where more members of our community can find their voice, their people and a place where they belong,” Reading says.
Even the school’s interior has a rock-n-roll vibe created by local designers Mac the Fruitbat and Vivi Design Co., but ultimately it’s about the music.
“When I step on stage, there’s no better feeling in the world,” Mickel says.
School of Rock Bend Opening Oct. 9
211 NE Revere Ave., Bend Schoolofrock.com/locations/bend
Several walls inside the School of Rock Bend have murals like this one by Mac the Fruitbat.
Sarah Isak-Goode
BEER + DRINK
Bonfire Wednesdays Fuel the night with fire, friends and ice-cold drinks! Meet travelers, jam out to tunes and chow down from the food carts. Wednesdays, 6-9pm. Through Oct. 15. Bunk+Brew, 42 NW Hawthorne Avenue, Bend. Free.
Commonwealth Pub Happy Hour It’s 5 for 5, with $5 draft beers, $5 house wines, $5 margaritas, $5 crushes and $5 well liquor. Play ping-pong, darts, cornhole, games and enjoy afternoon music on patio and indoors. Ongoing, Noon-6pm. The Commonwealth Pub, 30 SW Century Dr., Bend. Free.
Crosscut Warming Hut: Locals’ Day! Tuesdays are Locals’ Day. Every Tuesday enjoy $1 off regular size draft beverages. Come by the Warming Hut and hang out by the fire. See you soon, Bend! Tuesdays. Crosscut Warming Hut No 5, 566 SW Mill View Way, Bend.
Happy Hour at Mountain Burger Happy Hour happens every day at Mountain Burger! Ongoing, 3-5pm. Mountain Burger, 2747 NW Crossing Dr., Bend. Contact: 5416687177. info@ mountainburgerbend.com.
Happy Hour Every Day Make every afternoon a little brighter with a hint of British charm at The Commonwealth Pub! From 3-5pm, enjoy drink specials and a cozy pub vibe that’s perfect for winding down. $3 PBRs $5 RPMs $6 Margaritas $7 Wine Happy Hour bites from Whappos! Mondays-Sundays, 3-5pm. Through Dec. 18. The Commonwealth Pub, 30 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-668-6200. thecommonwealthpubevents@gmail.com. Free.
Incredible Summer Wine Sale Huge sale on refreshing summer white wine and bold red wine. Selections from the Elixir import portfolio. Taste before you buy! Open Monday-Saturday 10.00am - 6:00pm Mondays-Sundays, 10am6pm. Elixir Winery and Tasting Room, 11 NW Lava Rd., Bend. Contact: 541 388 5330. tastingroom@ elixirwinegroup.com. Free.
Locals Day! Locals Day at the Ale! $2 off drafts and $1 off wine and cider! Wednesdays, 2pm. The Ale Apothecary Tasting Room, 30 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: taryn@thealeapothecary.com. Free.
Locals’ Day Come on down to Bevel Craft Brewing for $4 beers and cider and $1 off wine all day. There are also food specials from the food carts located out back at The Patio! Tuesdays. Bevel Craft Brewing, 911 SE Armour St., Bend. Contact: holla@bevelbeer.com. Free.
Locals’ Night at WaypointBBC Locals’ Night at WaypointBBC! $5 draft beer, $8 house red and white wine and $8 specialty cocktail. Tuesdays, Noon-10pm. Waypoint, 921 NW Mt Washington Dr., Bend. Contact: 458-206-0826. Waypointbbc@gmail.com. Free.
Monday Night Football Fall, football, and beer! This week we feature Oblivion Brewing $4 pints and swag giveaways! For the non beer lover, we also have Bend Cider and $2 off house wine. Oct. 13, 5-8pm. River’s Place, 787 NE Purcell Blvd., Bend. Come down for Northside’s Monday night football! Food, drinks and a raffle for your chance to win a jersey! Mondays. Northside Bar & Grill, 62860 Boyd Acres Rd., Bend. Free.
Power Hour Come check out our new Power Hour deals: $3 draft Coors Light, $5 draft beer, food cart specials that will make your taste buds dance! Mondays-Thursdays-Sundays, 8-9pm. Midtown Yacht Club, 1661 NE Fourth St., Bend. Contact: 458-256-5454. midtownyachtclub@ gmail.com. Free.
Taco & Margarita Tuesdays Enjoy 2/$10 chipotle chicken street tacos and $10 margaritas! Tuesdays, 4-9pm. Portello Wine and Spirits, 2754 NW Crossing Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-385-1777. contact@portellobend.com. Free.
Wine Mondays! Every Monday night all glasses of wine are $9! This is an opportunity to try wines from our vast wine list all night long and pair with either tasty small plates or delicious dishes by creative chef Nikki Munk. Mondays, 4-9pm. Portello Wine and Spirits, 2754 NW Crossing Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-385-1777. admin@portellowinecafe.com. Free.
Wings + TRIVIA + Whiskey Enjoy $0.75 wings, $4.50 well whiskey, $6 seven & sevens while testing your knowledge with Trivia, hosted by our amazing Cole! Take on our infamous “physical” challenge - think paper airplanes, musical chairs, limbo etc! Come eat, drink and bring your A-game! Wednesdays, 7pm. JC’s Bar & Grill, 642 NW Franklin Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-3833000. jcsbend@gmail.com. Free.
HEALTH + WELLNESS
Central Oregon LGBTQ+ Peer Connection Online Support Group A peer-led support group for adults (ages 18 and older) who identify as LGBTQ2SIA+ and are living with mental health challenges. A diagnosis is not required to participate. This group is facilitated by Central Oregon peers. Schedule: Meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month. Every other Tuesday, 6-7:30pm. Contact: 541-316-0167. info@namicentraloregon.org. Free.
Concussion Support Group Hoping to learn more strategies for improving your memory and efficiently healing your brain after concussion? Come join our adult therapy group! Connect with others who have experienced concussion, practice strategies, and learn from other related professionals on a variety of topics related to concussion recovery. Every other Tuesday, 4-4:45pm. Through Feb. 3. Sagebrush Speech Therapy, 604 NW Harriman St., Bend. Contact: info@sagebrushspeech.com. Free.
NAMI Connection Peer Support Group
NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group is a free, peer-led support group for any adult who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. You will gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others, and the groups are led by trained leaders who’ve been there. Mondays, 7-9pm. Contact: 503-230-8009. info@namicentraloregon.org. Free.
NAMI In Person Family Support Group
NAMI Family Support Group is a peer-led support group for loved ones of individuals living with mental illness. Family members can talk frankly about their challenges and help one another through their learned wisdom. Meets the 2nd & 4th Wednesday every month at 5:30 p.m. Second Wednesday of every month, 5:30-6:30pm. Embark, 2843 NW Lolo Drive, Bend. Contact: 541316-0167. info@namicentraloregon.org. Free.
NAMI Mental Health Peer Support Group: Bend NAMI’s Peer Connection Support Group is a free, peer-led support group for adults living with mental health challenges. You will gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others, and the groups are led by NAMI-trained facilitators who’ve been there. Held the 2nd & 4th Sunday monthly. Second Sunday of every month, 3-4pm. The Taylor Center (Best Care), 358 NE Marshall Ave, Bend. Contact: 541-316-0167. programs@namicentraloregon.org. Free.
Pain Free Posture - Celebrating More than 50 Years of The Vance Stance Tired of being in pain? Get to the root of why you are tight & suffering. Learn to stand in gravity, not behind it. Offering a series of 5 1.5 hour sessions in my private studio for $175. You pick the date and time. Wednesdays, 12-1:30pm. EastSide Home Studio, 21173, Bend. Contact: 541-3309070. vancebonner@juno.com. $175 for 5 class series.
Prenatal Yoga Prepares the body and mind for labor, birth and new motherhood. Emphasis is placed on building strength, channeling the power of the breath, and connecting to intuition. Suitable for women in any stage of pregnancy, as long as you feel good practicing and your care provider approves. Please pre-register. Tuesdays, 9am. Bend Hot Yoga, 1230 NE 3rd St. UnitA230, Bend. Contact: yoga@bendyoga. center. $24.
Spousal Loss Grief Support A support group for those who have lost a spouse or significant other. This group will provide a safe place for individuals to share the journey towards healing after the death of a spouse. Contact Carla P at (541) 771-3262 to register. Mondays-Tuesdays, 10-11:30am. Through Oct. 28. Partners In Care, 2075 NE Wyatt Court, Bend. Contact: (541) 771-3262. tyler.carskadon@partnersbend.org.
Tai Chi Unlock the Secrets of Serenity with Grandmaster Franklin’s Tai Chi Class! Embark on a transformative journey toward inner balance, harmony and a healthier you! Grandmaster Franklin invites you to join his exclusive Tai Chi Class, where ancient wisdom meets modern well-being. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 9:45-10:45am. Contact: 541-797-9620. arawak327@gmail.com. $100.
Yoga + Sound Bath Enjoy a candle-lit slow-flow hatha yoga class and sound bath, an intimate class set under a backdrop of lush green plants, and experience release and relaxation. Combined with sound healing, you will leave full of tranquility and at ease. Thu, Oct. 9, 6:30-7:30pm and Thu, Oct. 23, 6:30-7:30pm. Hanai Center, 62430 Eagle Road, Bend. Contact: soundbathstillness@gmail.com. $20.
Yoga for Pelvic Health and Healing, with Laura Flood, PT, DPT, RYT - Local Pelvic Health Physical Therapist Learn how to connect to your pelvic floor muscles, so you can care for your pelvic area in your daily life, yoga practice and recreational activities. Small group class focused on: pelvic anatomy and physiology, alignment based yoga postures, breathing and nervous system awareness. Sign up online: www.lotusflowerphysio.com/yoga Fridays, 12:30-1:30pm. Namaspa Yoga Studio, 1135 NW Galveston Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-2416008. Laura@lotusflowerphysio.com. $25.
Yoga Mama Series Develop a yoga and mindful practice that will build strength and flexibility and help balance out your emotions. Reduce common “mom” tensions, especially in the low back, neck, and shoulders, while increasing core strength and rebalancing your hips and pelvis. Learn Ayurvedic Yoga methods to reduce fatigue. 6-week series. Tuesdays, 6:30-7:45pm. Through Oct. 21. Free Spirit Yoga Ninja Play, 320 SW Powerhouse Drive, Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 5412413919. info@freespiritbend.com. $142.
Talamh Dubh is a trio with collective ties to Ireland and a love for Irish music. The group plays Sunday evenings through Oct. 26 at the Commonwealth Pub, 5-7pm.
Talamh Dubh FB
CHOW C From Surviving to Thriving Exploring wild food opportunities
By Sharon Trammell
Back in June, I wrote a short article about foraging for morels in Central Oregon, detailing how you can follow the snow line and find these tasty wild treats in areas burned by last year’s wildfires. Morels are a sign of renewal and a gift from the Earth to show her love to her human inhabitants after devastation caused by the natural disaster of fire. At the time, I was deep in the middle of writing a project, the veil of which I wasn’t yet ready to pull off. “Eat off the Land” is a wild foraging cookbook designed to help y’all connect deeper to the land. As is usual with these types of pursuits, the book taught me, not the other way around. It revolutionized how I see the topics of survival cooking and wild food foraging. In this article, I aim to talk a little bit about the shift from the scarcity mindset to abundance through foraging, and finally, share a favorite fall recipe from the new book that I hope you all will enjoy.
When I was researching the market and looking at the other survival type cookbooks, I noticed something. Book after book focused on teaching people how to hoard basic ingredients, making sure they lasted through the winter and that, if the grid went down, someone could survive on beans, rice, flour and salt. The idea, while long-standing, grated at me. As a lifelong forager, I kept asking, how can people actually see the world this way? However, this mindset is more than just being about hoarding food. It is about the mindset of fear and living with the “what if we don’t have enough?” mentality. This is something that no one who eats off the land will ever have to ask again!
Wild food is all around us in our natural world. In the cascades, from about April until December, there is an abundance of wild food at our finger tips. If you eat meat, this is true, but even if you are vegetarian, this proves equally true. Mushrooms like chicken of
Fall Chantrelle and Chive Soup
the woods are surprisingly high in protein, at 14 grams protein per 100 grams of mushroom. In other words, if you consume about 1 cup of chopped chicken of the woods mushrooms (always cook prior to eating) you are getting more protein than you would from drinking a disgusting pea protein smoothie — and it contains no fillers or gritty after taste!
If, on the other hand, you want to consume more vitamins, all you need to do is locate an elderberry bush! Elderberries are very potent and can aid in the
recovery of many minor illnesses such as sore throats. The craziest part about exploring foraging opportunities, is that nature already has a built-in option for anything you might need! Be this food, medicine, or even art supplies (think yarn dye from elderberry leftovers), the wild has you covered! It sounds almost too good to be true, and here I am just advertising what the Native American cultures in our region have known for thousands of years before Europeans even showed up. The point? Foraging can take us from survival mode to thrival mode — yeah, I may have created that word.
Now, to finish this, I want to make something clear. I take a balanced approach — I’m not suggesting you try living without any pantry supplies, only that, if we add in wild food to complement basic ingredients, there is no need to hoard what we have. Whether you want to go full prepper mode, or you simply want to eat better and gain connection to the land while doing so, foraging may be an option for you. Finally, the author and publisher assume no responsibility for the use or misuse of this information; always positively identify wild foods with multiple reliable sources before consuming.
Below, you will find a simple fall soup recipe featuring chanterelle mushrooms and wild chives (substitute green onions or garden-grown chives if you didn’t save any last spring). I hope that this short story will inspire you to live closer to your roots and explore all that nature offers.
You can find more information about the new cookbook “Eat off the Land” at sharontrammell.com/ eatofftheland, and be on the lookout for an exclusive book talk on foraging taking place at Dudley’s Bookshop Cafe in Bend come November!
Makes: 5 cups / Time to Make: 45 minutes
Ingredients
• 8 slices bacon, cut into bite sized pieces
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 small white onion, chopped
• 1 ½ cups chanterelle mushrooms, cut into chunks (about 3 large ones)
• ½ head cauliflower
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 Tbsp flour
• 1 tsp salt, or more to taste
• 3 cups water
• 1 bunch fresh wild chives or green onions, chopped
• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Directions
• In a stock pot, combine minced garlic and bacon.
• Turn to medium heat and cook about 5 minutes, until the bacon sizzles and begins to crisp.
• Add onion and chanterelles.
• Cover and cook another 3 minutes, or until onions begin to caramelize.
• Wash and chop cauliflower into bite-sized chunks.
• Add cauliflower to pan and stir.
• Cover again and let steam for about 2 minutes.
• Add 3 cups water and bring to a boil by increasing the heat.
• Simmer soup for about 15 minutes on medium-low heat.
• Scoop about two-thirds of the soup into a blender or food processor. (Skip this step for a chunkier, off grid version.)
• Add sour cream, salt, and flour to the blender.
• Blend on low until cauliflower is smooth but bacon pieces remain intact.
• Pour the blended mixture back into the remaining soup.
• Stir to combine and return to medium-high heat.
• Simmer for about a minute to allow the flour to thicken the soup.
• Leave on low heat for another 5 minutes.
• Add half the green onions (or wild chives) and 1 cup shredded cheddar.
• Serve hot, garnished with remaining cheese and chives.
Wild food is all around us in our natural world.
Sharon Trammell
C CULTURE
Plunge Into Wellness
The trend in thermal wellness therapies is seeing a boom in Bend with two new hot-cold plunge experiences opening. One is set to open any day while the other will have a groundbreaking next year. The idea behind contrast therapy is to stimulate blood flow, relieve stress and ultimately bring a person to a calm, relaxed state.
Bend’s first contrast therapy lounge opens this fall
By Sophie Elliott
Cold plunges and thermal lounges aren’t just a trend, they are a lifestyle. And what better place to bring this invigorating practice year-round than Bend? This October, Flux Thermal Lounge will begin its soft opening in Bend’s Westside Century Center, giving locals the chance to enjoy both cold plunges and thermal soaks whenever they choose. As Bend’s first hot-soak and cold-plunge contrast therapy lounge, Flux offers more than just remarkable health benefits, it creates a welcoming, social space for the community to connect and recharge.
Founder and CEO Dini Vemuri moved to Bend during Covid and quickly noticed a lack of spaces to meet people outside of alcohol-centered settings. Determined to create a hub for connection rooted in holistic wellness, she began envisioning what would become Flux Thermal Lounge. When asked what her inspiration was for the Flux Lounge, Vemuri said, “the Flux Thermal Lounge stemmed from the concept of social
bathhouses around the world, and alpine traditions of skiing followed by hot springs dips.” Vemuri’s goal is to help make these restorative practices more accessible, and with wellness and the outdoors already at the heart of Bend’s culture, Flux feels like a natural fit.
From the start, Vemuri and her team have been intentional about the design of the space. One of their main goals was to prioritize accessibility, ensuring the layout works for everyone who comes through their doors. They have also designed the space to have large and small pools to accommodate both social groups and more intimate, private experiences, ensuring there is something for everyone. Beyond design, Vemuri has been deliberate in partnering with local businesses to bring the vision of a natural oasis to life. These collaborations include the People’s Apothecary, Somewhere That’s Green, Maak Lab, Walls Art and several others. As Vemuri puts it, “true wellness is community,” and that is evident throughout every part of Flux.
Flux Thermal Lounge is set to soft open on Oct. 9 with limited hours ahead of its grand opening in December. Looking ahead, Vemuri hopes to continue fostering collaborations with local businesses while welcoming anyone who wants to be part of this new wellness-centered community. She can’t wait for Bend to experience a space that is not only restorative, but also rooted in genuine connection.
Luxury Hotel & Thermal Spa Planned near downtown Bend
By Nic Moye
Anew, upscale hotel is being planned on NW Arizona Avenue between Wall and Bond Streets. In addition to overnight rooms, CASCADA Bend will also have a thermal spa and wellness destination with multiple hot and cold thermal circuits, silent spaces for reflection and social spaces for connection. “The goal is to create a restorative environment that blends ancient hydrotherapy traditions with modern wellness experiences, all in a setting that feels authentic to Bend,” explains Marc Coluccio, COO of SolTerra, the company behind the project which also owns CASCADA in Portland.
“Like our Portland location, CASCADA Bend will offer an immersive thermal spa experience, but it will have its own character that reflects the pace and personality of Bend. While Portland’s space has a more urban energy, Bend’s design will lean into the region’s charm and natural beauty, with more outdoor integration and expansive views,” Coluccio told the Source. He says Bend was chosen because of the local culture that values wellness and nature.
The idea behind CASCADA, he says, is embracing active, healthy living.
While a hotel is attached, Coluccio says the design, pricing and programming will be geared toward making CASCADA a regular part of local life. Details about pricing and membership haven’t been released yet. In Portland, a three-hour visit to the underground thermal springs
starts at $100, according to the website.
“We think the combination of multiple thermal circuits, dedicated silent spaces and warm, inviting social areas will be a standout,” Coluccio says. “The ability to move between hot, cold and relaxation zones in a beautiful, purpose-built space will be a new wellness experience for Bend.”
Coluccio says the renderings he gave to the Source are meant to emphasize natural materials, light-filled spaces and a connection to Bend’s natural surroundings. He says the building will have ultra-high efficiency energy systems with green roof and wall elements. He says the location between downtown Bend and the Old Mill District was chosen for its walkability and the lot is large enough to include parking.
A social media post ignited some backlash from people who fear the town’s charm will be replaced with luxury. “We’ve heard both the excitement and concerns and understand them,” Coluccio says. “Our hope is not to replace what makes Bend special but to add to it in a way that feels true to the town’s character.”
The design team is being led by Hacker Architects, which also designed The Grove food hall in Northwest Crossing, the High Desert Museum and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon. Construction on CASCADA Bend will begin in late 2026 with an opening date in 2028.
CASCADA Bend will offer an immersive thermal spa experience.
Hacker Architects
A rendering of Flux Thermal Lounge, opening Oct. 9 in Bend.
Blue Forty
SC SCREEN The Best Fest in the Northwest A quick peek at BendFilm 2025
By Jared Rasic
To try and describe the exact vibe of the Bend Film Festival is nearly impossible because no two have ever been the same…and I should know because I’ve seen at least one movie at every fest since the first one in 2003. That year, I sat in a frigid Midtown Ballroom and watched a midnight screening of Ti West’s 2005 debut, “The Roost” and fell in love with the Bend Film Festival immediately. Over 20 years later, and now I’m the Lead Shorts Programmer for the Festival and just as in love as I’ve ever been.
I am deeply biased when it comes to recommending the fest, so ask other people, do your own research and take everything I say in the spirit as it’s meant: from someone drunk in the possibilities of movies and insanely lucky that I get to program them for a film festival I love as much as this one. With that said, on Oct. 8-12 this year (one day longer than ever before), I hope you’ll join me at the Bend Film Festival. It’s a special thing. It’s mercurial to try and describe why, but here are a few things this year worth catching.
“The Scout” is a mesmerizing narrative feature that looks at a single day in the life of a location scout driving all across New York City and having random encounters with strangers whose living spaces she needs to explore immediately. Director Paula González-Nasser somehow manages to make the film meditative and stressful at the same time, while also giving us not just a picturesque tour of the city, but also a deep dive into the connective tissue that makes us all human.
Showings
• Wed, Oct 8, 6:15PM @ Tin Pan Theater (Sold Out)
• Fri, Oct 10, 12:45PM @ Regal 6
I know I’m biased, but the Shorts this year are deliriously strong. One of my favorite blocks is “On the Verge,” which is packed with several of the best short films I’ve seen in quite some time. In particular, “Les Petits Monstres,” which follows a visually impaired teenager and his wheelchair-bound acquaintance as they ride in a medical transport van together with their short-tempered, yet loving, caregiver. At turns gut-bustlingly hilarious, touching and acerbic, it’s one of my favorite shorts of the entire year and a beautifully humanist slice-of-life.
Showings
• Wed, Oct 8, 8PM @ Regal 6
• Fri, Oct 10, 6PM @ Tin Pan Theater (SOLD OUT)
Another Narrative Feature I won’t stop championing is “Messy,” an unromantic comedy from writer, director, producer, star Alexi Wasser, who I think is one of the brightest and most exciting emerging voices in cinema I’ve seen in some time. Her writing is honest and deeply funny, with this dark shadow of sadness
in the margins that somehow manages to make even the cringiest moments endearingly relatable. Wasser is a singular talent and I can’t wait to see what she does next.
Showings
• Fri, Oct 10, 3:45PM @ Regal 16
• Sat, Oct 11, 12:45PM @ Tin Pan Theater (Sold Out)
The documentary “Shelf Life” compares and contrasts the creation and appreciation of cheese with human life and the irreversible cascade of aging. Directed with an eccentric and irresistible eye by master documentarian Ian Cheney, the film is somehow both breezy and profound. A real Gouda movie! Sorry.
Showings
• Fri, Oct 10, 2:30PM @ Tower Theatre
• Sat, Oct 11, 5PM @ Regal 7
Don’t forget that one of the things that makes the Bend Film Festival such a special event isn’t just the films, but the events also. From the opening night party at The Capitol, to the Friday night afterparty at Bunk & Brew (this one always gets pretty wild), to the Award Ceremony and Wrap Party at Greg’s Grill on Saturday,
you are constantly given the chance to mingle with the filmmakers and have unforgettable conversations with artists from all over the world. It’s a special thing to be a part of and there’s a reason why a lot of these filmmakers find Bend Film to be the highlight of their festival season.
There’s really too much more to explore and not enough space in the world to really explain how special these days feel. Here’s just a few more things to be excited for:
I’m interviewing legendary rapper Logic onstage at the Tower Theatre after we premiere his filmmaking debut, “Paradise Records” for a Central Oregonian crowd!
“Stone Mountain” is a powerful, timely doc that gave me hope that we can work toward a brighter future when good people give a shit about each other.
“Café Chairel” celebrates Mexican culture in a touching, authentic and gentle narrative that made me cry and laugh within seconds of each other. Stunning.
“Anxiety Club” is a documentary that will make you feel like you found your people… as long as your people are as neurotic as I am. A great film about depression, anxiety and how damn difficult it sometimes is just to be a person.
“She Cried That Day” is an infuriating and sometimes uplifting indigenous doc that shows how far we still have to go to treat indigenous lives with the importance they deserve.
“Color Book” is an emotionally incisive and honest look at fatherhood that crushed me and then filled me with life. Singular and perfect.
“Outerlands” is gloriously queer without that being the singular focus. Sad, haunting and a good reminder that our mental health is a delicate beast.
“Under the Burning Sun” is brutal, ugly and bleak with rare glimmers of light. This is real indie filmmaking. A feminist, post-apocalyptic, road trip, pro-choice, sci-fi drama that is both hard to watch and unforgettable.
And watch as many shorts as you can. They’re pretty incredible. I promise.
Enjoy the weekend. It’s going to be special.
Bend Film Festival Oct. 8-12
https://bendfilmfest2025.eventive.org/welcome for more information and tickets. To try and describe the exact vibe of the Bend Film Festival is nearly impossible because no two have ever been the same…and I should know because I’ve seen at least one movie at every fest since the first one in 2003
Industry panels and parties are an opportunity to meet the filmmakers.
BendFilm Festival
O OUTSIDE Cam McCaul Shreds—On and Off the Trails
That heart-pounding, fist-clenching, jaw-dropping moment you feel when watching a professional freeride mountain biker in action
By Adriana Cone
Freeride mountain biking is a type of off-road cycling involving highrisk tricks and big jumps, pushing all boundaries. According to Stoked Ride Shop, “It is often seen as the most extreme form of downhill mountain biking as its focus is on performing stunts, rather than racing down the hill.”
Cam McCaul, a retired professional freeride mountain biker, continues to make jumps in the industry, even off the bike. Not just a man on the trails, he’s now a talented broadcaster, covering the most important competitions like the Red Bull Rampage. He’s naturally charismatic, energetic and keeps you inspired by his infectious enthusiasm. Since McCaul has competed in nearly all of the competitions, he’s truly respected by the riders he interviews.
McCaul has been a massive influence on what mountain biking is today. “I saw a mountain bike as something that could really do it all and mountain biking at the time was not really respected by any of those other sports, which was kind of exciting as well.”
He fell in love with riding in his hometown of Santa Cruz, California. He would watch riders charge past him on full suspension mountain bikes and disappear into the woods. This was fascinating and encouraged him to learn.
His enthusiasm for all styles of biking is what initially inspired him. “I was really influenced by what was going on in freestyle motocross and BMX. I wanted to perform on a mountain bike, similar to what you could do with BMX and Motocross, since they were super established at the time. When you compare a mountain bike to a BMX bike, you can take it in the woods, you’ve got a bike that’s better equipped to handle the rugged terrain of the woods.”
A mountain bike isn’t loud. You don’t need a permit or a designated riding area like you would on a dirt bike, hence fewer limitations. This became the perfect vessel that met all expectations. When he started riding, jump contests were new. Jump contests led to slowstyle contests that were inspired by what was going on in skiing and snowboarding. “So mountain biking became this big hybrid discipline that could blend influences from all the things that I either enjoyed doing or enjoyed watching.” The 1990s era propelled mountain biking from the unknown to the known. The first World Championships of
mountain biking were held in 1990 and became recognized as an Olympic sport in 1996.
McCaul continues to travel, working as an analyst and host. His last year competitively competing was the same year he moved to Bend in 2014. Right after, he started voicing the broadcast commentary for the competitions he once competed in. Talk about a full circle. “I would show up to a contest and get hurt in practice. I would ask the people who were doing the webcast, if there’s anything that I could do, like finish line interviews.” McCaul’s ability to persevere through injury is what makes him an unstoppable force in the industry. “I would ask if there’s a spot on the squad, I didn’t care if I was making coffee for the broadcasters, I wanted to work my way in.” His determination on and off the bike has transformed him into the talented competitor and broadcaster he is today.
“When you’re really good at a sport, there’s a lot of baggage that comes with it, because you’re not necessarily free to just enjoy it for enjoying it. You have internal pressure that you should be as good as you were before. But when you enjoy a sport, simply just for enjoying it, you don’t have to get better than you were the last time.”
His body was a significant factor to stop competitively riding. A big part of moving to Bend was to fully switch into a new chapter. “There’s so much metal in my body. There’s so many nagging little things and I always tell myself, I’m lucky to be able to function well enough to enjoy it. And that’s really what I lean into these days.”
When he first moved to Bend, he didn’t feel the trails were advanced enough. Even though he wasn’t professionally competing anymore, he still had sponsors as a rider. As time went on, Bend started checking off all the boxes. He began to appreciate riding for fun again. McCaul has an exciting plan to help Bend’s trail system get recognized. The trails are not mapped well, so it’s best to have a local guide who takes you under their wing to show you the trails. His vision is to partner with a tourism group, hotels and connect with the locals to create the greatest mountain biking experience for visitors. McCaul’s constant drive to improve the mountain biking community is a perfect reflection of his character.
Tyler McCaul
Tyler Roemer
McCaul free flying over his truck in Virgin, Utah.
McCaul, in eastern Oregon, says he’s ready for more.
By Brendan Emmett Quigley
Member of an army
21. “Succession” actor Ruck 22. Restaurant guide name
Sardine snapper?
Mist
28. Cause of wrinkles
29. Sneaks, e.g.
30. Shaving stuff
33. Band whose fans are called Juggalos, briefly
36. Things that get the shit out of plant museums?
40. Job, so to speak
41. Place for plot points
42. College application part
43. Just out of the shower
45. ___ Villa (English soccer club)
46. Like the bands Blondie and The Pretenders, or an alternate title for this puzzle
52. “Gotta bounce”
53. Point in the right direction?
54. Dorm party disrupters
57. Number of Oscars David Lynch won
58. Hot pursuit of a recluse?
61. A bit cracked
62. ___ Kazan
63. Question of interest
64. Slices of baloney
65. Big name in luxury hotels
66. Tonal DOWN
1. “You nutter”
2. Patisserie installation
3. Long Island village originally named Great Cow Harbour
4. Unlit
5. Oklahoma county seat
6. Burrito sauce
7. Comedian Atkinson
8. Southerner’s giveaway
9. Listen here!
10. Answer to 63-Across
11. Blacksmith’s spot
12. Frock wearer
13. Gossipy buttinsky
18. ___ a soul
22. Deking move
24. Jewish eve (in THE REBEL)
25. Tabula ___
26. Showed up
27. Butter used in body lotion
29. “That’s enough!”
30. Repair
31. Arles assent
32. Morning hrs.
33. Comment from someone who is gone
34. “The Godfather” actor
35. “Gentleman” rapper
37. Cost of doing business?
38. Programmable thermostat
39. Spanish direction
43. Kit Kat cookies
44. Little sprite
45. Opposer
46. Big test
47. Picture in an email
48. Janelle who described herself as a “funkstress”
Fill in every row, column, and 3x3 box with each of the letters
S T R I P N U D E exactly once.
Fill in every row, column, and 3x3 box with each of the letters exactly once. STRIP NUDE
Fill in every row, column, and 3x3 box with each of the letters S T R I P N U D E exactly once.
The highlighted letters read left to right and top to bottom will complete the quote: “Let’s unplug [the government] for a while, plug it back in, see if it reboots. If that doesn’t work, maybe toss it in a bag of rice. Leave it there for a couple hours. If that doesn’t work, we’ll just throw it away and buy a new one with a better camera and a functioning .”
- Stephen Colbert
Answer for the week of September 29, 2025
ANSWER TO LAST WEEK'S PUZZLES
The highlighted letters read left to right and top to bottom will complete “Let’s unplug [the government] for a while, plug it back in, see if doesn’t work, maybe toss it in a bag of rice. Leave it there for a doesn’t work, we’ll just throw it away and buy a new one with a functioning .”
- Stephen Colbert
L A H R I C E B
C R E Y L B A H I
Answer for the week of September 29, 2025
I B H C A E R L Y
R A C L E Y B I H B Y L R I H E A C
E H I B C A L Y R
“Bicycle means simplicity and simplicity means happiness!” — Mehmet Murat ildan
“Bicycle means simplicity and simplicity means happiness!” ― Mehmet Murat ildan
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Libra architect Christopher Alexander developed a sixth sense about why some spaces feel comfortable while others are alienating. What was the source of his genius? He avoided abstract principles and studied how people actually used spaces. His best architecture soulfully coordinated the relationships between indoor and outdoor areas, private and public zones, and individual needs and community functions. The “quality without a name” was the term he used to identify the profound aliveness, wholeness, and harmony of spaces where people love to be. In the coming weeks, Libra, I hope you access your own natural gift for curating relationships and cultivating balance. Your solutions should serve multiple needs. Elegant approaches will arise as you focus on connections rather than isolated parts.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Some medieval mystics claimed that angels spoke in paradoxes because the truth was too rich for simple logic. These days, I believe you Scorpios are extra fluent in paradox. You are raw yet powerful, aching and grateful, confounded but utterly clear. You are both dying and being reborn. My advice: Don’t try to resolve the contradictions. Immerse yourself in them, bask in them, and allow them to teach you all they have to teach. This may entail you sitting with your sadness as you laugh and letting your desire and doubt interweave. The contradictions you face with open-heartedness will gift you with sublime potency and authority.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22Dec. 21): The ancient city of Petra, built in sandstone cliffs in what’s now Jordan, was mostly hidden from the outside world for centuries.
In 1812, Sagittarian Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered it by disguising himself as a pilgrim. He trained extensively in the Arabic language, Islamic culture, and local customs so he could travel incognito. You Sagittarians can benefit from a similar strategy in the coming weeks. Life will conspire to bring you wonders if you thoroughly educate yourself about the people and situations you would like to influence. I invite you to hike your empathy up to a higher octave, cultivate respect for what’s unfamiliar, and make yourself extra available for exotic and inspiring treasures.
ing and wondering, and you will discover what you didn’t even know you needed to know.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): No relationship is like any other. The way we bond with another has a distinctive identity that embodies the idiosyncratic chemistry between us. So in my view, it’s wrong to compare any partnership to a supposedly ideal template. Fortunately, you Aries are in a phase when you can summon extra wisdom about this and other relaxing truths concerning togetherness. I recommend you devote your full creativity and ingenuity to helping your key bonds ripen and deepen.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Poet Rainer Maria Rilke advised, “Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves.” These days, dear Taurus, that’s your power move: to stay in conversation with mystery without forcing premature answers. Not everything needs to be fixed or finalized. Your gift is to be a custodian of unfolding processes: to cherish and nourish what’s ripening. Trust that your questions are already generating the early blooms of a thorough healing.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): I am a great admirer of Bart Simpson, a fictional fourth-grade student on the animated TV show The Simpsons. He is a constant source of unruly affirmations that we could all benefit from incorporating into our own behavior when life gets comically weird. Since I think you’re in such a phase now, Gemini, I am offering a batch of Bart-style gems. For best results, use them to free yourself from the drone of the daily routine and scramble your habitual ways of understanding the world. Now here’s Bart: 1. “I will not invent a new religion based on bubble gum.” 2. “I will not sell bottled ‘invisible water.’” 3. “I will not try to hypnotize my friends, and I will not tell co-workers they are holograms.” 4. “I will not claim to be a licensed pyrotechnician.” 5. “I will not use the Pythagorean theorem to summon demons.” 6. “I will not declare war on Thursdays.”
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): During the 1800s, countless inventors chased the impossible dream of perpetual-motion machines: contraptions that would run endlessly without any fuel source. Every attempt failed; such devices bucked the fundamental laws of physics. But here’s good news, Capricorn: You are close to cracking the code on a metaphorical version of perpetual motion. You are cultivating habits and rhythms that could keep you steady and vital for a long time to come. I predict the energy you’re generating will be self-sustaining.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Octopuses have three hearts and blue blood. They taste with their skin, solve puzzles, and squeeze their entire bodies through coin-sized holes. No wonder they are referred to as the aliens of Earth, just as you Aquarians are the aliens of the zodiac. According to my analysis, now is a perfect time for you to embrace your inner octopus. I authorize you to let your strangeness lead the way. You have the right and duty to fully activate your multidimensional mind. Yes, you may be misunderstood by some. But your suppleness, radical empathy, and nonlinear genius will be exactly what’s needed. Be the one who sees escape routes and paths to freedom that no one else perceives. Make the impossible look natural.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Dear Pisces, it’s like you’re in one of those dreams when you’re exploring the attic or basement of your home and discover secret rooms you didn’t realize existed. This is good! It means you are finding uncharted frontiers in what you assumed was familiar territory. It suggests you are ready to see truths you weren’t ready for before. Congrats! Keep wander -
CANCER (June 21-July 22): During its entire life, the desert plant Welwitschia mirabilis grows just two leaves. They never wither or fall off but continually grow, twist, split, and tatter for hundreds of years. They keep thriving even as their ends are worn or shredded by wind and sand. I love how wild and vigorous they look, and I love how their wildness is the result of their unfailing persistence and resilience. Let’s make Welwitschia mirabilis your inspirational symbol in the coming weeks, Cancerian. May it motivate you to nurture the quiet, enduring power in your depths that enables you to express yourself with maximum uniqueness and authenticity.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Have you been to Morocco? I love that so many houses there are built around spacious courtyards with intricate tilework and lush gardens. Sooner or later, of course, the gorgeous mosaic-like floors need renovations. The artisans who do the work honor the previous artistry. “In rebuilding,” one told me, “our goal is to create new magnificence that remembers the old splendor.” I hope you pursue an approach like that in the coming weeks, Leo. The mending and healing you undertake should nourish the soulfulness you have cultivated, even as you polish and refine.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Virgo novelist Agatha Christie often planned her elaborate plots while cleaning her house or washing dishes. She said such repetitive, physical tasks unlocked her creativity, allowing ideas to emerge without force. I suggest you draw inspiration from her method in the coming weeks. Seek your own form of productive distraction. Instead of wrestling with a problem in a heroic death match, lose yourself in simple, grounding actions that free your mind to wander. I am pretty sure that your most brilliant and lasting solutions will emerge when you’re not trying hard to come up with brilliant and lasting solutions.
Homework: May be time to trade in an old symbol of security for a new one. Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com
UNDERSTANDING INTIMACY
A COLUMN THAT FOSTERS DEEPER LOVE BETWEEN COUPLES
By Dr. Jane Guyn
My Wife Doesn’t Seem Interested
I don’t think I can handle this anymore. I adore my wife... I want to touch her all the time. Unfortunately, it seems like our relationship isn’t a priority
WELLNESS
she might climax but to be honest, orgasm in a woman doesn’t necessarily indicate true arousal. Men don’t usually relate to this. Your wife can be barely turned on and still climax with her vibrator. Climax can be a very powerful experience for a woman, but it can also be just a reflexive response that doesn’t include the passionate pleasure experience that many women are capable of. Sometimes, women don’t realize this themselves.
Tip #2: Recognize that you might not have the same sex drive (or want the same thing)
There are several reasons for this. One is of course a basic difference in general libido. You may have an inherently higher sex drive than she does. This isn’t unusual. Men have a much higher testosterone level than their wives do. Testosterone levels can definitely influence libido. She may have her own hormonal changes happening because of pregnancy or postpartum issues. She may be in peri-menopause or menopause.
On the other hand, she might be turned on but just not turned on to you right now. This isn’t necessarily about you personally. It could be more about who she is in her life. Or, this could be related to the type of sex you’re having.
Tip #4 Don’t overwhelm her
When you show up really interested, you might overwhelm her. Women often tell me that they don’t want to even touch their husbands because they’re worried that their husband will “pounce on them.” They hold back from any kind of loving touch in order to protect themselves from a demand for sex. This is difficult for their husbands when the husband’s love language is physical touch, because touch makes them feel loved. Pace yourself. Don’t overdo it.
I know that this experience is really frustrating for you. You might be surprised to realize that it’s frustrating to your wife as well. Women tell me that they feel really bad about themselves when their husbands are never satisfied sexually. It makes them feel inadequate. Sometimes, they’ll have sex to “put him in a better mood” but that’s not usually satisfying for either party. Try the ideas I’ve shared above. You can make things better. You got this.
Xoxo
Dr. Jane
—Dr. Jane Guyn (she/her) is a wellknown relationship coach who received her Ph.D. in Human Sexuality and is trained as a Professional Sex Coach and Core Energy Coach. Send her your questions at thesource@drjaneguyn.com.
The Grief Experience Available for purchase from Dudley’s in Bend.
By Nancy Melrose
TAKE ME HOME Considering the Cost of Homeowner’s Insurance in Central Oregon
hether you’re a first-time homebuyer or you haven’t purchased a home in the last few years, making such an important decision regarding homeownership requires careful consideration of the “carrying costs” so that we may reap the benefits of home ownership over the long term.
Beyond the purchase price, there are monthly mortgage payments, and perhaps mortgage insurance if you need a loan, property tax payments and homeowner’s insurance, utilities and maintenance, etc. Most buyers are advised to investigate the costs they can reasonably afford with their preferred lender or other trusted advisor before they start their home search.
But did you know that obtaining affordable homeowner’s insurance now in Central Oregon has perhaps become just as important to investigate upfront? The cost of insurance is rising in some areas as insurers adjust to increases in severe wildfires, climate changes and the costs of rebuilding. For many recent years, property insurance rates have been relatively predictable and stable for residential dwellings in our area. But much has changed in last few years, largely due to elevated wildfire risk. This increase in wildfire risk has resulted in increased regulatory pressure and requirements on insurers that serve high-risk areas, some of which are located here in our area.
In many parts of Central Oregon, premiums have doubled or even quadrupled compared to a few years ago; average policy coverage prices statewide have increased 30% since 2020, and
some homeowners are facing non-renewals and cancellations because the insurer considers their property too risky depending upon the location. The insurance market has changed so drastically that the availability of coverage and its cost should be investigated and planned for in advance.
If you are in the market for a home purchase, work with your trusted real estate broker to investigate insurance coverage options. They can help you verify affordability in advance of your offer or as a contingency, just as you would with your lender for mortgage payments and property taxes. Your broker may help you to check if the home is in a high wildfire hazard zone on regulatory and risk assessment maps while considering the purchase. Be prepared to consider (or be required to) invest in mitigation such as creating defensible space around the home with vegetation management and perhaps consider that cost in your offer to purchase and be sure to compare multiple insurance quotes if possible as the cost savings from mitigation can vary widely between carriers.
If you are an existing owner in a highrisk zone, I would encourage you also to stay informed on whether your insurer is considering changes to their risk assessments in your area before your next annual policy renewal. Some topics for consideration include updates on any wildfire hazard maps your carrier may be using, legal protections and your rights, mitigation ideas and potential grants, and the local adoption of building codes such as for defensible space requirements in your area.
