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EDITOR’S NOTE:
Reporter Peter Madsen investigates a conflict on the road in northwest Bend involving a teenaged bicyclist and a driver who’s facing charges of assault.
On a more positive note, we have stories this week about people trying to build community connections through cookbook clubs and contra dance, open to anyone interested. Plus the premiere of the documentary “Song of Sunset” featuring local musicians. And a profile on a young athlete climbing his way to the top. — Managing Editor Nic Moye
LIGHTMETER:
PRESENTED BY HARVEST MOON WOODWORKS
Maddie
Healthy Adventures
OPINION
With a Bigger County Commission, a Messy Middle
f numbers from the last election are an indication, voters in Deschutes County were enthusiastic about the notion of making the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners larger. In November, voters supported that citizen-led measure 64.55% to 35.45%, authorizing the Board of Commissioners to grow from three to five members. Locals gathered signatures to put that issue on the ballot, and then it passed handily.
That decision seems to be borne from the experience of the current three commissioners, who admittedly have big jobs overseeing everything from county behavioral health to the embattled sheriff’s office to the construction of homeless camps and shelters. The three of them are spread thin. Maybe, by assigning each of the soonto-be five commissioners a district, that workload could be more focused and a bit more manageable, the thinking went. This newly proposed process could help district commissioners become subject-matter experts in things like sewers in La Pine or fire hazards in Sisters, for example. But because all of those five commissioners will still vote on issues affecting the entire county, it’s hard to see how they won’t still have plenty on their plates.
So far, the parts of this process have been fairly democratic — but one part involves a protracted process before voters can decide on it. The notion of having five districts, in which voters would get to vote for just one commissioner who represents their own geographic district, rather than the current system of commissioners voted upon “at large,” was a decision advanced solely by the current county commission.
This month, a seven-member committee, the District Mapping Advisory Committee, had its first meeting. Each of the county commissioners got to choose DMAC members, with Commissioner Phil Chang getting three selections to the other commissioners’ two.
One of those Chang selected was Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler, who said at the meeting that her goal as part of the committee was to represent Bend and its interests. Of the County’s nearly 163,916 currently registered voters, close to half, or 77,671 as of most recent numbers, live in the city. If district map lines are drawn, as they are supposed to be, with equal numbers of people in them, that would allot Bend at least 2.5 of the seats on the commission — not exactly a tidy number, when another of the goals of drawing the maps is to keep communities of
interest inside the same districts.
And that, really, struck to the heart of some of Kebler’s other comments at the initial meeting of the committee on Sept. 3: What purpose does drawing five lines around the County really serve? In other words, as Kebler elucidated at the meeting, do new districts serve voters better? These are valuable questions to ask.
Here’s another fly in the ointment: As of right now, as many as nine people have announced their intent to run for seats on the County Commission. None of them know whether they’ll live in the districts that they’d represent during future terms, because the lines are not drawn yet. The people who win in the newly created seats will serve for two years, and then, ostensibly, have to run again in whatever district they live in. How confusing for busy voters. Might it be better, as Kebler seems to have been suggesting, to hold off on any implementation of district maps until the new commission comes in? (We might otherwise say to hold off on bringing in new commissioners, but those dates are set.) There’s something to Kebler’s suggestion that the mapping process be slowed until the next election — but if that’s not to be, commissioners should at least consider adding in a requirement that lines be redrawn following each U.S. Census. Populations in Central Oregon shift quickly.
DMAC Committee Chair Neil Bryant told the Source that the committee will move forward with drawing maps that have five distinct districts, as the commissioners directed them to do.
In the end, whatever the committee comes up with, the vote about whether to put district maps on the ballot, for all voters to decide upon, will fall to the commission. If they do put it on the ballot, voters will get their say about the makeup — and the overall notion — of the district maps.
Along the way, expect a lot of robust discussion.
Letters
DO NOT BECOME COMPLACENT OR COMPLICIT
Until recently, some actions by the current administration may have seemed defensible, but three recent measures clearly indicate a concerning authoritarian leaning. One, firing the commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics Dr. Erika McEntarfer after a disappointing jobs report. The nomination of E. J. Antoni from the Heritage Foundation, a critic of the BLS with little expertise in this area, insures administration favorable data (alternative facts) with dire national and global economic consequences. Two, taking over the D.C. police force and calling in the National Guard to quell the “crimewave” in the nation’s capital. This, in spite of a 30-year low crime rate! And three, issuing an unconstitutional executive order to stop mail voting and prohibit voting machines.
These maneuvers should alert all to the true intent of this administration. Control the data, control the police, control the vote.
What happened to the campaign promises to lower food prices, halt inflation, return manufacturing jobs to the U.S., and bring back the American dream of home ownership? Do not become complacent or complicit — show your disapproval. Call/email your federal and state members of congress to register your concerns, peacefully demonstrate, patronize supportive businesses and vote. Your future economic well-being and freedom are at stake.
—Ronald Patterson
HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY? Send your thoughts to editor@bendsource.com. Letters must be received by noon Friday for inclusion in the following week’s paper. Please limit letters to 250 words. Submission does not guarantee publication. Opinions printed here do not constitute an editorial endorsement of said opinions. Letter of the week receives $5 to Palate!
SYMPATHY FOR CIVICS TEACHERS
I want to extend my deepest sympathies to civics teachers. The checks and balances unit as well as the unit comparing democracy to authoritarianism will be particularly challenging this year.
—Mary Krakow
SUPPORTING THE TOWER THEATRE
The Tower’s decision makers have no idea what a great addition Stacy Koff will be to The Tower. As a 70-something music lover my family has been attending her 4 Peaks Music Festival for many years. Her lineups have been amazing: Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Hot Buttered Rum, Greensky Bluegrass, Mississippi Allstars, Mevin Seals and JGB, The Chris Robinson Brotherhood, ALO , and Billy Strings to name a few. Thank you Stacy and Bend’s beloved Tower.
—Linda Brant
CAN WE SAVE THE BOSS?
Bend is about to lose a beloved community gathering place. The Boss Rambler, set back from Galveston Avenue with its Adirondack chairs and welcoming patio, makes the most of its frontage in a way few other spots on the street do. It has become an institution that captures something essential about our city’s character: a laid-back, open spirit that brings people together.
Boss Rambler offers a vibe reminiscent of San Diego’s famous Lahaina beach bar — a rare blend of funky atmosphere, excellent food (thanks to Blue
Eye Burgers), and genuine community connection. For many, it’s the perfect post-river stop after floating the Deschutes, just steps from Drake Park’s tubing exit. But the Boss Rambler is more than a convenient location—it’s the only spot I know of where locals and visitors alike can experience a beach bar feel right here in Bend.
In just two weeks, it will be gone. The historic building housing the Boss Rambler has been sold to a developer who plans to demolish it and replace it with a generic two-story commercial structure. Growth is inevitable in a thriving city, but we must ask: what are we losing in the process?
A longtime neighbor says the building is about 100 years old — potentially qualifying it for historic protection. Have we fully explored options for preserving this piece of Bend’s architectural heritage?
Beyond preservation, could there be creative solutions? Other cities have saved beloved establishments through cooperative ownership or preservation trusts. Could Bend residents, businesses, or organizations rally to do the same here?
The Boss Rambler represents something increasingly rare in our rapidly changing city: an authentic, unpretentious space where community naturally forms. As Bend continues to grow, we need gathering places that reflect our distinctive character and bring people together.
I urge city leaders, preservationists, and fellow community members to explore every possible avenue to save the Boss Rambler. Whether through historic designation, community ownership, or a developer partnership that preserves the building’s character, we owe it to ourselves to try.
Some places can be replaced. Others, once lost, are gone forever. The Boss Rambler is worth fighting for — not just as a business, but as a vital piece of what makes Bend special.
—Steve Jeanson
Letter of the Week:
Thank you Steve! As letter of the week, you can stop by our office on NW Georgia and Bond for a gift card to Palate coffee.
Managing Editor Nic Moye
Tool Library Opens in Bend
The Central Oregon Tool Library is now open at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore on NE Thurston Avenue in Bend. A wide range of tools are available to borrow including a scroll saw, extension cord, a sander, clamps, a planer and more. There is a suggested membership fee of $10 per $10,000 of household income but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. The tool library is managed by volunteers and the money goes toward maintaining and expanding the collection. Hours are limited to Fri. 4-6pm, Sat. 9-11am and Sun. 3-5pm.
TEDxBend Returns
After a seven-year hiatus, TEDxBend is returning. A community event is scheduled on Wed., Sept. 24 at 5:30pm at The Haven Coworking. Two past TEDxBend speakers will share how their lives and careers have evolved since their last appearance. Frank Patka’s 2017 talk was “The Greatest Investment You Could Ever Make” and Eric Pickersgill 2016 talk was “Do Our Devices Divide Us.” The event is free but you can reserve tickets through eventbrite.com.
—Nic Moye
—The
“The real magic is that the club attracts the most delightful people.”
—Kelsey
number of marijuana dispensaries opening in Redmond from “Budding Businesses.”
Seymour from the Redmond Cookbook Club.
Deschutes County Hosts Events for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Free community programs coincide with plans for new treatment facilities in Redmond
By Sarah Isak-Goode
Deschutes County is hosting several community events throughout September to raise awareness about suicide prevention and connect people with mental health resources.
“Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is especially important as it can help bring visibility, understanding, and hope to a health issue that is often surrounded by silence and stigma,” said Caroline Suiter, mental health promotion strategist for Deschutes County.
Free tools and support
The County, working with the Central Oregon Suicide Prevention Alliance, has planned five free events designed to reduce stigma around mental health and provide tools for recognizing warning signs of suicide. “By coming together as a community and talking openly and safely about this health issue, we can identify those at risk and provide the life-saving resources, such as 988, our national support line, for those to get the help they need,” said Suiter.
Suicide remains a major public health concern nationally and locally. Someone dies by suicide every 11 minutes in the United States, making it the 11th leading cause of death. For people ages 10-14 and 25-34, it’s the second leading cause. Firearms are used in over 50% of suicide deaths, making them the most common method. In Deschutes County, about 58% of suicide deaths involve firearms, higher than state and national averages. For youth ages 10-17, firearms are involved in 65% of suicide deaths.
“Every suicide is one too many, but early recognition of warning signs and early intervention can save lives,” said Jessica Jacks, prevention and health promotion program manager in a recent press release. “We hope that the activities planned for this month will not only raise awareness about suicide but also help reduce its stigma.”
Each September, county commissioners proclaim September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The County collaborates with various organizations to offer focused prevention and awareness activities.
On Sept. 4, the county’s suicide prevention team hosted a training to teach participants how to recognize warning signs, ask about suicide and connect people to help.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will host its Out of Darkness Walk on Saturday at Alpenglow Park, 61049 SE 15th Street in Bend. Check-in starts at 11 am, with the walk beginning
at 11:45 am. The event encourages people to share their connections to suicide and builds community support.
On Monday, Sept. 8, residents can visit the county’s suicide prevention office from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at 2100 NE Wyatt Court to pick up materials about the 988 Lifeline, a free crisis resource available in English and Spanish.
The month will conclude with a candlelight vigil Thursday, Sept. 11, from 6:30 to 8 pm on the front lawn of the Bend-La Pine Schools Education Center at 520 NW Wall Street. The event is for anyone who has lost someone to suicide and will include music, candle-lighting and community activities.
Local statistics highlight need
Deschutes County records approximately three suicide deaths each month. To address some of this crisis, two new mental health facilities are being established in Redmond.
Construction began on Sept. 4 for Jory Behavioral Health, a 16-bed adult residential facility. Jory Behavioral Health will offer 24-hour access to nurses and mental health workers along with medication management, case management and various therapy modalities. The Oregon Health Authority provided Deschutes County with $2 million in funding for this project, located on Canal Boulevard. The facility is expected to be completed in late 2026.
Additionally, the Oregon legislature recently approved funding for a 15-bed youth mental health facility in Redmond. Currently, there are no secure facilities that offer a high level
Harris, interim health services director for Deschutes County Health Services.
of psychiatric residential treatment services for youth in Central Oregon. Local youth who need psychiatric hospitalization often end up stuck in emergency rooms waiting for an open bed somewhere in Willamette Valley or the Portland metropolitan area.
“This is very difficult for families and especially the child in need of care, as removal from the community and separation from their support system can be very traumatic, not to mention boarding in an emergency room for days and sometimes weeks,” explained Holly
The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners, Rep. Emerson Levy, Sen. Anthony Broadman and several organizations helped support this project. The Oregon legislature approved over $3 million in lottery funds this past session, with the Oregon Health Authority matching these funds and the Central Oregon Health Council contributing an additional $750,000.
The County also has submitted a congressionally directed spending request for more than $1 million to fund furniture and equipment and is waiting for those funds before accepting a request for proposals, said Harris. The tentative timeline for the project is mid-2027.
On Sept. 11, organizers will hold a candlelight vigil to remember those who have died by suicide.
The second leading cause of death among youth ages 10-14 is death by suicide.
Unsplash
Taiki Ishikawa for Unsplash
Deschutes County Mental Health
Bend Municipal Airport Tower to be Completed in 2026
$15 Million project nears finish line
By Sarah Isak-Goode
Bend Municipal Airport, Oregon’s third-busiest airport, is expected to have a finished air traffic control tower in early 2026. Construction crews began building the tower in August 2024. As of this month, Tracy Williams, airport manager, says that the project is about 80% complete. To finish the project, the road needs to be paved, fencing installed, exterior finalized and interior equipment installed. Williams expects that the tower should be “substantially complete by February 2026.”
The airport plans to staff the new tower with five Federal Aviation Administration controllers and one manager, even as the nation faces a shortage of air traffic controllers. Williams says recruiting for these positions will begin in “the next several months.”
Tower project costs nearly $15 million
beacon, antennas, and lightning rods; an access road with parking, utilities, and security fencing; and some weather sensors on a pole.
Addressing safety concerns
Right now, the airport handles over 140,000 takeoffs and landings every year, making it the only one among Oregon’s top five busiest airports that doesn’t have an air traffic control tower.
“The lack of an ATCT serving the airport fosters an extremely difficult operating environment for arriving and departing aircraft. The construction of an ATCT would organize the flow of traffic and absolutely facilitate safer, more efficient aircraft operations,” explains Kevin Miller, air traffic specialist for Seattle’s air route traffic control center.
To date, the total cost for the tower is about $15 million. This includes “site selection, environmental assessment, design, construction and contract management,” says Williams.
According to the City of Bend, the control tower should cut down on airspace conflicts with nearby airports in Redmond, Prineville and Madras. The tower will “provide safe separation of aircraft by sequencing the take-offs and landings,” says Williams. “During the hours that the tower is open, all aircraft taking off or landing will be required to be in 2-way radio communication with air traffic controllers. Air traffic services are expected sunrise to sunset.”
The tower’s financing comes from a mix of sources. Back in 2022, the City of Bend received a significant portion of funding when Connect Oregon awarded an $4.8 million grant to cover the design and construction costs. As the largest grant in that funding cycle, it provided the critical boost this long-awaited tower needed to move forward. The rest of the funding comes from federal grants, state grants and airport revenue.
The City of Bend said the ATCT project has three main parts: a 115-foot air traffic control tower with a rotating
Bend Municipal Airport sits about eight miles northeast of downtown and serves as a key hub for aviation in the region. It’s home to more than 200 aircraft, handles business and charter flights, flight training, aircraft manufacturing companies like Epic Aircraft, and provides crucial emergency services including air ambulance and wildfire response.
The new tower will improve safety for more than 200 aircraft at the Bend Municipal Airport.
City of Bend
SATURDAY 9/13
COMMUNITY PAINT DAY
AT THE GRAFFITI TUNNEL
The tunnel project invites everyone to express their artistic selves and also gives the public an opportunity for community participation. The Redmond Commission for Art in Public Places hopes people will be drawn to the tunnel to see the ever-evolving art! This weekend RCAPP invites the public to participate by joining the painting party. Sat., Sept. 13, 1-4pm at American Legion Park. 850 SW Rimrock Way, Redmond. Free.
SATURDAY 9/13
R’OKTOBERFEST
PRESENTED BY KIWANIS CLUB OF REDMOND
Derek Michael Marc and Sleepless Truckers will rock the stage at this community celebration. Enjoy local beer and cider, food and games. There will be a grain toss, stein hoisting, corn hole, basketball, bouncy house, balloon art and hair tinsel. Silent auction and beverage sales support youth programs and organizations in Central Oregon. Sat., Sept. 13, 2-9pm at Wild Ride Brewing. 332 SW 5th
Redmond. Free.
RN REDMOND NEWS Budding Businesses Oregrown and The Flower Room to be the City of Redmond’s first dispensaries
By Sarah Isak-Goode
The City of Redmond has approved two marijuana dispensaries, months after the City Council voted to allow dispensaries within city limits.
Oregrown plans to open its fifth location around the holidays at 2127 U.S. Highway 97, Suite 110, in a strip mall near The Back Porch and Company. The new store will join the company’s existing locations in Bend, Portland, Cannon Beach and Chico, California.
The Flower Room does not currently have an opening date. It will open in the Home Depot parking lot next to the Surf Thru Express Car Wash. The Flower Room can also be found in Bend and Tumalo.
A comprehensive application process
The City of Redmond’s Retail Marijuana Business Portal outlines a rigorous, multi-step application process for dispensaries seeking to operate within city limits. All applicants are first required to meet zoning and land use requirements. If the dispensary passes this step, it must then go through a comprehensive application process that includes reviews of business, building design and merchandising plans, background checks and interviews.
The application was “competitive and in-depth,” said Hunter Neubauer, Oregrown’s co-founder and chairman of the board. “We are very excited to be part of the Redmond community and look forward to being good stewards of our industry.”
Redmond limits marijuana dispensaries to one for every 10,000 residents. With a population of nearly 37,000, the city currently allows a maximum of three dispensaries.
“We’re not going to have more than three dispensaries; it’ll be two or three, but it will provide appropriate access and generate some revenue to the city,” Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch told the Source Weekly in an April
interview. “The revenue will certainly be welcome.”
Heather Cassaro, director of communications for the city of Redmond, said the city anticipates accepting applications for a third dispensary in late spring or early summer 2026.
City Council vote came after advisory ballot
In April, the Redmond City Council voted to allow marijuana dispensaries within city limits. All dispensaries are required to obtain licensing through the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission.
While the OLCC mandates a 17% retail sales tax on all marijuana purchases, the council added an additional city 3% tax on marijuana sales. Revenue from the city’s marijuana tax will flow into Redmond’s general operating fund, potentially supporting police, transportation, and parks programs. City staff project that these
tax revenues will likely exceed $100,000 annually.
The decision followed a November advisory ballot measure that gauged voters’ interest in allowing dispensaries in the city. That nonbinding measure passed in November 2024 with about 53% of votes.
Regulations
The city’s zoning regulations establish buffer zones between dispensaries and sensitive locations such as schools, parks, daycare facilities, transit stations, treatment facilities and shelters. Specifically, dispensaries must maintain a minimum distance of 1,000 feet from any school. The ordinances also prohibit dispensaries from mobile cannabis services.
Dispensaries also have restrictions on their operating hours, limited to a 12-hour window between 8am and 8pm.
Oregrown and The Flower Room are slated to be the first two dispensaries in the City of Redmond.
City of Redmond
by Peter Madsen
TROUBLE ON THE ROAD
SHORTLY AFTER MEMORIAL DAY, A DRIVER ALLEGEDLY ASSAULTED A ROAD CYCLIST, AND A RISING STAR OF RACING, ON BEND'S WEST SIDE. THE CYCLIST WAS A TEEN BOY.
By Peter Madsen
By all indications, the threat of any potential attack should have long subsided.
On May 27, Jack Billowitz and a friend were cycling back into town from a group ride. The pair had just completed the Tuesday Night Hammer Fest, an unorganized bicycle ride which traces the Twin Bridges Scenic Bikeway. On the weekly ride, about 20 to 30 riders show up to simulate a road race. Attackers go off the front; counter-attackers take off in pursuit. Master riders mentor younger riders. More often than not, attackers get reeled in.
Returning to town, the Hammer Fest riders splintered off. Billowitz, who was 16 at the time, and his friend, who’s 17, rode through the Tree Farm development before coasting down Skyliners Road.
The ride was over. No more attacks.
They rode two abreast. The friend rode in the bike lane and Billowitz rode opposite the white line, slightly in the lane of traffic. The two wore Lycra cycling kits and helmets. They let gravity ease them down the slope past the intersection with NW York Drive, toward the roundabout at Mt. Washington Drive. (The roundabout construction along this stretch of Skyliners Road hadn’t begun by the date of this ride.) It was shortly before 7pm and the evening rush hour had flushed out of the streets.
Then, the cyclists heard a rumble, approaching from behind.
A driver of a white Ford F-150, with HD Construction logos on its doors, passed the riders, Billowitz said, before slamming to a stop in the middle of the road about 100 feet before them. The cyclists said they slowed as the driver, wearing a black HD Construction t-shirt, got out and marched toward them. The cyclists said they thought the driver had dropped something.
“Was it you? Was it you?” The driver demanded, pointing, according to witness testimony in the subsequent police report.
That’s when, according to the report, the driver, Michael Adin Wild, used both hands to shove Billowitz off his bike and
to the gravel shoulder. He landed on his right side, smacking the back of his head.
Medical records would later show that he suffered a concussion, among other injuries. A local bike shop estimated that about $3,700 worth of damage to Billowitz’s bike, valued at $10,000, resulted from the incident. In photos provided to the Source, his rear derailleur snarls like a scorpion’s tail, bent inward against the cassette.
According to the police report, Billowitz’s riding partner yelled at Wild to leave his friend alone. Billowitz, dazed, lay next to his bike. Wild, who was 41 at the time and whose name HD Construction & Excavation is registered to, stood over Billowitz, loudly reciting, “Stay in your lane.” Billowitz, and several witnesses, told police that it looked like Wild was going to hit Billowitz with a raised fist. Meanwhile, Billowitz told police that he heard a young girl’s voice coming from the rear, right side of a black GMC SUV that stopped behind Wild’s truck:
“Daddy, stop. Don’t do it.”
Joseph Flannery, driving with his wife, Michelle Fitts, arrived at the scene. In her report to police, Fitts said she saw Wild stop in the road, “walking forcefully” and aggressively toward Billowitz before shoving him off his bike. Fitts got out of the car and separated Wild from Billowitz. It looked like he was going to “pummel him.” She too heard the little girl’s plea. Wild then got in her face, she said. He also “got in the husband’s face,” according to the police report, when he joined the group. Fitts reported hearing Wild yell at Billowitz, again, to “Get the f*ck out of the road.” Wild returned to his truck and drove off, according to the report, as did the black SUV.
Billowitz called the Bend Police Department’s non-emergency line. Then he called his parents.
The day after the May 27 incident, Billowitz, who has a cumulative 4.326 grade point average, left school after his first class because the pain was too much. Doctors’ visits, which included X-ray and CT scans, indicated that Billowitz suffered a concussion. In photos
reviewed by the Source taken on May 28, an egg-shaped bruise is visible behind Billowitz’s left ear. His neck and back hurt, Billowitz said.
In another photo taken that day, his shoulders were misaligned by 2 inches — a stark contrast his chiropractor soon evaluated, having just adjusted Billowitz the morning of the incident. Billowitz’s medical bills totaled around $11,000. And then there was the damage to Billowitz’s bike. An inspection at Project Bike in Bend placed repair costs higher than $3,700.
Police arrested Wild on charges of Assault in the Fourth Degree, Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree and Criminal Mischief in the First Degree, which is used when there is more than $1,000 in alleged damages. A plea hearing has been scheduled for Oct. 6 in Deschutes County Circuit Court.
Wild’s defense attorney is Phil Duong, a senior attorney at Baxter Law, who only agreed to speak off record.
Duong said Wild was not interested in making a statement. According to his Baxter Law webpage, Duong has “extensive experience in litigation, DUIIs, and person and property crimes at the felonies and misdemeanors levels.” He also identifies as an “avid cyclist.”
Matthew Scarborough, a lawyer specializing in bicycle law, is representing the Billowitz family. Reached by phone, Scarborough indicated that Wild may plead self-defense. Yet, Oregon’s self-defense statutes do not protect a motorist leaving their vehicle to assault someone.
“There’s no reason to stop your car on a busy road and get out and then push over a cyclist in ‘self-defense,’” Scarborough said. “And I think that’s what the officer figured out as well.”
Some might argue that Billowitz was in Wild’s lane of travel, but cyclists are allowed to ride two-abreast, according to ORS 814.430. And they’re allowed to take the lane when approaching the speed of traffic or to avoid a road hazard.
“We want there to be some justice and some attention so maybe this case doesn’t happen again,” Scarborough said.
“Jack is a super, super talented guy. I think he has every capacity in the world, especially after he gets out of high school, to go pro — if that’s what he wants to do.”
‘Are you OK?’
Bend Police officers Jon Adkins and Logan Stevens were the first to respond to the scene. They took statements from both cyclists, the married witnesses and a teenage stroller who walked upon the scene. In his report, Adkins noted that both cyclists were tall; in their kits, they looked like professional athletes.
Following directions from the officers, the witnesses later updated their photos and videos, which depict Michael Wild, the position of his parked truck and the tail-end of the confrontation, into an online evidence database. The Source also received many of these photos and a video. The license plate captured on the white SUV matches that which the police logged in their report, registered to HD Construction.
One of those witnesses was a teenage boy who was walking on a footpath. He heard shouting and began filming with his phone. In this footage, reviewed by the Source, Wild stands in close proximity to Flannery. Fitts is nearby.
“You just assaulted him!” Fitts is heard saying.
“I didn’t assault anyone,” Wild said.
“Bullshit! You totally did. We just watched you,” Fitts said. “Oh, my god.” In the video, Wild walks past the black SUV toward the F-150. Flannery can be seen taking photos of the two vehicles.
“F*ck!” Wild can be heard shouting.
“Are you OK?” said the unseen woman driving the black SUV.
“Yeah,” Wild replied, climbing into his truck. The video shows the two vehicles leaving together, eastbound toward the Mt. Washington Drive roundabout.
‘I thought, This is it.’
During an interview with the Source on Sept. 2, Billowitz sat next to his mother, Layla Billowitz, outside a coffee shop. Billowitz is polite and soft-spoken. He recalled the event — particularly the thoughts that went through his head as Wild allegedly stood over him with a balled fist.
Photos
The site of the May 27 incident on Skyliners Road.
“I really thought, ‘Well, this is it,’” he said.
As he did on May 27, Billowitz wore his cycling kit, emblazoned with Donovan Racing, a youth cycling development team. His road bike, which has since replaced the one damaged in the incident, leaned against a nearby wall.
Layla Billowitz is the team director of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association. She’s coached since 2018. Jack Billowitz officially joined NICA as a sixth grader in 2019.
That Billowitz showed up wearing his Donovan Racing kit is worth noting. For months since May 27, Billowitz, not wanting to be recognized, would only wear nondescript cycling kits on his rides.
Members of the local cycling community — all adults — took turns riding with Billowitz so he wouldn’t be alone. Layla and her husband, Rodney Billowitz, also shuttled their son to and from trailheads in the Deschutes National Forest, where he could disappear between the trees.
During his freshman year, Billowitz won the junior varsity Oregon high school mountain bike championships. He won the varsity category his sophomore year, placing third as a junior. Billowitz has also finished a number of triathlons in addition to competing on his school’s varsity Nordic ski and swim teams for the past three years. After the incident, Billowitz let his training take the backseat to his physical and mental recovery.
After a few weeks, Billowitz was back in the saddle, preparing for a string of local and national bicycle races. On July 29, he competed in the High Cascades 100, a mountain bike race that stretches 100 miles through the Deschutes National Forest. He completed the race in 7 hours and 10 minutes — finishing 10th in the Open Men’s category. On Sept. 6, Billowitz placed third in the 17-18 junior men category at the UCI-sanctioned Missoula XC Short Track race.
Jack Billowitz is vying to for a spot on Team USA’s cyclocross squad, which will race in Europe this winter, Layla said.
A longtime local race promoter, Chuck Kenlan has been the president
of the Oregon Bicycle Race Association since 2018. That’s a year after Billowitz began competing in OBRA events, racing in the nine- and 10-year-old categories.
“Jack stood out from a lot of other nine-year-olds because he was so dedicated,” Kenlan said. “After getting to know his family, you knew that they weren’t pushing him; it was all motivated by Jack. Competition is really important to him. He’s a very driven young man.”
Cody Peterson, 46, who’s an elite racer, coach and Project Bike employee, continues to take Billowitz on training rides on the road. (Billowitz hasn’t felt safe returning to the Hammer Fest.) Peterson said altercations between drivers and cyclists, from his perspective, are rare.
“Road rage is not really that big of an issue,” Peterson said. “But every now and again, someone just wants to prove how tough they are in a very heavy, powerful vehicle, against someone on a bike who’s basically wearing underwear.”
Peterson said he’s been impressed by how Billowitz has processed the incident.
“Jack’s a great guy. He’s come a long way, and he works really hard. I don’t think that can be understated,” Peterson said.
Of the upcoming trial, Layla said her family would like Wild to pay for her son’s medical bills and damage to his bike.
“I’d also like to see him convicted of his crimes in order to deter other people from assaulting cyclists,” Layla said.
‘Your story doesn’t make sense’
A little before 10 pm on May 27, a couple hours after the incident on Skyliners Road, Bend Police Officers Adkins and Stevens arrived at the Wilds’ residence. After reading his Miranda Rights, Adkins asked Wild what happened on Skyliners.
“It wasn’t a big deal,” Wild said, according to Adkins’ report. He hadn’t contacted the police about the incident because it had little effect on him.
He said he’d passed the cyclists with no emotion, but when he looked in his rear-view mirror, he noticed his wife, who was driving their children in a black GMC SUV, was stuck behind the bicyclists. Wild told Officer Adkins that he
believed he saw the rider make a hand gesture, preventing his wife from passing. Wild went into “protective mode” and “did not know what was going on,” he told the officers. He couldn’t elaborate on why he thought the cyclist was a threat to his wife. He repeated that he did not know what was going on, according to the report. Wild said he placed his hands in front of himself and that Jack ran into him, causing him to fall off his bicycle.
Wild confirmed to Officer Adkins that he told Billowitz, while he lay in the gravel, to “Stay in your lane.” Yet he denied balling his fist or acting as if he was going attack him again, according to the report.
“Your story doesn’t make sense,” Officer Adkins told him. Why did Billowitz fall over and not Wild? And why stop in the middle of the road? Asked the cyclist’s age, Wild guessed early 20s. When Adkins told him Billowitz was 16, he was “highly surprised.” Asked if that changed the way Wild viewed the situation, he said no, reiterating that it wasn’t a big deal.
Officer Stevens informed Wild that he was under arrest and cuffed his wrists. Wild’s wife, who has not been charged with a crime, also spoke with officers, telling police she and her husband had just left their son’s baseball game. Their two children rode in the black SUV. She said she remembered two cyclists, one of whom was in the road. She couldn’t see what happened between Billowitz and her husband, although she recalled him approaching them. She told the officers that it was hard to pass the riders. Wild’s wife couldn’t explain why it was hard to pass, although she confirmed that there were not many oncoming cars. She added that her daughter hadn’t witnessed the event; but when Officer Adkins told her that witnesses heard the child calling for her dad to stop, she stopped providing information.
Officer Stevens transported Wild to the Deschutes County Jail to be booked and lodged, according to the report.
Recently, on Sept. 8 around 10 am, traffic at the scene of the incident on Skyliners Road was brisk but not clogged
— the road is about 35 feet wide, not counting the 6-foot-wide bike lanes that ribbon each side. Vehicles, about half carrying mountain bikes on racks, trucked along, abiding the posted 35 MPH speed limit. Skyliners is a popular thoroughfare for folks staging mountain bike rides at Phil’s Trailhead. Cyclists on road and gravel bikes also often ride the road on the way to any number of forested loops. Additionally, Skyliners is a convenient route for motorists heading to the Pacific Crest Athletic Fields and Skyline Park & Sports Complex. Corroborated by the photos and videos taken by witnesses, the scene of the May 27 incident is about 100 feet west of the intersection with NW York Avenue; at that junction, a yellow diamond-shaped roundabout sign recommends a speed of 15 MPH. The sign stands about 200 feet before the Mt. Washington Drive roundabout.
Wild has been convicted of speeding violations in Oregon in the past, but he doesn’t have a violent criminal record. A search through the City of Bend’s records found that HD Construction & Excavation has numerous permitted projects within Bend, yet none with the City itself, an official confirmed.
A troubling reality
In speaking to the Source, Jack Billowitz said he wants to spread awareness about violent altercations.
“I’ve just tried to put the [incident] as far out of my mind as I can,” Billowitz said. “But I think it’s really important for our cycling community to understand that, even though Bend is full of bike-friendly drivers, these things can happen.”
Layla spoke up: “Being a parent of a cyclist is like having a piece of your heart, out there, riding a bike.”
—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.
Jack Billowitz, a senior at Bend High School, stood with his new bike on Sept. 2, 2025.
The gravel shoulder on Skyliners Road. at the site of the May 27 incident.
SOURCE PICKS
WEDNESDAY 9/13
NEIL YOUNG & THE CHROME HEARTS
THE LOVE EARTH WORLD TOUR
The beloved, prolific and absolutely legendary Neil Young is in his sixth decade of musicianship, still producing new music and touring massive arenas. Along with his band, the Chrome Hearts, the Canadian singer/ songwriter graces Bend with his presence this week. Wed., Sept. 10, 7:30pm at Hayden Homes Amphitheater. 344 SW Shevlin Hixon Dr., Bend. $95-$205.
THURSDAY 9/11
J LONG: ARTIST TALK
AN EVENING AT SCALEHOUSE GALLERY
J Long grew up in a Mississippi family devoted to the land on which they lived. Creativity and culture were celebrated; a sense of adventure burned bright. Making has always been an innate instinct for J, thus her multifaceted studio practice of painting, ceramics and mixed-media pieces. Thu., Sept. 11, 6-8pm at Scalehouse Gallery. 550 NW Franklin Ave., Bend. $10.
FRIDAY 9/12
SISTERS FESTIVAL OF BOOKS
READINGS, SIGNINGS, WORKSHOPS AND MORE! Join us for a weekend of storytelling, dialogue and discovery! This community-centered event takes place across multiple venues in Sisters and includes a community Story Slam, author readings, presentations, signings, an author dinner, a local author showcase and multiple writing workshops. SFOB features 25+ authors, primarily from Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Fri., Sept. 12-Sun., Sept. 14 in Sisters. Free and ticketed events.
FRIDAY 9/12
CELEBRATING BEAVERS IN BEND
WITH THINK WILD AND WESTERN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CENTER
Join Western Environmental Law Center's Deputy Director Dr. Sristi Kamal in conversation with Think Wild Beaver Works Program Manager Dr. Maureen Thompson for beaver trivia, fun activities, and an interactive discussion on legislative updates to beaver protection work in Oregon. Fri., Sept. 12, 6-8pm at 10 Barrel Brewing Co. Pub & Brewing Facility. 62950 NE 18th St., Bend. Free.
FRIDAY 9/12
BEND ROOTS REVIVAL
LOCALLY-GROWN MUSIC FESTIVAL
In its 19th year, the Bend Roots Revival festival remains a beloved community-driven affair. Across several stages and featuring dozens of musicians spanning diverse genres, the shows are all free-of-charge and mostly all-ages. Fri., Sept. 12, 5-9pm, Sat., Sept. 13, 1-9pm and Sun, Sept. 14, 1-9pm at several stages throughout downtown Bend. Free.
SATURDAY 9/13
BEND SURFEST
RIVER SURFING CONTEST
An all-ages surfing contest with cash prizes, live music, food and community-building. Participants will compete in various heats, showcasing their talents on the river's dynamic waves. Special recognition will be given to those young surfers who take the extra step of shaping their own boards, celebrating their creativity and craftsmanship. Sat., Sept. 13 and Sun., Sept. 14 at McKay Park. 166 SW Shevlin Hixon Dr., Bend. $40 to participate; free to watch.
SUNDAY 9/14
PAVILION-PALOOZA
CELEBRATE AND SUPPORT ACCESS TO LOCAL PARKS PROGRAMS!
A fun-filled afternoon with roller skating, skatepark features, music by DJ Teafly, drums and hula performance by Hokule’a Ohana Central Oregon, art and sports activities. Hosted by the Bend Park & Recreation Foundation, all donations and purchases of food, beverages and raffle tickets at the event help support the recreation scholarship program—offering people in our community access to BPRD recreation programs and opportunities. Sun., Sept. 14, 2-4pm at The Pavilion. 1001 SW Bradbury Way, Bend. Free.
TUESDAY 9/16
JON CLEARY & THE ABSOLUTE MONSTER GENTLEMEN
DON’T FORGET YOUR DANCING SHOES
Grammy Award winner Jon Cleary assembled his Absolute Monster Gentlemen (his acclaimed all-star big band) in his home studio in the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans, drew up a setlist of some of his most beloved songs– and some new favorites– and rolled tape. Expect a joyful and lively show with big sound, full of horns, percussion and guitar riffs that will have you on your feet. Tue., Sept. 16, 7:30pm at the Tower Theatre. 835 NW Wall St., Bend. $44-$64.
Neil Young
courtesy Think Wild
Courtesy J Long
The Pavilion in Bend FB
Saxonsfinejewelers.com
S SOUND Song of Sunset: Local Short Film Premiere and Songwriter’s Circle
Brian Craig Hinderberger’s passion project coming to the Volcanic Theatre Pub
By Julie Hanney
Set in our very own city and in wellknown venues that we pass by all the time, is Brian Craig Hinderberger’s original short film that he hopes will become a series. “Song of Sunset” is a brilliant little nugget that features not just Bend and not just songwriters, but the entire ecosystem of open mics, live stages and the creative drive to entertain and share. Featuring three local singer-songwriters and gorgeous Central Oregon scenery as you’ve never seen it before, this cinematic piece will premiere at the Volcanic Theatre Pub on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 7pm.
More than a short film premiere alone, however, attendees will also get to experience a Nashville-style songwriter’s circle featuring artists from the documentary. Eric Leadbetter, Erin Cole-Baker and Joel Chadd will circle up, sing, collaborate and create something special, live and fleeting.
the Source: What inspired you to make this short documentary?
Brian Craig Hinderberger: Back in January, I made the first documentary I had made in a while, and I wanted to go through A to Z of the process, of just coming up with a plan and then eventually getting it to distribution. So when I
completed that for the first film, I wanted to learn how to sync music. And I’m a musician in Bend, so I thought this would be a great time for me to do some work synching music and connecting with my fellow songwriters out there. The other thing that inspired me was gratitude. You know, one time I was playing on a stage in the early spring and there were just a couple of people in the venue. Most people would say, oh, this is pretty small potatoes here… but in my mind I thought, how cool is this, that I get to be a part of these peoples’ day? They just got off work and they made a point to come out and enjoy a slice of life with me, and how grateful I should be. And that’s what really changed my mindset and became the catalyst for this idea of exploring why small stages really matter in our lives, and how small venues matter.
tS: When did you first perform publicly?
BCH: I first performed actually at the M & J Tavern, and that was the reason I wanted to include them. It was really cool to learn that Joel Chadd, who I interviewed in the documentary, his first time performing was also at the M & J Tavern. He was plagued by stage fright, and I was plagued by very little
talent [laughter]. So, yeah, the M & J was the very first place I began to break out of my shell and to start to develop my skills as a musician.
tS: It was great to learn in the film about the rich history of the M & J.
BCH: Yeah, it was pretty wild and you know it’s amazing that Mike [Martin] and CJ [Hitchcock] at the M & J, they’re just such treasures there who have really created a living room for our community and they maintain that role. You know the M & J was founded in 1946, so it’s really cool to see how they have maintained that vibe there.
tS: Can you describe the event that will be taking place at the Volcanic Theatre Pub for the premiere?
BCH: The vision for it really came from a combination of live music and cinema. When I approached Eric Leadbetter, I said, this is a way to really bring a 360-degree production together, where we have a story with the artist featured in the film, and then the artists will do a traditional Nashville-style songwriter’s circle. I don’t know if you’ve ever been a part of one of these, but it’s a very intimate experience. It’s an experience that you don’t get at other productions. You are sitting with the musicians, and they are telling a story, and it’s a raw, human, around the campfire experience. The artists will either play with each other or sit in the background while another artist plays solo. I just thought it would be a cool format to have a film about the musicians and then to bring them to life on the stage. I think it’s going to be a very memorable night for people.
tS: That sounds really amazing. What do you love about the music scene in Bend?
BCH: I love our scene, in general. We have such an incredible amount of talent, musicians, supporters and venues. It’s a very rich and connected, supportive community. There was a time when Bend was like a child growing up, and it seems like we are young adults right now, as a town. And our scene is really fueled by the venues that make it a staple part of their experience to have music, and that’s who I wanted to shine the spotlight on. These taphouses, these small little mom and pop wineries who sacrifice their budgets to make community matter in their neighborhood are so important.
tS: I read that your film has already received some awards and nominations, so what are your wildest dreams for “Song of Sunset?”
BCH: I would love to keep it going, and I would like to make this a series. I’d like it to be the golden shovel in the ground and make it an annual or semi-annual experience where we interview more artists and more venues. And not just in Central Oregon, but anywhere and make it into a series where we discover great talent, great venues and continue the tradition of live music combined with cinema. I really think that music in general is a story that everybody can connect with everywhere, and the small stage matters just as much, if not more, than a big stage.
Song of Sunset Film Premiere and Songwriter Circle
Wednesday, Oct. 8, 7pm
Volcanic Theatre Pub
70 SW Century Dr., Bend www.songofsunset.com
$20-27 at the door
CJ Hitchcock and Mike Martin of the M & J Tavern.
Eric Leadbetter prepares to set up on the stage at River's Place in Bend.
Brian Craig Hinderberger
Brian Craig Hinderberger
CALENDAR
10 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 John Fortune
Solo Acoustic John Fortune performs a solo acoustic jazz, blues, and R&B set with a soulful sound characterized by his finger-plucking guitar style and vocals. Rhythms from his Caribbean heritage can be heard in his unique finger-picking style, playing a mix of his own compositions and covers. 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 Kolby Knickerbocker 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.
Hayden Homes Amphitheater Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts announce the love earth world tour is happening this summer! Kicking off on June 18 in Rättvik, Sweden, the first leg of the tour travels through the EU and UK. The North American leg begins in Charlotte on August 8 before making its way to Bend, Oregon on September 10. 7:30pm. $94.50-$205.
Hosmer Bar Trivia Night Join us midweek for brainy banter and cold drinks! Whether you’re a seasoned quiz champ or just in it for the laughs, gather your crew and test your knowledge! See you there! 7-9pm. Free.
M&J Tavern Open Mic Night Downtown living room welcomes musicians to bring their acoustic set or turn it up to 11 with the whole band. Bring your own instruments. 6:30pm. Free.
Market of Choice Bend Scrabble Club at Market of Choice We meet upstairs. We use the 7th edition of the Scabble Players Dictionary. New Scrabble players are welcome. If you have a Scrabble set, please bring it as a backup. 6-8:30pm. Free.
Northside Bar & Grill Mellow Wednesday Acoustic Open Mic and Jam hosted by Derek Michael Marc Sign-up sheet is available at 6:30pm. 7-9pm. Free.
Pinky G’s Pizzeria MUSIC BINGO Join music Bingo (think Bingo and Name that Tune). Great food, cold drinks and good times. Free to play and prizes for each round winner. 6-8pm. Free.
is not “call out numbers” bingo - this is music playlists, and if the song is on your bingo card you cross it off! Fun music, sing-a-long, win gift cards - hosted by Rachel Fishman who always brings the energy! 7-9pm. Free.
Prost! - Bend WTF! Wednesday Trivia Fun! Genuine UKB Trivia is truly unique and entertaining trivia for you! Independent, locally owned and operated. Please bring something to write with and some positive vibes, too :). 7pm. Free.
Silver Moon Brewing Hemlock, D’angeled, Gravewitch & Damage Overdose As seen on tour with Slayer, Slipknot, Korn, Ministry, Lambof God and others. 6:30pm. $10-$15.
Silver Moon Brewing Jon Bennett Jon is constantly performing across the globe making people laugh through exceptional comedic storytelling. 7:30-9pm.
11 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.
Blacksmith Public House Karaoke with DJ Chris Join us on our indoor stage for Karaoke night! Every Thursday from 6:30-8pm. We have plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, great drink options, and lots of food trucks! Family and dog friendly. 6:30-8pm. Free.
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 Eel Salad With roots in Blues, Grunge, Rock, Americana, and Folk, Eel Sallad’s sound has been coined ‘Pacific Northwest GrungeGrass’—a dynamic fusion of raw energy and heartfelt lyrics. Their music spans everything from sultry ballads to audacious anthems, delivered with a compelling stage presence that keeps audiences hooked from start to finish. 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.
LIVE MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE
Ticket and promote your events with BendTicket! →
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 Paul Eddy Trusty Bedell in hand, Paul Eddy sings hits through the decades, plus originals from his new album “Oregonian.” Yeah, man. 6-8pm.
Mountain Burger Thursday Night Live Bill Powers at Mountain Burger! 6-8pm. Free.
Northside Bar & Grill Eric Leadbetter Come join us for the great music by one of our amazing local artists! 7-9pm. Free.
Pangaea Guild Hall Intro to D&D Workshop Calling all adventurers! Have you wanted to play Dungeons and Dragons but have no idea where to start? Pangaea Guild Hall presents an “Intro to D&D” workshop series hosted by yours truly, Guildmaster Chris! Learn to build and play your own D&D character. Call or email to reserve your spot! 6-9pm. $10.
Ponch’s Place Trivia Thursdays at Ponch’s Place Trivia Thursdays at Ponch’s Place with QuizHead Games. 6-8pm. Free.
River’s Place Milo Matthews Versatility unlike any other bassist by using a drum pad, effects pedal and a looping machine, turning him into an unstoppable one-man show! 6-8pm. free.
Silver Moon Brewing Trivia on the Moon Come down to Silver Moon Brewing for a night of trivia! Teams are welcome to show up in groups up to 8 people. Silver Moon also offers seating reservations for $20 donations that all go to F*Cancer! If you would like to reserve a table please contact the Trivia on the Moon Facebook page. 7pm. Free.
Bend Cider Co. Sidney Joseph Come out to Bend Cider to listen to the soul, blues, rock, & folk sounds of Philly native, solo artist, Sidney Joseph. 6-8pm. Free.
Big E’s Sports Bar and Grill Karaoke Night at Big E’s Bar & Grill A Fine Note Karaoke Too featuring DJ Jackie J, bringing the party! Come early, sing more (sing two songs in a row between 8-9pm.) 21+. 8pm. Free.
Boneyard Pub Desert Wheelhouse Desert Wheelhouse is a high-energy Bend band blending classic rock, country and pop into dance-worthy performances with rich vocals and tight harmonies. Join us at Boneyard Pub for refreshments, food, and free live music! Their wraparound outdoor patio has 4 fireplaces and outdoor heaters making for a great night! 6-8pm. Free.
Cheba Hut Comedy Open Mic Bring your friends and let’s have some laughs together! 7:45-9pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub Chained to Stone A dynamic 90’s grunge rock cover band bringing the iconic sounds of the era to life with their authentic performances. From the gritty riffs of Nirvana and iconic vocals of Alice in Chains, the band captures the raw energy and spirit of the grunge movement. 8-10pm. Free.
Oregon-born guitarist and vocalist Rebecca Conner draws influence from afrobeat, jazz, cumbia, reggae, R&B and country —a soulful mix of music that makes you feel and makes you want to dance. Catch her Fri., Sept. 12, 7pm at Currents at the Riverhouse.
Rebecca Conner FB
Nat ureConnec t Fest
September 20, 2025 @ 11-3
Alpenglow Park, Bend Free!
Presented by... Community Report
Artwork by Gonzalo Benavente
Inside
Nat ureConnec t Fest
About the Event
NatureConnect Fest is family festival that celebrates all of the ways that our community connects with nature
Everyone is welcome at this free event which offers kidcentered activities focused on outdoor skills, nature education, art & wellness.
Need to Know
Saturday, September 20
11 am-3 pm Alpenglow Park in SE Bend Free!
Food will be available to purchase from:
ACME Hot Dog Co Central Oregon Pupusas
Parking at the park is limited. Biking and other forms of transportation are encouraged. Parking is available along Caldera Dr. just south of Alpenglow Park
About the Artist...
The event artwork was created by Gonzalo Benavente. Gonzalo was born in Cusco, Peru, and studied Fine Arts (sculpture) in Lima The design is a papercut composition inspired by the landscapes of Bend, blending outdoor activities and wellness. Each element was hand-cut and assembled into the full artwork
Activities and Partner
Climbing Wall with Bend Park and Recreation District
Natural Dyes with Wildheart Nature School
Wildlife Activities with Think Wild
Wellness Activities with Mosaic Medical
Healthy Snacks and Recipes with OSU Extension
Forest Activities with Discover Your Forest
Outdoor Skills with Bend Endurance Academy
Monarch Crafts and Activities with Deschutes Land Trust
Nature Sensory Bin with C O Disability Support Network
Adaptive Hand Cycles with Oregon Adaptive Sports
Fire Fighter Challenge with Deschutes National Forest
Fire Truck with Deschutes National Forest
Paper Flowers with Juntos Aprendemos
Art Activity with NeighborImpact
STEM Activity with Central Oregon STEM Hub
Nature Color Wheel Activity with Family Resource Center
Spark Quilt with Camp Fire Central Oregon
Volcano Demonstration with C.O. Geoscience
Pinecone Bird Feeders with Maverick Outdoo
Nature Mandalas with The Environmental Cen
Beaver Dam Models with Heart of Oregon Cor
Intro to Flycasting with Deschutes Redbands
Bikes and Loteria with Vámonos Outside
Camping Activities with Oregon State Parks plus more!
New! Alpenglow Adventure Hunt
A scavenger hunt like no other with challenge Participate on the ActionBound app or using a
Thanks to our Sponsors!
A Letter from our Executive Director
Dear Friends,
At NatureConnect, our vision is simple yet powerful: every child growing up in Central Oregon should have the chance to build a lasting connection with nature We believe access to the outdoors is a right an essential part of childhood and beyond not a privilege.
This past year has been one of growth and milestones We rebranded as NatureConnect, moved into our first dedicated office space with Vámonos Outside, and stepped into stewardship of Skyliner Lodge a beloved community hub for outdoor learning These moments mark an exciting new chapter as we continue creating opportunities for kids to learn, play, and thrive outdoors
What inspires me most are the kids themselves from the elementary students on their first field trip to the high school interns stepping into leadership roles Their curiosity, resilience, and joy remind us why this work matters and why it must continue.
Here in Central Oregon, we all share a love for the outdoors it’s part of what makes this community so special. By helping kids build that same connection, we’re investing not just in their futures, but in the future of this place we call home
None of this would be possible without the dedication of our team, the teachers who champion outdoor learning, and the interns who give back by leading the next generation And of course, it wouldn’t be possible without you our community. Your belief in this mission is what makes it grow.
Thank you for believing in this work. Together, we’re building a Central Oregon where every child grows up with the chance to discover the beauty in their own backyard
With gratitude,
Katie Chipko Executive Director NatureConnect
Collaboration in Action - Impact Stories
NatureConnect is much more than a program or a place We focus on finding community solutions to issues around access and inclusion in the outdoors We have a strong network of 35+ partners that have the same goal – to improve health and learning for all children in Central Oregon by getting them outside We know that we are more powerful when we work together as a community NatureConnect sees ourselves as an umbrella organization – from convening partners to tracking regional data to developing shared resources – our role is to look at outdoor access for kids at a community-level, and to leverage and collaborate with our network of partners to develop innovative solutions
Green Jobs
Bringing Diverse Youth Voice into the Green Sector
32
150+ hour internships since 2023
Our network has the collective goal of supporting a more diverse and inclusive generation of environmental stewards and green sector employees The Green Jobs program provides paid internships with non-profits and businesses across Bend - providing BIPOC high school youth valuable career training, while also enhancing their connection to nature Here’s this summer’s interns are saying:
“After the internship, I feel like I would love to work outdoors, because the relaxation I felt during my time working is something I’d like in other jobs ”
“Being outside with kids really helped me to stop being so involved with social media and enjoy the present I can definitely see a difference in myself ”
“Now even on days off I go out and see all the beauty that nature has to offer. I’ve learned how to value it and not take it for granted ”
Skyliner Lodge: A home for outdoor learning
If you know Skyliner Lodge, you know it’s more than just a building.
Tucked beside Tumalo Creek, Skyliner Lodge has been a beloved community space for outdoor recreation and learning for generations Effective July 1, NatureConnect proudly took over operational and fiscal responsibility of the Lodge As the leader of Central Oregon’s outdoor learning network, when the need arose for someone to take on this stewardship responsibility, we knew we needed to step up.
This August, thanks to community support and a grant from Visit Bend, we were able to replace the lodge’s aging roof with a fireproof, historically accurate alternative This project ensures that the lodge can continue being a hub for youth programs and outdoor exploration for years to come Looking forward, there are already over 100 days of youth programs booked for the lodge this school year NatureConnect is looking foward to offering more programs and opportunities for the public to visit the lodge and enjoy this space.
Looking Ahead - Goals for the Upcoming Year
Expand outdoor program offerings that have Indigenous content and voices Build towards Green Jobs 2.0 - an apprenticeship program for 18-24 year olds that provides higher level career training in the green sector
Provide more community programs at Skyliner Lodge and support free youth program use through private rental revenue
Much more!
Total students participating in field trips with our network of partners (with 52,912 student days outside) 14,921
Trips with bus costs funded by our Field Trip Fund
2,750
Hours worked by Green Job interns
44
101 Volunteers
25 students participating in the 4-lesson NatureHoods program 1,579
Teachers attending professional development workshops
168
Days of programs led by Vámonos Outside
113
Latine/BIPOC youth reached in Vámonos Outside’s youth development programs
Thank you to all of the individuals, businesses, volunteers, teachers, and funders who support our work! We couldn’t do it without you! Follow us. Support us. Be a part of the story natureconnectco vamonos outside
Spotlight: Vámonos Outside
Mission
We create spaces by and for Latine & BIPOC families in Central Oregon to connect with nature, experience personal transformation, and deepen community & belonging
Elementary Programs
Vision
We envision a just world where Latine & BIPOC families thrive through meaningful relationships with nature, community, and self
Vámonos Outside provides free year-round outdoor programs for youth that instill a love of the outdoors, while also meeting families’ childcare needs The programs help participants build confidence in a variety of outdoor activities, develop social and emotional skills, celebrate culture and bilingualism, and build community.
“Vamonos Outside has provided my family with consistent, high-quality childcare and enriching outdoor activities My children have benefited from a safe and supportive space where they can explore nature, engage in physical activity, and build friendships. As a result, they spend less time on screens, have gained confidence, developed leadership skills, and shown improved focus and social skills at school.
I’ve seen students who were previously shy or disengaged and blossomed through their involvement in the program Vamonos Outside meets children where they are and creates a welcoming environment where all students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, feel seen and valued.”
Teen Programs
Vámonos Outside provides multi-week programs for teens including a mountain bike program and a ski/snowboard program in partnership with Mt. Bachelor. These programs are free for youth and address barriers for participation by providing transportation, gear, and lessons The programs focus on youth development outcomes by providing challenging, yet attainable activities outdoors where youth can take risks and experience accomplishment Relationship and community building is a core component of programs, and often youth return to participate several years in a row.
“I feel like I am a lot more comfortable and confident in nature I am able to use or connect with nature when I’m feeling down or need time to myself ” -Teen Program Participant
We Need Your Support!
Our elementary afterschool programs give young people the chance to grow through outdoor experiences that build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong connection to nature
Right now, these opportunities are at risk Without immediate community support, our elementary programs will pause until funding is secured. Together, we can make sure kids spend their afternoons outdoors, instead of on screens, learning skills that expand their possibilities in life.
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.
Craft Kitchen and Brewery Sam Miller Comedy Sam Miller is a nationally touring comedian from Olympia, Washington. He is 6 foot 6, 360 pounds, has two kids (one of them is on purpose), he’s been married for 13 years, and has been clean and sober for 15 years. Sam likes to make jokes about what it’s like to be a sober parent. He also likes to make jokes about what jails are like in Yakima. His first album and special, Round Trip, was recorded and filmed under the tutelage of Grammy-winning producer Dan Schlissel, whose indie label, Stand Up! Records, Sam had recently signed a three-album deal with. 8-9:30pm.
Currents at the Riverhouse Rebecca Conner Enjoy Rebecca Conner’s soulful performance at Currents at the Riverhouse in Bend. Blending Afrobeat, jazz, reggae, country, and R&B, her genre-spanning songs offer hope, connection, and unforgettable live music by the river. 7-9pm. 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.
Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge Cover Story Cover Story is a country rock cover band based in Bend, Oregon. We play songs you forgot you love. @coverstory_bend 8:30-10pm. Free.
Hosmer Bar Comedy at Hosmer Bar Sip on unique, hand-crafted cocktails and mocktails or grab a bite to eat and laugh with us! Hosmer Bar has the most inviting and elegant atmosphere. Did we mention they even have beautiful bathrooms? (That’s important!) What’s more important though is that you stop by early for happy hour! 7-8:30pm.
Papi Chulo’s Taqueria Sunset Latin Party @ Papi Chulos Join us at Papi Chulo’s Taqueria for a night of celebration under the beautiful sunset. Get ready to dance to the hottest Latin beats, enjoy delicious tacos, and sip on refreshing drinks. 5-11:45pm. Free.
Ponch’s Place Music with Bill Powers Enjoy Friday night music with Bill Powers. 6-8pm. Free.
Portello Wine and Spirits Joanna Lee Experience the one-of-a-kind talent if Joanna Lee at Portello! Her unforgettable voice and soulful style create a night of music your simply can’t miss - made even better with our amazing food, craft cocktails, wine selection and chill vibes! 7-9pm. Free.
Sisters Depot Friday Nights with Tony Lompa Tony Lompa brings the vibe to Sisters Depot most Fridays. If the weather’s nice, he plays in the courtyard. If not, he plays upstairs at Frankie’s. 7-9pm. Free.
13 Saturday
Austin Mercantile Saturday Afternoon Live Music Austin Mercantile is now adding live music on Saturdays! Serving wine, beer, lite happy hour menu, gifts and home decor. Hope to see you soon! 4:30-6:30pm. Free.
Bridge 99 Brewery Family-Friendly Karaoke Night Looking for family fun? You’ll find it every Saturday night at Bridge 99 Brewery. Family-friendly karaoke is hosted by DJ Jackie J and A Fine Note Karaoke Too from 6-9 PM. Adults, kids and good dogs welcome. 6-9pm. Free.
The Capitol Lorin @ZEN Bend’s finest nightclub. Second Saturdays feature an ever-evolving blend of house, dance and ‘90s hip-hop. Second Saturday of every month, 9pm-2am. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub Harris Blake Band Playing songs people know. 8-10pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub Commonwealth DJ Dance Party with TRUNORTH Join TRUNORTH as he makes his way down from the 49th parallel, spinning the latest and greatest, raising the bar on this year’s playoff season. Join him Friday and Saturday nights at The Commonwealth Pub and cheer on the beats from soul, to funk, to today’s hits. 9pm-Midnight. Free.
Discovery Corner Plaza PorchFest Come join us for our inaugural music festival. Celebrate the joy of music as musicians Honey Don’t, The Riverstones, Jackrat, JoAnna Lee, and Jeff Miller and The Congregation play sweet sounds across Discovery West. With a variety of food cart and beverage options, you won’t want to miss it! 3-9pm. Free.
Faith, Hope & Charity Vineyards Live at the Vineyard: Station Camp Join us for an unforgettable evening with Justin Lavik and Station Camp—Central Oregon’s newest favorite party band! Get ready to groove to the best dance hits from legendary artists like Prince, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Garth Brooks, AC/DC, Johnny Cash, ZZ Top, Black Crowes, Don Henley, The Beatles. 6-9pm. $25.
General Duffy’s Waterhole Chasin’ Bandits featuring Christie Strode Chasin’ Bandits plays a wide variety of country and rock music featuring the talented vocals of Redmond’s own Christie Strode. Come out for an evening of great music, good food and drink, and fun friends!
6-8pm. Free.
Maragas Winery Alethea & Co. Their sound is like a mixture of Sarah McLaughlin, Ed Sheeran and Shakira. Her soul finds and opens up expression for the listener. 6:30-9pm. $20-$25.
McKenzie General Store & Obsidian
Grill Big Sue Duo 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.
Northside Bar & Grill Broken Charlie Come on down and dance the night away with live music from Broken Charlie! 8-11pm. Free.
Portello Wine and Spirits Jordan Wolfe
You may know Jordan from Wolfe House Records or his band Dive Bar Theology, but this is your chance to catch him for an intimate acoustic night - with his unique sound and undeniable talent, it’s a night you don’t want to miss! 7-9pm. Free.
River’s Place The Brandon Campbell Trio Come on down for a cold beer and some hot swing! 6-8pm. Free.
River’s Place Saturday Jazz Sessions Brandon Campbell Trio. 6-8pm. Free.
Sisters Depot Lane Norberg Lane Norberg is a singer/songwriter from Portland and Montana. 6-8pm. $10.
Wetlands Taphouse The Jugulars Everyone’s favorites classic rock from the ‘70s to contemporary, as well as many originals. 6-9pm. Free.
14 Sunday
Bend Cider Co. The Roundabouts Improve Benefit Show for Family Kitchen Come out and have some good laughs with us at the Roundabouts Comedy Improv Benefit Show for Family Kitchen! Central Oregon’s favorite short-form comedy improve group will be donating all proceeds to the Family Kitchen. Bend Cider will be donating $2/ pint, as well. $15/per ticket. Doors open at 4:30pm. www.bendtickets.com 5-6:30pm. $15.
Cafe des Chutes Threads of Belonging Join us for an intimate afternoon of ancestral sound, story, and nourishment as we celebrate the spirit of community and belonging. The program will open with a land acknowledgment and a traditional Ukrainian bread and salt ceremony, a gesture of gratitude and welcome. Brothers Ivan, a Ukrainian folk duo, will share a soulful acoustic set woven with rhythm, ritual, and resilience. Guests will also be invited to enjoy comforting Ukrainian food. 3-6pm. Free.
The Commons Cafe & Taproom Trivia Night Sunday Funday Trivia with Sean. Gather your team, or roll solo and find a spot early in the cafe, knowledge tests begin at 6pm. Prizes for 1st and 2nd place. 6-8pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub Richard Taelour: Sundays on the Patio Richard is an amazing artist and musician! 3-6pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub Head Games Trivia Night Eat. Drink. Think. Win! Live multi-media trivia every Sunday @ 6pm. The Commonwealth Pub - Bend Free to play. Win prizes. Teams up to 6. 6-8pm. Free.
Currents at the Riverhouse Beats & Bites
Brunch: John Johns Join John Johns for Beats & Bites Brunch at Riverhouse Lodge in Bend. A folk and blues artist with roots in bluegrass and 70s rock, John has shared stages with Buena Vista Social Club and Michael Franti. 11am-1pm. Free.
Deschutes Brewery Tasting Room & Beer Garden Broken Top Bluegrass With a combined trifecta of traditional tunes, bluegrass and Primordial Oozegrass, Broken Top seeks to create a new original sound intertwined with the traditions of stringband music. 4-6pm. Free.
Dogwood At The Pine Shed Okay Karaoke Sing your favorite songs with friends, enjoy professional sound and lighting, and let the spotlight shine on you. Hosted by the dynamic Tammy Larsen, it’s the perfect night out for music lovers and party people alike. Noon-11pm. Free.
River’s Place The Brainy Brunch Trivia! Useless Knowledge Bowl Trivia presents “The Brainy Brunch!” Bring your crew of friends or family and a pen/pencil! Play for fun and gift cards, play for free! Experienced, independent, locally owned and operated! Noon. Free.
River’s Place Sidney Joseph Rock, soul, and folk infused with the blues 6-8pm. free.
Silver Moon Brewing Open Mic at the Moon Get a taste of the big time! Sign-up is at 4pm! Come check out the biggest and baddest open mic night in Bend! 5-8pm. Free.
Silver Moon Brewing Gainon & The HardChords Live musicians meet electronic beats & vocal enhanced therapy to rebuild our souls. 6:30-7:30pm. Free.
15 Monday
Bevel Craft Brewing Bingo with Bren Bingo with Bren is supporting the amazing organization, The Giving Plate, all September long! Grab your cards: $2 each or 6 for $10. Half the money goes out in CASH prizes, the other half helps fight hunger! Enjoy an exciting night of prizes, laughter, and giving back to the community. 6-8pm, 6-8pm and 6-8pm. $2.
The Commonwealth Pub Monday Night Musicians Showcase: Hosted by FAFO Come showcase your sound, discover fresh talent and enjoy a night of incredible live music. Hosted by Funk Around & Find Out, we’re creating a space where musicians can stretch out, jam, tighten up or spark something new. Full backline provided. 6-9pm. Free.
Crux Fermentation Project Trivia Night @ Crux Trivia Night at Crux! First place team wins a $25 gift card! 6-8pm. Free.
Elixir Winery and Tasting Room Locals Music Night and Open Mic Bend’s friendliest open-mic! All genres welcome. Oregon and international wine, beer and tapas menu available all evening. 6-9pm. Free.
Immersion Brewing Open Mic hosted by Bend Comedy All performance types are welcome! All ages are welcome to attend and perform! All acts are eligible to audition to perform in a future Bend Comedy show! 7-9pm. Free.
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.
16 Tuesday
The Astro Lounge Karaoke Get here early to put your name on the list! Drink specials every night. 9pm-2am. Free.
Bunk+Brew Backyard Trivia Tuesdays! 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 inaugural Bend PorchFest will feature several local musicians playing free shows across multiple locations in the Discovery West neighborhood. Jeff Miller and the Congregation are a featured band at the local festival, which takes place Sat., Sept. 13, 3-9pm.
Jeff Miller and the Congregation
The Commonwealth Pub Elise Franklin Jazz Quartet The Elise Franklin Quartet, a group of experienced musicians playing jazz standards and Latin, is led by Elise Franklin on vocals and Jack Krouscup on piano. 7-9pm. 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 Tuesdays at Elements Public House UKB Trivia is experienced, independent, locally owned and operated! Team up to win house gift cards! 7pm. 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.
River’s Place Bingo! Have fun, win prizes and support a local nonprofit organization. 6-8pm. $1-$5.
FOOD + DRINK
Bend Farmers Market The Bend Farmers Market is a true farmers market dedicated to supporting the viability of local farmers, ranchers and food producers who offer fresh local produce, protein and farm products to the people of Central Oregon. Wednesdays, 11am-3pm. Through Oct. 9. Brooks Alley, downtown Bend,
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.
Bourbon Dinner with Jim Beam Family Gather riverside for a soulful night under the stars at Currents at Riverhouse. Celebrate the art of pairing handcrafted cowboy cuisine with the legendary Jim Beam Family of Brands. Featuring live music, six inspired courses, and storytelling sips from Knob Creek, Basil Hayden, Booker’s, and more. Sept. 13, 6-9pm. Riverhouse Lodge, (no address), (no city). Contact: 541-323-0964.
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
Locals Day! Locals Day at the Ale! $2 off drafts and $1 off wine and cider! Wednesdays, 2pm. The Ale Apothecary Tasting Room, 30 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: taryn@thealeapothecary.com. Free.
Locals’ Day Come on down to Bevel Craft Brewing for $4 beers and cider and $1 off wine all day. There are also food specials from the food carts located out back at The Patio! Tuesdays. Bevel Craft Brewing, 911 SE Armour St., Bend. Contact: holla@bevelbeer.com. Free.
Locals’ Night at WaypointBBC Locals’ Night at WaypointBBC! $5 draft beer, $8 house red and white wine and $8 specialty cocktail. Tuesdays, Noon-10pm. Waypoint, 921 NW Mt Washington Dr., Bend. Contact: 458-206-0826. Waypointbbc@gmail.com. Free.
Power Hour Come check out our new Power Hour deals: $3 draft Coors Light, $5 draft beer, food cart specials that will make your taste buds dance! Mondays-Thursdays-Sundays, 8-9pm. Midtown Yacht Club, 1661 NE Fourth St., Bend. Contact: 458-256-5454. midtownyachtclub@ gmail.com. Free.
Worthy Farmers Market Farm-fresh pro duce straight from local growers! One-of-a-kind products: handmade, unique and full of charac ter! Live music, food and beer—because Sundays should be fun! Free Community Booth supporting local nonprofits and initiatives! Sundays, 10am2pm. Through Sept. 28. Worthy Brewing - Main Pub and Brewery, 495 NE Bellevue Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-241-6310. Free.
Sisters Farmers Market Join us on Sun days 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: sisters farmersmarket@gmail.com. Free.
Soul Food Sunday Best fried chicken in central Oregon. Sundays, 11am-4pm. Through Oct. 26. Dogs and Fries, 63136 Powell Butte Rd., Bend.
BEER + DRINK
$10 Wing Wednesdays A new weekly special: $10 Wing Wednesdays at Cascade Lakes Pub on Reed Market. Choose from one of the house-made sauces like Char Sui, This IPA BBQ and Spicy Staycay Pineapple or go naked! Wednesdays, 11am-9pm. Cascade Lakes Pub on Reed Market, 21175 SE Reed Market Rd., Bend.
$16 Fish Taco and House Margarita
Fridays Join for 3 fish tacos and a house margarita for only $16 every Friday at Cascade Lakes Pub on Reed Market. Fridays, 11am-9pm. Cascade Lakes Pub on Reed Market, 21175 SE Reed Market Rd., Bend.
$4 Pints Monday Night Football football, and beer! This week we feature Bend’s newest brewery, UPP Liquids. $4 pints and swag giveaways! 6 big screen TVs. Sound will be on for the game. For the non beer lover, we also have Avid Cider and $2 off house wine. Sept. 15,
Traveling worldwide with his music, Rafe Pearlman plays upbeat and soulful tunes with the intention to build harmonious community. He plays the Tower Theatre with Rumbo Tumba and friends Sun., Sept. 14, 7:30pm.
Rafe Pearlman
Youth Career Connect
Ember's Bunny Rescue Carrick Customs
Deschutes Trails Coalition Reptile Place Mazama Energy
CHOW C Here’s the Gravy on Loco Moco
Hawai’i’s Fundamental Comfort Food
By Megan Baker
There are meals you eat and then there are meals that eat you. Welcome to loco moco, Hawai’i’s ultimate comfort food. Born in Hilo in the late 1940s and beloved across the islands ever since, loco moco is more than just a dish; it’s a cure-all, a reminder of home and sometimes the fast track to a full-blown kanak attack that island food coma locals know well.
The formula is simple: a scoop of rice, a hamburger patty, an egg and as a finishing touch, usually brown gravy, but not always. Like much of Hawai’i’s local food, it blends influences, adapts easily and shows up anywhere: diner counters, plate lunch spots, beach picnics, even your own kitchen on a rushed weeknight. And yes, it works just as well for breakfast as it does for dinner or a midnight snack if there’s leftover rice.
Traditionally, loco moco patties are straight-up ground beef, seasoned with salt and pepper. My kitchen here in Bend takes a little detour courtesy of my son, who works in the meat department at Whole Foods. He brought home hatch chile burger patties, and that became our base. The smoky heat of roasted chile folded into the beef adds just enough kick to cut through the richness of the egg and rice. Cooked medium-well, they keep their juiciness and balance the richness of the dish.
Rice is the foundation. In Hawai’i, rice isn’t just a side; it’s every meal’s anchor. Rice carries the weight of everything on top, soaking up yolk, gravy or seasoning. Back home, it comes in scoops the size of your fist, sticky enough to be shaped by a spoon. You can always tell someone’s from the islands when they measure their rice with the knuckle trick — iykyk.
It also nods to the Japanese influence woven into Hawai’i’s food story. One bowl, two approaches, same comfort.
The accepted origin story goes back to Hilo in 1949, when a group of teenagers asked a cafe owner for something cheap, fast and filling. The result was a hamburger patty over rice topped with an egg and drenched in gravy. The name “loco moco” came from one of the teens’ nicknames and the Spanish word for crazy.
According to interviews archived at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa’s Center for Oral History, the tale is more than legend. The Lincoln Wreckers sports club asked the owners of Lincoln Grill in Hilo to whip up a hearty but affordable meal, and loco moco was born. That one plate set the stage for decades of variations, kanak attacks and island comfort.
Every local knows the warning. Loco moco may start as comfort food, but finish the whole plate and you’ll be scoping out the nearest couch. That’s the kanak attack, the inevitable nap that follows a serious plate lunch. It isn’t just fullness, it’s part of growing up island-style. Eat too much and the kanak attack gon’getchu you, brah.
Cooking loco moco in Bend isn’t the same as ordering it in Maui or grabbing it at Zippy’s, but it’s the closest thing I have to teleportation. It’s memory in a bowl.
It’s family on a plate. It’s proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be fancy, it just needs to be real.
Every time I cook it, my kitchen smells like home: rice steaming, patties sizzling, eggs frying. It all comes together in a way that bridges the distance between here and there.
Ask three people how they like their loco moco egg and you’ll get three answers. Sunnyside up for the dramatic yolk spill. Over-easy for a gentle ooze. Over-medium if you’re feeding kids who think yolk is “eww.” For me, the yolk is the sauce that ties everything together. It’s comfort food wearing a crown. Here’s where my household splits. My boys are gravy loyalists, rich and brown, poured until the rice practically swims. I get it. That’s the classic. But me? I go minimalist. A shake of furikake—sesame seeds, seaweed and salt—is enough. It keeps things lighter while still tying the flavors together.
Food trends come and go but loco moco stays. Maybe because it’s too practical to be pretentious. Maybe because it doesn’t ask for anything more than what you’ve got. Or maybe because Hawai’i creates food that sticks to your memory as much as your ribs.
Seventy-five years after its invention, loco moco is still doing what it was meant to do: feed you well, remind you of home and leave you smiling. From Hilo cafe counters to countless kitchens across the PNW— where plenty of Hawai’i ohana have planted roots — it proves the best food doesn’t need to be fancy, it just needs to stick.
MeganBaker
CHOW C
Bend & Redmond Cookbook Clubs
A way to create community over something delicious
By Nic Moye
At a time when you can find any recipe online, there are many who still value a cookbook with each recipe an inspirational treasure. Both Bend and Redmond have active cookbook clubs that meet twice a month. Jill Drum started the Bend Cookbook Club in 2021 as a way to build community while enjoying a homecooked feast.
“The Bend club took off right away (30 people came to our first dinner!) and I had to really learn how to organize and scale commensurate with what the community wanted,” Drum told the Source. She selects a different cookbook each month then organizes a Happy Hour planning get-together where each person choses a recipe from the book. Folks who can’t attend the planning party but want to participate in the dinner party can sign up for a recipe online. The club meets at local bars or restaurants with permission.
“I went from calling around to different bars asking if it was OK to bring in outside food on a slower night, bringing paper plates and silverware, to getting to the point that I could partner with a venue to make the events more polished and exciting,” Drum explains. Participants cook their dishes at home and bring them along with serving utensils. Drum takes care of the rest. “When you arrive at the venue, I have dish labels for each dish that have allergy information, so folks that have any dietary restrictions can still participate in the dinners,” she says. “We dig in shortly after 6pm and things escalate quickly when dishing up — imagine putting 40 dishes on one plate! It’s fun to see everyone’s strategy for dishing up. We then dig into our feast together and towards the end of the dinner we go around the room and each talk a little bit about our dish. At the end of the meal, I raffle off a copy of the current month’s cookbook and the next month’s cookbook!” Drum says more than 1,000 people have participated in the Bend dinners since it launched. Dinners in Bend are limited to 35 people.
The cookbooks selected each month are a mix of modern or classic and generally match the season. For September it’s Kenji Lopez-Alt’s “The Wok”, a James Beard award-winning cookbook. In November, the Bend group chucks the book and shares favorite family recipes.
Drum is an energy regulatory attorney with a passion for food. “In law school I was in need of a distraction from endless reading and decided to trade in my first-year textbooks for a bunch of cookbooks! …I view cookbooks as equal parts textbook and storytelling and think they can help you expand the horizons of your cooking and build confidence! Cooking is my way of showing love, my creative outlet, a way to explore cultures and different approaches to flavor and technique and a way to create community over something delicious.” Drum says a cookbook is an equalizer at the club. She urges everyone to follow the recipe exactly, so that all chefs are on the same playing field.
“I would love for folks to know that I strive for the club to be welcoming, affordable and a way to expand your cooking skills while meeting new people! I want people to walk away from each dinner feeling full of community and food and encourage anyone that is curious to learn more to reach out to me or come to our planning Happy Hour!” Drum says.
The history of cookbooks dates to at least 1700 BC with the oldest recorded recipe written on clay tablets from Ancient Mesopotamia. According to bookriot.com it was a recipe for meat stew using vinegar, smoked wood and herbs. The first cookbook in English was “Forme of Cury” written by chefs for King Richard II in 1390. The first American cookbook was by Amelia Simmons in 1796. Food, for many, is often connected to fond childhood memories and the centerpiece of celebrations with generations passing down beloved recipes.
Kelsey Seymour started the Redmond Cookbook Club last year shortly after she moved to the area. She uses the same cookbook each month as the Bend club, creating a community connection between the clubs.
“Imagine you and 15 other home cooks having a themed potluck once a month. You get a glass of wine, then fill your plate with 15 different bite-sized samples and then go back for seconds of your favorites… For one night a month, we eat better than anyone else in town,” Seymour says.
The Redmond Cookbook Club has its planning Happy Hour at E BarGrill on the second Tuesday of each month. Dinners are at Arome Kitchen on the
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third Tuesday. While Seymour is enthusiastic about the food, she says, “The real magic is that the club attracts the most delightful people. Being social with a group of strangers feels like a toss-up in most cases, but there’s something about home-cooked food and sharing a meal that brings everyone together on the friendliest of terms.” When she’s not organizing the club, Seymour is busy doing community outreach for a nonprofit and is expecting her second child.
For both clubs, the planning meeting is free but participants need to purchase a ticket to attend the dinner party to help cover costs. The fee is minimal: $15 in Redmond or $25 in Bend. Spouses are invited to the dinner as long as they purchase a ticket. Anyone interested in participating can register online. The next planning Happy Hour for the Bend Cookbook Club is Wednesday, Sept. 17 at Waypoint BBC in the Grove and the dinner party will be at Flights Wine Bar on Sunday, Sept. 28.
“No cooking experience required - just a love for food and an openness to trying new things and meeting new people! We are a super welcoming group and it is such a low-key way to expand your cooking skills,” Drum says. “If your recipe goes totally awry, there are still going to be 30 other recipes at the dinner.”
Bend Cookbook Club
Planning Happy Hour: Sept. 17, 4:30-6pm Dinner Party Sept. 28, 6-8pm jillscookbookclub.com/ $25 for Dinner Party
Redmond Cookbook Club
Planning Happy Hour: 2nd Tuesday, 4;30pm Dinner Party: 3rd Tuesday, 6pm eventbrite.com/o/redmond-cookbook-club-90482886363 $15 for Dinner Party
If a person’s recipe fails, there are still 30 others to share.
A planning party and dinner party are held each month.
Photos
Jill Drum
CULTURE Bend Community Contra Dance
Keeping tradition alive, no experience needed
By Nic Moye
Contra dance is a form of folk dancing originating in the 17th century from a variety of dance styles in England, Scotland, France and more. It’s a social dance that one can attend without a partner, although the dancers form couples in long lines the length of the dance hall. Couples then progress up and down the lines. The dance is led by a caller who teaches a sequence of moves or patterns without any challenging footwork. The music is live and includes Irish, Scottish, bluegrass, oldtime American and more, usually involving a fiddle or other stringed instrument like a guitar, banjo or mandolin.
Locally, Bend Community Contra Dance has been around more than 15 years. On the brink of bankruptcy, new board members are kicking off another season this fall, hoping to rally community support.
“It brings community together,” Board Secretary Sandra Peevers told the Source. “It’s a great way to meet people, for people that want to increase the amount of friends they have… It’s just a whole lot of fun.”
Contra dances are held in Bend the second Saturday of the month from October through April. At the beginning of the evening, a caller explains the dance moves for newcomers before the live music begins, then continues calling the dance moves throughout each song. Families and singles are welcome. Each month, different musicians will be featured. The first band on Oct. 11 will be the High Country Dance Band but Peevers stresses that Contra dancing is not country. She says musicians come from all over the region.
Peevers is one of the new board members hoping to prevent the art from disappearing. They’ve launched a fundraising campaign and put out an SOS plea for financial assistance. The Portland Country Dance Community offered a matching $500 grant and Peevers says the group is in the process of reorganizing into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Any funds raised will be used to pay for the musicians, equipment, venue and other associated costs. Peevers says they also need volunteers to help on dance nights.
“We have somewhere between three and 400 members who are on our mailing list already, so we want to grow that list and…just get the word out,” Peevers says. “It’s a really fun dance and it’s not a difficult dance.”
Dances are held at Pine Forest Grange on Boyd Acres Road in NE Bend. The entry fee is by donation, so attendees pay whatever they can afford. Peevers says the hope is that it averages out to $10 a person. And she remains optimistic, “I see no reason why it shouldn’t become very vibrant into the future years… It shouldn’t be daunting for anybody who wants to come and give it a try.”
The caller guides dancers throughout the song.
Bend Community Contra Dance
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AFYA! BERSULANG! NUŞ OLSUN! ARAARA! BULA! EVVIVA! PRIEKĀ! ŽIVJELI! GAUMARJOS! SOK SAN! JAM TAN! MBURICHIKO! MASIMIREMBWA! CHIYARIMU! KASUUTTA! SHA’LA! TASHI! PHUZA! SAGBOL! CHOL MUOY! DZO! SALUT! NA ZDRAVJE! Į SVEIKATĄ! BA SALOMATI! BE SALAMATI! SIHAT! SAHA! MANUIA! HALA BIRA! WILUJENG! FELEKÊ! EKU ORI IRE! OLKASH! GUULEYSTA! IMPILONTLE! AHÉHEEʼ! AH SALAMETI! OOGY WAWA! CHON KAEW! CHEERS! ARAARA! AHÉHEEʼ! BIBA! AH SALAMETI! AHÉHEEʼ!
LIVE MUSIC | DELICIOUS LOCAL FOOD | CRAFT BEER WIENER DOG RACES | QUIRKY COMPETITIONS | AND MORE
SEPT. 20 2P-9P LOCATED AT THE DESCHUTES HISTORICAL MUSEUM LAWN
HOSTED BY BEND PET EXPRESS WITH THE HUMANE SOCIETY
SC SCREEN Two Remakes and an Adaptation Spike Lee,
By Jared Rasic
We’re in that weird, transitional part of the year where the summer blockbusters have died out, but the prestige Oscar-bait is still being held for another month or two. August and September are a crapshoot when it comes to the quality of the films, as it’s typically when studios release movies that they’re unsure about handling or marketing. Wrapping up August, we have a few interesting choices, including a remake of a classic from a modern master, an auteur’s newest provocation and a darkly funny romcom (also a remake!). Let’s take a look.
First off, we have “Caught Stealing,” the new film from Darren Aronofsky, a brilliant filmmaker who has spent most of his career trafficking in heady miserablism with a dash of healthy misanthropy. We’ve got the hopelessness of drug addiction in “Requiem for a Dream,” the existential horror of other people in “Mother!,” the fear of mental illness and obsession in “Black Swan” and don’t even get me started on the unintentional misery porn of “The Whale.” I love several of his movies, but holy hell, they’re hard to revisit.
“Caught Stealing” initially seems like a departure as it’s based on an intensely fun page-turner by the great Charlie Huston and trailers make it look like a fast and loose riff on Scorsese’s “After Hours.” The film follows Hank Thompson (played by Austin Butler, fully embracing his seemingly effortless movie star persona), a former high school baseball prodigy who, after a horrific injury, is now an alcoholic bartender in 1998
Darren Aronofky and a war of the Roses
Manhattan. When his liberty spike sporting neighbor, Russ, pulls him into some shady dealings with Hasidic hitmen, Russian mobsters and an adorably bitey cat, Hank’s life goes from disappointing to dangerous overnight.
While “Caught Stealing” is most assuredly a departure from Aronofsky’s earlier work, there still runs beneath the surface a deadly serious undercurrent that gives even the wackiest moments a violent weight. Don’t get me wrong, the film moves like a rocket across period NYC (look for the quick shot of Kim’s Video), and there are a few madcap and exciting sequences more propulsive than anything I’ve seen in his earlier work, but Aronofsky struggles tonally to keep the film either as breezy or brutal as he wants it to be. What initially feels like a good-natured crime caper ends up as a savagely violent and nasty thriller. I’m struggling to decide if that’s a feature or a bug and to really understand Aronofsy’s intentions.
However, “The Roses” pulls off that tonal dance effortlessly, front-loaded with wonderfully nuanced work from Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch as Ivy and Theo Rose, who, after one of the most sexy and charming meet-cutes I’ve seen in cinema, get immediately married and fall deeply in love. She’s a chef, he’s an architect and they eventually have two precocious and strange children. If you’ve seen Danny DeVito’s “The War of the Roses” from 1989, you’ll know exactly where this is going and it’s nowhere good. Ivy and Theo grow to despise each other and
things get dark, funny and dangerous. I hate to say it, but “The Roses” actually works better than the original with Cumberbatch and Colman having such a gorgeous and homey chemistry that you genuinely want them to fix their problems and not destroy each other’s lives. As funny as the film gets, The Roses are so grounded as characters that it reminded me of my own failed loves and I found it emotionally authentic as well as hilarious. It subverts the cartoonish violence of the original and becomes easily one of the finest comedies of the year.
Finally, we have “Highest 2 Lowest,” Spike Lee’s loose remake of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 masterwork, “High and Low.” I don’t want to share too much about the story other than to say it follows Denzel Washington (working with Lee for the first time since 2006’s underrated “Inside Man”) as a rich music executive who gets caught up in a kidnapping scheme.
Is “Highest 2 Lowest” as good as “High and Low?” Not even close, but nothing ever could be because Kurosawa was always working on a different level than any other filmmaker. Still, it shows Lee more energized behind the camera than I’ve seen him in years, using all of his tricks with editing, score and performance to craft a genuinely compelling film. I have nothing but respect for Lee even attempting a remake of such a stone classic. The movie doesn’t have quite the same thematic depth as “High and Low,” but is one hell of an entertaining ride, nonetheless.
That’s the perfect description of all
three movies this week, actually. They are rides of differing quality and destinations that emphasize enjoying the journey more than getting caught up in where the train stops. All three are worth the trip, regardless.
“Caught Stealing”
Dir. Darren Aronofsky Grade: B
Now Playing at Regal Old Mill, Sisters Movie House, Redmond Cinema, Madras Cinema 5
“The Roses”
Dir. Jay Roach Grade: B+
Now Playing at Regal Old Mill, Sisters Movie House
“Highest 2 Lowest”
Dir. Spike Lee Grade: B
Now Playing at Tin Pan Theater
Just the story of a man and his cat.
Sony
O OUTSIDE Bend Teen Clings to the Wall Nathaniel Perullo aims to repeat success with eye on 2028 Olympics
By Richard Sitts
On a recent late summer afternoon, Nathaniel Perullo, 17, feels right at home at his home away from home, the climbing wall inside the Bend Endurance Academy. The Academy anchors a retail horseshoe of businesses within honking distance of one of Bend’s busiest intersections at Reed Market Road and Third Street.
This day, Perullo is climbing and hanging out with three other climbers who are installing new hand and foot holds, establishing new climbing routes and then trying them out. It’s quiet and informal, very laid back, a far cry from the world championships in Helsinki, Finland, where Perullo competed earlier this summer.
He works on two disciplines — bouldering or free climbing, and lead climbing with a rope. Between the two, he says, all the training adds up to “a lot of mileage.”
Last year in Salt Lake City, Perullo qualified for the U.S. youth development team. This year at the nationals in Portland, he finished fourth in lead climbing and won the top spot in bouldering, going up against 50-60 competitors in each discipline. The first and fourth place finishes made him the nationals’ overall top climber, and qualified him for “the worlds” in Helsinki.
He says he’s always wanted to make it to the worlds. “I’ve been working toward that goal for years and years.” He made it to the semi-finals and finished in the top 24 in the world. Perullo competed two days in a row but was eliminated before the third day. He says he was pleased to make the semi-finals in his first visit to the worlds.
“I was a little disappointed with my semis performance, but it was definitely a good experience. I’m glad I made semis; that was my main goal.” Also, Perullo was the first one up so he didn’t get to watch any other climbers. In climbing, there is no practice. The climber looks at the wall, decides a route and goes for it.
He said he knew his two other American teammates, from California and New York, from previous competitions. Other climbers represented all of Europe, most of Asia, South America and Canada. He said that France and Japan were dominant in the competitions.
Perullo had to endure the 11-hour flight from Seattle to Helsinki. “The jet lag was hard, plus I got sore from sleeping on the plane.” He and dad Yon flew over ahead of time to allow three days to recover from the journey. There’s not much darkness in Finland this time of year, so it took him a little time to get on the right sleep schedule.
Mom Nicole came over later, while twin brother Wyatt (who also used to climb and made nationals a couple of times) and sister Eily offered moral support from home.
There was no language barrier as English was ubiquitous. He took five U.S. team jerseys to trade and returned home with jerseys from France, Canada, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands.
Mom Nicole felt happy and proud. “I feel Nathaniel is really lucky to have a passion that he intrinsically feels the drive to pursue and that it feeds his soul. It is so inspiring and wonderful to witness.”
The family has home videos of him climbing on a play wall at age 3. He started real climbing at age 7 and decided he wanted to compete at 8. He attended his first nationals at 9 and earned his first podium finish, second in bouldering, at 10.
As he returns for his senior year at Cascades Academy, Perullo will resume his serious afterschool training routine of four to five hours a day, five days a week, then home for dinner, studies and bed. Training includes climbing laps on the wall and doing forearm curls and other specialized muscle exercises to build up strength everywhere from his toes to his fingers. Of all the training, he says 70 percent of it is on the wall.
For climbing, Perullo says he is not trying to develop huge muscles, so it’s “activities that make you super strong but not super big.”
Upon his return from Finland, he took a twoweek break from serious training and got to do some hiking and hanging out with friends, normal teenage activities that he has to eschew during training season. He says he misses those things but accepts that it’s part of the sacrifice he has to make to be successful. Perullo also has a parttime job that he has to cut back on while training.
As he heads into the coming season, Perullo says he wants to cut down on sugar. “This year I’m going to try to focus more on my diet.” This means three meals a day, with healthful snacks in between. He points out that training for the
two disciplines burns a lot of calories.
“If I have a cheeseburger from time to time, it’s not the end of the world.” He said he also will not cut out pizza entirely, but adds, “I’m not going into the Doritos bag.”
The goal remains the same, to qualify for the worlds next summer in Italy.
Next up is the 16-over elite nationals in February and team trials in March, then the nationals, all leading up to the worlds. Since winning this year’s nationals in bouldering, he says he really wants to win the national championship in lead climbing next year. “I would love that, too.”
He welcomes any sponsors who can help him cover expenses for all the regional, national and international competitions.
Meanwhile, through a deal with the U.S. team, he gets to pay in-state tuition to attend the University of Utah and plans to study to become a paramedic firefighter, and down the road, train for the 2028 Olympics, if that plays out.
Nathaniel Perullo takes a break at the Bend Endurance Academy.
To qualify for the world championships, Bend climber Nathaniel Perullo had to finish high at the nationals held in Portland earlier this year.
Nathaniel Perullo competes at the world championships in Helsinki, Finland.
Richard Sitts
Nathaniel Perullo
Nathaniel Perullo
By Nic Moye
Bend Artists’ Studio Tour
Fifteen artists open their doors to the public
The Bend Artists’ Studio Tour is returning for the second year. The free, self-guided event is spread throughout Bend at seven locations from Deschutes River Woods to northeast Bend. It’s an opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside the studios of 15 artists representing fused glass, oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastels, photography and mixed media.
Barbara Alford — pastels
Barbara Alford’s pastel paintings blend impressionistic realism with a contemporary edge. Her subjects reflect the landscapes of the southwest and the pacific northwest, giving viewers the opportunity to finish her paintings in their own mind’s eye.
Bob Lercari — fused glass
As a retired aerospace engineer turned fused glass artist, Lercari says a hobby has grown into a full-time artistic pursuit. He creates functional art — ranging from night lights and dishes to clocks, mirror frames and wall hangings. His designs draw inspiration from local flora and fauna, as well as the vibrant sea life of Maui, where he once lived.
Bob Rowley — oil, pastel, watercolor
With a background in marine biology and a Ph.D in kelpbed ecology, he brings a scientific curiosity and sense of exploration to his second career as a painter. He works primarily in oils and pastels, drawn to the drama of local landscapes — especially the high desert, lava flows and Cascade range.
Dianne Lay — watercolor
Based in Sunriver, watercolor artist Dianne Lay captures the quiet beauty of everyday life through the fluid and expressive nature of transparent watercolor. Her work is rooted in personal memory and a strong connection to place — from the open skies of her Nebraska childhood to the high desert light of Central Oregon.
Jesica Carleton — glass & mixed media
Jesica Carleton is a multidisciplinary artist whose diverse artistic journey spans sewing, quilting, batik, ceramics, welding, acrylic pours, glass fusing and more. Mosaic art is her current focus as she pushes its boundaries, blending abstract, representational, and whimsical elements across varied scales and settings.
Karen Bandy — acrylic & oil painting
Karen Bandy’s abstract paintings are inspired by the bold colors of nature and expressive beauty of wildlife, especially birds. She weaves animals and natural elements into imaginative scenes.
Karen Mcquown - ceramics
Karen Mcquown’s relationship with clay spans back to 1979. She likes to make people smile with work that’s whimsical and silly. An arm injury prompted her to switch from wheel throwing to hand sculpting as her primary mode of creating.
Kathleen Veenstra — oil painting, ceramics
Inspired by the vivid colors of trees, water, shifting skies and the layered textures of the Oregon landscape, Kathleen Veenstra expresses her vision through oil painting and stoneware ceramics. She often sketches or photographs scenes outdoors, then develops the work in her studio.
Kay Baker — oil, pastel, watercolor
Kay Baker’s work reflects a rich tapestry of travel. Spending her formative years in North Africa deeply influenced her creative spirit. She studied oil painting and developed a successful art career, later expanding her practice to include watercolor and pastels after relocating to Bend.
Ken Meyer — photography
Ken Meyer is a nature photographer whose work is driven by a deep personal connection to the outdoors. His favorite subjects include colorful blooms, vivid sunsets and reflections in alpine lakes.
Laura Jo Sherman — pastels
Laura Jo Sherman’s passion for art led her to a 30-year career as an art teacher before becoming a full-time pro fessional pastel artist. Working quickly on sanded surfaces, Sherman embraces spontaneity, often revising and rework ing pieces. Her subjects range from animals and flowers to the striking landscapes of Central Oregon.
Melissa McGlenn — mixed media
Melissa McGlenn is a mixed media artist whose work serves as a channel for healing and transformation, inspired by dreams, hypnotic visions and a profound connection to nature. She explores beauty through painting, jewelry design, digital art, clay sculpting and mixed media collage.
Shana Laursen — mixed media
Shana Laursen is a versatile artist whose work spans acrylic, soft pastel, encaustic, printmaking and mixed media to capture the essence of ideas, moods, and the natural world. For Laursen, art is a journey of discovery — a dynam ic dialogue between intention and material that reflects life’s rhythms and transformations.
Susan Hood — oil painting
Inspired deeply by the landscape’s light, rhythm, and quiet mystery, Susan Hood works primarily in oils, both en plein air and in the studio, to translate the natural world into a compelling visual language. Immersed in the environment, painting outdoors keeps her connected and responsive to the moment.
Denise Rich - acrylic and watercolor
Denise Rich specializes in painting cows and cattle. In 2006 she received a commission to create the art for the “Real California Milk” campaign. She was drawn to cows from the moment she first photographed them, realizing they were individuals with unique and charming personalities.
Bend Artists’ Studio Tour Sat.-Sun., Sept. 13-14 11am-4pm Six locations in Bend sagebrushersartofbend.com/bend-artists-studio-tour Free
Karen Mcquowan's clay sculptures are designed to make people smile.
mudlakestudios
ASTROLOGY
By Rob Brezsny
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The Basenji is a dog breed that doesn’t bark. Instead, it produces an eerie, melodic yodel called a baroo. This oddity isn’t a flaw or drawback; it’s an interesting uniqueness. In the coming weeks, Virgo, I invite you to express your personal versions of the baroo—your idiosyncratic offerings and singular gifts. Playfully resist the pressure to be more conventional or “on brand.” Be faithful to what yearns to come out of you, which may be raw, radiant, and a little weird. Let your authenticity be exactly what it is: a beacon, not a liability.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Scientists discovered that some caterpillars, while dissolving inside their cocoons, retain memories of their caterpillar lives even after becoming butterflies. In my view, that’s equivalent to us humans remembering details of our previous incarnations: having an allnew body but being able to draw on what our past body learned. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you will be able to draw on this amazing capacity in the coming weeks. The person you used to be will have key revelations and inspirations for the future you.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): According to Celtic mythology, Cerridwen is the goddess of inspiration. In her cauldron, she brews magical elixirs that bestow the powers of wisdom, creativity, and transformation. The humans most likely to earn her blessings are those who are patient and willing to be changed. Of all the signs in the zodiac, you Scorpios are now at the top of the eligibility list for gifts like these. And the next three weeks will be the most favorable time for you to ask for and receive such blessings. Here’s a clue that will help you get all you deserve: Believe in magic.
kotekan. Two instrumentalists play distinct musical parts that together create a seamless, intricately melodic and rhythmic texture. Let’s make this your metaphor to live by in the coming weeks, Pisces. In my astrological opinion, you are not meant to work solo. Your greatest success and most fun will come by generating harmony through collaborative improvisation and shared timing. A small warning: Someone else’s input may at first feel like interference, but it’s actually the missing part of the song. Let yourself blend, bounce, echo, and respond. Genius will be born in the spaces between.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): I can’t speak the Quechua language, which is Indigenous to the Andes Mountains. But I have lifted one of their words to use for our purposes here: munay. It refers to an intensely practical and visionary love that includes far more than sweet feelings and affection. When we practice munay, we offer discerning respect and detailed appreciation to those we adore. We are generously eager to help our allies live their best lives. It takes discipline! And focus! And ingenuity! To be a rigorous and vigorous source of munay, we must cultivate it as a daily practice. In the coming weeks, Aries, I hope you will go a bit wild in your expression of this tender force of nature. Imagine yourself as a gentle whirlwind of love that spreads interesting beauty and bestows useful blessings. Be a relentless dispenser of catalytic gifts.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In ancient Chinese philosophy, ziran means naturalness, spontaneity. It might refer to the way a mountain is purely a mountain, and a wave is a wave without trying to be a wave. I think you Sagittarians are due for an extended engagement with this wild ease and elegant freedom. After weeks of inner labor, your soul wants to breathe in ziran. Your assignment is to let yourself be as natural and unconstrained as you dare—not correct or careful or “optimized.” So I advise you to head in the direction of what’s simple and real and good. Emphasize smoothness over effort. Choose your rhythm, not theirs. You aren’t required to prove your healing. You just have to live it.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The medieval Persian polymath Avicenna believed the soul entered the fetus not with the first heartbeat, but with the first dream. I offer this idea for your poetic consideration, dear Taurus. Let’s imagine that the next beautiful thing you create will not arise from your forceful intention. Rather, it will emerge because you give yourself permission to fantasize, to wander freely in wonder, and to meander with curiosity on the frontiers. Your assignment is not to hustle, but to incubate; not to push forward, but to dwell expectantly in the mystery.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “Serendipity" is an English term that refers to beautiful accidents, fortunate interruptions, unexpected opportunities, and surprisingly wonderful discoveries (The French equivalent is sérendipité; Italian: serendipità; Japanese: serendipiti.) The word didn’t exist until 1754, when author Horace Walpole coined it. Lovely outbreaks of good luck and uncanny blessings had been happening from time immemorial, of course, even though there wasn’t this precise word for them. Here’s a key point: They are more likely to occur if you believe they’re possible and make yourself alert for their arrival. That’s good advice for you right now.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): The placenta is the only organ that the human body creates from scratch and then discards. Let’s pause for a moment to register how remarkable this is: to grow a temporary life-support system and then jettison it once its purpose is fulfilled. Inspired by this miracle, I speculate that you may soon undertake a metaphorical version of it. A situation or experience that has nurtured you is reaching the end of its mission. Though it has served you well, the wise move might be to outgrow it and move on to a new phase of your evolution. At the very least, it’s time to embark on a search for new forms of nourishment.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In Balinese gamelan music, there's a technique called
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The bowerbird constructs elaborate ground-based shrines not as nests but as seduction lures. The enticer might gather blue bottle caps, yellow flowers, and shiny stones so as to create a scene that piques the attention of a potential mate. These objets d’art are not merely decorative. They are displays that demonstrate discernment, skill, and aesthetic intelligence. I authorize you to be like a bowerbird, Gemini. What collection of symbols, words, gestures, and curiosities will magnetize the people or opportunities you long to engage with? It’s not about flashiness; it’s about alignment. What you draw into your sphere will reflect the vibes you emanate.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): The pearl doesn’t begin as treasure. In its earliest form, it’s an irritation: a grain of sand that’s really a wound inside the oyster. Over time, the creature coats it with layers of nacre, turning discomfort into luminescence. Let’s use that as a metaphor for you, Cancerian. In my view, your task right now is not to escape or shed what’s bugging you, but to expedite the coating process. What is that gritty thing? A memory, injustice, or unmet yearning? It’s crucial you don’t reject it and don’t let it fester. I think it’s best to turn it, layer by layer, into a luminous asset, even a treasure. Prediction: The pearl you form will long outlast the wound.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Olive trees can thrive in rugged environments, including rocky and nutrient-poor soils. Their root systems are wide, deep, and resilient. They are well-adapted to full sun, high temperatures, and low water availability. In comparing you to an olive tree, Leo, I’m not implying you will always have to be as hardy as they are. But in the coming weeks, you will be wise to be equally plucky and persevering. Here’s another fact about the olive tree you can and should emulate: Its fruit is valuable and in demand.
By Brendan Emmett Quigley
Pearl’s Puzzle
"Yo, hombre"
Play by Sophocles
"Has it been a morning!"
Euphoric
Canvas holder
Ref's decision
Look over
Like bad actors
Shine brightly
Hotel desk feature
High seeds' rewards
"No doubt of it"
"Wuthering Heights" author
Bloviation 23. "The most powerful drug used by mankind," per Rudyard Kipling 24. NBA legend nicknamed "Clyde the Glide" 26. Cavalry sword 27. Unmatched 28. Copy 30. Sudden and unexplained loss of ability among athletes 31. Peer 32. Bolivian capital 33. Cracker spreads 35. Sporcle offering
36. Think quickly on one's feet
38. ___ magnetism
39. Scale range
44. Activity for goal-oriented people?
45. Stints on the job
46. To the point
48. Leprechaunish
49. It may be tapped in a game room
50. Juice provider
51. Sunday service settings
53. Bordeaux product
54. Wraps up
55. They may get crushed or massaged
56. Microdermabrasion location
57. "For real?"
58. Dark 'n' Stormy ingredient
Puzzle for the week of September 8, 2025 Difficulty Level:
Puzzle for the week of September 8, 2025
Difficulty Level: ●●○○
Fill in every row, column, and 3x3 box with each of the letters
Fill in every row, column, and 3x3 box with each of the letters exactly once. NACHO TIDE
N A C H O T I D E exactly once.
Fill in every row, column, and 3x3 box with each of the letters N A C H O T I D E exactly once.
The highlighted letters read left to right and top to bottom will complete the quote: “There. I've poked my leg, rolled down a bank and been with the All simple things. All fixable things.”
The highlighted letters read left to right and top to bottom will “There. I've poked my leg, rolled down a bank and been All simple things. All fixable things.” ― Gary Paulsen, Brian's Return
W G N C R P F U O
Answer for the week of September 1, 2025
P F U O W G C R N R O C U F N W P G
G W F P U O R N C
U C O R N W G F P
N R P F G C O W U
“Who says today's kids deserve a quality education? Why can't they grow up confused like the rest of us?” —author unknown
“Who says today's kids deserve a quality education? Why can't they grow up confused like the rest of us?” - author unknown
UNDERSTANDING INTIMACY
A COLUMN THAT FOSTERS DEEPER LOVE BETWEEN COUPLES
By Dr. Jane Guyn
Intimacy in Marriage
I am having some problems in my marriage. We’ve been married for about 10 years and have two busy kids. The problem is intimacy. Even though we have sex a couple of times a month, my husband is really unhappy about it. He says that he doesn’t think we’re ever actually intimate, which I don’t understand. I don’t get what he’s complaining about because I’m always the one who offers to connect. He never seems very interested and rejects me fairly often. Another problem I have is with sexual pain. When we have sex, it starts out fairly fast and sometimes it even hurts me. I put up with it because I think it’s important for our marriage but it’s not working for either of us. What’s going wrong?
From,
Got a Problem in the Bedroom
Dear Got a Problem, Thanks so much for reaching out. I hear about this type of problem all the time. One of the things that
Top Shops is a special advertising supplement in our annual Fall Arts & Style issue which will showcase our love of local retailers and designers.
Fall is the time for our readers to revamp their wardrobe, outdoor clothing and gear, home decor and personal style With a Top Shops feature, you can show our readers what you have to offer with a description of your unique shop, photo, and contact info at a great rate.
TAKE ME HOME
Thinking About Renting Your House Instead of Selling?
Read This First
If your house is on the market but you haven’t gotten any offers you’re comfortable with, you may be wondering: should I just rent it instead?
There’s a term for this in the industry and it’s called an accidental landlord. Why This Is Happening More Often Right Now
The number of homeowners turning into accidental landlords is rising. Basically, sales have slowed as buyers struggle with today’s affordability challenges. That’s leaving some homeowners with listings that sit and go stale. If they don’t want to drop their price to try to appeal to buyers, they may rent instead.
Here’s the thing you need to remember: becoming a landlord wasn’t your original plan and there’s probably a reason for that. It comes with a lot more responsibility (and risk) than most people expect. Ask yourself these questions first:
1. Does Your House Have Potential as a Profitable Rental?
Just because you can rent it doesn’t mean you should. For example: Are you moving out of state? Managing maintenance from far away isn’t easy.
• Does the home need repairs? Do you have the time or the funds for that?
• Is your neighborhood one that typically attracts renters and would your house be profitable as one?
• If any of those give you pause, it’s a sign selling might be the better move.
2. Are You Ready To Be a Landlord? On paper, renting sounds like easy
passive income. In reality, it often looks more like this:
• Midnight calls about clogged toilets or broken air conditioners
• Chasing down missed rent payments
• Damage you’ll have to fix between tenants
As Redfin notes:
“Landlords have to fix things like broken pipes, defunct HVAC systems and structural damage, among other essential repairs. If you don’t have a few thousand dollars on hand to take care of these repairs, you could end up in a bind.”
3. Have You Thought Through the True Costs?
According to Bankrate, here are just a few of the hidden costs that come with renting out your home:
• A higher insurance premium (landlord insurance typically costs about 25% more)
• Management fees (if you use a property manager, they typically charge around 10% of the rent)
• Maintenance and advertising to find tenants
• Gaps between tenants, where you cover the mortgage without rental income coming in
All of that adds up, fast.
While renting can be a smart move for the right person with the right house, if you’re only considering it because your listing didn’t get traction, there may be a better solution: talking to your current agent and revisiting the pricing strategy on your house first.
