Bend, OR April 2026

• Free diagnostic hearing evaluation, including hearing test & video otoscopy

• Ensuring optimal patient outcomes by strictly adhering to Industry Best Practices

• Hearing aid purchases include a 30 day trial and lifetime hearing testing and follow-up care

• Latest in hearing technology, guided by experts. Fully staffed, trusted team of professionals

Never before have so many options been available to help you find the Stressless recliner that's just right for you. Most of our

recliners are available in three sizes. We wanted to make sure that everyone is able to experience total relaxation, whatever their height or body shape. There are various bases, wood types and luxurious leather collections to choose from so that you can create the chair of your dreams. With so many unique options, all your requirements can be met and you'll find the perfect furniture to match your home.

BUILD UNIQUE.

Specializing in high-end custom homes that not only meet your needs but exceed your expectations in quality and design

Outdoor Living, Elevated

Exceptional design. Enduring materials.

Outdoor furniture crafted for comfort and timeless style— so your patio feels as refined as your home.

What Does "Invest" Mean to You?

When you think of the word “invest,” do you think of money? That's probably what comes to mind for most of us. With this issue, we encourage you to let “investment” take on many different forms. Investing in our health, relationships, our homes, our community and our future yields the rewards that matter most. This issue is all about making meaningful investments that enrich our lives and the lives of others.

Invest in Yourself. Whether it’s prioritizing your health, carving out time for personal growth or finding gratification in your career, taking care of yourself allows you to better take care of others you love, and to experience your best life. This month, we bring you “Investing in Every Step” about the health benefits of walking—yes, walking. It’s amazing how something as simple as a walking routine can give you the benefit of mental clarity and improve your body, mind and spirit.

Invest in Your Home. The spaces you create shape the way you enjoy time spent at home. This month we talked with Patio World of Bend about the importance of investing in quality outdoor furniture that lasts. Designing an inviting, outdoor oasis gives you the opportunity to create meaningful experiences and connection when you gather outside with friends and family.

Invest in Your Future. OK, this one does relate to finances, but also to knowledge. We’ve included a curated list of books and podcasts designed to help guide you to financial health and planning for your future. Turn the pages to  “The Power of Knowing” for a great selection of resources. Grab one on the list and start your journey to financial health.

Investing in Community. Giving back is one of the most fulfilling investments we can make. In this issue, we highlight an inspiring conversation with Tim Tebow, former professional NFL quarterback, now author and philanthropist, whose foundation and global outreach have made a huge impact for those with disabilities. For the full story, scan the QR code on page 30 for more.

Thank you for spending time with us.

Here’s to investing wisely, in every way that counts.

JANE RIAL, PUBLISHER @BEND.LIFESTYLE

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Jane Rial | jane.rial@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Lynette Confer | lynette.confer@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sue Baldani, Angela Broockerd, Lynette Confer, Julie E. Furnas, Heather Spinks

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Natalie Stephenson

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

Dr. Richard Mac Donell, MD

Founded in 2006 by Dr. Mac Donell, MyMD is now the most established, premier concierge practice in Bend.

Focused care for fewer patients.

MyMD was created on a simple idea: great medicine requires time. Dr. Richard Mac Donell, board-certified in Internal Medicine, limits his practice to a small number of patients so he can focus completely on you—your health, your questions, your care.

Membership includes:

• 24-hour phone access

• Same- or next-day appointments

• Little or no wait times

• House calls available

When your doctor has more time for you, everything about your care improves. Call today to learn more about MyMD Concierge Medicine.

“We’ve been with MyMD for manyyears.Doctor Mac Donell and his caring staff are a true blessing—always accessible,welcoming and on top of all medical matters.”

- Bill and Marelie Brown

MYMD MEMBERS SINCE 2018

ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES

Bend Marathon Takes Place on April 12

The 11th Annual Bend Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k and 5k races will take place on April 12 with courses through the west side of Bend. Cruise through neighborhood parks, forests and along the Deschutes River. Also featured are free kids race and youth 5k, an afterparty with Cascade Lakes craft beer, food, live music and vendors. The beneficiaries of the 2026 Bend Marathon include the Family Access Network, Bend Sustainability Fund and Think Wild Central Oregon. Bend-Marathon.com

Earth Day Fair & Parade Moves to Alpenglow Park

Join The Environmental Center of Bend for an annual celebration of earth and community. This family-friendly

MountainStar Family Relief Nursery – 25 Years of Keeping Kids Safe

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. MountainStar Family Relief Nursery is celebrating 25 years as the only regional child abuse prevention provider serving Central Oregon with comprehensive, therapeutic early childhood services and wrap-around family supports. On April 30, you’re invited to the Tri-County Communities for Kids Event – a free family-friendly gathering – at the Becky Johnson Community Center in Redmond. Let’s work together to strengthen families and keep kids safe. Raising children takes a village. MountainStar is proud to be part of yours. MtStar.org

event will feature a lively and inclusive celebration where people and pets of all ages are encouraged to wear costumes that showcase their favorite thing about planet Earth. This year’s Earth Day Fair & Parade will take place on April 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Alpenglow Park and will offer food vendors, booths, performers and more. EnviroCenter.org Want

INVESTING IN EVERY STEP

The

Simplest Path to Better Health Might be Easier Than You Think

ARTICLE BY LYNETTE CONFER

On any given day in Bend, you’ll find people out walking the river trails before work, circling neighborhoods walking their dogs, walking a loop around Drake Park on their lunch break, fitting movement into the rhythms of a busy day. When we think about investment, we usually think in terms of money

– savings accounts, portfolios, and long-term returns. But, one of the most valuable investments we can make isn’t financial at all. It’s an investment in ourselves: our health, our energy, and our overall well-being.

Fitness plays an integral role in that equation, yet for many people, exercise can feel time-consuming, expensive, or unrealistic. The good news, however, is that improving your health does not require high-impact workouts or a gym membership. One of the most powerful ways to improve overall well-being is also the most accessible: walking.

Simple, familiar, and often overlooked, walking may be the foundation of a healthier year ahead.

A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH TO FITNESS

“Walking is one of the best things you can do for your body,” says Dr. Bari Liebowitz, owner of Total Body Chiropractic & Massage. “It supports heart health, maintains bone density, reduces stiffness, and naturally lowers stress. It’s simple, sustainable, and incredibly powerful when done consistently.”

Unlike higher-impact workouts, walking is gentle on the joints while still improving circulation, strengthening muscles, and supporting posture. Dr. Liebowitz recommends aiming for 20-30 minutes of walking at least five days a week – roughly 7,000 to 10,000 steps per day – to see measurable health outcomes.

Consistency, she notes, often matters more than intensity. “Walking lowers cortisol and stimulates endorphin release, which can improve mood and help manage anxiety, depression, and stress while improving mobility, making it especially beneficial for long-term wellness,” Dr. Liebowitz adds.

BOOSTING MENTAL CLARITY

Indeed, the benefits of walking extend well beyond the physical. The rhythmic, side-to-side motion activates both hemispheres of the brain, helping calm the nervous system and regulate emotions. It’s one reason many people instinctively go for a walk when they need to think and process.

According to Harvard Health Publishing, regular walking has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression while improving mood and cognitive function. Research from Stanford University has also found that walking can boost creative thinking by as much as 60 percent, helping the brain shift into a more open, problem-solving mode. A short midday stroll can reset attention, ease stress and spark new ideas – proving that productivity sometimes begins by stepping away from the desk.

THE RIGHT FOUNDATION: INVESTING IN FOOTWEAR

While walking requires little equipment, proper footwear can make a significant difference in comfort and injury prevention. Specialists at the FootZone in downtown Bend encourage walkers to think of shoes as essential tools rather than accessories.

“A well-fitting walking shoe can determine whether your experience is enjoyable or painful,” says Col Sullivan, FootZone Director of Marketing and Events. Proper fit reduces stress on joints and provides the cushioning and guidance needed to support natural movement.

When it comes to finding a good walking shoe, FootZone Store Manager Chris Erxleben says that there are several key factors to consider, including proper fit, quality materials and guidance and support. “Experts recommend leaving about a thumb’s width of space between the end of your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Quality materials include high-quality foam and durable upper materials. The shoe should also provide the correct amount of guidance and support for your specific gait.”

Sullivan and Erxleben agree that shoe fit matters most because an improperly fitting shoe can cause serious, long-lasting harm to the foot and potentially the entire lower body. They also want to remind walkers that Fit Specialists are available to guide customers through the in-depth FootZone Fit Process to find shoes that match each person’s unique gait and goals.

In Central Oregon, versatile shoes designed for both pavement and trail terrain are especially popular – a practical match for Bend’s blend of river paths, neighborhoods, and nearby trials.

SMALL STEPS, LASTING RETURNS

Walking also offers something increasingly rare: simplicity. It invites us to slow down, notice our surroundings, and reconnect – whether through a quiet solo walk at sunrise or a social group stroll with friends along the Deschutes River.

And perhaps that is the greatest return on investment. Not just improved fitness, but a daily routine that supports us holistically . . . body, mind and spirit.

In a world filled with complicated wellness trends, walking reminds us that meaningful change often begins with something small, one step at a time.

FootZoneBend.com

BendTotalBodyChiropractic.com

The 10-Minute Investment Plan

Small deposits. Big returns.

• Walk the Dog = Double Dividend - A brisk dog walk can add 2,000-3,000 steps while boosting mood for you both.

• Lunch Break Loop - Ten minutes out and back equals more than 1,000 steps with no outfit change required.

• Park Once, Walk More - Park at one end of downtown Bend and explore on foot instead of moving your car.

• Take the Stairs Investment - Two minutes of stairs elevates the heart rate and strengthens lower-body muscles.

• After-Dinner Profit - A short evening walk helps regulate blood sugar and improves sleep quality.

• The Walking Meeting - Swap one seated coffee meeting each week for a walking meeting on a sidewalk or trail nearby.

• Add Trekking Poles - Engage your upper body, improve balance, and reduce strain on knees — especially on hills or trails.

Level Up Your Walk

• Add hills for natural interval training

• Walk briskly for one minute, then recover for two

• Maintain tall posture and active arm swing

• Consider a weighted vest (5-10% body weight)

• Replace walking shoes every 6-12 months

The best fitness investment does not require a membership, just a pair of shoes and the willingness to begin.

Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE) is not traditional hemorrhoid surgery.

It’s performed through a small incision in the upper thigh using advanced, image-guided technology to reduce the blood flow that contributes to symptoms related to internal hemorrhoids.

No surgical excision • Reduced downtime • Faster recovery

Minimally invasive. Outpatient. Thoughtfully modern care.

ARTICLE BY JULIE E. FURNAS

THE POWER OF KNOWING

As access to information and technology continues to grow, financial planning and investment participation has hit an all-time high.

Individuals of all ages can develop sound and healthy financial habits by educating themselves through a multitude of resources, as well as seeking advice from a financial advisor.

Research shows that it comes down to four factors:

Security – During economic uncertainty, knowledge and long-term planning are essential.

Values – Social and sustainable investments are becoming more and more important because they mitigate long-term risks and offer competitive returns.

Autonomy – Your finances - your choice what to do with them.

Planning Ahead – Private investments are always an option if retirement and pensions are not enough.

With so many resources available, Bend Lifestyle shares a list that includes books, audio books and popular podcasts on the subjects of investing, financial health and planning for the future.

THE LIST

• The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel. Topics: Behavioral finance lessons on money, wealth, and contentment and how personal emotions influence our investment decisions. Whether you’re a beginner or professional, this book dives deep into the ‘why’ and then the ‘how’ and understanding the behavior before the action.

• The Automatic Millionaire by David Bach. This New York Times bestseller is a straightforward, one-step plan to financial independence by automating savings and investments, removing the need for budgets

or intense willpower. The core premise is to ‘pay yourself first’ by automatic deductions and saving, allowing everyone to build long-term wealth through small and consistent behaviors.

• Get Good with Money by Tiffany Aliche. Another New York Times bestselling book, a 10-step guide designed to help readers achieve financial wholeness and wellbeing and a state of financial security, peace, and stability regardless of income bracket. This guidebook provides a practical, actionable plan for managing debt, boosting savings, increasing income, and investing to build long-term wealth.

• Financial Feminist by Tori Dunlap is an empowering, actionable guide designed to help women achieve financial independence. It combines the basics of personal finance like budgeting, investing and debt payoff.

CONTINUED

• Make Money Easy: Create Financial Freedom and Live a Richer Life by Lewis Howe is a guide to shifting money mindsets, healing financial anxieties, and aligning finances with achieving lasting prosperity. It focuses on emotional and psychological wealth rather than just budgeting, offering seven healthy habits to build financial peace and abundance.

DURING ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY, KNOWLEDGE AND LONG-TERM PLANNING ARE ESSENTIAL WHEN IT COMES TO TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR PERSONAL FINANCES.

• Richer, Wiser, Happier by William Green. This book is chock full of conversations with successful investors like Sir John Templeton, Charlie Munger, ETF pioneer Jack Bogle, mathematician Ed Thorp, Will Danoff, Laura Geritz, Joel Greenblatt and Howard Marks, whose memos Warren Buffett never missed. It depicts their mindsets, reveals what drives their success and offers inspiration for every reader that goes far beyond money. These real life biographies are not only interesting;  they’re motivating and applicable to current economics.

• How to Be a Rich Old Lady by Amanda Holden. This national bestseller is a life changing path to the financial freedom that all ‘old ladies’ deserve. Amanda Holden spent years working in investment management, where she saw exactly who gets access to the power, ease, and opportunity money can bring—and it wasn’t people like her friends. She also saw how the financial system is designed to feel exclusive and confusing. Holden left her finance job to launch Invested Development, a financial education company where she has taught more than 25,000 students how to invest with radical clarity, accessibility, and joy.

• The Money Guy Show podcast focuses on tax strategies, financial planning and building wealth. It’s a weekly personal finance podcast providing actionable, entertaining advice to help listeners build wealth and achieve financial independence. It offers expert guidance on investing, debt management, and tax planning through the proprietary Financial Order of Operations (FOO).

• We Study Billionaires podcast is the flagship stock investing podcast featuring interviews and analysis of worldclass investors like Warren Buffett, Ray Dalio, and Howard Marks. Hosted by Stig Brodersen, Preston Pysh, William Green, and others, it focuses on teaching listeners to apply billionaire investment strategies to the stock market and other private investment opportunities.

• The Intrinsic Value podcast hosted by Shawn O’Malley and Daniel Mahncke, focuses on analyzing individual companies to estimate their intrinsic value per share. It features hot weekly topics like covering business models, competitive advantages, and valuation, while building a real-time, curated portfolio of stocks and investments.

• Women on the Verge of a Financial Breakthrough podcast is a weekly podcast designed for women looking to take control of their financial futures by demystifying complex financial terms and concepts. Hosted by Caitlin Meredith and financial expert and founder of Black Barn Financial, Sara Glakas, the show breaks down investing terms and gives listeners accessible and actionable advice.

OUTDOOR RETREAT

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI

Patio World, the local destination for high quality outdoor furniture, is an institution in Bend. Founded in 1997 by Scott Holmer, it continues to focus on offering the finest furniture with timeless style for outdoor entertaining. Although Scott passed away last year, his son, Eric, is continuing his father’s legacy.

“I’ve loosely been a part of it my whole life because we used to live above our skiing/patio shop,” says Holmer. His father founded The Lift Ski & Patio shop – where Pine Mountain Sports is currently located – in Bend in 1988. “In the fall of 2015, I came on board full time, and I am now the president of the company.”

“. . . it’s worth investing in merchandise that will stand the test of time instead of buying new every couple of years.”

—Eric Holmer, President Patio World of Bend

Patio World has grown tremendously over the years, and since 2022, has occupied a new 14,000 square foot building filled with outdoor lounge sets, dining tables, chairs, fire pits, umbrellas, and pillows made primarily in the U.S. “We offer top quality brands that have better welds, better powder coating processes for the frames, and higher quality fabric that will withstand sun, wind, and moisture exposure year after year,” Holmer explains.

Holmer states that while the less expensive furniture found in big box stores may look the same at first, consumers find that it doesn’t hold up. After a short time, the fabric begins to fade and then deteriorates after one or two years. Additionally, the cushions compress over time, so the entire set often ends up in a landfill rather than staying on a patio, deck, or porch.

This is why it’s worth investing in merchandise that will stand the test of time instead of buying new every couple of years. “At home, I have 6 OW Lee wrought iron powder-coated chairs that have been sitting on my deck uncovered since 2006, and they still function great and look pretty good,” he notes.

“When you have comfortable, attractive, and durable furniture, it makes it a lot more pleasant to hang out with family and friends...”

—Eric

Most of the products found at Patio World, says Holmer, are going to last 15-plus years unless they’re made of wood. “Those may potentially have a shorter lifespan, but the metal frames, fabric, and umbrellas are going to last a very long time.”

With the largest collection of luxury outdoor furnishings in Central Oregon, some customers may need assistance determining exactly what they want and need for the space they have available. But the Patio World team can help.

“We’ll first ask them how much square footage they have. It’s very helpful if someone has measured the dimensions of

their outdoor living space. They may think they have a really large deck, but it’s actually only eight feet deep. That can seem pretty big when you’re standing there until you put some big furniture on it. We can help them figure it out.”

Another question they ask is how they plan to use the furniture. Are they looking for dining or lounge furniture? If lounge, do they want individual chairs, a loveseat, a sofa, or a combination of all three?

“In the past couple of years here in Central Oregon, we’ve been seeing a trend toward people being more interested in loungetype seating and not quite as much in table and chair sets for formal dining,” Holmer reflects. “I think it has a lot to do with being in a windy climate, and unfortunately, in some of the warmer months, there’s also a bit of smoke, so people aren’t setting up that formal outdoor lunch or dinner as frequently.”

Instead, they want to have four to six very comfortable chairs around a fire pit or on a patio or deck to enjoy appetizers and good conversation. Then, when it’s time for lunch or dinner, they can move back inside.

Or they may prefer a more casual outdoor dining experience, sitting in lounge chairs around a fire pit or in front of a coffee table. Having an umbrella to block out the sun is also a frequent purchase and a good investment for the warmer months.

While Patio World carries twelve elevated brands, four are the most in demand. “They all have slightly different characteristics, but they’re typically metal frames with different accents, and the chairs all sit differently,” says Holmer.

From a distance, they may look similar, but when a customer actually sits in them, they often find that one fits them better than another. “For some people, it really comes down to the style and curvature of the frames, and whether they want something more traditional, modern or rustic.”

One of these popular brands is 365 Patio Furniture. “They’re just going into the third year with us, and their merchandise is made from High-Density Polyethylene,” Holmer says. “They feature Adirondack-style chairs and dining sets that are very comfortable and which you can leave outside forever because they won’t fade or deteriorate.”

Holmer also appreciates that they’re produced in Albany, Oregon, and that he’s supporting a more local business. “It’s something we take note of, and we think it’s pretty cool that there’s this quality luxury product produced right in Oregon that’s so popular with our customers.”

The other three most requested brands are Telescope Casual, Tropitone, and OW Lee.

Whatever people choose, it’s the desire to be outdoors and enjoy the fresh air that always takes precedence. “I think it’s because of all Bend offers in general,” Holmer emphasizes. “We have the mountains and water for all kinds of activities. And at home, people like having their space and being outside more, especially if they’ve migrated from the big city.”

When you have comfortable, attractive, and durable furniture, it makes it a lot more pleasant to hang out with family and friends year after year. Whether you’re living in a townhome-type setting and just have a small porch, or a large home with plenty of space, Patio World has what you need.

“We enjoy being able to offer quality products that customers are excited to purchase and use,” states Holmer. “Also, we like helping them make decisions that they’re very comfortable with and that they’ll appreciate for a long time.”

Stop into Patio World and let Holmer and his team help you create your own outdoor retreat with furniture crafted for comfort, timeless style, and endurance that you can enjoy for many years to come.

38 YEARS IN BEND: THE EVOLUTION OF PATIO WORLD

1976 - Scott Holmer started The Lift Ski Shop in Minnesota.

1984 - He expanded this business to include patio furniture.

1988 - Holmer and his wife moved to Bend and built The Lift Ski & Patio (located where Pine Mountain Sports is now) on Century Drive. There they raised their family of two children in the upstairs apartment.

1997 – Holmer founded Patio World and Race Place ski shop.

2002 – As the business grew, Patio World relocated to Reed Market Rd and was renamed Race Place/Patio World. Race Place has grown to be the largest supplier of Alpine Ski Racing gear in North America and ships gear throughout the continent, as well as being a favorite workshop for discriminating local skiers.

2021 - As the business outgrew the space on Reed Market, Holmer launched the design and construction of a new 14,000 square foot Patio World building that opened in 2022. The expansive new showroom is located on Columbia Street overlooking Riverbend park in the Old Mill District.

Redefining MVP: TIM TEBOW’S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL

An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.

Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.

A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.

Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?

A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.

Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?

A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.

Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?

A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.

“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”

Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?

A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”

Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.

This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

The Fresh Start

There’s something about this fresh, ethereal feeling that not only melts away the last traces of winter but also sparks a quiet urge to refresh our surroundings. The cupboards that need decluttering, the baseboards that have gone untouched for months, the unworn clothes that no longer serve us—it all calls for renewal. This is the essence of spring cleaning: clearing out the old to make space for the new, both in our homes and in our minds.

For some, the idea of cleaning feels anything but peaceful. The thought of tackling clutter and dust can be overwhelming, turning what should be a refreshing transition into a dreaded chore. That’s why we’ve created a simple, practical guide to help you navigate spring cleaning with ease, turning it into a rhythmic, intentional process that mirrors the calm of the season itself.

Week 1: Refresh and Declutter

• Open windows for fresh air and let the natural light in.

• Declutter surfaces—countertops, coffee tables and shelves—removing anything unnecessary.

• Go through kitchen cabinets and toss expired pantry items and mismatched containers.

• Sort through closets, donating or repurposing clothes you haven’t worn in the past year.

• Wipe down baseboards and dust ceiling fans, light fixtures and vents.

Week 2: Deep Clean and Rejuvenate

• Wash windows and mirrors to welcome in the sunlight.

• Deep clean the fridge and pantry, wiping down shelves and organizing items.

• Launder curtains, cushion covers and throw blankets.

• Vacuum and shampoo rugs and carpets for a fresh start.

• Rotate and flip mattresses; wash all bedding, including pillows.

Week

3: Outdoor and Seasonal Transitions

• Sweep porches, patios and outdoor furniture, preparing for warm-weather gatherings.

• Check gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage.

• Tidy up gardens and potted plants, removing dead leaves and refreshing the soil.

• Store winter coats and boots, making space for lighter spring essentials.

• Replace seasonal decor—bring in fresh flowers, soft pastels and airy textures.

Week 4: Finishing Touches and Maintenance

• Touch-up scuff marks on walls and doors.

• Stock up on cleaning supplies to maintain a fresh environment.

• Set a simple weekly cleaning routine to keep your home feeling refreshed.

• Light a scented candle or diffuse essential oils to celebrate your clean, peaceful space.

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

APRIL 3RD

First Friday Artwalk - Youth Art Takeover

Downtown Bend | 5:00 PM

The 5th annual Youth Art Takeover event celebrates visual and performing student artists in Central Oregon in downtown businesses alongside the 1st Friday Artwalk. Work and performances will be featured at various downtown businesses with a ceremony for students at the Commons Cafe at 6:30 p.m. Post your YATO photo to Instagram and tag it #youtharttakeoverbend DowntownBend.org

APRIL 5TH

Easter Brunch Grand Buffet

Riverhouse Convention Center, 2850 NW Rippling River Ct., Bend | 10:00 AM

Enjoy an Easter Brunch Grand Buffet that offers an inspired menu complete with classic favorites and modern culinary delights. Featuring live music by Abluestics, DIY cocktails, and for the kids - an Easter Egg Hunt, activity area and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Group seating and discount available. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Tickets available online. Riverhouse.com

APRIL 11TH

Comedy at Craft Kitchen and Brewery

Craft Kitchen and Brewery, 62988 Layton Ave. Ste. 103, Bend | 8:00 PM

Join Bits N Skits Productions and host Christine Keefer for another night of laughter. Try some of Craft’s delicious, made from scratch BBQ paired with a variety of brews and non-alcoholic options and relax after a long work week. Featuring comedians: Jamon Jamison and Melvin Jr. with headliner Eleanore Ryan. 21 and over. Tickets: $15 online/$20 at the door. CraftOregon.com

APRIL 16TH-19TH

RendezVan at Mt. Bachelor

Mt. Bachelor | 8:00 AM

RendezVan is the celebration of our amazing community of RVers, campers, and van-lifers who make the annual pilgrimage to Mt. Bachelor in the springtime to enjoy soft spring laps and sunshine. Families, skiers, riders, and all travelers are welcome — even the dogs are invited. Camping is not required. Fun daily activities include music, vendors, activities and fun competitions. RendezVan.com

APRIL 18TH

The Great Promsby: Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend Throwback Prom

Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend, 500 NW Wall St. | 7:00 PM

Central Oregon's most nostalgic and entertaining fundraiser brings the community together for a night of 1920's themed music, old school moves and prom night fun like you've never had before— all in support of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend. Dance it up, celebrate and enjoy the live DJ, themed decor and nostalgic prom vibes from days gone by. BGCBend.org

APRIL 24TH

Sierra Hull at the Tower Theatre

Tower Theatre, Downtown Bend | 7:30 PM

Tower Theatre Foundation presents Sierra Hull, a six-time IBMA Mandolin Player of the Year, two-time Grammy nominee, and one of the most dynamic voices in bluegrass and Americana. Her latest album, A Tip Toe High Wire, marks a bold new chapter - her first independent release, showcasing her songwriting and instrumental prowess. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. TowerTheatre.org