On the Cover: “Make Me One With Everything,” a painting by Ryan Harris, is a tonguein-cheek take on modern spiritualism. It's a playful yet introspective meditation on the fusion of identities, cultures and consciousness that are inherent in the cosmic joke. An echo in a series exploring the search for truth in a time of artificial clarity.
Ryan Harris, an acrylic painter, has his work displayed in galleries across the country. You can find all his available work at ryanharrisart.com and his Instagram @ryanharrisart.
Call for Artists: If you're interested in being a SW featured artist, email: production@bendsource.com.
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EDITOR’S NOTE:
Local health officials are alarmed at the spike in HIV cases in Deschutes County. Reporter Sarah Isak-Goode takes a look at the hidden health crisis. In other news, a new festival is setting the stage for a permanent co-op encompassing a tea house and other creative and wellness enthusiasts. Also, some young local athletes are part of a movie being filmed in Texas. And a One Day Choir open to anyone who wants to share the joy of singing together.
A special note: Cocktail Week kicks off Thu. Sept. 18-Wed. Sept. 24, featuring $10 cocktails and $8 mocktails. There’s also a scavenger hunt. Submit answers online to enter a drawing for prizes. Cocktail Week is sponsored by The Liquor Store in Newport Ave. Market. — Managing Editor Nic Moye
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Thanks to Instagram user @owenjflannery for capturing the fun to be had on a brilliant September day at Smith Rock State Park.
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Let’s Champion Political Debate,
lot has been said this week about the shooting death of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. Many have made him out to be something of a martyr. Others have said his inflammatory rhetoric made him an inevitable target for political violence. According to the binary political positions that some people live under, he was either a
But there is a third position.
If anyone has managed to cut through some of the partisan noise this week to deliver a message that should be palatable to anyone who believes in the American experiment, it was perhaps Sen. Bernie Sanders, the independent senator from Vermont, who posited that a free exchange of ideas and robust debate, not base violence, should be the way to work through disagreements.
“A free and democratic society, which is what America is supposed to be about, depends upon the basic premise that people can speak out, organize and take part in public life without fear — without worrying that they might be killed, injured or humiliated for expressing their political views,” Sanders said in a video statement posted Sept. 11. “In fact, that is the essence of what freedom is about and what democracy is about. You have a point of view, that’s great. I have a point of view that is different than yours, that’s great. Let’s argue it out. We make our case to the American people at the local, state and federal level, and we hold free elections in which the people decide what they want. That’s called freedom and democracy. And I want as many people as possible to participate in that pro-
Sanders said he disagreed with much of what Kirk stood for. But Kirk’s willingness, during his many public appearances at college campuses, to debate those who disagreed with him was what Sanders is advocating for. Come to the podium.
Speak your piece. Let the debate be the fodder to change minds. In Kirk’s case, that debate often involved humiliating less-prepared college girls, but the spirit of debate was there. His death, then, was a violent flashpoint. The message: speaking your mind might get you killed.
Sanders went on to say, “Political violence, in fact, is political cowardice. It means that you cannot convince people of the correctness of your ideas, and you have to impose them through force,” he said.
These days, much of the debate and support for the notion of free speech comes from journalists. Newspapers and other media outlets are supposed to be places where the free exchange of ideas is celebrated — through letters to the editor, guest opinions, profiles of community leaders and more. But in the modern media landscape, alongside that effort to share ideas, is a race to the bottom. Social media algorithms elevate the most inflammatory statements. The “good news” falls by the wayside. In the wake of this information landscape, society has a values problem: We can’t agree that common courtesy has a place in our community. That’s priming the pump for civil unrest outside the internet.
Given the scope of digital media and the algorithms that drive it, much of political debate is outside of our control. But what is in our control is what we choose to consume, and how we choose to react. We agree with Sanders when he advocates for a free exchange of ideas. And, society clearly needs to find a more effective way to push back against rhetoric that is aimed at harming others. This is the challenge for those on the left and the right who initially prided themselves on being “American” first. There is a reason that free speech is the “First” Amendment. It is time to be effective, convincing AND respectful as we try to move forward.
Letters
THE RHYTHM OF THE SEASONS
Nature moves in cycles—seasons of growth, harvest, rest, and renewal. Yet so many of us try to live as if we are machines, expected to produce and perform without pause. Over time, this leaves us depleted, disconnected, and longing for balance.
As a nurse practitioner and trauma-informed coach, I’ve seen how honoring our own natural cycles can bring healing. Just as autumn reminds us to let go, winter invites us to rest, spring awakens us to possibility and summer calls us into fullness — our lives also move through these phases. When we align with them instead of resisting, we create more clarity, energy and peace.
This is the intention behind the monthly Sister Circles I host in Bend. Each circle follows the rhythm of the seasons, offering women a sacred space to reflect, share, and reconnect with themselves and others.
In addition, I offer a monthly Nervous System First Aid class, where I teach practical tools for restoring calm and resilience in daily life.
As we welcome autumn, may we each find ways to honor the wisdom of the seasons and allow them to guide us toward greater balance and wholeness.
In our fast-paced, high-pressure world, burnout has become a quiet epidemic. Women in particular often carry the invisible weight of work, caregiving and community responsibilities — leaving little time to tend to their own well-being.
—Willow Merchant
HIGH COST OF CALLING SOMEONE A NIMBY
If you’ve spoken up at a city council meeting lately, you may have noticed something strange. If you raise questions about fire safety, infrastructure or water supply, you’re not met with dialogue, your met with a label: “NIMBY.”
Not a neighbor. Not a taxpayer. Not a citizen. Just a “NIMBY.”
This label is more than lazy rhetoric. It’s a calculated attempt to discredit residents who dare to question the wisdom of Oregon’s high-density housing mandates. And it’s part of a larger strategy to make it politically toxic to care about your neighborhood.
The YIMBY movement, short for “Yes In My Back Yard” and now also known as WIMBY (Wall Street In My Backyard) likes to claim the moral high ground. They speak of equity & affordability while pushing policies that, in practice, produce thousands of market-rate rental units, in cities already grappling with
HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY?
Send your thoughts to editor@bendsource.com.
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overburdened infrastructure.
The promise is affordability. The result is investor-friendly projects that produce mostly rentals owned by Wall Street corporations or billionaire landlords, with the intention of supporting their vision of a renter society.
In comparison to apartments, few real homes for real families are being constructed, & even fewer that are affordable.
Meanwhile, local communities are left holding the bag. Let’s talk about that bag: When hundreds of units are fast-tracked into a built-out city like Bend, someone has to pay for the expanded sewer systems, storm water drainage, road maintenance, increased fire protection, water reliability upgrades, & school capacity.
But under many of these “by-right” development policies, developers aren’t required to fund those upgrades proportionally, or at all. They walk away with their profits, while residents are left with the consequences.
Prudent inquiry isn’t opposition. It’s common sense. And calling it “NIMBYism” doesn’t make the problems go away.
Worse, these labels shut down nuanced discussion & vilify anyone who doesn’t subscribe to the state’s central government approach to planning. It’s a dangerous precedent: disagree with the orthodoxy, & you’re morally suspect.
The truth: Opposing poorly planning density is not immoral. Pretending we can pile people into high-cost rentals with no investment in schools, infrastructure or public services — that’s what’s immoral.
It’s time we stop letting name-calling drive public policy. Residents aren’t against housing. They’re against being steamrolled by policies that ignore ground truth realities. A community’s ability to say, “This project doesn’t fit here, for these reasons,” is not obstruction, it’s stewardship.
Let’s not forget the irony: The very people calling for dense rental development in the name of affordability are often the same ones fighting to block single-family starter homes in other areas, because they don’t align with the ideology of “build up, not out.”
They’re not fighting for ownership opportunities or long-term affordability. They’re fighting for density as a virtue in & of itself.
But density isn’t a moral category. It’s a planning tool, & one that must be used thoughtfully, not ideologically.
Communities deserve a seat at the table when it comes to shaping their future. Local input is not the enemy of housing; it’s the key to getting housing right.
We can build more homes & protect the character, safety & integrity of the places people already call home. But we’ll never get there if we continue to demonize those who speak up.
—Shelly Dowd
SUPPORT FOR MEMORIAL
Dear Bend City Counselors,
My name is Jenni Peskin and from 2002-2012, I was the Executive Director for Human Dignity Coalition, a former local human rights organization. During that time, one of the actions I am most proud of my city for doing was unanimously passing the Equal Rights Ordinance. This was in 2004, and at the time, it was still legal in the state of Oregon to fire someone, not rent to someone or refuse services to someone based on the color of their skin or who they love. Bend was part of a patchwork of local governances that eventually changed the state law.
If you were around at that time, perhaps you remember the full-page ad the Catholic Diocese put in the Bend Bulletin against our ordinance. Or perhaps you remember the rumors that the opposition was going to fill City Hall with their hate. Perhaps you remember that Bend had to host the public meeting about the ordinance at The Tower because so many people, both for and against, were meant to show up and speak out.
We did have the meeting at The Tower with an overflow room at City Hall. And yes, there were some “fire and brimstone” speakers. But overwhelmingly, there were people who supported equality and fairness. There were soccer moms and faith leaders and doctors and teachers who all said that they wanted to live in a place where all people can go to work, rent a home and eat out without being discriminated against. It was an easy win that night — and a unanimous vote from the Bend City Council.
I understand that you are receiving letters from people who do not want a memorial for Barry Washington. I can only imagine the fear that lives in these peoples’ hearts that is being stoked by the current political climate. I know our town does better when everyone is lifted up. The memorial is one way to do this lifting. Let’s remember who we were back at The Tower in 2004- where love won out over fear and we could be proud of our little town of Bend.
—Jenni Peskin
Letter of the Week:
Thank Jenni. As letter of the week, you can stop by our office for a gift card to Palate coffee.
—Managing Editor Nic Moye
Kids Ski Free Passes Available This Month Only
Mt. Bachelor is offering a new "Kids ski free" deal that won’t be available after Sept. 30. The passes for kids 12 and under are available when adults purchase a full-price Outplay 365 or full season pass. It allows unlimited access with no blackout dates.
In April, the resort will begin to modernize the Northwest lift, replacing the top and bottom operator shacks, electric drive components, expand chair storage and install a night drive system allowing the haul rope to spin without chairs to minimize ice build-up and minimize weather delays.
Mt. Bachelor will also open a rental and retail shop at its Sun Country Tours office on SW 13th Street in Bend starting Oct. 4. The ski resort is planning to open on Friday Nov. 28. Mentors Wanted for Kids with Incarcerated Parents
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is seeking volunteers to mentor children who have parents in jail. Volunteers spend a few hours a week with a child doing fun activities or hanging out and talking. A one-year commitment is required. An orientation and training class for Central Oregon Partnerships for Youth (COPY) is being held Saturday, Sept. 27. The class, which is 3 ½ hours, covers how to establish a mentor relationship, communication skills and the impact incarceration has on families. The class is free, but registration is required through sheriff.deschutes.org/copy or 541-388-6651.
—Nic Moye
—The number of HIV cases in Central Oregon last year, the highest ever recorded, according to Jessie Hunsaker, STI/HIV regional epidemiologist for Deschutes County.
A New Bronze Plaque Will Honor the Life of Barry Washington, Jr.
The memorial for a man killed in 2021 will be permanently installed in downtown Bend
By Peter Madsen
Abronze memorial plaque for Barry Washington Jr., a man shot and killed in downtown Bend, will be unveiled in late September or early October.
Washington was 22 when he was killed at the corner of NW Wall Street and NW Oregon Avenue, on Sept. 19, 2021. Hundreds of people attended a vigil to honor Washington in the days after, the Source reported.
The 2.5-foot bronze plaque will feature an image of Washington, a Bible verse and a quote from Washington. Washington’s family wishes to keep those details private until the public unveiling, said Katherina Barguil, Bend’s community relations manager.
The plaque is being made by Noble Bronze, a choice made by Washington’s mother and local community members. The plaque will stand on a post anchored with concrete in the sidewalk near the corner of NW Wall Street and NW Oregon Avenue. The city’s Transportation & Mobility Department is determining its exact location, so the anchor doesn’t interfere with underground utilities.
The bronze plaque, which costs about $3,800, is still in production. Its cost was crowdfunded with help from Central Oregon Earthseeds, a mutual aid organization. The funds were raised in about a day. Washington had recently moved to Bend from the Bay Area.
“I want to do that because it looks pretty cool.”
—11-year-old Margot TatumLing who won a National Champion award in the Aerialympics from “Strength in Silks.”
Since Washington’s death, his family, friends and community members advocated the City for a permanent memorial.
The creation of Washington’s memorial inspired the City to develop its memorial policy, which sets guidelines for family members to submit an application for a loved one who has lost their life to violence in Bend. Barguil said in an email that the application process for future memorials is meant to be flexible and supportive, with care to navigate grief and other emotions throughout the process. (The city does not presently have a webpage detailing its memorial policy. Folks with questions about submitting a proposal should email Katherina Barguil at kbarguil@bendoregon. gov)
Barguil has served as the City’s staff liaison to Washington’s family since October 2023. She said his loved ones have been a part of the entire planning process. They decided on the plaque’s design, its commission and requested the downtown installation. That’s where Washington was shot by Ian McKenzie Cranston, who was 27 at the time. That night, Washington had made a casual remark to Cranston’s partner and a fight ensued. Cranston is serving 10 years in prison, having been found guilty in November 2022 of manslaughter and the unlawful use of a weapon. He was found not guilty of second-degree murder.
Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler said in a statement: “I can say that having sat with Barry’s mother at the trial and sentencing hearing, I know she was grateful for all the community support. I’m thankful for all the work by City staff and community members to support her vision for a memorial and to see it through to completion.”
In keeping with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and other accessibility and community considerations, the memorial plaque will not get in the way of accessible parking or pedestrian use of the sidewalk.
Barguil wrote that the wellbeing, safety and thriving of all community members and visitors in Bend matter.
“Barry came to Bend a young man with hope and expectation in making Bend his home, and his life was taken too soon and in a violent way,” Barguil said. “He should still be here — for many in this community and beyond, he still is, continuing to transform the way we talk about safety, belonging and remembrance in Bend.”
Washington’s presence in Bend will be made permanent with the memorial plaque, she added.
“And now, in a way, Barry always will be here, his memory shared with us through the lens of his mother and family in the form of this memorial,” Barguil said.
—This story is powered by the Lay It Out Foundation, the nonprofit with a mission of promoting deep reporting and investigative journalism in Central Oregon. Learn more and be part of this important work by visiting layitoutfoundation. org. If you're interested in syndicating Lay It Out Foundation content or purchasing an article for use, you can do so through the website.
A small mural, honoring Barry Washington, Jr., stands near where the 22-year-old was shot and killed in 2021. A bronze memorial plaque will be unveiled nearby in the coming weeks.
Peter Madsen
COVID-19 Vaccine Access Limited in Oregon
Health
care workers say one effective tool in prevention is too hard
to get
By Sarah Isak-Goode
Since 2021, the COVID vaccine has been available to health care providers. However, federal changes to the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine program have introduced strict eligibility requirements and reduced availability, raising concerns among those who currently don’t qualify for the vaccine. In the coming days, state and local officials hope to gain more information about how federal policy aligns with Oregon’s health policy goals.
“Without easy access to the COVID vaccine, I feel like one of the most effective tools to protect myself — and my patients — has been taken away from me,” says one local nurse, whose name is being withheld for privacy.
Currently, vulnerable groups have two options for getting the updated COVID vaccine: obtain a prescription from their doctor to take to a pharmacy or visit their health care provider’s office directly for vaccination — if doses are available.
Health care workers excluded despite frontline exposure
In August, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the updated COVID vaccine with a prescription for three specific groups: adults 65 and older, individuals who have never received a COVID vaccine and those at high risk for severe COVID outcomes. Highrisk categories include pregnancy, diabetes, obesity, cancer, disabilities and mental health conditions, among others.
Health care workers, despite their frontline status and ongoing exposure, were not included.
To deal with exposure, St. Charles Health System
analyzes its own test results to figure out when virus spread is likely and decides when staff need to wear masks while caring for patients. These masking policies are determined by local viral transmission rates for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. The COVID masking policy first began in the spring of 2020 and has undergone changes that reflect local virus levels.
Currently, COVID-19 test positivity in Deschutes County has exceeded 12.5% for two consecutive weeks, triggering masking requirements for St. Charles caregivers during patient care, reports Alandra Johnson, public information officer for St. Charles.
Federal approval process creates distribution delays
The current access problem stems from an unusual delay in the federal approval process. Typically, the FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention collaborate on COVID vaccine approval during summer months, allowing distribution by fall.
This year was different. While the FDA approved the new COVID vaccine in August, the CDC has not issued its official recommendations. The agency is waiting for its advisory panel —the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — to meet and provide guidance before moving forward. This “has caused mass confusion for insurance companies, pharmacies, clinics and public health departments,” says Sarah Van Meter, Deschutes County’s immunization program coordinator.
Without the CDC official recommendation, the state of Oregon has been in vaccine limbo. The Oregon Health Authority explains that “until that guidance is published, pharmacies in Oregon need a clinician’s prescription to give the vaccine.”
State seeks alternative solutions
In response to federal delays, Oregon has joined the West Coast Health Alliance, a regional effort focusing evidence-based recommendations for vaccines. The alliance hopes to eliminate restrictions and offer new COVID vaccine guidance this month.
The federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is scheduled to meet Sept. 18—19, with updated guidance expected to follow.
Complicated access issues
Professional medical organizations are continuing to recommend widespread vaccinations. The American Academy of Family Physicians maintains that adults under 65 should receive updated vaccines.
“History shows us that vaccines have eradicated diseases that were disabling and deadly in the past, and we can keep it that way, if we continue to vaccinate,” said Margot Savoy, chief medical officer of the AAFP in a recent press release. “Protecting public health is our collective responsibility.”
However, such guidance is not legally binding under current state protocols.
The Deschutes County Health Services website states that it does not currently have COVID-19 vaccine doses in stock and is awaiting supply from the Oregon Health Authority. Vaccines “weren’t already in stock in many pharmacies and clinics because everyone was awaiting the FDA approval for on-label usage. Shipments from manufacturers were being held until after FDA approval,” explains Deschutes County’s Van Meter.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have not given COVID recommendations, causing significant barriers to access throughout the country.
Rising COVID-19 rates are triggering masking requirements for health care workers at St. Charles.
COVID-19 rates in Deschutes County have risen for the past two weeks.
Unsplash Central Oregon Health Authority
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hair with Personal Flair
Downtown Bend (behind Silverado Jewelry) 1001 NW Wall St #103
Loni Van Duzer, Megan Sedres, Camille Newman, Diana Necessar y &
Blalack
REDMOND NEWS
Redmond Fire & Rescue Earns Peds Ready EMS Certification
Department receives statewide recognition for specialized pediatric emergency care standards
By Sarah Isak-Goode
Redmond Fire & Rescue has earned official recognition as a Peds Ready Emergency Medical Systems agency by the Oregon Emergency Medical Services for Children Program, highlighting the department’s commitment to emergency care for kids.
A Peds Ready agency is an ambulance service or hospital emergency room that’s been evaluated and found to have the right gear, supplies, medications, staff training, procedures and doctor supervision to deliver top-notch emergency care for kids and babies. Pride in achievement
Rachel Ford, program manager for the Oregon EMSC Program, praised the department’s efforts in a recent release. “Redmond Fire and Rescue is going above and beyond in their care of pediatric patients. The Oregon EMSC Program thanks them for their dedication to the provision of pediatric emergency medical and trauma care in their community.”
“The foundation within the communities that Redmond Fire and Rescue serves is uniquely strong and resilient. We strive to embody that same foundation. Thank you for trusting us to serve you and your families,” said Luke Jerome, Redmond Fire and Rescue’s EMS captain.
Rigorous standards
The Oregon EMSC Program reviewed and approved Redmond Fire and Rescue’s application once it confirmed the department met all the equipment, protocol and training standards for pediatric emergency medical and trauma care. The National Pediatric Readiness Project has identified many requirements for
emergency medical service providers. These include recognizing abnormal vital signs, caring for children with special needs and providing bereavement counseling. Specialty, child-sized equipment, including splints, oxygen monitors and drug-dosing guide, must also be available.
As part of the recognition, the department will receive a certificate and decals for each licensed ambulance. The department is encouraged to put decals on their ambulance in order to raise public awareness about pediatric emergency readiness, but it’s not required.
Program aims to strengthen statewide pediatric care
Redmond Fire & Rescue serves about 50,000 people in Redmond as well as surrounding areas like Terrebonne, Eagle Crest and Pronghorn. The department operates through four fire stations spread out across their territory. The department handles fire, rescue and ambulance around the clock.
The Oregon Emergency Medical Services for Children Program works to strengthen Oregon’s EMS system by sharing education, resources and quality improvement initiatives. The program supports EMS agencies and hospitals in providing pediatric emergency medical and trauma care, aiming for all providers to be “Everyday Ready” to treat children. The award was first established in 1986.
The recognition runs through Oct. 31, 2027, with renewals required every two years.
BRIGHTER FUTURES BENEFIT NIGHT
IN SUPPORT IF BRIGHTSIDE ANIMAL CENTER
Head to Juniper Golf Course for an evening showing love to local shelter pets. Ticket includes a welcome drink and appetizers. Look out for a silent auction, live music, vendors and lively conversation with other folks wanting to support dogs and cats looking for a new home. Fri., Sept. 19, 6-9pm at Juniper Golf Course. 1938 SW Elkhorn Ave., Redmond. $40
CLEVER GIRL: RED SPY QUEEN
AUTHOR TALK AT THE LIBRARY
Hear the story of the notorious Elizabeth Bentley who led the two largest 1930s Communist spy rings in America--and then, in a dramatic aboutface, became an FBI informant and helped to usher in the McCarthy Era. Author Lauren Kessler is an award-winning narrative nonfiction writer, including Bentley’s biography, “Clever Girl.” Sat., Sept. 20, 3-4pm at Redmond Library. 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond. Free.
Redmond Library
Redmond Fire & Rescue personnel are eager to share information with local school children.
Redmond Fire & Rescue
Rising rates of risky behaviors contribute to climbing infection rates, officials say
By Sarah Isak-Goode
Beth thought the hardest part was over when her COVID symptoms finally cleared in late 2022. Like many Central Oregonians, she had delayed routine health care during the pandemic, focusing instead on getting by while the world shut down around her. But months later, a routine blood test at Deschutes County’s health clinic revealed something far more serious: She was HIV positive and had likely been living with the virus for over a year without knowing it. Beth, whose last name is being withheld for privacy, had become one of an estimated 1,087 Oregonians living with HIV without realizing it — casualties of a pandemic that disrupted testing schedules, overwhelmed health care systems and left a hidden epidemic to spread unchecked through communities already struggling with isolation and economic uncertainty.
A hidden crisis emerges
Across Central Oregon, HIV rates are climbing to unseen levels.
“Preliminary data show that in 2024 we had 15 HIV cases in Central Oregon, the highest number ever recorded for our region,” says Jessie Hunsaker, STI/HIV regional epidemiologist for Deschutes County.
According to the Central Oregon Health Data Report, HIV in Deschutes County reached 88.7 cases per 100,000 people, the second-highest rate in Central Oregon. Jefferson County reported 90.4 cases per 100,000, while Crook County had 74.2. These figures represent a troubling reversal of nearly a
decade of progress, as new HIV diagnoses across Oregon jumped between 2021 and 2024, with rural counties bearing a disproportionate burden.
Central Oregon’s HIV crisis reflects broader national challenges: the intersection of rural health disparities, funding cuts, pandemic disruptions and changing social behaviors.
People are now being diagnosed with advanced HIV at higher rates than in previous years, suggesting they’ve been living with the virus longer before detection. The two-to four-week window when most people experience flu-like symptoms after contracting the virus often goes unrecognized or is attributed to COVID or flu. Some people show no symptoms at all.
Risk factors
Today’s HIV landscape differs dramatically from the crisis of the 1980s and 1990s. People diagnosed with HIV can live long, healthy lives with proper treatment. Daily HIV medication can reduce the virus to undetectable levels, meaning there’s effectively no risk of transmitting it to sexual partners — a concept known as “undetectable equals untransmittable.”
Medical advances have transformed HIV from a fatal diagnosis into a manageable chronic condition. Yet despite these breakthroughs and decades of public health education, HIV rates continue climbing in Central Oregon and across the nation.
Central Oregon’s HIV surge isn’t happening in isolation — it’s part of a
significant regional increase in sexually transmitted infections including gonorrhea and syphilis. Except for a brief decrease in 2018, gonorrhea rates in Central Oregon have been steadily increasing since 2009.
The rise in syphilis is the most concerning. Deschutes County reports that, “the syphilis rate in Central Oregon is growing faster than the statewide rate.”
In 2013, there were four cases of syphilis reported in Central Oregon; in 2024, there were 67 cases. The sharp increase in syphilis among women also raises concern for infants, who can be infected during pregnancy. “As syphilis continues to rise so dramatically, we expect to see HIV cases increase as well. These infections often occur together,” states Hunsaker.
People who engage in higher-risk
sexual behavior are more likely to contract STIs and HIV. According to the “International Journal of Sexual Health,” the rise of dating apps and online platforms has led to an increase in anonymous sexual encounters, making it harder to trace partners and contain the spread of infections. Even people who get tested for STIs may not realize that HIV and syphilis aren’t always included.
“Many people assume that when they get tested for STIs, they are automatically tested for HIV and syphilis. That is not always the case,” explains Hunsaker. “People need to ask specifically for these tests and advocate for themselves.” As HIV has become more manageable, many people now see it as less of a threat — often assuming they’re not at risk. A consensus studies report
The rising use of dating apps makes it harder to trace infected partners.
from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine notes that this shift has had serious public health impacts, making it harder to trace partners and control the spread of infection.
Injection drug use presents similar challenges for contact tracing and prevention efforts. The HIV Alliance reports that a connection between injecting drugs and HIV spread happens in several ways. When people share needles, the Alliance explains, it’s usually because they can’t get clean ones easily. The Trump administration has been pushing back against harm reduction services which offer opioid overdose reversal medications and clean needles. The approach has become a hot-button issue in drug policy debates. In July, President Donald Trump signed an executive order targeting homeless people and harm reduction efforts, telling the Department of Health and Human Services not to fund “programs that fail to achieve adequate outcomes, including so-called ‘harm reduction.’” Without clean needles, the chances of passing HIV go way up. On top of that, the shame and judgment around drug use often stops people from getting tested or seeking help, which just makes the problem worse, reports the journal of Medical Humanities.
According to an October 2024 Oregon Health Authority newsletter, total deaths among people living with HIV rose by 73%, from 100 in 2013 to 173 in 2022. During that time, drug-related deaths in this group jumped by 460%, far outpacing the 214% increase seen in the general population.
The Public Health Division of the Oregon Health Authority points out that when multiple health challenges pile up together, they create even bigger risks for people who are already struggling — especially those dealing with homelessness, trauma and ongoing stress. Each of these factors working together can lead to more HIV cases.
Still, it’s important to remember that HIV can affect anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. As Hunsaker points out, “HIV affects people from all walks of life. Anybody can acquire it.”
Federal cuts threaten HIV progress, prevention and care
The first half of 2025 brought an upheaval to HIV research funding. Government and medical sources documented sweeping changes to HIV-related federal programs. Among the cuts, both the National Institutes of Health and Health and Human Services terminated more than 1,800 grants— many focused on HIV, health equity and disparities research. Yale University researchers lost 17 NIH grants totaling $42.7 million, while George Washington University researchers saw over $3 million in similar funding disappear. A federal judge eventually intervened, halting further cancellations and ordering approximately 900 projects reinstated, but the damage had already begun.
Plans are also underway to ask Congress to rescind previously approved funds, and the latest budget request pushes for even deeper reductions. While Congress holds ultimate authority over federal spending, the president’s budget signals clear priorities for the administration. If these proposed cuts advance, the consequences for HIV research could be far-reaching and potentially undermine efforts to prevent new infections, advance treatment research and provide care for people already living with HIV.
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the proposed budget calls for cutting $1.5 billion from domestic HIV programs. The most significant reduction would target the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, historically the backbone of HIV prevention efforts, which would lose all $794 million of its HIV prevention funding. This represents a 78% cut nationwide and accounts for more than 90% of federal prevention dollars. The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program would survive, but take a $74 million hit. Several key parts of the program — such as education, training and health services — would vanish completely, finds the KFF. Cutting funds from domestic HIV programs would severely limit access to testing, treatment and prevention, especially in communities most at risk.
HIV research is expected to take a hit in the latest round of federal budget cuts. As a longtime global leader in HIV prevention, care and treatment, the U.S. could face serious setbacks. Funding for the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases is projected to drop by publications-new/articles/2025/steepcuts-in-presidents-fy-2026-budget-willmake-america-less-healthy-and-safe/” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>$2.4 billion compared to 2024 levels. The HIV + Hepatitis Policy Institute also reports that the National Institutes of Health could face a roughly 40% cut.
Support from legislation and local programs
Oregon lawmakers are taking a different approach, with new legislation aimed at expanding HIV testing and care access. House Bill 2943, introduced in 2025, would require emergency departments to include HIV and syphilis testing in routine blood work unless patients opt out. The bill remained in committee when the legislature adjourned on June 27, 2025, with no word yet on whether it will be reintroduced. Meanwhile, a companion measure, House Bill 2942, would address a bureaucratic barrier that has prevented pharmacists from receiving reimbursement for HIV care despite gaining prescribing authority under a 2021 law. That bill was successfully signed into law on May 28, 2025.
Central Oregon maintains HIV prevention and harm reduction services
Even as federal support remains uncertain, Central Oregon continues to deliver vital harm reduction and HIV prevention services. Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties offer free or lowcost STI and HIV testing. The Eastern Oregon Center for Independent
Living offers services in all three counties. Ryan White Case Management Services, operated by the EOCIL, connects people with HIV to care, meds, housing help, mental health support and more. In Oregon, anyone can consent to their own HIV testing, including teens. “Everyone should be tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime, and more often if they have ongoing risk,” says Hunsaker.
Recommendations
Health officials recommend regular testing based on risk factors. Most people should be tested at least once for HIV due to recent increases in Central Oregon, with more frequent testing for those with potential exposure. Testing recommendations include:
• Annual screening for sexually active people under 25
• Annual screening for those over 25 with potential STI or HIV exposure
The message from public health experts is clear: prevention works. Condoms, safer sex practices, syringe exchange programs, pre-exposure medications and post-exposure medications can help stop transmission.
For testing, prevention, or support services: Crook County Health Department, 541-447-5165
Deschutes County Health Services, 541-322-7155
Jefferson County’s Reproduction Health program, 541-475-4456
HIV can be transmitted in a variety of ways.
For many, flu-like symptoms are often the first sign of an HIV infection.
SOURCE PICKS
WEDNESDAY 9/17
QUEER IN NATURE
COMMUNITY MEDITATION
Find solace in nature and recharge, rest, and reconnect in queer community. This event includes a guided sensory meditation and a closing circle. Wed., Sept. 17, 1-2pm at Shevlin Park. 18920 Shevlin Rd., Bend. Free; register online at www.rootedpresence.com.
THURSDAY 9/18
EDUCATORS’ NIGHT OUT
AN EVENING AT THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM
Back-to-school night, but for adults! Central Oregon teachers, school administrators, paraeducators, teacher aides, content specialists and all educators are invited to network with community organizations to support and enhance their upcoming school year. Join in demonstrations and get take-home resources. Thu., Sept. 18, 6-8pm at the High Desert Museum. 59800 S. Highway 97, Bend. Free with RSVP.
FRIDAY - SUNDAY 9/19-9/21
CASCADE EQUINOX
MUSIC FESTIVAL AT THE FAIRGROUNDS
Headlined by Disclosure, Sylvan Esso, Big Gigantic and DJ sets from Chromeo and Passion Pit, this year’s Cascade Equinox Festival is this weekend’s place to get your dance party on. Beyond live music, the threeday festival will feature art spaces, workshops and a family zone. Fri., Sept. 19, Sat., Sept. 20 and Sun., Sept. 21 at Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center. 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond. $125-$325.
ANYTHING WITH WHEELS
CAR SHOW IN LA PINE
Show off your car, truck, motorcycle or anything on wheels at this all-day celebration. Proceeds from food and merch, along with donations, will go toward funding a new community splash pad. Sat., Sept. 20, 9am-4pm at the La Pine Community Center. 16405 First St., La Pine. Free.
VAN HENION OKTOBERFEST
THIRD ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL!
Van Henion’s Oktoberfest is a true ode to German beer. Featuring seven guest breweries, plus Van Henion’s own specially brewed Fest Bier, the celebration will also feature games, food and music. Cover charge includes beer tasting and a souvenir mug. Sat., Sept. 20, Noon-9pm at Van Henion Brewing. 63067 Plateau Dr., Bend. $20.
SATURDAY 9/20
AN EVENING WITH JAKE SHIMABUKURO
UKULELE MASTER AT THE TOWER
Since gaining prominence in the early 2000s, ukulele marvel Jake Shimabukuro has mesmerized audiences with his innovative and dynamic style, taking the instrument to dizzying new heights. Over a dozen solo albums, Shimabukuro has shown a knack for moving effortlessly between genres, sometimes in the same Sat., Sept. 20, 7:30pm at the Tower Theatre. 835 NW Wall St., Bend. $24-$54.
SATURDAY 9/20
BEND OKTOBERFEST
BAVARIAN CELEBRATION: HIGH DESERT-STYLE
This family-friendly fall event features live music, local eats, craft beer and a variety of entertaining competitions—think pretzel toss, yodeling, costume and barrel rolling contests. Importantly, there will also be dog-friendly competitions! It’s difficult to choose a favorite when the options include both “Running of the Bulldogs” and “Mutt Strut Dog Show.” Register online beforehand if you wish to participate in the various activities. Sat., Sept. 20, 2-9pm at Deschutes Historical Museum. 129 NW Idaho Ave., Bend. Free.
SUNDAY 9/21
BATTLE OF THE BANDS
ROCK AND ROLL FOR A CAUSE
Local bands will battle it out for all the glory while raising funds for the Ronald McDonald House, which provides a home away from home for families with children undergoing medical treatment. Featured bands include Atillion, The Headliners and Almost. Sun., Sept. 21, 3-6pm at Craft Kitchen and Brewery. 62988 NE Layton Ave., Bend. $20.
SUNDAY 9/21
DEEP SEA DIVER + MORPHO
ALT-ROCK AT THE VOLCANIC
Fronted by powerhouse Jessica Dobson, Deep Sea Diver brings its latest record, “Billboard Heart,” on tour with a stop in Bend. Known for its emotionally charged performances and dynamic soundscapes, the band blends shimmering synths, sharp guitar work and introspective lyrics. Sun., Sept. 21, 7pm at Volcanic Theatre Pub. 70 SW Century Dr., Bend. $27.
Sylvan Esso
S SOUND Heads-up for veteran band, Helmet Band leader Page Hamilton
and right to exist
By Dave Gil de Rubio
Novelist Toni Morrison once said, “All good art is political. And the ones that try hard not to be political are political by saying, ‘We love the status quo.’ “
If we’re keeping score, count Page Hamilton as being in the Morrison camp. While Hamilton’s band Helmet is best known for having emerged out of New York City’s post-hardcore scene in 1989 via the band’s debut “Strap It On” the following year, the quartet’s latest, 2023’s “Left,” finds Hamilton making his views clear about the current climate. Targets include second amendment zealots (“Gun Fluf”) and the deceitfulness so many politicians engage in (“Dislocated”). And while the Oregon native doesn’t consider himself overly political, he’s not above using his art to speak truth to power.
“At this point of my life, having lived 65 years on this earth and have voted since I was 18, I’ve never been really super politically outspoken as far as my music goes or standing on a soapbox of whatever,” Hamilton explained in a recent interview. “I’ve always felt every person should have an equal opportunity and right to exist and practice whatever religion they want. Or, live whatever sexual orientation it is. It’s really frustrating to me — (to) not just judge someone for being different than them, but want to politicize it and take someone’s rights away. I just think that’s unconscionable.”
The kind of fearmongering hatred floating in the air strikes even closer to home for the frontman, who has a gay brother and a trans godchild trying to make a go of it in a red state.
“That was kind of what was behind many of these [newer songs] like ‘Bombastic,’” Hamilton pointed out. “I have a trans godchild in Oklahoma, of all places, and they have quite a difficult time. We’re talking about a 14-year-old brilliant kid and they did the artwork for posters and t-shirts we did. I actually sent the lyrics to them to see and they were very excited. I feel like I wasn’t necessarily cramming any opinions down everybody’s throats — they’re just observations. That’s what songwriting is. I’m just making observations and how frustrating it is that a contingent of people feel they have the right to tell someone else that they can’t exist as they are. It’s mind blowing and wrong. Just stop. It has no bearing on their own lives — none whatsoever.”
While there are those that felt Hamilton was going out of his way to take a political stance, he insists it was not intentional. Instead, it was more about letting poetic muses ranging from Sylvia Plath to William Butler Yeats to Ezra Pound inspire him while continuing to draw inspiration from a range of musical influences that include George Benson, Grant Green and John Coltrane (of which a reading of his “Resolution” closes out “Left”).
“I had a conversation with my manager and he was just speculating,” Hamilton said. “He felt like the album was too political. I’ll be honest with you, I didn’t make a conscious decision. I just wrote the songs and they were coming out. It was really fun to write.”
Currently hitting the road with GWAR, Dwarves and Blood Vulture, Helmet will play songs from across its substantial canon, but not the same ones from night to night.
says every person should have an equal opportunity
"I always make it about music. I feel like my heroes, whether it’s Billie Holliday, John Coltrane, Ella Fitzgerald or Mozart, it was about the music."
— Page Hamilton
“Many of my friends in other bands do the same set every night and that’s great and fine — good for them,” Hamilton said. “But it would drive me nuts. We do a different set every night.”
Hamilton’s immediate pre-Helmet roots found him moving to New York City to study jazz guitar at the Manhattan School of Music before falling in with avant-garde composer Glenn Branca and noise rock outfit Band of Susans. That said, the Portland native’s roots include early musical memories of staving off car sickness by listening to America’s “Horse With No Name” in the back of his dad’s station wagon when he was about seven. Older relatives turned him onto everything from Kiss and Jim Croce to the Beatles and the Monkees. And then, a 14-year-old Hamilton discovered Led Zeppelin after trading a duplicate copy of Rod Stewart’s “A Night On the Town” at a local Payless drugstore, which eventually led to his parents buying him a $40 acoustic guitar for Christmas.
“I went in and got this copy of what I now know is ‘Led Zeppelin IV.’ There was this picture of a man with a bunch of sticks on his back and I thought it was really interesting and cool,” Hamilton recalled. “I traded my second copy of “A Night On the Town” for that, got home and put it on my crappy little record player
and I was gone. The way ‘Black Dog’ starts with the scraping on the strings — and that voice coming out from heaven — I flipped. I was about 14 or 15-years-old, started thinking about the guitar and became obsessed with Led Zeppelin. I saved up money from my job and eventually ended up getting every Led Zeppelin album. I would listen to two Led Zeppelin albums every day from beginning to end. That’s when I knew I had to get a guitar.”
Fast forward to today and Helmet will sandwich live dates around Hamilton’s work on a solo album in addition to producing L.A./Beijing group Cujo. And while it would be easy for him to lean into his band’s post-hardcore successes, Hamilton finds it far more interesting to dabble in writing scores and work with artists ranging from Nine Inch Nails and Joe Henry to Elizabeth Fraser of Cocteau Twins and Bono of U2. It’s what keeps the whole creative process interesting for Hamilton.
“For me, I always try to make it about music, not the business or the response to my music,” he said. “I always make it about music. I feel like my heroes, whether it’s Billie Holliday, John Coltrane, Ella Fitzgerald or Mozart, it was about the music. It’s not to say we don’t want an audience. We do. (But) I think anyone that’s strictly about catering to an audience, it cheapens what you do.”
Helmet
Sun., Oct. 26, 4:30pm Midtown Ballroom
51 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend midtownballroom.com/calendar $46.25
Page Hamilton says some of his songs are observations about people who wrongly judge others.
Raz Azraai
CALENDAR
17 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 The Kat Hall Band with Rubbah Tree Kat Hall is a Reggae, R&B, Funk artist originally from Jacksonville, Florida. Her unique style transcends boundaries to create a new style of Music, fusing reggae elements with funk, jazz and R&B beats among messages of unity, female empowerment, and individuality. 7-11pm. 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 If and When Relax with a pint and enjoy great local music. 6-8pm. Free.
Deschutes Brewery & Public House
Head Games Trivia Night Eat. Drink. Think. Win! Head Games multi-media trivia is at Deschutes Bend Public House every Wednesday. Win prizes. Teams up to six. 6:30-8:30pm. Free.
Dogwood At The Pine Shed Tropical Latin Dance Party Join us for a night of sizzling rhythms and spicy moves at Dogwood at The Pine Shed. Get ready to dance the night away to the hottest Latin beats in town. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just looking to have some fun, this event is perfect for everyone. 7-10pm. Free.
Drake Park Classical Music in the Wild Pianist Hunter Noack performs on a concert grand piano. Listen through wireless headphones and wander afield with the music as a soundtrack to your experience in the wild. 4-5:30pm. $45.
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.
LIVE MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE
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Pangaea Guild Hall Dungeons & Dragons for Beginners Take the first steps of a grand adventure! 6-9pm. $15.
Pinky G’s Pizzeria MUSIC BINGO Join music Bingo (think Bingo and Name that Tune). Great food, cold drinks and good times. Free to play and prizes for each round winner. 6-8pm. Free.
Ponch’s Place Bingo Wednesdays at Ponch’s Place Enjoy Bingo at Ponch’s Place on Wednesdays. 5:30-7pm. Free.
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.
18 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 Shine Enjoy an evening of acoustic goodness from Collective Soul to ELO, with Mark Creech, Dan Larsson and Sean Rule. Dance and sing the night away! 7:309:30pm. Free.
Crave Bend COMEDY OPEN MIC NIGHT
Comedy Open Mic Night on the SW side of Bend! Adults only encouraged. Intimate, smaller venue, healthier food and beverages, and an interactive night of comedy every Thursday! Hosted By Hopper. 7-9pm. Free.
The Dez Lounge Open Mic Join Joyful Lane at open mic night! Enjoy NA cocktails, charcuterie and dessert while listening to local talent! 6-9pm. Free.
Dogwood At The Pine Shed Let’s Have a Kiki A weekly 2SLGBTQIA+ night hosted by Cliché, with a new featured resident DJ each month. Kicking off the series in May with DJ Lunallday. Let’s have a kiki! 7-10pm. Free.
Elements Public House Trivia Night at Elements Public House with QuizHead Games Come be all you can be with Trivia Night every Thursday from 6-8pm! Featuring QuizHead. games. Located at the north end of Redmond. Full bar and great food! 6-8pm. Free.
Hayden Homes Amphitheater Warren Zeiders: Relapse, Lies, and Betrayal Tour Warren Zeiders is one of Country music’s newest and most promising up and coming artists whose unique sound and emotional songwriting have garnered widespread praise. At just 25, the Pennsylvania native has already made an undeniable mark on the genre, with more than three billion global career streams, two billion TikTok views and 7.6 million monthly listeners on Spotify. 7:30pm. $54.75+.
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 Skinny Dennis Skinny Dennis is an acoustic duo featuring Bill Sterling (guitar, vocals) and Rodney Toogood (bass, vocals). Classic rock, ‘80s indie pop, and original songs. Skinny Dennis’ sound will get you and your friends smiling and moving to tunes you know while discovering new favorites! 6-8pm. Free.
Mountain Burger Dad Bods Celebrating three years of serving Bend some of the best burgers, fries and craft drinks in town! Come sing, dance and toast to three years! 6-8pm. Free.
Ponch’s Place Trivia Thursdays at Ponch’s Place Trivia Thursdays at Ponch’s Place with QuizHead Games. 6-8pm. Free.
River’s Place Popcorn Trio Fun instrumental covers of your favorite pop songs. 6-8pm. Free.
SCP Redmond Hotel Third Thursday Spoken Word Night Step up to the mic for a spoken word night the third Thursday of the month. All writers and readers and word-lovers invited to attend and read. Readers are invited to arrive early to sign up. Readers have seven minutes at the mic. Food and drink are available for purchase 6-8pm. Free.
Silver Moon Brewing Trivia on the Moon Come down to Silver Moon Brewing for a night of trivia! Teams are welcome to show up in groups up to 8 people. Silver Moon also offers seating reservations for $20 donations that all go to F*Cancer! If you would like to reserve a table please contact the Trivia on the Moon Facebook page. 7pm. Free.
Sisters Depot Open Mic Our monthly Open Mic gives musicians a place to hear each other, cross-pollinate, and build musical community. For music lovers, it’s a chance to see a variety of local talent, in a lively atmosphere. Food and shareables available. 6-8pm. Free.
Stoller Wine Bar Bend Haute Melange This skillful quartet plays Gypsy Jazz ala Django Reinhardt & Stephane Grappelli. 6-8pm. Free.
Tower Theatre ABRA Cadabra: A Tribute to ABBA This is an unmissable, family-friendly event suitable for all ages, featuring a dynamic live band, stunning vocals, captivating dancers, and authentic costumes. Prepare for an interactive stage extravaganza that will have you dancing, singing along, and reliving the magic of ABBA’s greatest hits 7:30-10pm. $61-$68.
19 Friday
Bend Cider Co. Honey Don’t Enjoy old-time country western/bluegrass tunes! 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.
Cheba Hut Comedy Open Mic Bring your friends and let’s have some laughs together! 7:45-9pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub Not Your Ex Lover Not Your Ex Lover (NYXL) is a Latina, femme, glitter-rock band based in Bend. Their music tells the story of love and heartbreak with a grunge-pop vibe and lots of sparkle. 8-10pm. Free.
Craft Kitchen and Brewery Ball Pit Comedy Get ready for a night of side-splitting laughter with a twist! Join us for a comedy show where you become part of the action. Armed with colorful ball pit balls, the audience gets to toss (gently!) at comedians as they deliver their best punchlines. 8-9:30pm.
Currents at the Riverhouse Brandon Campbell Trio Catch the Brandon Campbell Trio at Currents at the Riverhouse in Bend. Blending gypsy swing, jazz, and rockabilly, Brandon’s innovative guitar work with upright bass and tenor guitar creates a captivating night of riverside live music. 7-9pm. Free.
The GRAMMY Award-winning Mariachi Divas is a long-running ensemble led by Cindy Shea, known for its joyful and energetic live shows and continual expansion of the scope of mariachi music. Catch the all-women group Sun., Sept. 21, 7:30pm at the Tower Theatre.
Mariachi Divas FB
Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center
Cascade Equinox Festival Experience three days of music, art, and community with Disclosure, Sylvan Esso, TroyBoi, Big Gigantic, Chromeo (DJ Set), Passion Pit (DJ Set), and more. Dance, discover, and celebrate under Central Oregon’s high desert skies. . $125-$325.
The Domino Room Definitely Dead Definitely Dead is a dynamic Grateful Dead tribute band from Woodlake, CA, whose members skillfully breathe new life into the iconic band’s timeless legacy. With nearly 200 years of professional musical experience between them, each member of Definitely Dead brings their unique talents and experiences to every room they play. 8pm-Midnight. $42.
Eurosports Sisters Food Cart Garden
Mortal Soulstice at Eurosports The best boomer duo you’ve never heard of performing your favorites in the lovely Eurosports Sisters Food Cart Garden 5-7pm. Free.
Hardtails Bar & Grill Stage 28 Karaoke Come out for a night of Stage 28 Karaoke with your host Miss Min! What’s your go-to karaoke tune? Come to Hardtails for a fun Friday night and sing your heart out! 8pm-Midnight. Free.
Ponch’s Place Music with Kel & Cal Enjoy Friday night music with Kel & Cal. 6-8pm. Free.
Sisters Depot Album Release Concert A CD-release concert which will include songs from his new album “Pages in Between” and will feature the amazing musicians who contributed their talents to the project. 6-8pm. $24.
Upp Liquids Bend Comedy Presents: “a New Trip” with Shane Mauss A psychedelic one-man comedy show. 8-10pm. $25.
Wildwood Bar & Grill Double Jump Double Jump is a local Indie Pop band with a variety of music for all generations. With high energetic vocals, to suave sax solos, to the beautiful ring of a cowbell; Double Jump can provide! 7-10pm. Free.
20 Saturday
Austin Mercantile Saturday Afternoon Live Music Austin Mercantile is now adding live music on Saturdays! Serving wine, beer, lite happy hour menu, gifts and home decor. Hope to see you soon! 4:30-6:30pm. Free.
The Belfry Tommy Castro and the Painkillers w/Ben Rice Throughout his long, constantly evolving career, guitarist, singer and songwriter Tommy Castro has always remained true to himself while exploring, growing and creating new music, and he has taken his thousands of devoted fans right along with him. 8-11pm.
Bend Cider Co. Apple Press Party Come hang with the community, press apples, and make some apple cider with us! 2-7:30pm. Free.
Bridge 99 Brewery Family-Friendly Karaoke Night Looking for family fun? You’ll find it every Saturday night at Bridge 99 Brewery. Family-friendly karaoke is hosted by DJ Jackie J and A Fine Note Karaoke Too from 6-9 PM. Adults, kids and good dogs welcome. 6-9pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub 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.
Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center
Cascade Equinox Festival Experience three days of music, art, and community with Disclosure, Sylvan Esso, TroyBoi, Big Gigantic, Chromeo (DJ Set), Passion Pit (DJ Set), and more. Dance, discover, and celebrate under Central Oregon’s high desert skies. . $125-$325.
The Dez Lounge Threads of Belonging: An Evening with Inna Kovtun Experience the unforgettable voice of Inna Kovtun, one of Ukraine’s most powerful ethno-singers, in an intimate performance blending ancestral song, contemporary sound, and stories of resilience. Her music carries the strength of generations, inviting you into a night of deep connection and celebration. 6-8pm. Free.
McKenzie General Store & Obsidian Grill Use’ta Do at McKenzie General Store enzie 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 Tentareign Tenta reign was born in 2005. Ever since this trio has pushed music around. Melting styles and search ing their souls. 8-11pm. Free.
Open Space Event Studios Improv Show case 500 by Bend Institute of Comedy Get ready for a night that can’t be rehearsed or repeated. Bend Institute of Comedy’s house teams Indoor Adventure Club and Mixtape take the stage, with a special drop-in from actor, director, and founder John Breen. Expect to laugh until milk comes out of your nose! (milk not included) 7:309pm. $20.
River’s Place Saturday Jazz Sessions Elise Franklin Quartet. 6-8pm. Free.
Wildwood Bar & Grill The Smoke Drifters
The Smoke Drifters are all about good friends, good vibes, and good times! Throw in some tasty all-original tunes based in folk rock, bluegrass, alt country, blues, and reggae, this central Oregon four-piece Roots Rock band will have you grooving and smiling all the same. 7-10pm. Free.
21 Sunday
The Commons Cafe & Taproom Trivia Night Sunday Funday Trivia with Sean. Gather your team, or roll solo and find a spot early in the cafe, knowledge tests begin at 6pm. Prizes for 1st and 2nd place. 6-8pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub 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
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 Broken Top Bluegrass A perfect way to spend the last day of Summer. A combined trifecta of traditional tunes, bluegrass and Primordial Oozegrass, Broken Top seeks to create a new original sound intertwined with the traditions of string band music 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.
Bevel Craft Brewing Bingo with Bren Bingo with Bren is supporting the amazing organiza
Relive ABBA’s greatest hits with ABRA Cadabra: an interactive tribute extravaganza. Family-friendly; singing TOMMY CASTRO AND THE PAINKILLERS "CLOSER TO THE BONE TOUR 2025"
CALENDAR EVENTS
The Capitol The Capitol Karaoke Music Weekly Karaoke at its finest! Central Oregon’s premiere karaoke experience has just moved locations! Now at the Capitol! Drink specials! Air guitars! Come see for yourself. 8pm-1am. Free.
The Cellar Open Mic Open mic at The Cellar hosted by Mari! 6-8pm and all are welcome! 6-8pm. Free.
The Commons Cafe & Taproom Open Mic StoryTellers open mic nights are full of music, laughs and community. Mason James is the host. Poetry, comedy and spoken word are welcome, but this is mainly a musical open mic. Performance slots are a quick 10 minutes each, so being warmed up and ready is ideal. If you wish to perform sign-ups start at 5pm in the cafe. 6pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub Michelle Van Handel: Tuesday Night Jazz Michelle is an award winning vocalist that has been singing for 25 years creating music through jazz and the great American song book. Her alto voice and ability to improvise gives her the natural resources to tell stories not only through lyric but also through instrumental like soul & tone. 7-9pm. 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.
MUSIC
Joshua Redman Quartet From its inception, the Blue Note label has stood for “The Finest In Jazz.” The same can be said for Joshua Redman. Over the past three decades, the saxophonist, composer, and bandleader has consistently demonstrated how to honor the music’s verities while expanding its reach in contemporary settings. Sept. 23, 7:30pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-317-0700. info@towertheatre.org. $44-$64. Mariachi Divas Founded in 1999 by musical director and trumpet player Cindy Shea, Mariachi Divas is an all-female ensemble that continues to expand the scope of mariachi music. A two-time GRAMMY Award winner with seven GRAMMY nominations and three Latin GRAMMY nominations, they are one of the longest-running all-female mariachi ensembles. Sept. 21, 7:30-10pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-317-0700. info@towertheatre.org. $39-$59.
GROUPS + MEETUPS
Bend Chess and Go Club Casual gathering for players of Chess and Go/Baduk/Weiqi. Informal and welcoming to players of all skill levels. We love teaching new people! Wednesdays, 6-9pm. Crux Fermentation Project, 50 SW Division St., Bend. Contact: 425-354-8867. leifawiebe@gmail.com. Free.
Bend Pinochle Club $7 for non-members. If you have any questions or desire more information please contact us at bendpinochle@gmail. com or go to our website (bendpinochle.com) for details. All ages welcome. Thursdays, 11:30am3pm and Fridays, 11:30am-3pm. Golden Age Card Club, 40 SE 5th St, Bend. Contact: 541-3891752. Free.
Bend Ukulele Group Weekly Jam Beginners and experienced players are all welcome at this weekly jam. Join us in the Box Factory for this fun and engaging time to share music! Tuesdays, 6:30-8pm. The Barrel Room at UPP, 550 SW Industrial Way ste #185, Bend. Contact: 206-7076337. jcreekm@gmail.com. $5.
Central Oregon Badminton Come and join the badminton group in Central Oregon. All levels welcome from beginner to experienced. Instruction, racquets, birdies available, 10 fee to play, can pay in cash at the event or in advance at Bend Badminton on Meetup.com. Saturdays, 6-8pm. Bend Hoops, 1307 NE 1st Street, Bend. Contact: 541-382-4994. sheena_fischer@yahoo. com. $10.
Hospice 101 Learn about what hospice is, what hospice isn’t, how to access it and when to access it. Hospice of Redmond will break down myths and clarify the misunderstood topic of end-of-life care. Sept. 23, 11am-Noon. Downtown Bend Public Library - Brooks Room, 601 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 5413121029. laurelh@deschuteslibrary.org. Free.
Neon Night We’ll turn up the music and the games will glow. Games include ping pong, pool, foosball, shuffleboard, pop-a-shot basketball and air hockey. Sept. 19, 7:30-10pm. Rally Recreation, 549 NW York Dr, Bend. Contact: 541-2418580. info@rallyrecreation.com. $10.
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, Bend. Contact: bendfarmersmarket@gmail.com. Free.
Sisters Farmers Market Join us on Sundays June-Oct for a vibrant community gathering featuring fresh produce, local goods, live music and community activities.The market hosts a diverse range of over 45 Central Oregon vendors weekly. Sundays, 10am-2pm. Through Oct. 26. Fir Street Park, Sisters, Sisters. Contact: sistersfarmersmarket@gmail.com. Free.
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 Fall, football, and beer! This week we feature Cascade Lakes Brewing. $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. 22, 5-8pm. River’s Place, 787 NE Purcell Blvd., Bend. Free.
Bend Oktoberfest Raise a stein and celebrate in true Bavarian! Bend Oktoberfest is free to attend, but if you want to jump into the action and compete in one of our classic Oktoberfest games, advance registration is required for each activity. Join the fun with stein holding, pretzel tossing, beer slide competitions, barrel rolling races and more! We’ll also have live music, mouthwatering food from local vendors, wiener dog races and—of course—a fantastic selection of beer. Sept. 20, 2-9pm. Deschutes Historical Museum, 129 NW Idaho Ave., Bend.
Contact: 541-323-0964.
Crosscut Warming Hut: Locals’ Day! Tuesdays are Locals’ Day. Every Tuesday enjoy $1 off regular size draft beverages. Come by the Warming Hut and hang out by the fire. See you soon, Bend! Tuesdays. Crosscut Warming Hut No 5, 566 SW Mill View Way, Bend.
Happy Hour at Mountain Burger Happy Hour happens every day at Mountain Burger! Ongoing, 3-5pm. Mountain Burger, 2747 NW Crossing Dr., Bend. Contact: 5416687177. info@ mountainburgerbend.com.
Happy Hour Every Day Make every afternoon a little brighter with a hint of British charm at The Commonwealth Pub! From 3-5pm, enjoy drink specials and a cozy pub vibe that’s perfect for winding down. $3 PBRs $5 RPMs $6 Margaritas $7 Wine Happy Hour bites from Whappos! Mondays-Sundays, 3-5pm. Through Dec. 18. The Commonwealth Pub, 30 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-668-6200. thecommonwealthpubevents@gmail.com. Free.
Incredible Summer Wine Sale Huge sale on refreshing summer white wine and bold red wine. Selections from the Elixir import portfolio. Taste before you buy! Open Monday-Saturday 10.00am - 6:00pm Mondays-Sundays, 10am6pm. Elixir Winery and Tasting Room, 11 NW Lava Rd., Bend. Contact: 541 388 5330. tastingroom@ elixirwinegroup.com. Free.
Industry Appreciation Day! 20% off for all Industry friends! Wednesdays, 2-8pm. Contact: taryn@thealeapothecary.com. Free.
Industry Night In homage to our fellow industry folk, featuring $3.33 Lagers, $6.66 Saisons & 10% off at A Broken Angel. Present your server or food handlers card at the bar. Tuesdays, 1-8pm. Through June 17. Funky Fauna Artisan Ales, 1125 NE Second St., Bend. Contact: 458-328-0372. danielle@funkyfaunabeer.com. Every Sunday is Industry Night! If you’re a bartender, server, chef, cook - anyone in the biz - come unwind with: $5 Hornitos or Monopolowa, $7.50 draft domestic beer + well whiskey, and $3.50 tallboys & $10 man-mosas (on special for all!). You work hard-cheers to you! Sundays-Noon-2am. JC’s Bar & Grill, 642 NW Franklin Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-383-3000. jcsbend@gmail.com. Free.
Locals Day! Locals Day at the Ale! $2 off drafts and $1 off wine and cider! Wednesdays, 2pm. The Ale Apothecary Tasting Room, 30 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: taryn@thealeapothecary.com. Free.
Locals’ Day Come on down to Bevel Craft Brewing for $4 beers and cider and $1 off wine all day. There are also food specials from the food carts located out back at The Patio! Tuesdays. Bevel Craft Brewing, 911 SE Armour St., Bend.
Contact: holla@bevelbeer.com. Free.
Locals’ Night at WaypointBBC Locals’ Night at WaypointBBC! $5 draft beer, $8 house red and white wine and $8 specialty cocktail. Tuesdays, Noon-10pm. Waypoint, 921 NW Mt Washington Dr., Bend. Contact: 458-206-0826. Waypointbbc@gmail.com. Free.
Meet the Winemaker Meet Piper Underbrink, proprietor of Sealionne Wines in Newberg. Working with small sites at elevation, Piper crafts charming wines with a touch of uniqueness. Sept. 18, 4:30-7pm. Viaggio Wine Merchant, 210 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-299-5060. info@viaggiowine.com. Varies by Purchase.
Monday Night Football Come down for Northside’s Monday night football! Food, drinks and a raffle for your chance to win a jersey! Mondays. Northside Bar & Grill, 62860 Boyd Acres Rd., Bend. Free.
Oktoberfest! Third annual Van Henion Oktoberfest features seven guest breweries from all over. Cover includes mug and one 16oz beer or three 5oz samples. Games, food, music and cheer! All ages, dogs welcome. Sept. 20, Noon9pm. Van Henion Brewing, 63067 Plateau Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-323-3764. info@vanhenionbrewing.com. $20.
Power Hour Come check out our new Power Hour deals: $3 draft Coors Light, $5 draft beer, food cart specials that will make your taste buds dance! Mondays-Thursdays-Sundays, 8-9pm. Midtown Yacht Club, 1661 NE Fourth St., Bend. Contact: 458-256-5454. midtownyachtclub@ gmail.com. Free.
Taco & Margarita Tuesdays Enjoy 2/$10 chipotle chicken street tacos and $10 margaritas! Tuesdays, 4-9pm. Portello Wine and Spirits, 2754 NW Crossing Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-385-1777. contact@portellobend.com. Free.
Wings + TRIVIA + Whiskey Enjoy $0.75 wings, $4.50 well whiskey, $6 seven & sevens while testing your knowledge with Trivia, hosted by our amazing Cole! Take on our infamous “physical” challenge - think paper airplanes, musical chairs, limbo etc! Come eat, drink and bring your A-game! Wednesdays, 7pm. JC’s Bar & Grill, 642 NW Franklin Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-3833000. jcsbend@gmail.com. Free.
From horn-fueled R&B to piping-hot blues to stripped-down rock ‘n’ roll, Tommy Castro and the Painkillers will bring the heat this Sat., Sept. 20 at the Belfry. 8pm.
Tommy Castro FB
Hideaway Bend
939 SE 2nd St, Bend, OR (541)312-9898
Hideawaytavernbend.com
Voted Bend’s Best Sports bar in 2024 and 2025, The Hideaway Bend is a top destination for sports fans with rows of comfortable couches and a large dining area being the perfect place to bring your friends and family to cheer on your team! The original Hideaway has set the standard and been the inspiration for two other Hideaway locations including the brand new “Hideaway Empire” location on the northeast side of Bend.
Boasting 18 taps, a full bar, and fantastic food made with fresh ingredients! The wings and pizza are just the beginning of your options! Join the Hideaway for creative weekly specials and Happy Hour M-F from 2-5pm!
Blacksteer Steakhouse
63455 N Hwy 97, Bend (541)678-5413
www.blacksteersteakhouse.com
@blacksteersteakhouseandsaloon
At Blacksteer Steakhouse, we serve more than just exceptional steaks - we serve experiences. Our new menu blends Chef driven creativity with timeless steakhouse classics, featuring locally sourced ingredients, and bold satisfying flavors.
A celebratory dinner, or a casual night out, every plate is crafted to make you feel right at home, with just the right touch of something special.
Blacksteer strikes the perfect balance of approachable comfort and elevated dining, making every visit feel special yet welcoming.
320 SW Century Dr #410, Bend, OR 97702
(458) 281-0511
dearmomcafe.com
Cozy up this season with Happy Hour at Dear Mom Cafe, where vibrant Thai flavors meet warm hospitality. Sip house wines, local craft beers, and signature Thai-inspired cocktails alongside shareable bites from our kitchen — think crispy spring rolls, spicy wings, and chef’s rotating small plates. Our cozy, stylish space is perfect for after-work unwinding, girls’ night out, or a casual date night. Whether you’re toasting with friends or savoring solo, our Happy Hour is designed to make every visit feel like a special occasion. Gather, sip, and savor — Thai-style.
Dogwood at The Pine Shed
821 NE 2nd St, Bend, OR @dogwoodatthepineshed www.dogwoodatthepineshed.com booking@dogwoodatthepineshed.com
Dogwood is a cocktail bar in the Bend Central District where craftsmanship and community meet. The menu evolves with the seasons, featuring imaginative signature drinks, refined classics, refreshing mocktails, and a thoughtful selection of beer and wine. Every pour highlights fresh, local ingredients and creative technique. As the night unfolds, live DJs bring energy to the room while the courtyard hosts a rotating lineup of gourmet food trucks, offering pairings as dynamic as the cocktails. More than a bar, Dogwood is a gathering place for markets, pop-ups, and events—a space to sip, savor, and celebrate.
Dear Mom Cafe
Locals Night Ain’t Exclusive if Everyone’s Invited
Whether you were wet-birthed in the Deschutes River or you’re a tourist who’s just happy to be here, area breweries serve up discounted pints for all
By Peter Madsen
There are several benchmarks for new arrivals in achieving “local” status in Bend. They include, while floating the river, foregoing flip-flops (or — gag — canvas Vans) for strappy sandals, knowing that Sizemore doesn’t rhyme with “…That’s Amore!” and being a regular at any of Bend’s fine drinking establishments’ Locals Night.
Wait, do places not let you in if you’ve not yet achieved local status? Chill, Casandra: Bend Locals Nights aren’t exclusive like Soho House Portland, or, say, the backroom at the late-Studio 54. Just make sure you’ve notified ODOT of your shiny-new Bend address, lest the bartender rolls her eyes as she scans your ID.
Bevel Craft Brewing
A preference toward Bend locals is etched in Bevel’s origin story. Wanting to cater to Bend residents first and foremost, the Bevel team intentionally established its brewery and taphouse on Bend’s East Side in 2016. The disc golf-forward brewery (you can buy discs in their shop and chuck ‘em at any of their golf baskets) turned their Tuesday Locals Night into Tuesday Locals Day as a response to the social disruption introduced by Covid-19.
“When Covid hit, we went to Locals Day,” says co-owner and head brewer Nate Doss. “We just never took it away, it was just such a great vibe on Tuesdays, people coming in to have a pint or two,” between noon and 9 pm.
While Tuesday Locals Day is, yeah, for in-theknow locals, Doss also delights in surprising those unaware with (surprise) $4 pints, regardless whether they receive junk mail in the Orchard District or, say, Anchorage.
Bevel’s Tuesday Locals Day has won our readers-polled “Best Locals Hangout” two years in a row; this year, Bevel snagged second place for “Locals Hangout.”
“We’re just really about Bend people,” Doss said.
Bend Brewing Company
While there’s nothing better than a brewery and taproom tucked into your decidedly local ‘hood, it’s worth raising a pint to the buzz of downtown Bend, where the colloquially-dubbed BBC (or, the Bend Brewing Company, if you’re into syllables) has anchored itself since 1995. President and co-owner Packy Deenihan said Locals Night, which runs each Tuesday from 3 — 9 pm, has welcomed the same familiar locals — for decades.
“Tuesday is our night of the week to hook up the locals with a really well-priced pint,” Deenihan said. “Locals Night is really as simple as that.”
LOCATIONS
Bevel Craft Brewing Locals Day Tuesdays, noon-9 pm 911 SE Armour Rd. Bevelbeer.com
$4 pints
Bend Brewing Company Locals Night Tuesdays, 3-9 pm 1019 NW Brooks St. Bendbrewingco.com
$4 pints
Deschutes Brewery Bend Public House Locals Night Mondays, 4:30-9:30 pm 1044 NW Bond St. Deschutesbrewery.com
Top, Deschutes Public House downtown discounts beers on Monday Nights. Bottom, Bevel Craft Brewing, opened in 2016, is a go-to East Side taproom. Its Locals Night runs all day on Tuesday.
Pints that cost $4? Half-acre lawn overlooking the Deschutes River? Welcome to Bend Brewing Company's Locals Night, each Tuesday.
Photo courtesy of Bevel Craft Brewing
Peter Madsen
It’s Wine o’Clock Somewhere
By Nic Moye
Bend may be Beer Town, USA, but the city also boasts a passionate wine crowd. Bend has about a dozen wine bars and tasting rooms, which doesn’t include restaurants. While a glass of wine has always been more expensive than a mug of beer, it is possible to find some deals during happy hour. And some wine bars even have entire happy days!
Austin Mercantile
Austin Mercantile is a coffee/wine bar doubling as a home décor/gift shop in Brookswood Plaza in SW Bend. While it caters to almost any taste, wine is front and center with Happy Hour daily from 4-6pm, with selected red or white wine $9 a glass. On Wednesday wine nights from 4-8pm, all wines are $9 a glass.
Now under new ownership, Sara Hammond says she will change the wine selection seasonally. “I’m going to be switching that up at the end of September and trying to find wines that people are going to be having more for holiday dinners or parties. I am going to have a select few that I’m going to keep that are really popular. Kind of a staple.” Hammond was in the wine business for a decade before purchasing Austin Mercantile.
The food menu has also been revamped, offering bruschetta, meatballs, caprese salad and appetizers. The art and much of the home décor sold in the store are from local artists.
Austin Mercantile
Happy Hour Tue-Sat 4-6pm
19570 Amber Meadow Dr., Bend austinmerc.com/ $9 wine deals
Flights Wine Bar
What’s better than Happy Hour all day? Flights Wine Bar on NW College Way offers $2 off any glass of wine daily from 3-5pm and all day on Wednesdays. Flights features wines from all around the world.
“Each week we do a new flight and all of those are available by the glass,” owner Kelsey Daniels told the Source. Flights offers five flights and about 20 different wines by the glass.
Daniels takes care in selecting the wine. “I look for smaller productions, family owned, if possible. At least not owned by a giant company. We look for wineries that are practicing sustainability, organic, land stewardship programs we like to support and just good quality for the price. So if you get the $12 glass, it’s going to be a good glass for $12, and if you get the $25 glass, it’s going to be a really good wine for $25.” Daniels says she has felt the impact of recent tariffs on prices.
Flights’ Happy Hour menu has 10 discounted food items as well, including seasonal soup, salads, fried calamari and smoked crab dip.
The wine bar, which opened in 2021, won Best Wine Bar of Central Oregon 2025 in the Source and recently received the 2025 Wine Spectator Restaurant Award of Excellence.
Other venues in Bend also offer $2 off wine deals during Happy Hour including Roam in the Oxford Hotel and Lady Bird in the Old Mill District.
Flights Wine Bar
Happy Hour daily 3-5pm and Wed 3-9pm 1444 NW College Way, Bend flightswinebend.com/ $2 off wine deals
Roam
Happy Hour daily 2-5pm & 9-10pm 10 NW Minnesota Ave., Bend roambend.com/ $2 off wine deals
Lady Bird
Happy Hour daily 3-5pm 375 SW Powerhouse Dr., Unit 130, Bend ladybirdbend.com/ $2 off wine deals
Portello Lounge
In Northwest Crossing, Portello Lounge, which was runner-up for Best Wine Bar in Central Oregon in our 2025 readers’ poll, offers Happy Hour Tuesday through Saturday with $7 Happy white, red or bubbles options. Every Monday, all of the wines are $9 a glass with 20 different wines listed on the menu.
The recently updated food menu has a Happy Bites menu with nearly a dozen items including Moroccan roasted carrots, street corn dip and meatballs Pomodoro offered Tuesday through Saturday.
Built in 1936, Pine Tavern in downtown Bend has one of the best Happy Hour wine deals in town. Offered only in the bar, customers can order a glass of Happy Hour red or white wine for $6. A food menu with several options is available for $10, $11 or $16. Pine Tavern was runner-up for Best Happy Hour in Central Oregon in 2025. The iconic restaurant has stood the test of time in one of the most scenic locations on Mirror Pond.
Pastini may be a chain restaurant, but you can’t beat half-price bottles of wine every Wednesday. The pasta palace located in the Old Mill District features local vintages from Oregon and Washington to wines from Italy. That’s 50% off any bottle. Just sayin’.
Pastini
Wine Wednesdays 11am-9pm
375 SW Powerhouse Dr. #3436, Bend pastini.com/ 50% off all wine bottles
Other Happy Hour Wine Deals
Salute
Happy Hour Wed-Mon 4-5pm 1045 NW Bond St., Bend
salutebend.com/happy-hour-menu $3 Off Glasses of Wine
Wines are shelved and waiting at Flights Wine Bar, left. At right, Austin Mercantile celebrates wine Wednesdays.
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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!
PROUD
SPONSOR OF BEND
OKTOBERFEST
When you’re in need of auto repair, we’ve got you covered. AT CENTRAL TIRE, WE OFFER A VARIETY OF SERVICES TO KEEP YOUR VEHICLE RUNNING SMOOTHLY.
CELEBRATE FALL, BENDSTYLE!
Join us for Bend Oktoberfest
a high-spirited, family-friendly celebration in the heart of downtown Bend! This free community event brings a touch of Bavaria to the High Desert with live music, delicious local food, craft beer, wiener dog races, quirky competitions, and more.
Think: stein holding, pretzel tossing, the beer slide showdown, and yes—costumes, yodels, and barrels will roll.
PROST!
(Cheers!)
Bend Oktoberfest Games & Activities
From feats of strength to hilarious showdowns, our Oktoberfest activities bring out the best (and most ridiculous) sides of fall fun. All activities are designed to be lighthearted, competitive, and crowd-pleasing—with some pretty great prizes up for grabs!
Schedule
5:00 PM–7:00 PM
• Pretzel Toss
• Stein Holding Contest
• Beer Relay Race
• Beer Slide
• Barrel Rolling Race
• Costume Contest
• Yodeling Competition
Advance registration required for all games. Some team activities only require one team member to register. Space is limited!
7:00 PM–8:00 PM
Live Music: Fisarmonicats Accordion Club of Central Oregon
Enjoy the evening with a cold beer in hand, delicious food from local vendors, and tunes that’ll have you dancing into the night.
Paulaner Fest Bier
The glass is full of October sunshine, strong and golden. The perfect balance of a light taste of hops and a strong note of malt. A feast of a beer, which always goes down well. This beer is only brewed for the Oktoberfest. That’s where it belongs, along with all the fun of the fair like the Ferris wheel and roasted almonds. 6% ABV
Hacker Pschorr Oktoberfest Marzen
As it was forbidden to brew in summer, a stronger beer–the Märzen–was brewed earlier in March. It has returned once again to the age-old recipe and recreated that gloriously smooth, honey-colored piece of history from times gone by. 5.8% ABV
Hacker Pschorr Dunkel
A touch of caramel pleasantly spreads over the palate. Fine noses will detect nuances of apricot and clove in addition to its characteristic malt aroma. The spicy sweetness of the dark malts harmoniously combine with subtly bitter hoppy notes. 5.3% ABV
Festicuffs Festbier, Boneyard Brewing
Light golden color, noticeable malty sweetness with gentle honey, toast, and nutty notes which is balanced by floral hop aroma and subtle bitterness. 5.8% ABV
Cruxtoberfest, Crux Fermentation
This American - Style Marzen boasts light toasted notes that give way to a subtle caramel sweetness, rounded out by a floral hop aroma. Light bodied and crisp, this delicious amber hued lager is the perfect companion as summer gives way to fall. Prost! 5.5% ABV
Oktoberfest Beir Beir, Three Creeks Brewing
Marzen style Oktoberfest 6.0%, 25 IBU Every Brewer has a favorite, this is Ryan’s! Nutty, toasty malt. Crisp Noble hops. Perfekt. Zum Gemütlichkeit!
BIER
The beloved Bark Bash is now part of Bend Oktoberfest—bigger, better, and borkier than ever! We’re bringing your favorite dog-friendly competitions to the main stage, and it’s all for a good cause.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Pet Express Bark Bash Dog Races & Dog Show
Hosted in partnership with the Humane Society of Central Oregon
&
BARK BASH AT OKTOBERFEST
2:00 PM 2:30 PM 3:00PM 3:30PM
WIENER DOG RACES
RUNNING OF THE BULLDOGS
CORGI CRUSH MUTT STRUT DOG SHOW
Day-of registration for all dog events opens at 1:30 PM Race Requirements: All race competitors must be purebred Dachshunds, Bulldogs (English or French), or Corgis. Dog Show: All breeds and mixes are welcome for the Mutt Strut! Categories may be split by size.
Note: All dogs must show proof of rabies vaccination to participate. Support a Great Cause: All proceeds from Bark Bash registration fees benefit the Humane Society of Central Oregon, helping to support their vital rescue and wellness programs. At just $20 per registration, you’re not only having fun—you’re giving back
ABOUT THE DESCHUTES HISTORICAL SO CIETY
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4:30pm
$10 General Admission
$8 Senior Admission
17
Founded in 1975, the Deschutes Historical Museum preser ves, promotes and celebrates the histor y of the beautiful region of Deschutes Count y. Encompassing Bend, Redmond, La Pine, Sisters, Terrebonne and Tumalo, the historical museum is an impor tant institution for celebrating the past and protecting the future of Central Oregon. The museum and communit y center is dedicated to education, research and appreciation for the unique local histor y of Deschutes Count y, and to build a living legacy that grows with each new generation.
Hideaway Empire
63130 Lancaster St, Bend, OR 97701
541-797-0545
We are so excited to announce our newest Hideaway location! We brought all the best things from our other two Hideaway locations and integrated them with the special features of this great new spot. Our unique brick oven pizza and our giant TV walls are just some of the fun new things to enjoy!
Come enjoy the high standards of our delicious menu featuring fresh ingredients and inventive weekly specials, but with a whole new vibe! Breakfast is served Saturday and Sunday morning with our award winning Bloody Marys and weekly specials inspired by our famous sister restaurant, The Victorian Café!
Let us be your new spot for every UFC, hockey, basketball, football, or soccer event! Also now featuring supercross Saturdays on our big screens for the entire season!
The Jackalope Grill
750 NW Lava Road #139 (541) 318-8435
Thejackalopegrill.com
The Jackalope Grill in downtown Bend is a whimsical yet refined dining destination, where Pacific Northwest flavors meet French-inspired cuisine. Guests are welcomed into a romantic dining room, or a woodsy courtyard that feels equal parts fairy tale and fine dining. At the heart of the restaurant is its quirky, passionate team—servers who bring warmth and wit to every table, bartenders who craft imaginative cocktails, and a kitchen led by Chef Josh Podwils, whose creativity shines in every dish. Together, the staff create more than a meal—they curate an experience that’s vibrant, heartfelt, and unforgettable.
- Old St. Francis
700 NW Bond St, Bend, OR (541) 382-5174
www.mcmenamins.com/old-st-francis-school
The happiest of hours! $1.50 off handcrafted wine, cider, well drinks and award-winning beers brewed onsite. $2 off flights and $5 off bottles of wine, plus delicious deals on bites and meals like the slider trio, tequila-lime chicken satay, smash burger and those everyday heroes, Cajun tots.
Happy hour rules Sunday through Thursday. Not around for happy hour? We’ve got a menu full of pub classics and seasonal specialties from early morning to late night. Prost!
40 SW Century Drive #140 (541) 241-8180
Prostbend.com
@prostbend#
Prost! Bend is where authentic German tradition meets Bend’s laid-back energy. We pour imported German drafts the right way, in proper glassware, and serve up schnitzel, bratwurst, pretzels, and other classics built to pair perfectly. Set in the Century Center, Prost! is all about great bier, great food, and great company. No gimmicks, no fluff, just the real deal, every time. Raise a glass, kick back, and say PROST!
Being Bond in Bend
Sipping style with an Old Fashioned
By Sarah Isak-Goode
Ordering a martini — shaken, not stirred — can make anyone feel like James Bond. But in a laid-back town like Bend, that classic line might come off a bit too polished. For a drink that nods to timeless style without trying too hard, consider an Old Fashioned. It’s vintage, it’s classy and it fits right in.
Although the Old Fashioned cocktail is rarely seen in Bond’s film appearances, it appears far more often in Ian Fleming’s original novels, where the literary Bond often prefers it alongside his Scotch and soda.
The Old Fashioned traces its roots to the early 1800s, when the term “cocktail” was defined as a mix of spirit, sugar, water and bitters. By the 1860s, this formula was so well known that bartenders began calling it an “old-fashioned” to set it apart from newer, more elaborate drinks.
During Prohibition, bartenders added oranges, cherries and other fruits to mask the harsh flavors of low-quality spirits. But after Prohibition ended and spirit quality improved, the original, stripped-down Old Fashioned recipe made a comeback.
The Old Fashioned’s continued popularity is a testament to its simple formula and lasting appeal. It’s a classic that never tries too hard, making it perfect for channeling your inner Bond at your next local Happy Hour.
Sophistication at San Simón
For those seeking Bond-level sophistication, San Simón is your destination. Tucked away in Tin Pan Alley, San Simón exudes an air of mystery. Outside, cozy firepit tables invite you to relax; inside, soft lighting, vintage decor and intimate seating create a romantic ambiance.
San Simón’s website captures it perfectly: “delicious drinks, simple food, exceptional service in a bohemian candle-lit room, down a dark romantic alley, overseen by a paper maché replica of a Mayan demigod with a penchant for bad behavior.”
San Simón Happy Hour Daily, 3-6pm 845 Tin Pan Alley, Bend
Whiskey Wednesdays at McMenamins Old St. Francis School
Feeling rebellious? Order your Old Fashioned in a Catholic schoolhouse— well, a former one. This unique 1936 Catholic schoolhouse has been transformed into the distinctive Old St. Francis School hotel in downtown Bend. Here, guests can explore secret hallways and hidden bars, soak in a mosaic-lined pool or catch live music and movies onsite. Enjoy an Old Fashioned at the Fireside Bar, where you can sip the classic cocktail made with Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Angostura bitters and sugar for just $8.25 on Whiskey Wednesdays. The bar also offers all-day Happy Hour pricing on Service Industry Mondays for those with valid food handler or liquor permits, and Take Care Tuesdays for health care workers with ID.
McMenamins Old St. Francis School
Happy Hour Sun-Thu, 3-6pm 700 NW Bond St., Bend
Photo by Sarah Isak-Goode
by Peter
The Source Etiquette Guide to Dive Bars
Do as we say, not as we’ve done
By Peter Madsen
Dive bars. What’s not to love? You get no-bullshit service, (relatively) cheap drinks and chatty regulars with whom you can score in more ways than one!
But if there’s one thing we’ve learned the hard way at the Source (and by the royal we, I mean me and me alone) it’s that despite the chipped linoleum, trough urinals and discarded coke baggies, there is a certain decorum to tying one on at a seemingly anything-goes kind of establishment. Flouting rules, both spoken and otherwise, will undoubtedly get you floating out the door and onto the pavement.
Trust me, I’ve made a lifetime of mistakes that are only remotely worthwhile if you, enthusiastic drinker, take my words to heart. The below lessons are cribbed from my mistakes — or, mercifully, those of others.
And, in swerving from conventional etiquette guides, I’ve provided an exclusive list of Don’ts.
“Good manners reflect something from inside — an innate sense of consideration for others and respect for self.”
— Emily Post
DON’T
Entertaining idiots — or perfectly fine folks who are idiotically drunk — is not a requisite for an evening at a dive bar. If cornered by a boor, don’t panic — a quick grin and a simple nicety in response to someone’s garbled witticism will serve you time and time again. (As will the bartender.) You needn’t suffer fools. Just move down a couple bar stools out of earshot. If that’s too obvious, go pee and then walk outside, cradling your cell phone like you’re about to take a call. Problem solved. If a harasser persists, tell the bartender. Doing so is way more effective than telling someone off more than once. Related: I’ve been consistently amazed by how quickly an Oregon bartender will bounce a miscreant. It’s like they enjoy it.
DON’T
Yes, it stands to reason that there are drugs in bars — particularly dives. But that doesn’t mean consuming said drugs on the premises is anything the management thinks is neat-o. If you must indulge in, say, Bolivian marching powder, be discrete. That means making sure the bathroom stall door is fully closed before you open your baggie. It’s also best practice to be alone in the bathroom before you roll your noisy joint. And girls — beelining it with three giggling besties to the bathroom is a sure-fire way to draw attention to your nose-powdering. I can’t think of a more embarrassing reason to get 86’d.
DON’T
If a bartender you don’t know slides you a drink you didn’t order, think twice. Sure, we all know what getting roofied is, but consider another nefarious scenario: You raise the glass in an appreciative manner, mouthing “thank you,” you may likely get several more slid your way. I found this out one night at a dive bar in Philadelphia. I was drinking with a friend, shortly after Christmas. Ornaments still littered the dive, along with the toy train set that wrapped around the bar. I watched the bartender load up a mini coal car with 1-ounce pours and, toggling his remote controller, delight a couple wearing party hats with unexpected shots.
We waited our turn — cheerily, the train stopped at our counter, despite us already having two beers and a whisky between us. And so went the rest of the evening, drinking in the neighborly cheer. Then I closed my tab. The total: $240; $130 spoke for the seven “gratuitous” shots. Long story short, I protested the charges, was mocked for my stutter, thrown out the door and, thereafter on the sidewalk, punched repeatedly in the head. (Don’t pity me; I got some licks in, too.)
DON’T
Bringing your doggo to an impossibly benign biergarten, such as Good Life’s, which features a playground, is whatever — you know best. But seriously reconsider taking your pooch to a dive bar. Cute, friendly dogs are magnets for asshats. Be prepared to suffer dog-kisser after dog-kisser. If you’re already in a crappy mood, don’t bother going to the Westside Tavern; just swing by the gas station for a sixpack to go. Oh, speaking of the Westside, if loud, fast street traffic triggers a fight or flight response in you, don’t sit at one of the patio tables that separate your life from the traffic on NW Galveston Avenue. Reacting to an 18-year-old’s coal-rolling is a sure-fire way to ruin the night out.
DON’T
In “Kitchen Confidential,” the late Anthony Bourdain compared the anarchy of the kitchen to that of a pirate ship. Dive bartenders might be thought of the same. They’ve seen it all, lived it all and are often amazing conversationalists. They may very well extend that summation to you, but don’t let the transactional nature of your relationship get twisted — they’re paid to listen to us. Thinking about asking a bartender to join you in your shared love of, say, mountain biking, sometime on their day off? Give ‘em a break; they need to decompress, and off-the-clock hangs with regulars is not that. So, play it cool, tip a few extra bucks here and there, and put that goodwill toward someone else in your life.
Photo
Madsen
Raise a Glass at Sisters Saloon
Happy Hour with Old West charm
By Sarah Isak-Goode
Step through swinging cowboy doors and into a slice of Central Oregon history at Sisters Saloon, a beloved gathering spot in downtown Sisters. Housed in the restored Hotel Sisters, originally built in 1912, the saloon blends Old West charm with a welcoming, modern-day vibe.
The establishment features heavy wood furniture, a copper ceiling and western décor — including taxidermy donated by locals — with a layout that invites guests to linger.
Sisters Saloon operates a full bar, offering wines, rotating taps, local brews and specialty cocktails. Popular specialty drinks include the Saloon Old Fashioned made with Luxardo cherries and the Cadillac Margarita crafted with fresh juices.
“Our best-selling happy hour drinks are probably our selection of local craft beers on draught, but our specialty cocktails are also very popular.” says Aaron Okura, owner and operator of the Sisters Saloon.
Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 2-5pm, featuring $1 off all beers, glasses of wine and appetizers in the bar. It’s the perfect time for locals and visitors alike to catch up over a late lunch or early dinner.
Sisters Saloon has long served as more than just a watering hole, explains Okura. “It’s the centerpiece of downtown Sisters. Although we get a lot of tourism in the summer, every day of the year you’ll see friends catching up and buying each other drinks here.”
“If I had to live my life over, I'd live over a saloon.”
— W. C. Fields
Photo
Emily Green
Portello Lounge
2754 NW Crossing Drive, Bend, OR (541)385-1777
www.portellobend.com
@portellobend
Portello Lounge brings a cozy, fun, vibe with a stylish updated interior, making it the perfect place to enjoy a thoughtfully crafted cocktail, glass of wine, and delicious food, Come check out our regular live music, our Happy Hour Tuesday-Saturday 4-6pm with great discounts on cocktails, wine, and food, plus weekly specials: $9 Wine Night on Mondays, Taco & Margarita Tuesdays with $10 Margaritas and 2/$10 Tacos, and Thirsty Thursday featuring Happy Hour drink prices all night.
Hideaway Redmond
507 SW 8th St, Redmond, OR 97756 (541)526-5989
Hideawaytavernredmond.com
Come in and experience a full bar and 22 taps featuring local beers, seltzers, and ciders! The Hideaway Redmond serves up everything you love about Hideaway Bend but located in the Hub City! High-quality delicious meals and rotating special food menus and cocktail lists keep your experiences fresh.
With TVs on every wall, there’s not a bad seat in the house to enjoy the company of great friends and fellow sports fans! A large outdoor firepit in the bar area is a great place to keep warm and enjoy those cold, but sunny Central Oregon days. Bring your family for a burger or grab a friend for breakfast service on weekends, inspired by Hideaway’s famous sister restaurant, The Victorian Café. Come find us!
Reed Pub Co
1141 SE Centennial Court (541) 312-2800
Reed-pub.com
Bend’s Southeast neighborhood bar. Delicious drinks and friendly atmosphere. Happy hour every day from 4pm to 6pm. We have a great selection of cocktails, wine, seltzers, and ciders plus craft micros and domestic beers on tap. At Reed Pub, we make some of the best Jell-o shots in town. Gourmet Jello-o shots are always available. Stop in to play some games; 2 full sized pool tables, 2 classic pinball machines and 6 premium video lottery machines or play your favorite music on the jukebox. Stop by to have a great time.
Wayfarer Club at SCP Redmond Hotel
525 SW 6th St, Redmond, OR
(541) 508-7600
scphotel.com/redmond/wayfarer-club/
Inspired by the rich history of Oregon exploration, Wayfarer Club features tavern-style small plates and hand-crafted cocktails, in a space designed for comfortable conversation. Swap summit stories, plan your next adventure, or explore the distinct flavors of Oregon through our selection of local spirits and seasonal ingredients. Be sure to visit during our Daily Happy Hour to enjoy half-priced cocktails and non-alcoholic libationsfrom 3:00 to 5:00pm.
Wingin’ It at Happy Hour
A guide to chicken wing bliss
By Nic Moye
Fire on the Mountain
Happy Hour at Fire on the Mountain means your fill of wings for $1 each from 2-5pm daily. If you can’t make Happy Hour, the restaurant offers 20 wings for $20 all day on Wednesdays. FOTM started frying wings in Portland in 2005. It expanded to Denver in 2012 and opened in Bend in 2023. The company says its wings are always fresh, never frozen and hormone free.
FOTM offers other Happy Hour food deals including $5 tots and an $8 cheeseburgesr.
Fire on the Mountain Happy Hour Daily 2-5pm 637 NE 3rd St., Bend fotmbend.com/ $1 wings
Broken Top Bottle Shop & Ale Café
Broken Top Bottle Shop has a wide variety on its food menu, but during Happy Hour from 3-6pm Monday-Friday, chicken wings are at the top of the menu. The deal is six wings for $7 with your choice of sauce. Six other food items are also on the $7 Happy Hour menu, including wavy potatoes, nachos, spinach artichoke dip and tacos. Broken Top opened in 2012, winning some of the Source’s “Best of” categories over the years.
Broken Top Bottle Shop & Ale Cafe
Happy Hour Mon-Fri, 3-6pm btbsbend.com/ 6 wings for $7
Cascade Lakes Pub on Reed Market
A new weekly special at Cascade Lakes Pub in Bend is offering $10 wing Wednesdays. You get 10 wings with a choice of house-made sauces like Char Sui, This IPA BBQ or Spicy Staycay Pineapple. The special is offered every Wednesday from 11am to 9pm.
Cascade Lakes Pub Wing Wed. 11am-9pm 21175 SE Reed Market Rd., Bend community.bendsource.com/bend/10wing-wednesdays/Event?oid=20691233 $10 for 10 wings
Drake
Drake in downtown Bend has chicken wings on its daily Happy Hour menu for $10. What gives them a twist is the Calabrian chili-honeyglaze, whipped ricotta and fresh herbs. Happy Hour at Drake also offers crispy chicken sliders for $8 in addition to other food deals. The restaurant has been at the corner of NW Wall Street and Franklin Avenue since 2013.
The best wing deal in town just may be at JC’s Bar & Grill in downtown Bend. On Wednesdays, it’s wings + whiskey + trivia night with wings a mere 75 cents each. One of the owners, Meagan Rawlins, says they call it “Wing-SKEY Wednesdays.”
“We do a cheap well whiskey and cheap 7&7’s with as many chicken wings as you like. You get to pick as many or few as you like and switch up the flavors,” she told the Source. JC’s sells around 240 wings on Wing-SKEY Wednesdays.
The deal begins as soon as JC’s opens at 2pm. Fueled up on chicken, trivia starts at 7pm with a “physical” challenge!
JC’s Bar & Grill
Wings+Whiskey+Trivia Wed. 2pm-close 642 NW Franklin Ave., Bend jcsbend.com/menu 75 cents per wing
Fire on the Mountain offers $1 wings daily 2-5pm.
The Drake’s happy hour wings come with a chili-honey-glaze, ricotta and herbs.
JC’s Bar & Grill wing special is 75-cents per wing all day Wednesdays.
JC’s Bar & Grill Facebook
Drake-Downtown Bend Facebook Fire on
GUNG HO
By Nic Moye
One Day Choir
Uniting voices to create connection, not perfection
The benefits of music and singing have long been explored with various research finding it has positive effects on mental and physical health. A study by the University of Oxford says choir singing improves health, happiness and is the perfect icebreaker. Creating connections, community and joy is the idea behind the One Day Choir in Bend.
Kira Seto is the leader of the event on Thursday, Sept. 25, entitled “Better Together.” She describes the experience as an inclusive, supportive space for people to come together to heal and connect using voices, through joyful, wholehearted singing in community. It’s for the simple pleasure of singing as a group, not as a performance.
“A lot of folks are coming in, carrying some kind of story around their voice, around deficiency, unworthiness. I can’t sing. You don’t want to hear my voice. I’m not a singer,” Seto says. “So I really encourage people to make mistakes. We’re not here for perfection. We’re here for connection. Try on parts, see
what feels comfortable in your body.”
The community choir experience highlights the power of voice, without musical instruments or recordings. Seto will begin the evening with simple, opening songs and playful warmups to ease any nerves or self-doubt. She will then lead the group through a set list of specifically curated songs, usually with an uplifting message or sometimes playful and silly. She’ll break a song down chunk by chunk through a call and repeat style, weaving a tapestry of sound. Seto stresses the event is a safe space where all voices matter.
“It’s really an experience that revolves around singing together. It seems so simple, but it’s a deep, meaningful thing.”
Seto says she’s part of a movement that has brought a renaissance of oral tradition and group folk singing within the past couple of decades. “There’s a whole network that keeps growing around our country and beyond, of people who are leading singing in this tradition,” she
says. “I experienced it back in 2015 coming from a place [where] I didn’t think my voice was great. I was really timid about sharing my voice and through discovering it, I found the joy of singing in my voice. And then it just led me to learning how to facilitate it more and more.”
Seto was part of another community singing group in Bend in 2020, then left to start her own group, Voices Rising Community Choir, in the fall of 2023. She takes a break in the summers which is when she offers the One Day Choirs. Her most recent one in August brought together about 75 people. Anyone can participate, including families with children. No experience needed.
Seto says she often hears people express a deficiency or unworthiness about the sound of their voice. “Most of them end up staying and singing and discovering that how they sound doesn’t matter and that it’s just incredibly fun and life-giving to sing together,” she says. “It becomes way more of a benefit to stay than to miss out and feed this old story. So I just want to really name that, because so many people are like, that’s, that’s so sweet that you’re doing that, but you wouldn’t want to hear me singing. I’ll sit this one out. It’s heartbreakingly so common.”
The One Day Choir is being held at Heritage Hall at the First Presbyterian Church in NE Bend. She’s asking for donations to help cover costs.
Seto describes singing as a birthright.
“On a deeper level, these songs are tools that help create this intentional space for us to be together as a species, beyond what our usual left brain thinking allows us to be able to do, to be able to just reach towards each other’s humanity and find depth and find belonging with each other.”
One Day Choir
Thu., Sept. 25, 6-8pm Heritage Hall at First Presbyterian Church 230 NE 9th St., Bend community.bendsource.com/bend/voices-risings-one-day-choir/Event?oid=23610705
Suggested donation $10-$25
"On a deeper level, these songs are tools that help create this intentional space for us to be together as a species.” - Kira Seto
CHOW C Sweet Yeli’s Serves Up Decadence Without Guilt
Indulgent desserts that nourish your body
By Donna Britt
Bend’s bustling farmers markets are filled with delicious things, but lately a certain stall has been pulling crowds in with the scent of chocolate, cinnamon and something just a little bit magical. Sweet Yeli’s, the small-batch dessert company from local baker and entrepreneur Yelina Davis, has quickly become one of those spots people gravitate toward, even if they swore they were just coming for carrots and corn.
Davis, a former NFL cheerleader and lifelong dancer, has poured her energy into crafting desserts that are as indulgent as they are nourishing. Every cookie, brownie and bar is made without gluten, dairy or refined sugar, but you would never know it from the first bite. Her signature offerings include chewy chocolate chip cookies, banana bread muffins, maple pecan granola scented with cardamom and cinnamon, fudge brownies with a secret Cuban coffee kick, and a wildly decadent coconut caramel magic bar.
Sweet Yeli’s didn’t begin with polished packaging or big ambitions. Davis laughs when she recalls her first market. “My very first market barely had any customers and I barely made any money but I was over the moon,” she remembers. “I had so much fun and I had caught the bug.”
Those small pop-ups snowballed into bigger opportunities. Earlier this summer she took the plunge and committed to a weekly booth at the popular Northwest Crossing Farmers Market, a decision that connected her with a steady stream of locals and visitors. “I’ve just been seizing the opportunities as they’ve come along and learning so much along the way,” she smiles.
The enthusiasm goes both ways. Customers return week after week for her signature sweets, often surprised at how delicious dairy-free and gluten-free desserts can be. “People are super grateful to find something so rich and sweet without the guilt,” she notices.
Food has always been rejuvenating for Davis, long before she began selling her own creations. “The kitchen has always been my happy place,” she reflects. “I grew up watching Food Network and my heroes were people like Rachael Ray and Bobby Flay. When I was 9 years old my parents took me to the Food & Wine Festival to get my cookbooks signed by my favorite cooking stars.”
Her Miami upbringing and Cuban heritage shine through in subtle ways. “Growing up in Miami there were little Cuban restaurants and window shops
everywhere offering sweets and little bites to go with matcha or coffee,” she recalls. “It was part of the culture and I would go there after school with my mom and dad, enjoy the sweet bites, and that’s the feel I wanted to create with Sweet Yeli’s.”
One of her earliest hits at the market was a guava cream bar, a nod to the Cuban flavors of her childhood. “Whenever I can get guava locally, I make them and they’re always a hit,” Davis says. Even her best-selling brownies carry a secret touch from home, boosted with a shot of Cuban coffee and a teaspoon of coffee grinds. “No one really knows that, but everyone loves my brownies,” she says with a grin.
Davis’s path to baking is anything but typical. She spent years as a professional dancer and NFL cheerleader, where nutrition was inseparable from performance. “I loved desserts and sweet things but I had to perform competitively and what I fed my body affected my performance in the studio and on stage,” she explains. “When I auditioned for the Miami Dolphins cheer squad, I had to tighten up my nutrition. I still wanted to be able to eat desserts but not
feel sluggish and fuel my body with good stuff. I had to be conscious about what I was eating.”
That awareness ultimately shaped the foundation of Sweet Yeli’s. Her desserts are meant to be rich and indulgent while also fueling the body with clean, quality ingredients. They’re the kind of treats you can feel good about craving.
While her food is what draws people in, it’s the human connections that inspire Davis’s passion. “Starting the baking business has been a whirlwind in the best way possible and not at all what I was expecting,” she says. “I had always loved baking for family but I didn’t realize how much I would enjoy meeting and interacting with the community around food and the markets and other small business owners.”
The Sweet Yeli’s booth has become more than a place to buy a cookie. It’s a gathering space where stories and smiles are shared. “That’s where all the magic is, especially the joy of the customers and the returning customers,” Davis muses.
The road has not been without mishaps. Davis is quick to admit to her kitchen disasters. “There has been a lot
of trial and error and a lot of disasters in the kitchen but I enjoy the process of perfecting my recipes,” she affirms. “I like the creative challenge of it.” And her customers like the end results.
Though still young as a business, Sweet Yeli’s has already carved out a place in Bend’s food landscape. With her Cuban-inspired twists, health-conscious ingredients and sunny enthusiasm, Davis has created something that resonates far beyond her stall. Her journey from dancer to baker, from oneoff markets to farmers market fixture, reflects a willingness to take risks, learn and lead with joy. For her customers, the reward is simple: a cookie, a brownie or a bar that satisfies the soul as much as the sweet tooth.
For Davis, it’s about much more than dessert. “I truly want to bring people joy and I love being out there!”
Sweet Yeli’s Instagram: @sweet.yelis 305-793-5176
Sweet Yeli's Yelina Davis brings her smile and enthusiasm weekly to the NWX Farmers Market. All of Sweet Yeli's sweet treats are gluten-free, dairy-free and made with no refined sugar.
Photos couretsy of Sweet Yeli’s
Mocktail & Cocktail week
PRESENTED BY
THE LIQUOR STORE IN
The Spirited Scavenger Hunt
September 18-24
$10 COCKTAILS & $8 MOCKTAILS
Get ready for an ENTIRE WEEK of specially crafted cocktails & mocktails mixed by the best bartenders in town
2025 Participants
Jackson’s Corner
Dogwood at the Pineshed
Dear Mom Cafe Crux
Portello Lounge
Prost!
Fat Tony’s Pizzeria Simón
Join the fun with our brand-new Cocktail & Mocktail Week Scavenger Hunt! Here’s how it works:
SIGN UP – Mark that you’re interested in the scavenger hunt, and we’ll send you an email with a set of clues.
EXPLORE – Each participating venue has both a featured $10 cocktail or $8 mocktail and a hidden clue waiting for you.
COLLECT – Visit locations throughout the week, piece together the clues, and complete the hunt.
WIN – Submit your answers here for a chance to win $100 gift card from Newport Avenue Market!
Whether you’re sipping cocktails, mocktails, or just along for the adventure, this scavenger hunt is the perfect way to experience Cocktail & Mocktail Week in a whole new way.
3/4 oz overholt rye 3/4oz asbach 3yr brandy 1/2oz edelkirsch cherry liqueur 1/2 oz combier 1 dash angostura 1 peychauds Garnish with amarena cherry and expressed orange peel.
40 SW Century Drive Ste 140 Bend, OR, 97702
Strawberry Daquiri
Crux
A fruity frozen cocktail classic! Using fresh Oregon Strawberries- this slushie cocktail delivers real berry flavor with tangy key lime juice and Planteray 3 Star Rum.
The Beetnik blends Dogwood’s house-infused beet vodka with ginger and citrus for a cocktail that’s earthy, naturally sweet, and strikingly red. Voted Best Cocktail in Bend and spotlighted in Bon Appétit magazine, it has become a defining favorite of the city’s cocktail culture
821 NE 2nd St Bend, OR, 97703
Tomato Girl Martini
Jackson's Corner
Bright, clarified, and a little unexpected: local tomato juice, Aria gin, dry vermouth, lemon, simple syrup, and whey.
845 NW Delaware Avenue Bend, OR, 97703
Mango Mezcalita Caliente
Simón: Latin Cuisine and Margaritas
Habanero infused mezcal orange liquor, muddled mango and fresh lime
221 NW Hill Street Bend, OR 97701
Eccelente
Fat Tony’s Pizzeria
Muddled lemon, basil with Vodka fusion of passion fruit, pineapple and blood orange
215 NW Hill Street Bend, OR 97701
Sassy Mama
Dear Mom Cafe
Thai Mezcal Michelada
Turn up the heat with our “Sassy Mama” — a Thai twist on the classic michelada that’s as bold, fiery, and fabulous as she is.
This dazzling creation blends smoky Mezcal, juicy Mango purée, bright lime, and a cheeky splash of Thai spices, topped with a crisp Mexican lager. Finished with a chili-salt rim kissed with Sriracha, it’s tropical, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy — made to celebrate the mamas who bring the flavor wherever they go.
320 SW Century Drive Ste 410 Bend, OR, 97702
Golden Child
Tamarind Lemongrass Mocktail
Dear Mom Cafe
Bright, creamy, and effortlessly charming — meet the Golden Child.
A dreamy blend of tangy tamarind shrub, silky Coco Lopez cream, and fragrant lemongrass, this tropical mocktail is sunshine in a glass — smooth, zesty, and made to make you smile.
320 SW Century Drive Ste 410 Bend, OR, 97702
Blackberry Fizz
Portello
Lounge
Blackberry Puree Lime Ginger Beer Soda Water
2754 NW Crossing Drive # 104 Bend, OR 97701
C CULTURE ELSEWHERE Will Be the Place to Be
A sober-movement connected to Bend’s creative and wellness community
By Nic Moye
Anew festival is debuting in October that’s meant to feel like a calming retreat. Even the name, ELSEWHERE, conveys transporting one to another place. Organizer Alyssa Reyes describes it as a nomadic gathering in Central Oregon blending music, art, movement, ceremony and connection.
reading, listening to jazz, browsing art, chatting with friends — inspired by togetherness and creativity. She describes it as a sober-curious movement and is raising money for a building within the Bend Central District.
“The event is going to bring together about 30 or so different wisdom sharers, embodiment teachers, musicians, artists and guides. It’s going to be like a healing festival of sorts. A time for celebration, for dancing, all of your favorite parts of a festival, but anchored in a deeper aspect that centers, kind of like collective care and healing and community,” she told the Source.
Workshops and classes will be centered around breathwork, somatics, sound, acupuncture, dance, yoga, art, skill share and more. The event, scheduled for the afternoon and evening of Saturday Oct. 18, will also have live music and a sunset dinner by Made to Nourish. In addition, Gather Sauna House will be there along with a village marketplace, a pop-up art gallery and, close to Reyes’ heart, a tea lounge.
“We’re planning to construct a mobile tea house,” she explains. “And then offer community tea and elixirs in that little space within the broader space of the festival.” She believes tea commands a person’s presence and connection. “I feel like there’s a really growing community of people that want to connect intentionally in community. I feel like we have a vibrant community of ecstatic dancers and medicine workers and creative people and folks that are really wanting to come together, not at a bar.”
Among the collaborators attending ELSEWHERE are author Pixie Lighthorse, community healer Maribel Ramirez, performing artist, dancer and drummer Fodeliche Syzzla, sound healer Devon Shephard Bates, astrologist Jess Ellen, shuffle dancers AnnieCattabriga-Alosa and Caroline Kim and many more.
Reyes is hoping to use the festival as a launching pad for her bigger dream of creating a permanent space that combines a tea house that’s open at night in a warehouse-type space housing other compatible vendors who celebrate healing, subculture and diversity through art, music, movement, unique merchandise and meaningful tattoos. She envisions a place where people are sipping wildcrafted tea, writing,
Reyes is an outdoor yoga guide through her business Soul Trip, as well as a bassist for Not Your Ex Lover, which just won runner-up for Best Local Band 2025. She’s convinced there’s a need for ELSEWHERE and now is the right time. Her vision statement says Bend lacks a venue that’s a warm, inviting alternative to bars. A sober space that comes alive after 9pm with live music, storytelling, tea ceremonies, vinyl listening parties or full moon yoga. A space that’s open, fostering collaborations, where a class might flow into a concert or a tea ceremony might accompany an author or poetry reading.
But it begins with the ELSEWHERE festival which Reyes calls a gathering of living wisdom. “There’s the social aspect of bringing people together to…offer them an opportunity to slow down, to connect with themselves, to connect with the people that they’re with, instead of the hustle and bustle of getting fueled up on coffee.”
She says the event will begin with some embodiment practices. “We have an amazing woman coming up from near Eugene who’s going to be guiding a cacao communion to open up our space. We’re bringing in a number of people to share their culture with us and their lineage with us. I think that’s a really, really beautiful thing to bring people together…and honoring the roots in which a lot of this wisdom comes from.”
Reyes says the event, being held at the Hanai Foundation, is being capped at 100 people. Ticket prices are around $135 but will be on a sliding scale in an effort to include everyone.
ELSEWHERE Sat., Oct. 18, 2-10pm Hanai Foundation 62430 Eagle Road, Bend eventbrite.com/e/elsewhere-a-gathering-of-living-wisdom-tickets-1617875923439?aff=oddtdtcreator $135 Sliding Scale
festival will be held at the Hanai Foundation Oct. 18.
C CULTURE Strength in Silks
A dozen Lava City Cirque girls perform in a movie filming in Texas
By Nic Moye
Lava City Cirque is celebrating its first anniversary at the north end of Bend off O.B. Riley Road with some exciting achievements. One of its students, 11-year-old Margot Tatum-Ling, won the national championship in the Intermediate 2 competition at the Aerialympics Kansas City, MO in July. Three other students won first place awards. Altogether, Lava City took home 10 medals.
Tatum-Ling, a sixth grader at Cascades Middle School, has been doing aerial performance with silks for about three years. “I started when I was eight, because my grandparents took me to see this traveling circus and….it inspired me because they did this ‘Around-the-World’ act and used these beautiful light blue silks for Niagara Falls. I was like, I want to do that because it looks pretty cool,” she told the Source.
Ariel performing is like a ballet in the sky involving long strips of silk cloths, sometimes with multiple silks or one continuous loop. It may involve a lyra which is like a hula hoop or a trapeze.
Lava City students put on a performance during a recent open house. While still celebrating their overall success in July, they’re equally excited about their next venture, appearing in a movie.
A dozen students traveled to Houston in early September to perform in “Soul Cirque,” an independent film currently in production. Lava City Cirque owner Kate Finley says they were invited after making connections at various competitions. The movie will feature performers from several aerial arts teams. Lava City Cirque performers, ages nine to 16, had to learn a routine for a specific song.
“There’s gonna be an aerial competition,” Finley says. “So we’re one of the rival teams. They gave us a song that was composed by one of the kids somewhere in Houston and we just had to choreograph a routine to it.” In the movie, they will be working together as a team.
“The movie experience, it’s been really fun,” Tatum-Ling told the Source. “I feel like I’m getting to know all of the people better. I mean, I spend a lot of time with them, but I’m getting to know them better. And… you have to really trust other people when they’re the ones who are literally holding you 20 feet off the ground.”
Finley adds, “I think it’ll be really good for the kids to do something that’s not competitive.”
“Soul Cirque” is about a shy tween girl who enters a circus competition but is in over her head. With the help of her father and younger brother, the trio embarks on a journey, realizing success and confidence doesn’t come from perfection but from embracing your cultural roots. The movie stars Tony Grant who’s sung with the Temptations and acted in Tyler Perry specials.
Twelve-year-old Kate Andrews, a seventh grader at Seven Peaks Middle School, says, “It has been a really long and fun process because we had to change our routine a ton. But I’m really excited to go because it’s a really good bonding experience where we can all go and do something all together as a group. When you go to competitions, normally, you’re kind of competing against each other.”
While Lava City Cirque is fairly new, the owner has experience in competition.
“I was a competitive figure skater and then I was a coach and then I just wanted to find some other performance art to get involved in and I kind of fell into silks,” Finely says. After working at another studio, she decided to open Lava City Cirque. Some of the classes focus on the competition team, but other classes are offered for students and adults for around $28 a class. A new class is beginning for moms and toddlers.
All the young women at the open house eagerly took turns performing. Some of the older competitors are also coaches. They use an apparatus with a pully system to lower girls who get stuck or need assistance.
While the girls compete against one another, Andrews says it’s not personal. “The competition never gets in the way of our friendship. We just try to be really kind to each other, even if we’re competing against each other,” she says.
While they practice several hours a week, even a young pro like Tatum-Ling still gets nervous. “Before you get on stage, you’re like, oh my gosh, there’s tons of people. You’re like, the world is, like, crashing down. But once you get on stage, there’s a wash of cool, because you’re, like, I know how to do this. I know what I’m gonna do.” She says sometimes she gets stuck in the silks and needs help untangling and has fallen on occasion, but Tatum-Ling says, when that happens, you just get back up.
Brandi Sooter teaches adult classes when she’s not working as a nurse. “I think it’s really empowering. It helps kids and adults find a part of themselves that they didn’t know was there. And I think it makes them, I mean, for kids, it makes them really brave. It makes them have this really unique, cool thing that nobody else has. And for adults…I get a lot of moms like myself…that are, like, ‘Hey, I would never, like, this looks crazy. I can’t imagine. I cannot believe you do that.’ It’s not what it seems. It doesn’t have to be scary… We’ll learn little tricks on the ground where it’s not painful. It’s not scary and slowly work our way up and before you know it, you’re gonna be doing this stuff in the air and be shocked that you’re actually doing it, so that’s really empowering for everyone, whether you’re a kid or a full-grown adult.”
by Nic Moye
Lava City Cirque students performed during a recent open house.
Lava City Cirque has an apparatus with a pulley system to lower girls who become entangled in silks.
Photos
SC SCREEN Based On A “True” Story
We watched nine Conjuring movies, so you don’t have to
By Jared Rasic
Let’s talk about “The Conjuring” Universe for a second, just in case the newly released “The Conjuring: Last Rites” truly is the last film in the franchise. “The Conjuring” Universe is the only successful interconnected series of movies, post-Marvel, that Hollywood has successfully managed to launch (RIP Universal’s Dark Universe).
Starting with 2013’s “The Conjuring,” we now have nine movies across several different franchises, including “The Conjuring” films proper, a trilogy featuring the evil doll “Annabelle,” a duology following the demonic “Nun” and the loosely connected “The Curse of La Llorona.”
Here’s where this franchise becomes problematic: the series is centered on paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, a real-life couple who dedicated their lives to ghosts, demons and anything supernatural. “The Conjuring” movies sell themselves as “based on true stories” of the case files of The Warrens. To say this is hotly debated is an understatement, as, if you ask most people, they think the Warrens are either dangerous hucksters, well-meaning charlatans, or some derivation thereof.
Additionally, most of the stories are highly embellished for film, which raises the question of how authentically fact-based a film needs to be to be labeled as “based on a true story.”
Here’s where I’m at with it: I don’t know enough about The Warrens to judge them as people and I found the first “Conjuring” film to be an absolute blast, so instead of putting out some think piece that I’m profoundly under-qualified to write, I instead stayed in my wheelhouse and watched all nine films in “The Conjuring” Universe so you don’t have to. I learned a few pretty interesting things while doing this, but I don’t recommend anyone else try this at home.
1. The entire franchise is deeply and unapologetically Catholic. It’s funny because it feels as if these movies were released by some small, independent distributor that exclusively made religious films, people would mock the films as sentimental hogwash.
2. Even the worst movie of the entire franchise (easily “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It”) is ultimately still handsomely made and filled with solid performances and creepy imagery.
3. All the films repeat themselves over and over again with similar tracking shots, almost identical design of some of the demons and repetitive discussions about God, the Devil and faith.
4. Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson are so comfortable and lived-in as The Warrens that spending time with these characters ultimately feels like a reunion with people we care about…even if their real-life counterparts were not as noble.
5. Every single film in the franchise is a period picture set between 1952 and 1986. That’s so impressive from a production standpoint to make nine period horror movies across 12 years.
6. Watching nine “Conjuring”-related movies over two days made my face and head hurt. There’s so much religious imagery that the whole series starts to feel like they owe a big debt of gratitude (and some financial remuneration) to “The Exorcist.”
Let’s look at the entire series really quickly:
“The Conjuring” (2013): A crackerjack haunted house movie that is packed from wall to creepy ass wall with playful direction from James Wan and a wonderful central performance from Farmiga and Wilson, along with the always incredible Lili Taylor. Still the best of the series.
Best Spooky: A game of hide and clap with a blindfolded Lili Taylor that’s lived in my head rent-free for over a decade.
“Annabelle” (2014): We see how the Warrens came to be in possession (heh) of the deeply evil doll, Annabelle. It’s not a great movie, but as a piece of schlock, it’s entertaining to laugh at with friends.
Best Spooky: A Manson-inspired home invasion that gave me nightmares for a week.
“The Conjuring 2” (2016): Almost as good as the original, this one follows The Warrens to another haunted house; this one in the UK. James Wan expands his arsenal as a filmmaker, using some truly groundbreaking tracking shots that would be heralded greatly if they weren’t in a horror movie.
Best Spooky: “MY HOUSE!”
“Annabelle: Creation” (2017): The most underrated film in the franchise shows the origin of the doll, but what really sets it apart from the rest is that it’s set at a remote farmhouse being used as an orphanage for young girls. The script makes you care about the girls deeply, so when demonic activity starts getting squirrelly, you’re genuinely concerned for their safety. Surprisingly moving.
Best Spooky: We see the outline of the eyes of a demon as their bones start shifting and cracking. It made my date at the time get up and leave the theater.
“The Nun” (2018): A novitiate, a priest and a hot farmer all take on a demon nun at a remote convent in Romania. Not a great script, but directed with an eye for gothic imagery that makes the entire film feel like a throwback to 1950s Hammer Horror.
Best Spooky: That Nun’s face makes me uncomfortable. Like every time she shows up.
“The Curse of La Lorona” (2019): The only connection to the series is Father Perez, who carries over from “Annabelle.” A decent ghost story based on Hispanic folklore, what really makes this work well is a wonderful performance from Linda Cardellini and the painstakingly accurate reproduction of 1970s Los Angeles.
Best Spooky: Some really creepy eggs.
“The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It” (2021): This one follows the Warrens as they try to prove a man’s innocence of murder since a demon possessed him at the time. Too much of a procedural, this feels like what a “Conjuring” TV show would be like.
Best Spooky: The initial murder is pretty nasty.
“The Nun II” (2023): Still visually appealing, but now we have the Novitiate (now a nun) and the farmer (now possessed by a demon) doing battle at a boarding school in France. It feels derivative, repetitive and it made me sleepy.
Best Spooky: That Nun. Her evil demon face scares me every time.
“The Conjuring: Last Rites” (2025): Directed with style by Michael Chaves, “Last Rites” doesn’t ever really manage scariness, but does serve as a nice denouement for the Warrens. This very much feels like the last time we will see Farmiga and Wilson in these roles and it works as a touching goodbye. The movie recycles several of the beats and images that came before without adding anything new to the mythos, so even as you enjoy watching Farmiga and Wilson, none of it is very compelling. At 135 minutes, it’s padded with enough family drama for three movies without sustaining the type of tension that this needed to be a successful “Conjuring” movie.
“The Conjuring” universe works best as a goofy throwback to the kinds of movies that scared us as kids. I mean, this is a series where, I kid you not, someone spits the blood of Christ into the face of a demon, another character gets scared by a box of creepy cereal, and praying hard enough, brings a stillborn child back to life. I don’t know if “fun” is the right word to describe these movies, but they’re definitely something.
I can see them still churning out movies in this universe, just without the Warrens, as there are many other hauntings to cover. I wouldn’t be surprised if they cast two attractive 20-somethings as the Young Warrens and launched a TV show about their early adventures. I’m such a mark that I would probably watch it.
Do I recommend watching all nine of these movies in a row? No. Do I regret it? Definitely. Did I have fun? Absolutely. I contain multitudes and so, apparently, do the Warrens.
The Conjuring: Last Rites
Dir. Michael Chaves
Grade: C
Now Playing at Regal Old Mill, Redmond Cinema, Madras Cinema 5
There’s something spooky in the attic. New Line Cinema
In Praise of Wasps
The fascinating world of wasps and hornets is spoiled by a couple of bad actors
By Damian Fagan
This time of year, when yellow jackets invade a mountain picnic or backyard barbecue, it’s really hard to see the good in these insects and their relatives. But it’s there.
“When people think of wasps, they think of only a couple ones that really are bad actors,” said Dr. Jerry Freilich, High Desert Museum volunteer ecologist. “Dr. Jerry,” as he is known in the building, is an aquatic invertebrate specialist and Hymenoptera enthusiast — that’s the scientific order that includes bees, wasps, sawflies and ants (hornets are in there, too). His goal, nay mission in life, is to enlighten and expand the minds of any anti-Hymenopterist and draw them into the fascinating world of these insects.
Dr. Jerry is often asked by those who visit his mobile insect display in the Museum’s desertarium about yellow jackets, one of the most common spoilers of picnics and barbeques, but just one of the many wasps flying around a yard. “The only reason you don’t notice the other wasps in your backyard is because most don’t have any interest in hamburger meat,” Dr. Jerry explained.
But for the negative press that yellow jackets and bald-faced hornets get, there is an incredibly diverse and fascinating world of wasps and hornets out there. “The Vespidae or Vespids give a bad name to the whole group of wasps, of which there are numerous other families,” Dr. Jerry said.
Chris Helzer, The Prairie Ecologist blogger, sums up these fears by saying, “Dismissing all wasps because of a few aggressive ones is kind of like giving up on Mexican food because you don’t like cilantro.” Worldwide, there are somewhere around 100,000 species of wasps and roughly 20,000 species of bees. Some wasps, like yellow jackets and paper wasps, are eusocial, meaning they build a nest with a queen and workers who will sting, and sting repeatedly, if their nest is threatened (side note: males don’t sting). Other wasps live a solitary lifestyle and rarely sting. Wasps serve as pollinators and search for prey that they paralyze with their stingers and carry back to a nest for their developing larvae to eventually consume. The different transport methods — in the wasp’s jaws,
clamped between the legs, attached to the stinger — are just as unique as the relationships between wasps and their prey.
At the Museum, I catch Dr. Jerry relating a story from his teaching days at the University of Georgia. “The students would go outside the building and sit and watch as an Oxybelus wasp (a type of spiny digger wasp) would fly to its ground nest with a small Dolichopodid fly attached to its stinger. The students would note the time and watch as the wasp would exit, then return within a few minutes with another fly again attached to the stinger. At the end of the session, we’d dig up one of the nests and count the number of paralyzed flies which would be around 25. Each fly had a single egg deposited across its neck and all the flies were male.” Macabre if it wasn’t so cool.
On a recent trip to the Steens, I was photographing wildflowers and found a brilliant looking common blue mud-dauber wasp (Chalybion californicum). This inch-long wasp, with the classic narrow “wasp waist,” is known to predate on spiders which it collects and lays within a single chamber of a mud-constructed nest built on the underside of a building or natural feature. The female lays her egg on the paralyzed spider, then seals the chamber in which the larvae grow, feeding on its host. And according to Bastiaan Drees and John Jackman, authors of A Field Guide to Common Texas Insects (Gulf Publishing, 1999), these spiders are of the black-widow variety!
So, keep an open mind and don’t let the annoying actions of yellow jackets detract from the fascinating ecological aspects of other wasps in your backyard. And catch Dr. Jerry at the High Desert Museum, he’s usually there twice a week, to learn more about these amazing creatures.
High Desert Museum
Everyday 9am-5pm 59800 S. Hwy 97, Bend Highdesertmuseum.org
By Nic Moye
The Big Bend Pickup Volunteers needed to pick up trash for inaugural cleanup event
Central Oregon seems to have a healthy volunteer network, especially when it comes to preserving the natural bounty of the area. A local business owner is organizing a new community cleanup called The Big Bend Pickup. Danny Goll owns HiBar Cleaning Solutions. He and his wife, Candy, have been active in the Bend Beautification Program through the City which encourages volunteer efforts to improve the esthetics of Bend.
Goll is seeking 100 volunteers to help pick up trash throughout the city on Saturday, Oct. 4. “It’s because we love Bend and how beautiful it is and want to ensure it stays as clean as possible, particularly as it continues to grow,” Goll told the Source. Volunteers will be assigned to an area in need of attention to pick up litter and put it in bags that will later be picked up by the city. Supplies will be provided through the Bend Beautification Program.
While the exact locations have not been determined, Goll says, “We did learn from the city that the east side doesn’t get the attention that the west side does, as far as the number of streets being adopted through the Bend Beautification Program.”
Goll, a self-admitted neat-freak, says this is a passion project for him. After relocating to Bend from Seattle, he started his window cleaning, pressure washing business. “Much like the mission behind The Big Bend Pickup, my business is rooted in contributing to a cleaner, more welcoming Bend for everyone,” Goll explains. “We’re aiming to clean up all of the streets and walkways around Bend, or as many as we can that need the most attention this first time around.
As a reward, volunteers, 21 or older, will receive a token for a beer at a partnering brewery including Sunriver Brewing, Bend Brewing, Silver Moon and The Podski.
Goll is hoping to make The Big Bend Pickup a biannual event every October and April.
On left, Dr. Jerry entertains visitors with insect stories. Right, a common blue mud-dauber wasp searches for prey.
Photos by Damian Fagan
Danny Goll partnered with clients like Bend Brewing which is offering a beer token to cleanup volunteers.
Danny Goll
CRAFT CR It’s Tea’s Time at Wild Ride Brew Redmond and Prineville brewery’s head brewer spills the tea
By Brian Yaeger
Fall Arts &
Tea is the most popular soft drink in the world while beer is the most popular alcoholic beverage on Earth. Given how many adjuncts — non-traditional ingredients beyond malt and hops — are used in craft brewing, it’s almost puzzling how uncommon tea-infused beers are. Wild Ride Brew’s head brewer, Matt Katakura, tastefully bucks that trend.
When brewers commonly reveal how many pounds of hops per barrel are used in a recipe, Katakura disclosed that he added 11 pounds of tea (a combination of black teas from India and China) in his latest liquid libation, Tea with Miss Bee. It also saw additions of honey and lemon to accentuate a nice cuppa tea, but the beer — now on tap at Wild Ride’s Redmond and Prineville taprooms — is an elegant, refreshing blonde ale that is delicate in flavor yet bold in approach.
“I really like to experiment with flavors on an extra small scale to make sure that the flavors that I want to use will work together,” says Katakura, “even though it sounds like they should be an obvious combination.”
This isn’t to say every idea works. Over the years, some brewers have deigned to add ghost peppers, bull testes, solidified whale vomit, and a plethora of stunt adjuncts into beer. But sensical flavorings from fruit to spices are popular because their contributions have proved popular. Yet tea rarely steps into the spotlight.
Tea indeed steeped into the brewery spotlight a dozen years ago at a “Tea Beer Fest” held in Eugene with a dozen Oregon breweries composing recipes for that occasion. And back in 1995, Mt. Hood Brewing conjured up a tea beer that potentially marked the first such example in the craft beer era. But examples are few and far between.
The floral notes, augmented by natural tannins in tea leaves, bring Wild Ride’s beer into an experimental yet approachable realm. Katakura, who has been with Wild Ride for six years, has brewed tea beers at Wild Ride before as well as previous breweries he’s worked at. He recalls his first attempt was a pilsner that incorporated Broken Orange Pekoe tea. He described it as, “A crisp lager with really big floral notes...but still a fairly mild drink...I have also had experiences with brewing smaller test batches into sour beer with both some success and some failure.”
From green tea infused IPAs to Earl grey imbued saisons, there’s a wide palate and colorful palette of flavors available to brewers. Katakura remarks, “I feel that, depending on the type of tea used, and the amount used, a light base results in a more flavor-explosive and tea-expressive beer, especially when using tea that isn’t flavored with herbs. Stronger teas that actually have herbs or oils added, like Earl Grey, or lavender, even, tend to be overpowering and really need to be used with respect and restraint.”
And that’s half the battle. Just like tea varieties and beer styles, everyone has their own preferences. That ought to set the stage for even wider exploration of the specific direction in brewing. Even within the one example of Wild Ride’s Tea with Miss Bee, Katakura acknowledges, “A few people seem to think it is very strong, and a lot seem to think it could use more tea. I personally think I could have used a touch more, but with the right kind of food, I feel brings the tea to the forefront of the tastebuds and it really is a refreshing beer with the addition of lemon and honey.”
Whether Wild Ride, or other area breweries, will create more beers in this direction, is uncertain, but while I’m unable to figuratively read the tea leaves on this issue, I hope we’re able to cozy up to more offerings befitting the onset of fall.
Matt Katakura added 11 pounds of tea to his latest batch of beer, Tea with Miss Bee.
Matt Katakura
Norway’s patron saint
19. Really bad 20. Bring out happiness?
23. Six pack case? 24. Slimy stuff
25. Juilliard or RADA?
32. Hard stuff
35. Benjamin Edward ___ Stiller
36. Fight (for)
37. In an accomplished way
38. Question that could go either way
39. No longer straight
40. Sprightly dance
41. Actor who narrated “How I Met Your Mother”
42. Mold and mushrooms, for two
43. By any means with deadly results?
46. Unbiased job listing letters
47. Grade inflating course
50. Not the first piece of praise?
56. Cry on the way to the vet
57. Whopper
58. Roughly
59. When you might use finger paint?
60. Thrust of an argument
61. Honey color
62. First place?
63. Side
64. Check the math
By Brendan Emmett Quigley
DOWN
1. “I don’t like your ___, mister!”
2. Letter-shaped fastener
3. Electric grill setting
4. “This should work, ... right?!?”
5. “Following?”
6. Starting from 7. Cunning trick
8. Taken by swallowing
9. French newspaper named after “The Barber of Seville”
10. Big bingewatcher
11. Give off, as light
12. Beat poet Snyder
13. Excellent service?
21. Rug rat
22. ___-Cola
26. Watch brand named after a letter
27. New beginning
28. Brand owned by 22-Down
29. Hot spot
30. Doorbell camera company
31. Cooler company
32. ___ California (Mexican state)
33. Passing words
34. Russian woman’s name that means “holy”
38. “Am I clear?”
39. Purposely stalls
41. Place for an SD card
42. It moves a lot of merchandise
44. Intentionally play a board game poorly, say
45. Dairy farm land
48. ___ mate (caffeinated beverage)
49. Like a stone’s throw
50. Detective’s clue
51. Top of the line
52. Lamented
53. Protest prop
54. Pear-shaped instrument
55. It’s got your house surrounded
56. Nice title: Abbr.
Pearl’s
Puzzle
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. ARMY KITES
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.”
O U W G P F N C R
F P G N C R U O W
― 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
“There. I've poked my leg, rolled down a bank and been hit in the head with the canoe. All simple things. All fixable things.” — Gary Paulsen, Brian's Return
“Who says today's kids deserve a quality education? Why can't they grow up confused like the rest of us?” - author unknown
WELLNESS
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ASTROLOGY
By Rob Brezsny
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): A supple clarity is crystallizing within you. Congratulations! It’s not a brittle or rigid certainty, but a knack for limber discernment. I predict you will have an extra potent gift for knowing what truly matters, even amidst chaos or complication. As this superpower reaches full ripeness, you can aid the process by clearing out clutter and refining your foundational values. Make these words your magic spells: quintessence, core, crux, gist, lifeblood, root. PS: Be alert for divine messages in seemingly mundane circumstances.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): The ancient Mesopotamian goddess Inanna was called “the Queen of Heaven.” Her domains were politics, divine law, love, and fertility. She was a powerhouse. One chapter of her mythic story tells of her descent into the underworld. She was stripped of everything—clothes, titles, weapons—before she could be reborn. Why did she do it? Scholars say she was on a quest for greater knowledge and an expansion of her authority. And she was successful! I propose we make her your guide and companion in the coming weeks, Libra. You are at the tailend of your own descent. The stripping is almost complete. Soon you will feel the first tremors of return—not loud, not triumphant, but sure. I have faith that your adventures will make you stronger and wiser, as Inanna’s did for her.
beats 100,000 times per day, 35 million times per year, and 2.5 billion times in an average lifetime. It’s the most reliable “machine” ever created, working continuously and mostly without special maintenance for decades. Although you Pisceans aren’t renowned for your stability and steadiness, I predict that in the coming weeks, you will be as staunch, constant, and secure as a human heart. What do you plan to do with this grace period? What marvels can you accomplish?
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Hindu goddess Durga rides a tiger and carries weapons in her ten hands, including a sword, axe, and thunderbolt. Yet she wears a pleasant smile. Her mandate to aid the triumph of good over evil is not fueled by hate but by luminous clarity and loving ferocity. I suggest you adopt her attitude, Aries. Can you imagine yourself as a storm of joy and benevolence? Will you work to bring more justice and fairness into the situations you engage with? I imagine you speaking complex and rugged truths with warmth and charm. I see you summoning a generous flair as you help people climb up out of their sadness and suffering. If all goes well, you will magnetize others to participate in shared visions of delight and dignity.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In ancient Rome, the dye called Tyrian purple was used exclusively for garments worn by royalty and top officials. It had a humble origin: murex snails. Their glands yielded a pale liquid that darkened into an aristocratic violet only after sun, air, and time worked upon it. I’m predicting you will be the beneficiary of comparable alchemical transformations in the coming weeks. A modest curiosity could lead to a major breakthrough. A passing fancy might ripen into a rich blessing. Seemingly nondescript encounters may evolve into precious connections.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Bees can see ultraviolet patterns in flowers that are invisible to humans. These "nectar guides" direct bees to the flower’s nectar and pollen, functioning like landing strips. Let’s apply these fun facts as metaphors for your life, Sagittarius. I suspect that life is offering you subtle yet radiant cues leading you to sources you will be glad to connect with. To be fully alert for them, you may need to shift and expand the ways you use your five senses. The universe is in a sense flirting with you, sending you clues through dream-logic and nonrational phenomena. Follow the shimmering glimmers.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Born under the sign of Taurus, Maya Deren first expressed her extravagant creative urges as a writer, poet, photographer, clothes designer, and dancer. But then she made a radical change, embarking on a new path as experimental filmmaker. She said she had “finally found a glove that fits.” Her movies were highly influential among the avant-garde in the 1940s and 1950s. I bring Deren to your attention, Taurus, because I suspect that in the coming months, you, too, will find a glove that fits. And it all starts soon.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In medieval times, alchemists believed mercury was a sacred substance and divine intermediary. They knew that it’s the only metal that’s liquid at room temperature. This quality, along with its silvery sheen (why it’s called "quicksilver"), made it seem like a bridge between solid and liquid, earth and water, heaven and earth, life and death. I nominate mercury as your power object, Gemini. You’re extra well-suited to navigate liminal zones and transitional states. You may be the only person in your circle who can navigate paradox and speak in riddles and still make sense. It’s not just cleverness. It’s wisdom wrapped in whimsy. So please offer your in-between insights freely. PS: You have another superpower, too: You can activate dormant understandings in both other people’s hearts and your own.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): At the height of her powers, Egyptian pharaoh Hatshepsut declared, “I have restored what had been ruined. I have raised up what had dissolved.” You now have a similar gift at your disposal, Capricorn. If you harness it, you will gain an enhanced capacity to unify what has been scattered, to reforge what was broken, and to resurrect neglected dreams. To fulfill this potential, you must believe in your own sovereignty—not as a form of domination, but of devotion. Start with your own world. Make beauty where there was noise. Evoke dignity where there was confusion.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In the high Himalayas, there’s a flower called Saussurea obvallata—the Brahma Kamal. It blooms only at night and for a short time, releasing a scent that legend says can heal grief. This will be your flower of power for the coming weeks, Aquarius. It signifies that a rare and time-sensitive gift will be available, and that you must be alert to gather it in. My advice: Don’t schedule every waking hour. Leave space for mystery to arrive unannounced. You could receive a visitation, an inspiration, or a fleeting insight that can change everything. It may assuage and even heal sadness, confusion, aimlessness, or demoralization.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): The human heart
CANCER (June 21-July 22): In the western Pacific Ocean, there’s a species of octopus that builds its lair from coconut shells. The creature gathers together husks, dragging them across the seafloor, and fits them together. According to scientists, this use of tools by an invertebrate is unique. Let’s make the coconut octopus your power creature for now, Cancerian. You will have extra power to forge a new sanctuary or renovate an existing one, either metaphorically or literally. You will be wise to draw on what’s nearby and readily available, maybe even using unusual or unexpected building materials.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): I invite you to contemplate the meaning of the phrase “invisible architecture.” My dream told me it will be a theme for you in the coming weeks. What does it mean? What does it entail? Here are my thoughts: Structures are taking shape within you that may not yet be visible from the outside. Bridges are forming between once-disconnected parts of your psyche and life. You may not need to do much except consent to the slow emergence of these new semi-amazing expressions of integrity. Be patient and take notes. Intuitions arriving soon may be blueprints for future greatness. Here’s the kicker: You’re not just building for yourself. You’re working on behalf of your soul-kin, too.
Homework: I dare you to plan a wild and smart adventure. Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com
What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?
HBOT is an FDA-regulated process that is used to treat 14 medical conditions
By Caren Raisin RN FNT Centers for Integrative Medicine
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical therapy that enhances the body’s natural healing process by breathing in 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber. It’s used as a treatment for a wide variety of medical conditions. By providing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, HBOT delivers 10-15 times more oxygen to tissues within the body. The increase in oxygen supply during a HBOT treatment allows multiple benefits. HBOT has been demonstrated in clinical trials to enhance the body’s ability to increase immune responses while regenerating and repairing tissue and cellular damage. HBOT is an FDA-regulated process and the treatment takes place in a controlled environment to ensure patients are safe as they experience a change in atmospheric pressure and heightened levels of oxygen.
The FDA currently recognizes Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for 14 medical conditions, all of which are generally covered by insurance.
• Sudden Hearing Loss
• Radiation Therapy Tissue Damage
• Diabetic Wounds
• Chronic Refractory Osteomyelitis
• Thermal Burns
• Compromised Amputation, Skin Graft, or Flap Site
• Stem cell induction/mobilization to repair damaged tissues
• Increased energy production
• Decreases swelling and inflammation
• Increases the body’s ability to fight infection
• Promotes new blood vessel growth to repair damaged tissue
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy may improve the quality of life of the patient in many areas when standard medicine is not working. Many conditions such as cancer/radiation damage, stroke/
brain injury/post concussive syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and chronic fatigue have responded favorably to HBOT. Healing cannot take place without appropriate oxygen levels in the tissue and cells. Many illnesses and injuries fail to heal because of inadequate oxygen levels. Inflammation, swelling, and reduced blood flow contribute to poor healing. This means adequate oxygen is unable to reach the damaged area.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) creates increased oxygen under pressure, which provides this extra oxygen to tissue and cells with minimal side effects. HBOT treats the underlying cause of your condition leading to tissue repair and energy production from the cellular level. If your condition involves injury, decreased energy production, loss of blood supply, or inflammation, HBOT will likely help you. Exciting new research is showing HBOT as a method to slow the aging process, increase the immune system, and fight disease.
HBOT may also benefit many conditions not yet approved by the FDA. The following conditions are being safely treated with HBOT in the U.S., and worldwide, by physicians, using it in an “off label” capacity. The benefits are well-documented and supported by on-going research around the world. Off-label treatments are determined on a case-by-case basis after consulting with your medical provider.
• Cancer
• Brain Injury
• Concussion, TBI and brain injuries
• Lyme Disease
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Stroke
• Dementia
• Depression Related to Brain injury
• Arthritis / Rheumatic diseases
• Autism
• Post-operative healing
• Migraine
• Neuropathy
• Bell’s palsy
• Spinal cord injury
• Peripheral nerve damage
• Bone fractures
• Muscle injury
• Infection
• Multiple Sclerosis
—Caren Raisin, RN has been a registered nurse for over 40 years, the bulk of her career was spent researching the effects of diet and lifestyle on heart disease and cancer. She currently works at the Center for Integrative Medicine.
When buying a home here in Oregon, there are several agreements, addendums and the like that are required to complete the purchase and sale of a particular property. The centerpiece of every transaction is the Purchase and Sale Agreement, a document designed to protect both parties and ensure a smooth closing. Yet, over the years, I’ve noticed three specific clauses that often cause confusion. Let’s demystify them together so you can approach your next real estate transaction with confidence.
First up, let’s talk about the “As-Is” Addendum. This is one of the most misunderstood parts of the agreement. Many buyers hear “as-is” and immediately think “no inspections” or “the seller won’t fix a single thing.” This couldn’t be further from the truth!
An “as-is” sale simply means the seller is not obligated to make repairs. It doesn’t waive your right to a professional home inspection. In fact, an inspection is even more critical in an “as-is” transaction. It’s your opportunity to fully understand the home’s condition. You’ll still have the right to negotiate with the seller based on what the inspection reveals, or even to walk away from the deal if the findings are too significant for your comfort level. The “as-is” addendum just sets the expectation upfront that the seller isn’t planning to fix things, but it doesn’t leave you in the dark.
The second frequently misunderstood clause is the “Contingency” section. Contingencies are your safety net. The most common ones are the inspection contingency and the financing contingency. The inspection contingency, as we just discussed, allows you to have the
By James Keane, Licensed broker RE/MAX Key Properties
home professionally inspected and gives you a window to negotiate or terminate the agreement based on the findings. The financing contingency is just as vital. It states that your ability to purchase the home is dependent on you securing a loan. If, for some reason, your financing falls through after a good-faith effort on your part, this clause protects your earnest money deposit and allows you to cancel the contract. Without these contingencies, you could find yourself legally bound to buy a house you can’t get a loan for or one with a host of unexpected issues. They are not obstacles; they are safeguards.
Finally, let’s clear up the confusion around “Earnest Money.” This is a goodfaith deposit you provide when you make an offer. It shows the seller you’re serious about buying their home. People often mistakenly believe this money is a separate fee for the agent or a non-refundable down payment. Instead, earnest money is held in a neutral escrow account and is typically applied toward your down payment and closing costs at the time of closing. The only time you might risk losing it is if you violate the terms of the contract without a valid reason, such as backing out of the deal after all your contingencies have been satisfied. As long as you follow the contract, your earnest money is safe.
Navigating a real estate agreement can feel overwhelming, but by understanding these three key areas the “As-Is” Addendum, your essential contingencies, and the purpose of earnest money you’ll be well-equipped to make informed decisions. As always, if you need some assistance with buying or selling a property here in Central Oregon, please contact me at jkeane29@gmail.com, thanks!
