Source Weekly August 21, 2025

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EDITOR’S NOTE:

For months, folks have been reaching out asking how to be a part of our Best of Central Oregon issue. We always tell them, it’s up to the readers. We don’t influence the outcome. Some of the winners are longtime fan favorites. Others are trending or new. We’ve been as excited as our readers to see who was chosen. In news, we look at new state laws aimed at breaking down mental health barriers. Also, an interview with a renowned ukulele musician coming to Bend who’s made a unique album with Mick Fleetwood from Fleetwood Mac. There’s a weekly food drive where you can have a free tarot card reading in exchange for a canned food donation. And a summer cookbook roundup. —Managing Editor Nic Moye

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Dark Clouds, and a Few Sun Breaks, for Oregon Psilocybin Therapy

Oregon’s psilocybin therapy program has a problem. When voters approved Measure 109 in 2020, ushering in a new era of legal mushrooms at legal centers, it was already obvious that at least a sector of the population was never going to take advantage of what those centers had to offer. Due to the costs of state licensing, and the sometimes-onerous regulations that come with running such a center, the cost of tripping at a legal center is prohibitive for many. Those who were already familiar with psilocybin might rather eat a bag of mushrooms in the forest than in a room with four square walls, even if it doesn’t come with a talk session afterward.

in Portland released the results of a study on using psilocybin to treat low-income adults suffering from depression. Study participants reported significant improvements in sleep, anxiety, fatigue and cognitive function after two sessions of psilocybin therapy. If symptoms returned, they were less severe than before treatment, researchers reported.

While the study had no placebo group and included a willing group of participants already interested in psilocybin therapy, it still showed promise for those with depression.

As reported by Willamette Week, the costs of doing business are causing some in the nascent industry to close their doors. According to WW’s reporting on Oregon Health Authority data, as of June, some 26% of service centers had shut down since licensing began. The Psilocybin Alliance, an advocacy group that formed in hopes of seeing the industry survive, says on its website that, “rising costs, complex regulations, and legislative barriers” are the main sources of struggle.

Costs are a big issue all around. Advocates of the program assured voters — and OHA — that the licensing fees garnered by service centers, growers and labs would be able to cover the cost of the administration of the program at OHA. But according to WW’s reporting, that hasn’t been the case. OHA got $3+ million from the state general fund to run the program thus far, but the state’s budget doesn’t provision for that for the next biennium. To cover the costs, OHA may have to raise fees yet again. Cue the death spiral.

If there’s an ancillary benefit to having a legal mushroom therapy program in our state, it’s the legitimacy it lends to things like research. For decades, research into the possible benefits of various types of psychedelics, including psilocybin and MDMA, was effectively shut down due to the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. Only in recent years has that picked back up.

Earlier this month, researchers from the National University of Natural Medicine

One thing that stood out: The researchers made a point to address the affordability piece of the puzzle, introducing a group therapy model that could cut costs for centers.

“We know psilocybin therapy can be effective, but it remains out of reach for most people,” Dr. Matthew Hicks, lead researcher for the study, stated in a press release. “With this project we wanted to demonstrate the benefits of group therapy models which not only have therapeutic perks but are more cost effective than one-on-one models.”

Oregon voters, in 2020, said they wanted to explore a program that allows for safe, legal access to psilocybin. Studies about the therapy’s effectiveness have shown that it can help people. But without the ability to manage centers in a cost-effective manner, that could all go away.

With looming budget holes due to federal cuts, the state legislature will certainly have some major challenges to address in coming sessions. But with one in four adults experiencing a mental health condition in our state, and with other treatment options limited or cost-prohibitive, it would be worth the time of state regulators and legislators to address the affordability crisis in this new program.

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RE: NEW LEADERSHIP STEPS INTO THE TOWER’S SPOTLIGHT (AUG. 06)

The Tower has long been a community asset that has forgotten it’s a community asset. Far too many people running the place kept it very stale. Almost exclusionary. With only plays and events the old guard approves of. It’s a travesty the theatre is not used for local music! I pitched the idea of a local music series here and it went nowhere.

The place should be a stop for every band coming through as well. Bands that know the Domino is a dump and they aren’t on the LiveNation/Tickemaster level (thanks, City of Bend for selling that community asset from under our noses). No reason the calendar shouldn’t be full.

—David Roth

RE: OPINION WILL “CRIMINALIZING HOMELESSNESS” COME WITH FUNDS THAT THE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL JUST TOOK AWAY? (JULY 30)

Homelessness is not primarily caused by a lack of affordable housing. While affordable housing is a legitimate concern for many working families, the majority of the individuals living on our streets, in forests like China Hat, and on public lands are struggling with untreated mental illness and addiction. Simply providing them with housing will not address the root causes or ensure they can maintain stable living conditions.

Those who truly want and need affordable housing are more likely to achieve that goal with some effort, especially given the number of support programs already available in our community. I see wonderful success stories all the time reported on our local news stations. We should not conflate their needs with those experiencing chronic homelessness due to behavioral health and addiction issues.

Unfortunately, the low-barrier housing initiatives promoted by our city council often worsen the situation. Allowing people to live in squalor on public lands and on our streets, often with animals they can’t care for, is neither compassionate nor humane. And it’s costing taxpayers a fortune and creating dangerous situations in our community.

Many view the homelessness services sector as altruistic, with mobile showers and water bottles offered as acts of kindness. But in reality, these services often create a revolving door system that fails to address the underlying issues or offer real upward mobility.

It’s important to recognize that homelessness has become a multibillion dollar industry in the U.S.. It generates over $21 billion annually and supports more than 160,000 jobs. A truly compassionate and effective strategy must focus on long-term behavioral health and addiction recovery with wrap around social services, not just housing.

—Nicole Perullo

RE: OPINION WILL “CRIMINALIZING HOMELESSNESS” COME WITH FUNDS THAT THE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL JUST TOOK AWAY? (JULY 30)

Oregon homeless response has been ineffective, wasteful and abusing the funding with little to show. Rinse, repeat and throw more money at ineffective programs. In many instances it’s the addiction that leads to the homeless problems. Not the other way around, as was stated. Perhaps upsetting the funding will drive meaningful discussion and new ideas to address the problem. More of the same hasn’t worked to date.

—Clayton Dewberry

Construction on New Roundabout in NE Bend Begins mid-September

The Bend City Council recently approved a construction contract for work on a new single-lane roundabout at the intersection of NE Butler Market and Wells Acres Roads. During construction, which begins next month, eastbound traffic will remain open on Butler Market Road, but westbound lanes will be closed from Brinson Boulevard to Eight Street. The project also includes the installation of a new sewer main and bicycle/pedestrian safety improvements. The city says the roundabout will also make the intersection safer for drivers, improve east-west travel time and provide a better connection for neighborhoods, schools and businesses to the north and south.

—Nic Moye

‘It Can Wreck You’ Bend man struggles as homeless pushed further out

By David Dudley, FORJournalism Lab

Though Thomas "Tommy" Mercer has been living in a juniper forest east of Bend for only seven months, the 56-year-old said it "feels like a lifetime."

"I mean, we're surviving," he said on a hot morning in June. "But we run out of food stamps in the middle of the month. I go into the store, and the question isn't 'What am I going to buy?' It's 'What can I buy?'"

Mercer said he gets a little over $200 from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. With food prices remaining stubbornly high, there's no relief in sight. To make up for that lack, Mercer and his neighbors pitch in for community meals that often include beans and rice, a staple for families trying to stretch limited resources.

"I was on the Dean's list," he said. "I was on my way to making $70,000 a year."

That all came to a halt when Mercer was in a motorcycle accident. He said that he was passing through an intersection when a woman driving a truck pulled out in front of him.

"I hit the front of her truck," he said. "I flipped and flew 50 feet before landing on the concrete. The chin strap on my helmet failed, and it launched off my head. My lawyer said that would have been an easy lawsuit to win, but the helmet went missing." Mercer required nearly 30 surgeries to repair various parts of his mangled body.

persecute us. We can't find work. We can't get housing." The loss of independence weighs heavily upon Mercer. And he's painfully aware of the looks he gets when in public.

—The number of years The Cosmic Depot has held Sundays on the Green in this week’s Go Here.

“When I was this four-yearold kid who picked up the ukulele for the first time, I never thought I’d be doing all the things I’m doing today.”

—Jake Shimabukuro, ukelele marvel, collaborating with the founder of Fleetwood Mac in this week’s Gung Ho.

"But we each have our individual needs," he added. "And I'm a diabetic, Type 1. For those that don't know, I'll tell you, it's hard to keep things cold out here. Mercer is referring there to the insulin he relies upon to stay alive. Just as he got a generator up and running, all the vehicles broke down at once, making it all but impossible to drive into town to get gas to power the generator or go to doctor appointments.

As officials continue to sweep encampments in Central Oregon, Mercer wants to get into a rental. He said he receives $1,100 in disability benefits, but it's not enough. "I mean, there's just no way," he said, glancing up at one of the many airplanes that pass overhead each day. "Life happens to all of us. Some people are okay with being out here, but I'm not. This is not the endgame for me."

Everything was taken from me

To continue the chess analogy, Mercer's current situation wasn't foreseeable in the opening. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he moved around a lot as a boy. At 14, he joined his stepdad in the construction business. Mercer apprenticed as a carpenter, earning decent money while many of his peers focused solely upon their studies. He then became a contractor, building subdivisions in Bend. By age 32, Mercer was married to a woman he loved. He attended DeVry University in Phoenix, Arizona, where he pursued a degree in electronics engineering. With the woman he loved by his side and the promise of a lucrative career, Mercer was optimistic about the future.

"It ripped both of my thumbs off," he said. "They had to put them back on. I suffered a traumatic brain injury, my neck was broke. I was in a coma for a long time.

"It did me in," Mercer added after a pause. "I should be building robots. Instead, I'm collecting cans." It can wreck you

In the aftermath, Mercer's 13-year marriage dissolved. That's when he started using drugs to numb the crushing physical pain and mental anguish that arose after the accident.

"I don't want to be a burden to anybody," he said. "Up to that point, all I did was work with my hands. That was taken from me. Everything was taken from me."

Mercer said that, aside from his stint in Phoenix, he's been in Bend since 1989. He and his partner, Blair, lived with, and cared for, her mom. When his partner’s mother died in March, Mercer and Blair had nowhere else to go. Mercer's sister gave them the camper in which they now live, and they moved it to the site where it now sits. Given recent sweeps of homeless encampments, and others planned, Mercer doesn't know how long they'll be there or where they'll go next.

He admitted that he's been in trouble with the law — he was charged with assault and possession more than 10 years ago — and that has led to some of his difficulties. Though he hasn't been in trouble since, Mercer said finding a place to live remains an insurmountable challenge.

"I thought that, once I had paid for my crime, repaid my debt to society, I could move on and live a decent life," he said. "But there are people out there who want to continue to

"When you can't get to a shower for a while, you'll start to hear the whispers," he said. "All I can say to them is: I hope your life goes well. Because one mistake, one misstep, can wreck you."

Before I leave this world

Mercer said he lies awake some nights, thinking about where he is now, and where he could have been — but he's grateful for Blair.

"She brought me back from total despair," he said. "She saved my life. I wouldn't be here without her." That, Mercer said, is the reason he keeps trying. "I'm a man," he said. "I may be broken, but I'm a man."

Mercer dreams of buying a little piece of land in Christmas Valley, southeast of La Pine. That dream feels out of reach due to health and money challenges. Mercer said he has been in and out of the hospital five times in the past year due to diabetes-related complications. He consistently misses doctor appointments due to car trouble.

Mosaic Community Health sent a team to check on Mercer in late June. They determined that he would benefit from a small refrigerator that can be charged with a USB cable. A small thing for many Americans, but a matter of life and death for Mercer.

"I'm not scared to die," he said. "But I've got a beautiful family, and a really good lady. I want to spend some more time with her before I leave this world."

—Homelessness: Real Stories, Real Solutions (realstoriesrealsolutions.org) is a journalism lab funded by Central Oregon Health Council under FORJournalism (forjournalism.org), an Oregon nonprofit dedicated to supporting journalism statewide.

The Great Re-Pack

The Giving Plate celebrates relaunch of Kid’s Corner Snack Packs

By Sarah Isak-Goode

The Kid's Corner Snack Packs program relaunches with the start of the new school year in September, said Ranae Staley, executive director at The Giving Plate. Formerly known as Backpacks for Bend, this core Giving Plate program provides food to children that will last them through the weekend.

From backpacks to snack packs

Previously known as "Backpacks for Bend," the program is now called "Kids Corner Snack Packs," bringing it under the umbrella of the organization's existing Kids Corner branding.

The rebranding addresses years of confusion among families who mistook the original name for a school supply program. The changes also reflect a complete strategic overhaul designed to eliminate service duplication and better target children most at risk of weekend hunger.

"We did a pause on it because we're noticing a lot of duplication within the program with our other services," said Staley. The organization discovered that many families receiving weekend food bags were already accessing The Giving Plate's grocery program, creating an inequitable distribution of resources.

Quality over quantity

The numbers tell the story of this strategic shift. The program scaled back from serving more than 700 bags to just 47 kids during its spring soft launch. "A lot of these kids that were assumed to be kids at risk of weekend hunger are actually already getting services at The Giving Plate," Staley said. This dramatic reduction allows the organization to focus on children who truly lack access to other food assistance programs. The Family Access Network advocates continue to identify eligible families, with volunteer delivery through partnerships including First Interstate Bank, ensuring bags reach schools for distribution.

"We anticipate that with the start of the new school year, enrollment will grow beyond 47 students, but we won't know the final number until the school year is underway. With fewer students enrolled, we can explore adding more food or additional options to each bag," says Kristin Swan, program manager at The Giving Plate.

Building bridges to long-term solutions

The long-term goal extends beyond weekend hunger relief. "Our goal is to get them here," Staley said, referring to The Giving Plate's Kids Corner market, where children can access fresh produce, milk, cheese and yogurt while gaining an empowering food selection experience.

Programs like this are becoming more important as federal funding is cut. In April, local organization NeighborImpact shared with the Source “that it served an average of 83,000 individuals per month in its most recent quarter – the highest number in the history of the food bank.” More recently, Gov. Tina Kotek announced in a press release that Oregon stands to lose approximately $15 billion in federal funding for health insurance coverage, food benefits and other programs under the budget reconciliation bill supported by the Trump Administration and approved by the Republican-controlled Congress.

The Giving Plate’s Snack Packs program now includes improved family outreach, with plans to connect directly with families and encourage visits to the main facility. New labeling will remind parents of additional resources available at The Giving Plate, creating a pathway from emergency weekend support to comprehensive family nutrition assistance.

As the program prepares for fall expansion, this strategic relaunch positions Kids Corner Snack Packs as both a safety net and a bridge to more substantial food security solutions.

Donations can be brought to The Giving Plate's distribution center at 1212 NE 1st St. in Bend. Donations for Snack Packs need to be shelf-stable. "Typical items include oatmeal, ramen, peanut butter, granola bars, applesauce, sandwich crackers and fruit snacks. Because the food is packed two weeks at a time and may be stored in a child's backpack for an undetermined time, we avoid fresh, perishable or puncture-prone items," says Swan.

Donations Needed to Start Book Bank for Kids

SMART Reading is hoping to collect

2,500

children’s books

By Nic Moye

For 34 years, SMART Reading has partnered with local elementary schools and preschools for weekly one-on-one reading with volunteers. Students in the program can select two new books each month to take home. Last year, SMART reached more than 1,000 students at 22 Central Oregon schools. More than 13,800 new books were given away.

Three years ago, SMART merged with the Children’s Book Bank, which collects, cleans and refurbishes gently used children’s books. SMART is now in the early stages of replicating that model in Central Oregon. The Book Bank will operate in addition to existing school-based programs.

Organizers are hoping to collect at least 2,500 books this school year. SMART Reading’s Communications Director Phoebe Petersen says the program is especially in need of board books for toddlers and picture books for early elementary students. SMART accepts books for children from birth through middle school. Last May, SMART held its first schoolwide book fair in Central Oregon at Culver Elementary School. Peterson says that school doesn’t have a volunteer reading program. She says SMART hopes to expand book fairs to other local schools.

“We’d love to be able to double the number of students we can provide books to each year because the research is so definitive — access to books at home leads to stronger reading performance,” Petersen says. A news release cites a 2020 study in the Journal of Global Health that found the likelihood for children being on track in literacy nearly doubled if at least one book was available in a student’s home.

SMART Reading is a statewide nonprofit that serves children in the highest-need schools and communities. Since 1992, volunteers have tutored more than 158,000 children. Nearly five-million books have been given away.

A donation drive for new and gently used children’s books is underway through the end of August. All donated books will be sorted and cleaned before being given away. There are three dropoff locations in Bend at the SMART Reading office, Play Theory Cafe and Strictly Organic Coffee Company.

SMART Reading Book

Book Drop-Off Locations Now-Aug. 31

SMART Reading Office

1029 NW 14th St., Ste. 101, Bend Play Theory Cafe

2221 NE 3rd St., Ste.200, Bend

Strictly Organic Coffee Co.

6 SW Bond St., Bend

AREDMOND NEWS

A Foundation for Success Heart of Oregon Corps moves closer to campus completion

By Sarah Isak-Goode

fter 25 years of operating from borrowed and rented spaces, Heart of Oregon Corps is finally building a home of its own. It will break ground Sept. 10 on what will become Central Oregon's first dedicated youth workforce development campus, says a recent press release. This will mark a major milestone for the organization's 25-year mission to help young people build careers and strengthen communities.

The $7.3 million project in Redmond represents more than just new buildings — it addresses a critical gap in preparing Central Oregon's youth for the workforce at a time when employers struggle to find skilled workers.

"This campus will be a game-changer for young people across our region," said Laura Handy, executive director of Heart of Oregon Corps. "For 25 years, we've been making do with borrowed and aging facilities. Now we can finally provide the space these young people deserve."

Growing demand

Heart of Oregon Corps reports that since 2000 it has served more than 5,000 young people through its programs, helping many find employment or pursue additional education opportunities. The organization serves youth from Deschutes, Crook, Jefferson and northern Klamath counties, including members of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.

Heart of Oregon Corps focuses on practical skills training in fields like construction, conservation and child care. Participants also work on community projects such as affordable housing construction, wildfire prevention and public lands conservation while earning wages and developing job skills.

The 3.4-acre campus comes as Heart of Oregon Corps faces growing demand for its services. The organization provides mentorship and education to over 200 teenagers and young adults per year, and the number is growing. The new campus will provide much-needed space for the expanding Heart of Oregon Corps training and education programs.

A recent press release shared that a $100,000 gift from The Tykeson Family Foundation has brought this new campus closer to completion.

"Education takes many forms, and youth on the workforce track will flourish with a place to learn, grow and belong," said Amy Tykeson, managing trustee of the foundation. Some $2.1 million remains to be raised for the

Legacy 25 campaign. The Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund will match donations up to $100,000, effectively doubling these contributions with their $500,000 matching fund.

Campus offerings

The campus is expected to open in fall 2026. It will allow the organization to offer more trainings, certifications and youth-support services. The design includes youth-centered cultural elements and trauma-informed features to create belonging, camaraderie and an inspiring place to learn.

The new facility includes a 6,600-square-foot Campus Center with classrooms, offices, private spaces and laundry and shower facilities, showing youth that they deserve a space of their own. The organization is turning an existing 14,000-square-foot warehouse into a hands-on workshop and training space, while enclosing six equipment bays across 10,000 square feet for special projects and storing HOC's large equipment, like woodchippers and trailers. A courtyard with amenities will give youth places to gather for events, play basketball or find quiet moments for reflection and study.

For Handy and her team, the new facility represents the culmination of decades of work supporting young people who often face significant barriers to employment.

"These young people have incredible potential," Handy said. "All they need is the right support and opportunities to succeed. This campus will help us provide both."

WEAVING THE WASCO WAY

SALLY BAG WORKSHOP

Learn the Wasco flat-bottom weaving technique with tradition bearer Valerie Switzler. Weave your own Sally Bag using cotton yarn and twining string, build confidence in twining methods, and explore the cultural roots of this iconic style. A mid-workshop potluck nourishes both hands and hearts. Sat., Aug. 23, 10am-1pm in Redmond. Details and registration at schoolofranch.net. $100.

GATHER:MAKE:SHELTER THE MONOGRAPH TOUR

Witness the beauty, complexity and depth of stories seldom told about navigating houselessness. The Monograph Tour features the works of Gather:Make:Shelter artists who reimagine what it means to be an artist and community member. Sat., Aug. 23, 5-5pm at Redmond Public Library. 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond. Free. W Forest Ave., Redmond. $18.

At a for Crossroads Care

New legislation expands treatment options and funding for mental health services in Oregon

By Sarah Isak-Goode

“K,” a local resident, shares something in common with one in four Oregonians: they are among those who have a mental health condition.

They're also currently homeless and residing at the Lighthouse Navigation Center. Under Oregon's existing system, these circumstances make them more likely to end up in jail than in treatment. This year, state legislators worked to change a system that has historically sent people like K, who goes by their nickname to protect their privacy, to jail instead of getting them the help they need.

“We should be lifting each other up,” says K. “Isn't that what it means to be an American, to lift a person next to you instead of putting them down?"

It's a question that cuts to the heart of Oregon's mental health crisis, where nearly one in four adults report mental health issues, yet the state ranks at the bottom

nationally for mental health care access. Among Oregon adults in custody, 77% have mental illness, according to the Oregon Department of Corrections.

Deschutes County has an average of 199 inmates daily in Deschutes County, says Jason Carr, public information officer for the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. That amounts to roughly 144 local inmates every day who also experience mental health conditions — and whose needs may not best be met in jail.

Two-path system

Whether the mental illness is lifelong or newly experienced, treatment can often mean the difference between independence and intervention. Oregon has only two paths for requiring people with mental illness to get treatment.

The first path is civil commitment, where doctors and a judge can order treatment if someone poses an imminent threat to themselves or others.

The second path involves the criminal justice system. The Oregon Department of Corrections provides medical, dental, mental health and pharmacy services to all adults in custody. If the person in custody is found unable to help with their own defense due to mental illness, they can enter Aid and Assist, the state's competency restoration program. This program aims to help them participate in their own defense and can take place in the community or at the Oregon State Hospital.

At the Oregon State Hospital, 62% of individuals were committed for Aid and Assist and people with multiple arrests “were also three times more likely than the general population to have been committed to the Oregon State Hospital,” found a study by Oregon Health & Science University. The hospital has given priority to Aid and Assist patients to meet court-ordered seven-day deadlines. As a result, OHSU observed, “some civil commitment patients waiting for a bed to become available have experienced boarding at a non-psychiatric hospital for a month or longer, delaying needed treatment.”

Barriers to care

"When we did away with institutionalization, we didn't come up with an alternative that fit the need, so we see folks cycle through the criminal justice system or the hospital systems, and neither of those systems are designed or even equipped to help with those ongoing mental health challenges — and yet they're kind of our best alternative options right now," said Naomi Blair, director of the Lighthouse Navigation Center.

On Aug. 6, Gov. Tina Kotek signed four bills aimed at addressing some of these major issues. The bipartisan legislation includes House Bills 2005, 2059, 2024 and 3321, all designed to address the state's ongoing behavioral health crisis. House Rep. Jason Kropf of Bend (D-OR54) was instrumental in securing passage of these bills.

House Bill 2005 updates legal procedures for civil commitment, removing the requirement that potential harm be "imminent" — a strict standard that advocates say has blocked necessary commitments. The bill

allows judges to consider past or future behavior when assessing whether someone is dangerous. House Bill 2059 backs this up with $65 million to expand treatment capacity, funding 200 additional beds over the next two years alongside the Governor's existing goal of adding 465 new treatment beds by 2026.

Current capacity needs to grow by approximately 3,000 additional residential treatment beds over the next several years, according to the Oregon Health Authority. The legislation also addresses staffing shortages through House Bill 2024, which supports mental health workers with $6 million in grants for recruitment and retention, plus improved workplace safety standards. Finally, House Bill 3321 focuses on prevention by tasking the Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission with creating a youth-focused substance abuse prevention plan, backed by $1 million.

"Broadening that definition of imminency, reducing the threshold, will allow the courts and our hospitals, and our staff to potentially find that somebody meets that criteria for a risk to themselves or others in more situations than it would have in the past," says Evan Namkung, Deschutes County Behavioral Health Forensic and Acute Services program manager, who has seen more severe mental health symptoms and illnesses among clients in recent years, particularly with those experiencing psychosis, partly due to current street drugs.

Case manager at the Lighthouse Navigation Center, Sam Ewing, has seen the importance of mental health support. "There are people in our day room right now that are not able to (progress), you would have to literally force them to take medication, right? And what does that look like? So institutions that are specifically focused on mental health, if they are done well, some of these people in our day room right now would actually probably benefit."

State lowers bar for civil commitment

Unlike the criminal system, civil commitment connects people to long-term services including housing, said Casey Munck, programs director at National Alliance on Mental Health in Central Oregon. NAMI supported HB 2005, which lowers the criteria for civil commitment. The legislation goes into effect Jan. 1, 2026. NAMI expects fewer arrests under

the new law because it creates a treatment pathway that previously didn't exist.

Namkung of Deschutes County is hopeful but hesitant.

"I think civil commitment is — at its best — a proactive step to get somebody help. If you don't get that person help proactively, what happens is that they wind up with criminal charges and then they wind up being forced to get treatment through the Aid and Assist process. By then it's become a criminal process, which is sort of the worst possible outcome."

Namkung worries that while more people will meet the new civil commitment criteria, there still won't be enough community resources to properly place them. Until community services catch up with demand, he says, the system will remain flawed.

The state faces chronic workforce shortages across the mental health system. There simply aren't enough resources or staff at state hospitals or in local communities to restore the increasing number of defendants unable to aid in their own defense. Beyond the legislation, Gov. Kotek formed the Behavioral Health Talent Council to identify workforce solutions by January.

Criminal justice system creates costly revolving door

Ultimately, many people are funneled into the criminal justice system. "Using the criminal justice system for mental illness is not effective for the person or the community. Incarceration often exacerbates a person's mental illness due to the trauma a fragile person experiences in those environments with law enforcement who don't often have adequate training," said Casey Munck, programs director at NAMI Central Oregon.

The criminal justice approach creates issues. The first is the immediate impact: After individuals are released, they often return to living unhoused and sometimes commit new crimes, creating a revolving door that criminalizes illness rather than treating it at its root. This dysfunction comes at enormous cost. Oregon spends $42,664 annually to incarcerate an adult, according to the Department of Corrections.

Munck has found that the restoration process doesn’t fix the criminalization of mental illness.

"The Aid and Assist program in Oregon has not been working in a way that resulted in folks getting compassionate care and treatment for their mental illness. Aid and Assist isn't intended to help or support someone. The entire goal of Aid and Assist restoration is to get someone well enough to process them through the criminal justice system. That's it."

Local behavioral health officials see this pattern repeated throughout the system, posing an ongoing, complex problem.

“Our system just isn't set up to support these folks that are often born into these challenges and need that assistance. They need supportive services, and so my concern is that we might be penalizing them even more when they're already struggling and then adding layers of trauma on top and then even further stigmatizing folks that are facing houselessness or mental health challenges. That's not gonna meet the need — that's gonna further exacerbate it,” said Blair of the Lighthouse Navigation Center.

"Ultimately, we're talking about clients who are all part of the same system. They just revolve through different aspects of it, and so those cuts and those shortfalls still can wind up affecting them. It just might happen in a different area," said Namkung.

Stability requires a community support network

"If you aren't able to have access to medication or even have the support from family, friends and people in your community, trying to get that mental illness in check and be able to then contribute back to society and be able to have a job and hold down a job, and then be able to get housing — all of those things — you have to be stable to some extent in order for you to be able to continue throughout life," said Lighthouse case manager Sam Ewing.

The community support Ewing describes is precisely what's lacking in Oregon's current system. Both treatment paths lack early intervention and preventative services. An Oregon Health Authority study found that people in the system typically come from low-income backgrounds. Many lack high school diplomas and frequently have histories of homelessness. These factors suggest that problems often begin with inadequate social support during childhood and adolescence, before mental health crises develop.

According to Lighthouse director Naomi Blair, “We do need to improve our system and create spaces that are dedicated specifically to caring for these high-level needs.”

The personal impact of this approach becomes clear when talking to people who've experienced it. Lighthouse client and local resident, K, knows this struggle firsthand. "I've struggled with addictions and mental health issues for most of my life, and not knowing how to accept help and have long term tools and get around my recovery and maintaining my mental health has been a big, big struggle. I grew up in the system, so it's been one system — and institutionalized mindset — after another for me."

Still, K praises the support they have been offered, saying that case management has "helped me stay focused on my goals and provide resources to where I can go to maintain and allow me to rebuild my character by helping me set goals that are realistic and so I'm not chasing smoke, which was very helpful to be able to actually utilize the systems that are in place.”

SOURCE PICKS

THURSDAY 8/21

REPAIR CAFE

AT DIY CAVE

As part of the Environmental Center's Rethink Waste Project, the nonprofit hosts a series of Repair Cafes: a place to connect people with broken stuff with people who like to fix stuff. “Stuff” can mean jewelry, small furniture, small appliances, electronics, outdoor gear, clothing and more. Thu., Aug. 21, 5:307:30pm at DIY Cave. 444 SE 9th St, Bend. Free.

THURSDAY 8/21

GRACE COOPER & WYATT MOSS

LOCAL TUNES AT RIVER’S PLACE

Multi-instrumentalists Wyatt Moss and Grace Cooper take the stage this week with their soulful tunes—emotionally resonant and rooted in country/ Americana. Thu. Aug. 21, 6pm at River’s Place. 787 NE Purcell Blvd., Bend. Free.

THURSDAY 8/21

LAINEY WILSON

THE WHIRLWIND WORLD TOUR

Grammy Award-winning and multi-platinum singer/ songwriter and actress Lainey Wilson is still very much on the rise. Head to the amphitheater for an evening of authentic country sound, boot-stomping fun and pure Louisiana charm. Thu., Aug. 21, 7pm at Hayden Homes Amphitheater. 344 SW Shevlin Hixon Dr., Bend. $100.

FRIDAY 8/22

BOOTS AND BREWS

COUNTRY DANCE NIGHT SERIES

The evening will begin with line dancing and country swing basics, followed by an open dance floor the rest of the night. This is a great entry point if you are looking to learn. Dress western, bring friends and make the most of what we have left of summer! Fridays through Sept. 20, 6pm at Worthy Brewing. 495 NE Bellevue Dr., Bend. Free.

FRIDAY 8/22

DARING GREATLY

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL AT COMMONWEALTH

Daring Greatly is a harmony-driven rock band originally from Calgary, Alberta, now based in Southern California. Blending classic ‘70s rock with modern soul, folk and country influences, the band is known for its powerful three-part vocal harmonies, heartfelt songwriting and energetic live shows. Fri., Aug. 22, 8pm at the Commonwealth Pub. 30 SW Century Dr., Bend. Free.

SATURDAY 8/23

CASCADE CLASSIC

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF BEND RUGBY

A community celebration and all-day rugby tournament, including a celebration of five decades of Bend Rugby. Sponsored by Deschutes Brewery, there will be drinks and food, men’s and women’s brackets, along with an exhibition game. Sat., Aug. 23, 9am5pm at Pine Nursery Park. 3750 NE Purcell Blvd., Bend. Free.

SATURDAY 8/23

MACHADO MIJIGA TRIO

PORTLAND PALS TAKE BEND

Somewhere between the worlds of traditional jazz, hip-hop and experimental music lies the Machado Mijiga Trio—excellent vibes to kick off your Saturday evening. Sat., Aug. 23, 6-8pm at River’s Place. 787 NE Purcell Blvd., Bend. Free.

SATURDAY 8/23

BEND MOONLIGHT MARKET

“MOONLIGHT CRUISE NIGHT”

Vendors, food, drink, tattoos and music by DJ Sorski. The theme is “Moonlight Cruise,” with all vehicles welcome to cruise by. All ages event. Sat., Aug. 23, 4-10pm at Dogwood at the Pine Shed. 821 NE Second St., Bend. Free.

SUNDAY 8/24

DIZZY WRIGHT

INDIE RAPPER AT SILVER MOON

Influenced by (and related to) Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Dizzy Wright was raised in Las Vegas, fully immersed in the entertainment industry. Wright beginning rapping as a kid and has since released several successful albums and mixtapes. Sun., Aug. 24, 6pm at Silver Moon Brewing. 24 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend. $20.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 MARIACHI DIVAS

By Al Olson

S SOUND Rod DeGeorge Family man and guitar legend, plugs back in

Atypical Rod DeGeorge concert set list is a trip: a blend of classic blues-rock guitar virtuosity — paying tribute to some of the greatest guitar gods in history — and nuanced textures of classical, fusion and world music.

The stage is familiar territory for DeGeorge, who has spent more than three decades touring, recording, producing, and teaching. But in Bend, where he’s lived since 2014, the music isn’t just about performance — it’s about connection.

“It’s an infinite feedback loop. The more the audience gets into it, the more I get into it and the better I play. And the better I play, the more the audience engages. The energy builds on itself,” DeGeorge says. “And when you get that going, the connection has power.”

Falling in Love with Guitar

DeGeorge was born in Reading, Pennsylvania, about an hour northwest of Philadelphia. He grew up surrounded by the hum of vinyl records and the lure of guitar riffs. He remembers the moment he heard Kiss’s “Destroyer” at age 9 — distorted guitars spilling out of his sister’s record player — and how it changed him. “I always loved music,” he says, “but hearing those guitars with that energy really excited me. I started begging for a guitar — every holiday, even Halloween and Easter.” At 13, after years of persistence, he got one: a plywood Kmart special with a modest amplifier. “It was bad,” he laughs, “but it was something to get me started.”

By his early 20s, DeGeorge was gigging regularly and teaching guitar full-time. Teaching, initially a way out of landscaping work, became a calling. “You develop relationships with students, and you see how music affects them,” he says. “It’s about confidence, self-worth. Those things ripple into all areas of life.”

From Landscaper to Performing in Front of 65,000

That grounding in mentorship would follow him through years of stage work, including high-profile appearances at NFL and MLB stadiums, two U.S. Presidential Inaugural Balls, and shared stages with legends like Paul Stanley of KISS, Earl Slick (guitarist for John Lennon and David Bowie), and members of Foreigner and Bad Company.

Yet not every gig fed his artistic side. For nearly a decade, he toured with a successful East Coast “party band” — a job that paid well and provided stability for his growing family but lacked the creative depth he craved. “My music has always had deeper meaning to me,” he says. “I want to play what’s in my heart, what I hear in my head.”

A serious car accident in 2009 forced him off the road and into a long recovery, both neurological and physical. He slowly returned to playing — first the simpler pop-rock tunes, and eventually the intricate, technical pieces from his solo albums. By the time he was fully recovered, he and his wife, Renea, were ready for a change.

‘Bend Suits Our Lifestyles and Our Personalities’

The East Coast had been home, but also home to high crime rates and a pace of life that didn’t match their vision for raising children. After a 2001 Oregon vacation left a lasting impression, the couple began exploring the possibility of moving west. In 2013, they visited Bend with their children — son Braedon, now a commercial pilot, and daughter Marciana, who recently graduated from Caldera High School and is headed to COCC this fall. The family’s decision was unanimous.

“Bend suits our lifestyles and our personalities,” DeGeorge says. “When I came out here, people warned me that making a living as a musician would be a struggle. But I’d heard that my whole life. I knew I could make it work.”

He did. At first, teaching was the backbone of his Bend career, supplemented by regional gigs and occasional tours. He also co-led the Cascade Rock Ensemble, mentoring teenage musicians and guiding them through the collaborative process of building a band. The groups performed at the Volcanic Theatre Pub under professional lights and sound — a formative experience for the young players. “It was amazing to see them grow,” DeGeorge says. “Negotiating song choices between Disney ballads and Iron Maiden, learning to respect each other’s styles — that’s real collaboration.”

Pandemic a Setback … with a Silver Lining

When COVID-19 hit, live performances came to a halt. DeGeorge shifted entirely to online lessons, keeping his roster full and embracing the unexpected silver lining of more family time. “It was terrible what was happening in the world,” he says, “but for us, it brought us closer.”

In recent years, he has started to edge back into more live performances, though still selectively. “I like the idea of not being gone more than four days at a time,” he says. “If my wife can travel with me, touring becomes much more attractive.”

For DeGeorge, who has spent years in front of arena-sized audiences, crowd size matters less to him than the intangible connection between artist and audience. “I need to be connected to my music and I need my music to connect to the audience, no matter how big the crowd is,” he says.

That emotional and spiritual connection threads through everything DeGeorge does, whether it’s a solo composition or a lesson with a teenage guitarist struggling through their first scales. “I can relate to a kid longing to play an instrument,” he says. “It takes work, but when you provide someone with the right tools, you can make their path a little easier.”

‘I Couldn’t Ask for a Better Job’

His own compositions, he admits, have a niche audience: instrumental, rock-based pieces infused with classical, fusion, and world influences. That niche, however, is fiercely loyal, with DeGeorge’s

YouTube channel drawing over 215,000 subscribers and millions of weekly views. The platform has become a vital part of his workday, hosting performance videos, lessons, and the occasional cover. “I spend more time on the business side than I’d like,” he says, “but I couldn’t ask for a better job.”

He’s currently writing material for a new album — half of it complete — and performing new originals during live sets. Like past projects, it will draw on a rotating cast of musicians from Nashville, Los Angeles, Japan, and beyond, recorded and mixed in his home studio. “Scheduling is tricky,” he says. “But once I have the songs I’m happy with, it’s just a matter of time before it comes together.”

Whether it’s a packed festival stage or an intimate Bend venue, the goal is the same: play with authenticity, to connect through music, and to keep exploring the instrument that first lit up his imagination at 9 years old.

“I’ve talked with some of the best guitarists in the world,” DeGeorge says. “We all feel the same — there’s always something you could have done better. But this time around, I’m really trying to enjoy the gigs. That’s the reward.”

Rod DeGeorge Sat., Sept. 13 7pm Blacksmith Public House 308 SW Evergreen Ave., Redmond degeorgemusic.com/shows/

andy@A2ZHomeLoans.net 541-420-2625 a2zhomeloans.net

NMLS-2579289 & 147460

CALENDAR

20 Wednesday

The Astro Lounge Karaoke Get here early to put your name on the list! Drink specials every night. 9pm-2am. Free.

Bevel Craft Brewing Trainwreck Trainwreck is a high-energy Bend band blending rock, blues and Americana with tight musicianship and an engaging stage presence. 6-8pm. Free.

Bunk+Brew Open Jam with Monkey Mode Bring your instrument, your voice or just your vibe. All are welcome to join the spontaneous magic and jam with Bend’s best. No pressure, no rules—just pure creative flow. Third Wednesday of every month, 6-9pm. Free.

The Capitol The Capitol Karaoke Music Weekly Karaoke at its finest! Central Oregon’s premiere karaoke experience has just moved locations! Now at the Capitol! Drink specials! Air guitars! Come see for yourself. 8pm-1am. Free.

The Cellar 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 Kurt Silva and Cynthia West Kurt Silva, from bands Dry Canyon Stampede and Grits N Gravy, teams up with powerhouse singer, Cynthia West from the band Rukus to form a dynamic musical duo. 7:30-9:30pm. Free.

Craft Kitchen and Brewery Comedy

Open Mic Night Open mic comedy on Bend’s NE side. Come down, eat some BBQ, drink some drinks, and be prepared to laugh. Great for first timers to experienced performers. 7:30-9pm. Free.

Crosscut Warming Hut No 5 Lilli Worona and Mike Biggers 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.

Hosmer Bar Trivia Night Join us midweek for brainy banter and cold drinks! Whether you’re a seasoned quiz champ or just in it for the laughs, gather your crew and test your knowledge! See you there! 7-9pm. Free.

M&J Tavern Open Mic Night Downtown living room welcomes musicians to bring their acoustic set or turn it up to 11 with the whole band. Bring your own instruments. 6:30pm. Free.

Market of Choice Bend Scrabble Club at Market of Choice We meet upstairs. We use the 7th edition of the Scabble Players Dictionary. New Scrabble players are welcome. If you have a Scrabble set, please bring it as a backup. 6-8:30pm. Free.

Northside Bar & Grill Mellow Wednesday

Acoustic Open Mic and Jam hosted by Derek Michael Marc Sign-up sheet is available at 6:30pm. 7-9pm. Free.

Pinky G’s Pizzeria MUSIC BINGO Join music Bingo (think Bingo and Name that Tune). Great food, cold drinks and good times. Free to play and prizes for each round winner. 6-8pm. Free.

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.

Silver Moon Brewing Blaggards & Guests

We play what we call stout Irish rock: traditional Irish music mixed with rock ‘n’ roll, informed by everything from Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley to Thin Lizzy and Black Sabbath. 7pm. $13-$15.

Silver Moon Brewing Silver Talon, Gravewitch + More Silver Talon's acclaimed EP, "Becoming A Demon," and debut album, "Decadence and Decay," set the stage for a 2024 sophomore release, showcasing their evolution within the genre’s haunting realms. 7pm. $13-$15.

LIVE MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

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Thursday

Open Mic Night with

Open Lab Grab some eats and drinks and show us what you got. The mic is open for all musical acts. We look forward to hearing your originals or favorite covers too. 6-8pm. Free.

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.

Bridge 99 Brewery Trivia Thursday Think and Drink! 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 :). 6:30pm. 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! 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 Kevin Dorin An accomplished songwriter, storyteller, and all around entertainer - Kevin Dorin’s music crosses genres while always dipping a toe in the blues. 7:30-9:30pm. Free.

Crave Bend COMEDY OPEN MIC NIGHT Comedy Open Mic Night on the SW side of Bend! Adults only encouraged. Intimate, smaller venue, healthier food and beverages, and an interactive night of comedy every Thursday! Hosted By Hopper. 7-9pm. Free.

The Dez Lounge Open Mic Join Joyful Lane at open mic night! Enjoy NA cocktails, charcuterie and dessert while listening to local talent! 6-9pm. Free.

Dogwood At The Pine Shed Let’s Have a Kiki A weekly 2SLGBTQIA+ night hosted by Cliché, with a new featured resident DJ each month. Kicking off the series in May with DJ Lunallday. Let’s have a kiki! 7-10pm. Free.

Elements Public House Trivia Night at Elements Public House with QuizHead Games Come be all you can be with Trivia Night every Thursday from 6-8pm! Featuring QuizHead. games. Located at the north end of Redmond. Full bar and great food! 6-8pm. Free.

Hayden Homes Amphitheater

Lainey Wilson: Whirlwind World Tour Grammy Award-winning and multi-platinum singer songwriter and actress Lainey Wilson has garnered enthusiasm across industries. Beginning her journey to stardom 12 years ago in a camper trailer, after leaving her small-town farming community in Baskin, Louisiana, Wilson has redefined the genre and amplified the Country music scene as we know it. 6:30 & 7pm. $99.95..

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.

McKenzie General Store & Obsidian Grill Joanne Broh Trio at McKenzie General Store McKenzie General Store loves being able to provide free family friendly live music to our community of locals, adventures and travelers alike! With our outdoor beirgarden, restaurant and general store we’re sure to have all you need for an unforgettable evening! 6-9pm. Free.

Mountain Burger Thursday Night Live at Mountain Burger Bend! Aliki Samone at Mountain Burger for Thursday Night Live! 6-8pm. Free.

Oregon Spirit Distillers Coyote Rider Coyote Rider is an exciting new singer/songwriter project based in Bend, with Kim Kelley on guitar and vocals and Kat Hilst on cello, mandolin and vocals. The dynamic synergy created in our music will captivate listeners, evoking a deep connection with the full range of human experience. 6-8pm. Free.

Pangaea Guild Hall Intro to D&D Workshop Calling all adventurers! Have you wanted to play Dungeons and Dragons but have no idea where to start? Pangaea Guild Hall presents an “Intro to D&D” workshop series hosted by yours truly, Guildmaster Chris! Learn to build and play your own D&D character. Call or email to reserve your spot! 6-9pm. $10.

Ponch’s Place Trivia Thursdays at Ponch’s Place Trivia Thursdays at Ponch’s Place with QuizHead Games. 6-8pm. Free.

River’s Place Grace Cooper & Wyatt Moss Wyatt and Grace craft emotionally resonant performances rooted in Americana, country and soul music for a wide range of listeners. 6-8pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Great American Trainwreck + Guests “Great American Trainwreck came upon us like a locomotive out of control... full of outlaw country, alt-country, and north-western music you oughta know” –American Standard Time 7pm. $15.

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.

22 Friday

Bend Cider Co. The Riverstones Come on out and listen to The Riverstones, a folk-rock band that blends Americana storytelling with some raucous Celtic lilts! Enjoy their spirited music in our lovely backyard garden, while sipping on delicious ciders, beer, wine, & n/a beverages. 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 Daring Greatly San Diego-based Daring Greatly is a harmony-driven rock band that fuses ’70s-inspired grit, modern soul, and the storytelling roots of folk and country. With soaring threepart harmonies, deep grooves, and raw emotion, their music blends the warmth of classic rock with the energy of the present. 8-10pm. Voluntary cover charge.

The Commonwealth Pub Commonwealth DJ Dance Party with TRUNORTH Join TRUNORTH as he makes his way down from the 49th parallel, spinning the latest and greatest, raising the bar on this year’s playoff season. Join him Friday and Saturday nights at The Commonwealth Pub and cheer on the beats from soul, to funk, to today’s hits. 9pm-Midnight. Free.

Craft Kitchen and Brewery Jackie Kashian Jackie Kashian brings her sharp, hilarious stand-up to Bend. Seen on HBO, Conan, and heard on NPR and “The Jackie and Laurie Show,” she delivers smart, relatable comedy that’s earned her fans across the country. Catch this national headliner in an unforgettable secret show with surprise guests and big laughs. Noon. $20.

Wildwood Bar & Grill The Roland Roberts Band Memphis-born, Alabama-raised, Colorado-grown and now a staple in the ever-flourishing Alaskan music scene—Roland Roberts is able to blend an array of genres into a captivating yet delicate musical experience. 7-10pm. Free.

23 Saturday

Austin Mercantile Saturday Afternoon Live Music Austin Mercantile is now adding live music on Saturdays! Serving wine, beer, lite happy hour menu, gifts and home decor. Hope to see you soon! 4:30-6:30pm. Free.

Bridge 99 Brewery Family-Friendly Karaoke Night Looking for family fun? You’ll find it every Saturday night at Bridge 99 Brewery. Family-friendly karaoke is hosted by DJ Jackie J and A Fine Note Karaoke Too. Adults, kids and good dogs welcome. 6-9pm. Free.

The Commonwealth Pub Soul’d Out Soul’d Out was created by Dennis Morris

Portello Wine and Spirits Live Music: Acoustic Minds at Portello! Acoustic Minds is a Portland-based band consisting of identical twin sisters and lead vocalists Jenni and Amanda Price. They blend EDM, hip-hop, soul and pop, crafting a sound marked by powerful vocals, sibling harmonies, ‘80s synth vibes, and a strong, moody bass presence. 7-9pm. Free. River’s Place Machado Mijiga Trio Jazz with nods to ambient, hip-hop, and experimental music. 6-8pm. Free.

Sunriver Resort The Jugulars Classic rock music with a local Sunriver-area band. Everyone’s favorites from the ‘70s to contemporary, as well as originals. 6:30-8:30pm. Free.

Wildwood Bar & Grill Midnight45 If you love the glass-shattering power of high tenor bluegrass voices and perfect harmonies, look no further than Midnight45. 7-10pm. Free.

24 Sunday

Faith, Hope & Charity Vineyards at the Vineyard: Summer Groove One of our favorite bands for the summer! Come enjoy this non-stop dance party featuring all the dance hits from Kool & the Gang, Whitney Houston, Donna Summer and more! 6-9pm. $35.

The Grove Summer Friday Concert Series Join us on Fridays throughout the summer at the Grove Market Hall for some live music! 6-8pm. 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.

Hayden Homes Amphitheater Mt. Joy Mt. Joy announced they are returning to Bend for another year on tour in 2025. The five-piece band is known for playing indie-rock tunes. 7:30pm. $49.50.

Ponch’s Place Music with Paul Eddy Friday night music at Ponch’s Place with Paul Eddy. 6-8pm. Free.

Ponch’s Place Paul Eddy Roses are red, violets are blue, poems are hard, come see Paul Eddy. Hits through the decades, plus originals from his new album “Oregonian.” 6-8pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing The Critical Blues Band The Critical Blues Band pays tribute to the giants of blues, past and present, by delivering the power and passion of America’s greatest contribution to the world of music. 7pm. $13.

The Annex North By North, Not Your Ex Lov er, A Brave New World, & Helga “Something Wicked” 10 Year Anniversary: North By North, A Brave New World, Not Your Ex Lover, & Helga Friday, Aug. 22 at The Annex above Midtown Ballroom! Close - Not Your Ex Lover 3rd - A Brave New World 2nd - North by North OpenHELGA 7-11pm. $15.

Velvet Lounge Justin Howl Music Blues, roots, singer, songwriter from Chicago, IL. 8-10pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Dizzy Wright Born La’Reonte Wright in Flint, Michigan but raised in Las Vegas by a mother in the music business. Not to be missed. 6pm. $20.

Velvet Lounge Eel Sallad Band Upbeat, passionate & contemplative blues/grunge rock fueled by engagement. 8-10pm. Free.

25 Monday

Bevel Craft Brewing Austin Powers Trivia Join us for Austin Powers Trivia at Bevel! Test your knowledge on all three groovy films: "International Man of Mystery," "The Spy Who Shagged Me" and "Goldmember." Free to play, teams up to six, and themed attire encouraged. Win Bevel gift cards! 6-8pm. Free.

Bridge 99 Brewery Trivia Mondays at Bridge 99 Trivia Mondays at 6:30pm at Bridge 99 Brewery with Useless Knowledge Bowl. It’s no ordinary trivia night, Team up to win house gift cards! Great brews, cocktails, and more. Inhouse menu and food truck options available! It’s free to play. Indoor and outdoor seating available. 63063 Layton Ave, Bend. 6:30-8:30pm. Free.

Bunk+Brew Backyard Open Mic Mondays Bring the energy and hit the stage! Sing, rap, tell jokes or vibe out with the crowd. Killer eats from food carts and beer truck flowing all night. 6-10pm. Free.

The Commonwealth Pub Monday Night Musicians Showcase: Hosted by FAFO Come showcase your sound, discover fresh talent and enjoy a night of incredible live music. Hosted by Funk Around & Find Out, we’re creating a space where musicians can stretch out, jam, tighten up or spark something new. Full backline provided. 6-9pm. Free.

Crux Fermentation Project Trivia Night @ Crux Trivia Night at Crux! First place team wins a $25 gift card! 6-8pm. Free.

Elixir Winery and Tasting Room Locals Music Night and Open Mic Bend’s friendliest open-mic! All genres welcome. Oregon and international wine, beer and tapas menu available all evening. 6-9pm. Free.

Immersion Brewing Open Mic hosted by Bend Comedy All performance types are welcome! All ages are welcome to attend and perform! All acts are eligible to audition to perform in a future Bend Comedy show! 7-9pm. Free.

JC’s Bar & Grill Karaoke Karaoke kicks off at 8pm with our awesome host Van! Come early to get a prime seat. Happy hour lasts all day and our pool tables are free Mondays. 8pm. Free.

Mountain Burger Live Music at Mountain Burger KC Flynn preforming live! 6-8pm. Free.

On Tap Locals’ Day Plus Live Music Cheaper drinks all day and live music at night, get down to On Tap. 11am-9pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Beertown Comedy Open Mic Voted #1 Open Mic and Locals Night, Beertown Comedy’s Open Mic happens every Monday at Silver Moon Brewing. Free to watch and perform! Signups at 6:30pm, show at 7pm. With 20 spots available, bring your best jokes and get noticed for paid gigs. Laughter guaranteed! 6:30-9pm. Free.

26 Tuesday

The Astro Lounge Karaoke Get here early to put your name on the list! Drink specials every night. 9pm-2am. Free.

Bunk+Brew Backyard Trivia Tuesdays! Big brains, cold beers, bragging rights! Battle it out under the stars with rotating trivia themes and epic prizes. Grab food from the food carts and drinks from the beer truck. Think you’ve got what it takes? 7-9pm. Free.

The Capitol The Capitol Karaoke Music Weekly Karaoke at its finest! Central Oregon’s premiere karaoke experience has just moved locations! Now at the Capitol! Drink specials! Air guitars! Come see for yourself. 8pm-1am. Free.

The Cellar Open Mic Open mic at The Cellar hosted by Mari! 6-8pm and all are welcome! 6-8pm. Free.

The Commons Cafe & Taproom Open Mic StoryTellers open mic nights are full of music, laughs and community. Mason James is the host. Poetry, comedy and spoken word are welcome, but this is mainly a musical open mic. Performance slots are a quick 10 minutes each, so being warmed up and ready is ideal. If you wish to perform sign-ups start at 5pm in the cafe. 6pm. Free.

The Commonwealth Pub Jazz Folks Jazz Folks has been offering some of the best traditional and contemporary jazz (Monk to Miles to Marcus Miller!), fusion and world music in Central Oregon for close to a decade. 7-9pm. Free.

The Commonwealth Pub The Jazz Folks with Mike Stinnett The Jazz Folks celebrate the return of Austin Texas Sax pro Mike Stinnett playing a mix of classic and pop Jazz. Don’t miss this rare opportunity. 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.

Silver Moon Brewing Death Doula and Chiggi Momo Death Doula is a post punk / dreamgaze band based in Portland, Oregon. Founded by couple Kerry Jones and Ky Alexander, the outfit is rounded out by a hearty rhythm section consisting of Keith Charlie on bass and Josh Gooday on drums. Blending vocal elements of Jeff Buckley. 7pm. $15.

DANCE

Adult Jazz Dance Community Class

Join nonprofit Bend Dance Project for intermediate level adult jazz drop-in dance classes. Friendly supportive atmosphere. Get your dance on! Fridays, 12:15-1:45pm. Acadamie De Ballet Classique, 1900 NE 3rd St #104, Bend. Contact: 408-857-6773. jcliff@gmail.com. $10 donation.

Argentine Tango Classes and Social Dancing Tango 101 lesson at 6:30pm, followed by a práctica from 7:15-9:30pm. All levels welcome. Check Facebook for latest info. Wednesdays, 6:30-9:30pm. Sons of Norway Hall, 549 NW Harmon Blvd., Bend. Contact: 901-550-5671. aneezerk@gmail.com. $10.

THANK YOU CENTRAL OREGON

Voted Best Alternative Health Care Clinic Central Oregon

Thank you, Central Oregon, for another year voting for us as Best Alternative Health Care Clinic! Our team of physicians and providers are honored to continue to support you and your family's journey toward health and vitality.

Our Team of Providers O ering:

• Women's Health and Menopausal Care

• Holistic and Integrative Pediatric and Family Medicine

• Chronic Disease and Environmental Medicine

• Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture

39 NW Louisiana Ave, Bend 541-330-0334

www.HawthornCenter.com

• Massage Therapy and Sports Medicine

• Counseling and Mind-Body Therapies

• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Bend Dance Project Adult Community Drop-in Class Join nonprofit Bend Dance Project for an adult intermediate level drop-in dance class. Styles include classic jazz, street jazz, modern and lyrical. Teachers and styles rotate monthly. Supportive and welcoming atmosphere! Suggested donation $10. Fridays, 12:15-1:45pm. Acadamie De Ballet Classique, 1900 NE 3rd St #104, Bend. Contact: 541-7281063. dancevelocity@live.com. $10. Boots and Brews Country Dance Nights Learn line dancing & country swing basics, then enjoy an open dance floor. Perfect for beginners—have fun, meet great people, and sip local brews. Dress western, bring friends and make the most of what we have left of summer! Fridays, 6-9pm. Through Sept. 20. Worthy Brewing - Main Pub and Brewery, 495 NE Bellevue Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-241-6310. howdy@swingnline.com. Free. Fire Line Dancing Lessons Free dance lessons, alternating between swing and line dance sessions. Basic steps, fun for beginner and intermediate dancers. Great for all ages! Tuesdays, 7-8pm. Through Sept. 30. Blacksmith Public House, 308 SW Evergreen Ave., Redmond. Contact: 541-604-8878. Free.

Lindy Hop Social Dance and Lesson Take back your night life! Join a community eager to share their excitement for this goofy, athletic and energetic dance. Lindy Hop is the original vintage swing dance turned global dance craze. Danced to classic jazz standards Lindy Hop is connected to its roots, but always innovating. Sundays, 6-9pm. Through Oct. 12. The Space, 63830 Clausen Rd, Bend. $7-$12.

ARTS + CRAFTS

Bee Curious: Intro to Beekeeping Join beekeeper Brittany Dye for a hands-on, family-friendly workshop! Discover honeybee biology, observe a hive (weather permitting), and taste honey varieties. Perfect for bee-curious folks or aspiring beekeepers—get your questions answered by a seasoned pro! Aug. 24, Noon-3pm. City of Redmond, Redmond, Or., Redmond. Contact: 650-224-6750. info@ schoolofranch.org. $40.

Weaving the Wasco Way: Making Sally Bags Learn the Wasco flat-bottom weaving technique with tradition bearer Valerie Switzler. Weave your own Sally Bag using cotton yarn and twining string, build confidence in twining methods, and explore the cultural roots of this iconic style. A mid-workshop potluck nourishes both hands and hearts. Aug. 23, 10am-1pm. City of Redmond, Redmond, Or., Redmond. Contact: 650-224-6750. info@ schoolofranch.org. $100.

PRESENTATIONS + EXHIBITS

Gather:Make:Shelter - The Monograph Tour Witness the beauty, complexity, and depth of stories seldom told about navigating houselessness. The Monograph Tour features the works of Gather:Make:Shelter artists who reimagine what it means to be an artist and community member. Aug. 23, 3-5pm. Redmond Public Library, 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond. Contact: 541-312-1032. lizg@ deschuteslibrary.org. Free. Witness the beauty, complexity, and depth of stories seldom told about navigating houselessness. The Monograph Tour features the works of Gather:Make:Shelter artists who reimagine what it means to be an artist and community member. Aug. 23, 3-5pm. Downtown Bend Library, 601 Northwest Wall Street, Bend. Contact: 541312-1032. lizg@deschuteslibrary.org. Free.

THEATER

Nancy Blue: Girl Detective Will Nancy and her friends solve the mystery of the missing principal? Find out in this fun parody-mystery production from BEAT Children’s Theatre! Fri, Aug. 15, 6-7pm, Ongoing, 2-3pm and Sat, Aug. 16, 2-3pm. Open Space Event Studios, 220 NE Lafayette Ave, Bend. $15-$20

OUTDOOR EVENTS

Bend Rugby Cascade Classic Rugby is alive and thriving in Bend and we’re calling on our community to help us make the Cascade Classic a true celebration of sport, pride and 50 years of Bend Rugby! Aug. 23, 9am-5pm. Pine Nursery Park, 3750 NE Purcell Blvd., Bend. Contact: joinbendrugby@gmail.com. Free.

Tracks and Scat! Have you ever discovered tracks or scat in areas frequented by wildlife and wondered what left these bits of evidence behind? Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Gary “Gus” Gustafson at the Metolius Preserve to learn more about the wildlife of Central Oregon. Aug. 22, 10am-12:30pm. Metolius Preserve, near Camp Sherman, Sisters. Contact: 541-3300017. event@deschuteslandtrust.org. Free.

VOLUNTEER

Bunny Rescue Needs Volunteers

Looking for more volunteers to help with tidying bunny enclosures, feeding, watering, giving treats, head scratches, play time and fostering. All ages welcome and time commitments are flexible — weekly, monthly or fill-in. Located at the south end of Redmond. Email Lindsey with your interests and availability: wildflowerbunnylove@gmail.com. Ongoing.

Redmond Family Kitchen Dinner Family Kitchen is continuing to provide nutritious meals to anyone in need, now in Redmond! Volunteers prepare dinners and clean up afterward. Email Tori with any questions or sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/ RedmondDinner Mondays-Fridays, 2-4:30pm. Mountain View Fellowship, 1475 SW 35th St, Redmond. Contact: 631-942-3528. tori@familykitchen.org. Free.

Thrive Moving Volunteers Support your neighbors by helping them move to their new home. If interested, fill out the volunteer form or reach out! Ongoing. Contact: 541-728-1022. TCOmoving22@gmail.com.

Volunteer at the Bend ReStore If you want to help make affordable homeownership a reality for individuals and families in Central Oregon, consider volunteering at the Bend ReStore! Ongoing, 9am-5pm. Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 224 NE Thurston Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-312-6709. Volunteer@brhabitat.org. Free.

Volunteer CASAs Needed CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. They are community volunteers who advocate solely for the best interest of children and youth in foster care. Our pre-service training classes are designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively advocate for these children. Apply today at casaofcentraloregon. org/volunteer. Ongoing. Rosie Bareis community campus, 1010 NW 14th Street, Bend. Contact: 541-389-1618. enoyes@casaofcentraloregon. org. Free.

Volunteer for Foster Dogs Volunteer to be a dog foster parent! There is a huge need and it is very rewarding, giving you a sense of purpose. Each dog is special. Thursdays. Contact: 458-292-8362. HDRescueoregon.com.

Volunteer, Feed the Masses! At Family Kitchen, the mission is to serve anyone who needs nutritious meals in a safe and caring environment. They have tons of volunteer needs - servers, cooks, shoppers, and more. Groups and teams wanted! Monthly or quarterly opportunities! Visit familykitchen.org/volunteer to fill out a volunteer interest form. Mondays-Sundays. Family Kitchen, 231 NW Idaho, Bend. Contact: tori@familykitchen.org. Free.

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, 11:30am-3pm and Fridays, 11:30am-3pm. Golden Age Card Club, 40 SE 5th St, Bend. Contact: 541-389-1752. 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: 206-707-6337. 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.

Parkinson’s Support Group Monthly support group for individuals and care partners living with Parkinson’s Disease. This group is casual in nature with opportunities to connect and share. Third Wednesday of every month, 2-3:30pm. Touchmark at Pilot Butte, 1125 NE Watt Way, Bend. Contact: 541-668-6599. jessica@parkinsonsresources.org.

Rally League Night We are starting pingpong and foosball leagues! At the first few meetings, we will have round robin play, gauge interest and determine league formats. All ages and levels welcome. Wednesdays, 5-8pm. Rally Recreation, 549 NW York Dr, Bend. Contact: 541241-8581. info@rallyrecreation.com. $8-$10.

Repair Cafe at DIY Cave Got a broken something? Bring it to this free Repair Café! The Environmental Center’s Rethink Waste Project hosts Repair Cafés, which are free events that connect people with broken stuff with people who like to fix stuff. Aug. 21, 5:307:30pm. DIY Cave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: naomi@envirocenter.org. Free.

Sunday Fun Day Game Day Come join us for games and fun. We have ping-pong, darts, cornhole, Pac Man and board games. Enjoy music, fun and happy hour prices Noon-6pm. Sundays, Noon-10pm. Through Aug. 31. The Commonwealth Pub, 30 SW Century Dr., Bend. Free. Table Tennis Sundays Come have fun with round-robin table tennis on Sunday afternoons. We have paddles and balls but feel free to bring your own. Enjoy happy hour prices and great food. Tournaments and prizes coming. Sundays, 4-10pm. Through Sept. 30. The Commonwealth Pub, 30 SW Century Dr., Bend. Free.

FUNDRAISING

High Desert Rendezvous

Join us for the 36th High Desert Rendezvous — the Museum’s beloved annual fundraiser! Rendezvous is a testament to our community’s enduring support of the Museum’s mission to wildly excite and responsibly teach. Come celebrate our commitment to fostering curiosity, connections, innovative exhibits and programs. Aug. 23, 5-9pm. High Desert Museum, 59800 S. Highway 97, Bend. Contact: 541-3824754. info@highdesertmuseum.org. $200.

EVENTS + MARKETS

Crafters Market Come support local crafters offering everything from treats, jewelry, art, home goods, clothes, vintage items, etc. Live music provided by Zaydream! Sundays, Noon-3pm. Through Aug. 31. Cheba Hut, 1288 SW Simpson Ave., Bend. Free.

Ice Cream Social The Prineville Senior Center Charitable Trust and the Council on Aging of Central Oregon invite community members age 60+ to enjoy a summer lunch followed by a sweet treat at a banana split bar. It’s a chance to gather with friends and celebrate the season together. Aug. 20, 12-1:30pm. Prineville Senior Center, 180 NE Belknap St, Prineville. Contact: 541-678-5483. Free.

Playful Paws 2nd Annual Parking Lot

Pawty Playful Paws Cat Café is celebrating 2 years and 300 adoptions! Meet adoptable cats, enjoy lounge sessions, shop vendors, eat good food, and win prizes. Free and open to the public—join us for a meowgical morning!. Aug. 23, 10am-1pm. Playful Paws Cat Cafe, 1465 SW Knoll Ave, Bend. Contact: 541-728-3871. meow@playfulpawscatcafe.com. Free.

Summer Beach Party The Council on Aging and La Pine Activity Center are teaming up for a lively beach-themed celebration featuring live music, great food, raffles, and summer fun for older adults in the community. Aug. 21, 11am-2pm. La Pine Senior Activity Center, 16450 Victory Way, La Pine. Contact: 541-6785483. Free.

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, 11am3pm. Through Oct. 9. Brooks Alley, downtown Bend, Bend. Contact: bendfarmersmarket@ gmail.com. Free.

Worthy Farmers Market Farm-fresh produce straight from local growers! One-ofa-kind products: handmade, unique and full of character! Live music, food and beer—because Sundays should be fun! Free Community Booth supporting local nonprofits and initiatives! Sundays, 10am-2pm. Through Sept. 28. Worthy Brewing - Main Pub and Brewery, 495 NE Bellevue Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-241-6310. Free. Redmond Farmers Market Discover the heart of our community at the Redmond Farmers Market! Fun for the whole family. Here, local farmers and artisans come together to share their passion for fresh produce, handmade goods and unique crafts. Fridays, 3-7pm. Through Aug. 29. Centennial Park, Evergreen, Between 7th and 8th St., Redmond. Contact: 541-570-8946. Harvesthouseevents.rdm@ 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.

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. Educators & Nurses Apprecation Day We’re raising a glass to those who give so much! Join us for Nurses & Educators Day, where we show appreciation for the heroes in scrubs and classrooms. 50% off all beers and ciders for nurses and educators. Tuesdays. Cascade Lakes Pub on Reed Market, 21175 SE Reed Market Rd., Bend. Contact: 458-836-7866. jesse@ cascadelakes.com. Free.

Flannel Friday Happy Hour Come on down in your Northwest best for Happy Hour! 4-6pm every Friday. $2 off drafts, $1 off everything else. Fridays, 4-6pm. Contact: taryn@ thealeapothecary.com. Free.

Friday Happy Hour Tapas & Wine Kick off the weekend the right way! Every Friday from 4pm on, swing by for a relaxing and social evening at Elixir Wine. $10 wine specials by the glass and $2 off regular glass pours, including our own Oregon & Washington wines. Fridays, 4-7pm. Elixir Winery and Tasting Room, 11 NW Lava Rd., Bend. Contact: 541-388-5330. tastingroom@elixirwinegroup.com. Free.

Power Hour Come check out our new Power Hour deals: $3 draft Coors Light, $5 draft beer, food cart specials that will make your taste buds dance! Mondays-Thursdays-Sundays, 8-9pm. Midtown Yacht Club, 1661 NE Fourth St., Bend. Contact: 458-256-5454. midtownyachtclub@ gmail.com. Free.

Pursuit of Hoppiness: A Hoppy Beer Festival 12 hop-forward beers from top breweries across the West Coast. Presale includes a logo glass and 12 beer tokens. Aug. 23, Noon-5pm. Contact: 541-972-3835. holla@ bevelbeer.com. $25-$35.

Sangria Sundays Like Sundays in Spain, just add paella. Every Sunday, 2pm-close at Bar Rio in Downtown Bend. Sundays. Bar Rio, 915 NW Wall St., Bend. Free.

Suttle Lodge’s Wine on the Deck Series: Crooked Wine Co. This week, we welcome Central Oregon’s own Crooked Wine Co. Forged in family and friendship, Crooked relies on the community that raised them and the people that surround them. Gratuity included in ticket price. Aug. 26, 6-7pm. The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse, 13300 Hwy 20, Sisters.

Sunriver Farmers Market Discover a wide variety of fresh, farm-to-table products from dedicated local vendors. From freshly butchered meats to seasonal produce, there’s something for everyone. Thursdays, 10am2pm. Through Aug. 28. Sunriver Resort, 17600 Center Dr., Sunriver. Free.

BEER + DRINK

$10 Coffee + Breakfast Burrito Fridays Your Fridays just got an upgrade! Introducing our breakfast burrito and coffee special with our besties, Bend Breakfast Burrito. Every Friday you can get a breakfast burrito + 16oz drip coffee (or 12oz cold brew) for just $10. Fridays, 7:30-11:30am. Boss Rambler Coffee, 1009 NW Galveston Ave., Bend. $10.

$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.

Bonfire Wednesdays Fuel the night with fire, friends and ice-cold drinks! Meet travelers, jam out to tunes and chow down from the food carts. Wednesdays, 6-9pm. Through Oct. 15. Bunk+Brew, 42 NW Hawthorne Avenue, Bend. Free.

Central Oregon Homebrewers Organization Monthly Meeting Interested in homebrewing and other fun fermentations? Join us for the monthly meeting of the Central Oregon Homebrewers Organization. Check out www.cohomebrewers.org for all the pertinent details. Third Wednesday of each month, 6:30PM. Aspen Ridge Retirement Community, 1010 NW Purcell, Upstairs meeting room. Third Wednesday of every month, 6:30pm. Aspen Ridge Retirement, 1010 NE Purcell Blvd., Bend. Contact: officers@cohomebrewers.org. Free.

Commonwealth Pub Happy Hour It’s 5 for 5, with $5 draft beers, $5 house wines, $5 margaritas, $5 crushes and $5 well liquor. Play ping-pong, darts, cornhole, games and enjoy afternoon music on patio and indoors. Ongoing, Noon-6pm. The Commonwealth Pub, 30 SW Century Dr., Bend. Free.

Happy Hour at Mountain Burger Happy Hour happens every day at Mountain Burger! Ongoing, 3-5pm. Mountain Burger, 2747 NW Crossing Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-668-7177. info@mountainburgerbend.com.

Happy Hour at Viaggio Wine Merchant $7 and $8 glasses of wine, cold beer and delicious discounted snacks. Cheers! Tuesdays-Sundays, 3-5pm. Viaggio Wine Merchant, 210 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-299-5060. info@viaggiowine.com. Varies by purchase.

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 10am-6pm Mondays-Sundays, 10am-6pm. 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.

Ladies Night Hey ladies! Come out for $8 limoncello-spiked bubbles and $2 off all menu cocktails every Thursday. Thursdays, 2-10pm. Bar Rio, 915 NW Wall St., Bend. 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.

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: 541-3851777. contact@portellobend.com. Free.

Taco Tuesdays Join us for a margarita & three tacos for $20! Follow us on Instagram for our specials, live music and events. Tuesdays, 2-10pm. Bar Rio, 915 NW Wall St., Bend. Free. Wine Tasting Every Third Thursday Our resident wine expert, David, will pour hand-selected wines from across Oregon and around the globe. He’ll introduce you to new grapes, producers and styles. He will help you select unique and exceptional wines from a continually rotating selection. Stop by anytime between 5-7pm. Third Thursday of every month, 5-7pm. West Coast Provisions, 2735 NW Crossing Dr., Bend. Free.

Wine Wednesdays Wine up and wind down, all glasses $10. Every Wednesday, 2pmclose at Bar Rio in downtown Bend. Wednesdays. Bar Rio, 915 NW Wall St., Bend. 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: 541-383-3000. jcsbend@gmail.com. Free.

Yappy Hour at the Crater Lake Spirits Tasting Room A dog-friendly happy hour with craft cocktails, free pup cups and a spacious dog park. Enjoy sunshine, sips and tail wags all summer long. All friendly, social dogs welcome. Leashes required outside the dog park. See you there! Thursdays, 3-5:30pm. Through Aug. 28. Crater Lake Spirits Distillery Tasting Room, 19330 Pinehurst Rd., Tumalo. Contact: 541-3180200. socialmedia@craterlakespirits.com. Free.

HEALTH + WELLNESS

Swashbuckling Swordfighting Games

The Bend chapter of the 1595 Club is sponsoring a series of swashbuckling swordfighting tournaments.Third Wednesday of every month through December! Compete within our beginner-friendly ruleset. Second Wednesdays of every month, we will be holding an orientation session about tournament rules, equipment and basic fencing drills. Third Wednesday of every month, 5-7pm. Through Dec. 17. Masonic Hall of Bend, 1036 NE 8th St., Bend. Contact: 541241-6742. contact@bend1595.com. Free.

By Dave Gil de Rubio

Ukulele Master

Jake Shimabukuro unites with Mick Fleetwood to create a new take on the blues

When you think of the blues, the last instrument you expect to be part of the genre is the ukulele. That is unless it’s uke master Jake Shimabukuro who is wielding this device that’s far more connected with the sounds of native Hawaiian music or vaudeville.

Having taken the uke into the realms of classical music (2012’s “Grand Ukulele”) and prog rock (2016’s “Nashville Sessions”), Shimabukuro’s latest album finds him joining forces with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer drummer Mick Fleetwood for the all-instrumental album “Blues Experience.” Given Fleetwood’s storied history as a member of John Mayall’s Blues Breakers and as a founding member of Fleetwood Mac, Shimabukuro readily jumped at the opportunity to work with Fleetwood.

“When we were going to do this collaboration, I thought this would be a cool direction to go in that would really stretch me and push me out of my comfort zone because that’s the only way you grow,” Shimabukuro explained in a recent interview. “Mick was so great about encouraging me and giving me the OK to go for it and not worry about anything. What I’ve been telling people is that these are not just songs that I grew up listening to, but ones he lived and was inspired by. He’s on this end of the spectrum and the one who paved the way for all this stuff. And now for me to be able to do all this is a dream come true.”

Cut over the span of two three-day sessions at Fleetwood’s Maui studio, “Blues Experience” yielded nine cuts. They include blues standards (a hypnotic take on “Rollin’ N Tumblin’”) and covers of Neil Young (a raucous reading of “Rockin’ In the Free World”) and Procol Harum (the soaring “Whiter Shade of Pale”), augmented by the contributions of bassist Jackson Waldhoff and keyboardist Michael Grande (with Mick Fleetwood Blues Band keyboardist Mark Johnstone playing on a couple of tracks. A major highlight is an opening walk through Jeff Beck’s “Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers,” featuring a guest slot by Louisiana guitar whiz Sonny Landreth, whose relationship with Shimabukuro dates back to when the two toured with the late Jimmy Buffett. Elsewhere, the closing version of Fleetwood Mac’s “Songbird,” penned by the late Christine McVie, was included and left quite an impression on all the players.

“‘Songbird’ was very emotional because Christine’s birthday came right after she passed,” Shimabukuro recalled. “Mick and I were talking about maybe doing ‘Songbird.’ I remember we went into the tracking room and Mick kind of sat at the drums and was tuning them up. Without really saying anything, he went into this groove on the toms and had his eyes closed. I remember kind of starting with the tremolo, which was very spontaneous and the rest of the guys just kind of crept in on keys and bass. The crazy thing is that the song kind of played itself. It was all set to that drum vibe Mick started. It became like a wave and we kind of faded out. I remember Mick kept it going with his eyes closed just listening and being in the moment. Then he came to a stop and there was this really powerful silence. I remember him opening his eyes and saying he felt Christine’s presence in the studio with us. It gave all of us chills.”

While Shimabukuro and Fleetwood played the album live in its entirety as a two-day fundraiser to victims of the Maui wildfires, the pair aren’t touring together. That doesn’t mean fans won’t hear songs from “Blues Experience.”

“We’ve been doing three or four songs off the (“Blues Experience”) record,” Shimabukuro said. “Hopefully we’ll be able to do it live somewhere with Mick. But for me as a fan of the ukulele — because I’m always a fan first of the instrument — to see the ukulele played on an album with Mick Fleetwood is like, ‘What?’”

While there were no cuts left over from the “Blues Experience” sessions, Shimabukuro is game for part two. And if it doesn’t come to pass, the humble Hawaiian is more than happy to have this latest addition to his canon.

“Mick did say in an interview recently that he’d be open to doing a second one, so we better do it before he changes his mind,” Shimabukuro said with a laugh. “But seriously, when I was this four-year-old kid who picked up the ukulele for the first time, I never thought I’d be doing all the things I’m doing today and having all these opportunities to learn about music and just life. Even if it all went away tomorrow, I would be grateful for this instrument and all that I got to experience.”

Meet a few of the great people behind the magic...

Felipe & Nilo 4+ years

When he’s not behind the wheel of the Doggie Shuttle, you’ll nd Felipe hard at work, making sure every pup’s day is the best it can be. A master of all he does, he’s just as skilled at safely transporting dogs as he is at joining in the fun out in the play yards. And then there’s Nilo—the biggest dog here, both in size and in personality!

Bend Unleashed owner’s Joe & Tiffany Farrell, along with their incredible Team, have proudly served the community and earned the title "Best of Bend" for the third consecutive year.

Michaela & Toby 6+ years

I love working with dogs- and with people who love them just as much! I’m lucky to spend my days at the front desk greeting our amazing customers, and when I’m not there, you’ll nd me busy as our on-site manager & groomer, making your furry kiddos even cuter than they already are.

Kylie & Leo 4+ years

Elizabeth 1st year

14 years ago, I traded the beauty of Yosemite for the charm of Bend–and I've loved it here ever since. For more than 22 years, I've been rescuing, rehoming and speaking up for bully breeds, and they'll always have a special place in my heart.

I'm your dog's favorite auntie and the general manager at Bend Unleashed! This is truly my dream career and biggest passion. For the past 4 1/2 years I've loved caring for so many incredible pups and watching your fur babies grow play and thrive!

Gerrett & Milo 3+ years

I do what I do because dogs are some of the best ‘people’ I know. Every day at camp is a whirlwind of chaos cuddles and comedy-and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I'm the doggy uncle who knows the class clown, the tender hearted sweetheart, and the mastermind secretly plotting a jailbreak during playtime. It's about giving them a place where they feel safe, seen, and loved , if that means going home covered in fur and drool…well that's just part of the joy! I was born for this.

1st year

Kestrel & Savvy and Tortuga

Professional trainer, Kestrel is a powerhouse in every way! A recent addition to our team, she brings energy, skill, and enthusiasm to everything she does. Keep an eye out for updates—we’ll be announcing her training schedule very soon.

Our van is all wheel drive,

and

or

“The

King of all Wild Things”

Mischievous Max on his wild adventure has landed on the island of winners for this year’s Best of Central Oregon. The Wild Things led him to the kings and queens of food, drinks, services, people, places, shopping and nonprofit events in Bend, Redmond, Sisters and Sunriver. “He sailed back over a year and in and out of weeks and through a day” to tally the votes. OK, it was actually a month, but that’s how long it takes to add up hundreds of votes in more than 230 categories, then get in touch with each one of the winners.

“We’ll Eat you Up, We Love You So!”

This issue, by far our largest of the year, represents the original and best readers’ poll in Central Oregon. Max selects the categories (OK, it’s the Source staff) but the public nominates their top choices in hundreds of categories either online or by dropping off a paper ballot. We don't know who will be nominated or who will come out on top until the votes are gathered and sorted, which is a wild process. This year Max was in a mood and demanded some new categories, including best mocktail, best boba, best local farm, best tattoo artist and more.

“Let the Wild Rumpus Start!”

Max and his pals invite you to celebrate this year’s winners at the Best of Central Oregon party. Join us on the lawn of the Deschutes Historical Museum on Aug. 20 at 6:30pm for live music, food and drink as Max shares his crown for a raucous evening.

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Nicole Vulcan • MANAGING EDITOR: Nic Moye

CONTRIBUTORS: Peter Madsen, Sarah Isak-Goode, Maddie Franz

COPY EDITOR: Richard Sitts • PHOTOGRAPHER: Josh Davis

PAGE DESIGNER: Jennifer Galler • AD DESIGNER: Adrian Galler

SALES DIRECTOR: Ashley Sarvis • EXECUTIVES: Ban Tat, Chad Barnes

INTERNS: Libby Findling, Sophie Haney, Sophie Rentschler

Best Japanese

Best Gluten-Free

BEST OF DRINKS

Best Bloody Mary

Best Light Beer

Best Mocktail & Best Happy Hour

Best Brewer

Best Boba BEST OF

Best Furniture Consignment

Best Vintage Clothing

Best Beauty Boutique

BEST OF GOODS & SERVICES

Best Local Farm

Best Tattoo Artist

Best Medical/Cosmetic Enhancement Services

BEST OF PEOPLE

Best Influencer/Best Indoor Plant Store

BEST OF PLACES

Best Place to Work (Under 50 Employees) Best Nonprofit Serving Education, Families and Children

Best of Food WINNERS

Best Bagel

1st Place - Big O Bagels 2nd Place - Bo's

Best Bakery

1st Place - Sparrow Bakery 2nd Place - M's Bakery

Best BBQ

1st Place - Baldy's Barbeque 2nd Place - Pop's Southern BBQ

Best Bowl

1st Place - Active Culture 2nd Place - Café Yumm!

Best Breakfast 1st Place - The McKay Cottage 2nd Place - The Victorian Café

Best Doughnut

1st Place - Richard's Donuts & Pastries

2nd Place - The Dough Nut

Best Eggs Benedict

1st Place - The Victorian Café 2nd Place - The Lemon Tree

Best Falafel 1st Place - Kefi Fast Fresh Mediterranean 2nd Place - Shimshon

Best Family Dining 1st Place - Jackson's Corner 2nd Place - Pine Tavern Restaurant

Best Breakfast Burrito

1st Place - Bend Breakfast Burrito 2nd Place - Burrito Sunrise

Best Breakfast Sandwich

1st Place - Sparrow Bakery 2nd Place - Farmer's Deli

Best Burger

1st Place - Bend Burger Company 2nd Place - Dandy's Drive-In

Best Brunch

1st Place - The Lemon Tree 2nd Place - The McKay Cottage

Best Smash Burger

1st Place - Americana 2nd Place - Blue Eyes Burgers & Fries

Best Burrito

1st Place - Tacos Pihuamo 2nd Place - Super Burrito

Best Caterer

1st Place - Bleu Bite Catering 2nd Place - Luckey's Woodsman

Best Chef 1st Place - Nate King & Bill Dockter - Bosa Food & Drink 2nd Place - Carlos AnthonyHawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge

Best Chinese 1st Place - Chi Chinese and Sushi Bar 2nd Place - Chan's Chinese Restaurant

Best Dessert

1st Place - Bonta Gelato 2nd Place - Handel's Homemade Ice Cream

Best Dinner 1st Place - Rancher Butcher Chef 2nd Place - BOSA Food & Drink

Best Fine Dining 1st Place - Ariana Restaurant 2nd Place - Rancher Butcher Chef

Best Food Cart

1st Place - Cotto 2nd Place - Americana

Best Food Cart Lot

1st Place

TBest Japanese Yokocho Izakaya

By Nicole Vulcan

he team behind Yokocho Izakaya had a clear vision when they opened their spot on Northeast Division in November last year.

“We wanted to build the food scene in Bend,” said Kwan Sintha Kham, co-owner of Yokocho Izakaya. “Most people, if they think about Japanese food, they're gonna think about a sushi place. But actually, I wanted to do it more fun, and then more different than the other Japanese restaurants in town.”

Rather than building a menu of sashimi and sushi rolls, the four partners focus more on cooked Japanese “comfort” foods such as udon and ramen noodles, Yakitori skewers and, new this summer, a bento box filled with an assortment of salads and hot foods. The menu changes seasonally to suit the tastes of summer versus winter diners; warm, spicy soups in winter versus cooling foods in summer, for example. The formula has worked thus far; not even a year in, the restaurant is already earning the top spot among readers of the Source in the Best Japanese category — besting even some longtime winners.

Small plates and good drinks are the recipe for the Japanese izakaya — a popular offering in Japan for those seeking an after-work snack and drink. Inside (and outside) this version, there’s a focus on a fun, colorful, youthful atmosphere that certainly catches the eye. Even though the group of four partners are all originally from Thailand, Japanese culture figured large during their youths.

“A lot of the posters [on the walls] was [from] our childhood memory,” Sintha Kham explained. “A lot of the figures were our childhood toys when we were young. We grew up with Japanese culture, Japanese anime, Japanese cartoons as well.”

Now only about nine months in, the partners know that plenty of Central Oregonians have yet to try what Yokocho Izakaya has to offer. With that, they extend an invitation.

“I just want people to come and try and open their mind,” Sintha Kham said. “We support the farmer — local farmer as well. You can see on our Instagram that… we also get produce from the local farmers in Redmond — for the asparagus, tomato, sometimes eggplant. So just open your mind that we are not a sushi restaurant, but we do serve good food here for sure.”

Yokocho Izakaya

Thu-Tue Noon-3pm & 5-9pm

1900 NE Division St. #110, Bend order.toasttab.com/online/yokocho-izakaya

Best GlutenFree Menu

Blissful Spoon

By Sarah Isak-Goode

Blissful Spoon’s owners Miki and Kamal Bekkari are excited about their win for “Best Gluten-Free Menu” this year.

“We’d like to thank our community from the bottom of our hearts for taking the time to vote for us as the best gluten-free menu in Central Oregon,” the couple said.

Located in downtown Bend, Blissful Spoon first started as a farmers market stand popular for its gluten-free baked goods and granolas. As a restaurant, the European-style bistro offers a broader menu, including waffles, quiche and chakchouka (a spicy egg and tomato dish). The menu features locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.

Co-owner Miki Bekkari says that the restaurant’s bestsellers are the gluten-free waffles. There are seven varieties, from sweet to savory. Many dishes can also accommodate vegetarians and vegans.

"Our mantra has always been that everyone deserves good food no matter what," Bekkari said.

Blissful Spoon features a large display case filled with fresh baked goods. Besides waffles, the Twisted Lemon and Blueberry Crumble cakes are bestsellers, Bekkari said. Granolas and cafe drinks are available for purchase at the front counter.

Blissful Spoon’s gluten-free items come from dedicated gluten-free kitchen equipment and ovens. “That means that any folks dealing with Celiac disease never have to worry about cross-contamination,” Bekkari said. In addition to offering allergy-sensitive foods, it is also one of the only places to take breakfast reservations in Bend, which comes in very handy on busy holidays like Mother’s Day or Easter.

Blissful Spoon also operates Papillon, a Moroccan dinner restaurant, and Cellar 65, a basement speakeasy, from the same location.

Best Bloody Mary Victorian Café

By Peter Madsen

John Nolan loves to entertain. That much was clear when the Victorian Café owner/executive chef, took part in our photo shoot for Best Bloody Mary — an award that Nolan’s brunch destination has won, what, nearly 20 times in a row? Chatting with Source reporters, Nolan insisted that no conversation about Bloody Marys was appropriate without, well, Bloody Marys. He presented us with four cocktails: three Proud Mary Bloody Marys — the 24-ounce, Victorian Café’s crown jewel — and another 16-ounce Pickle Bloody Mary.

As Nolan plunked them on the bar, we were mesmerized by the veritable meal topping each drink. The Proud Mary is burdened by a charbroiled, smoky prawn, house-made andouille sausage, a cubic inch of pepperjack cheese, olives, pepperoncini, red onions and tomatoes. Don’t forget the pickle spear. The Pickle Bloody Mary comes with enough house-candied bacon to satisfy a side order. We laughed in happy disbelief — so much food.

“Our Bloodys get that reaction a lot,” Nolan said. While wait times for a table at the Victorian Café can last more than an hour, Nolan’s staff serves drinks to guests whose line wraps around the building’s exterior. The generous toppings settle empty stomachs and otherwise “take the edge off” from the night before, Nolan said with a grin.

Originally from Connecticut, Nolan moved to Bend in the ‘90s. He began working at the Victorian Café in 1996 and bought the business in 2002. Nolan admits that he’s scaled back his East Coast energy, but “fresh food, fresh attitude” is still the Victorian Café’s unofficial motto. He’s like Tony Soprano in a neighborly mood — and he still writes the weekly specials. His Proud Mary Bloody is in high demand at his brunch tables. What sets them apart may be the house-infused vodkas; guests can choose between pepper and pickle infusions.

of DRINKS winners

Best Light Beer

Helles Lager – Van Henion Brewing

By Maddie Franz

The secret behind an award-winning beverage? Simple: “We make the kind of beer we like to drink,” says Dana Henion, co-founder and brewer at Van Henion Brewing. Indeed, Van Henion’s golden Helles Lager is crisp, drinkable and — as the votes will attest — very tasty. Helles translates to “bright” or “light” in German, and this particular lager fits the bill. Brewed in a classic German style, the beer is also notable for its striking golden color and heady pour. The Helles was the first beer brewed by Van Henion’s team upon opening shop in 2021, and, according to Henion, is still the crew’s favorite libation on tap. The crowd agrees.

In addition to the top spot for light beer, Van Henion also earned Runner Up honors for Best Brewery and Best IPA, further solidifying its reputation as a local favorite. Van Henion may be a younger brewery than some, but Dana, her husband Mark Henion and brewer/business partner John Van Duzer are far from new to the industry. Combined, the trio has close to 70 years of brewing experience, which they are now devoting to making their favorite types of beer to drink: lighter, traditional, German-style lagers.

When asked if light beers were part of a broader beer-drinking trend, Henion was quick to remind us of quite the opposite, “lagers are one of the most historical beers made. But maybe some people are just now starting to catch on to how delicious they are.”

Looking ahead, Van Henion will continue to focus on its core beers while experimenting with one-off brews. Henion mentioned an Altbier on deck, along with a Fest Bier, which will be available early next month in honor of the Oktoberfest celebration they’ll host Sept. 20. But don’t wait that long to help the brewers celebrate this win. Raise a glass of Helles Lager in the taproom—a cozy and inviting living roomlike space, with plenty of outdoor seating and two food trucks on site. Prost!

Mon.-Thu. Noon-8pm, Fri.-Sat. Noon-9pm 63067 Plateau Dr, Bend vanhenionbrewing.com

Best Mocktail & Best Happy Hour

Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge

By Nic Moye

Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge is self-described as a modern cowboy steakhouse. The “modern” part just might be the Cool Hand mocktail — if you can imagine a cowboy under the stars next to a campfire sipping a cucumber-mint beverage. Chef Carlos Anthony Ochoa says the drink, chosen by the public as the Best Mocktail in Bend by the readers of the Source, was crafted a few years ago when one of the owners gave up drinking. The refreshing, frothy green beverage served in a champagne glass is a concoction of house-made cucumber cordial, mint, egg whites, basil and lemon.

The restaurant’s Happy Hour was also voted the best in Bend. “We do a $10 smash burger, two patties, cheese, our own special burger sauce and that’s paired with a $1 Coors Light,” Ochoa says. “You literally can’t beat it anywhere in town. There’s a line out the door every day at four o’clock of people waiting for it.” Happy Hour is only one hour, from 4-5pm daily in the bar, lounge or patio only. Other items on the menu include a $10 herbed Caesar salad, a Roast Beef Sammich’ and beef fat fries for $5. During that onehour, draft beer is $5, house wines are $8 and there are a handful of cocktails on special. The beef served at the restaurant comes from the company’s Tumalo ranch that has an on-site butcher shop and smoker.

If you’ve never been to Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge on SW Century Drive, it feels a bit like entering another world, with hundreds of dazzling lights on the ceiling, three cozy tents along one wall and a spacious bar and patio area.

Ochoa says it’s his 16th restaurant with co-owner Brian Malarkey, and he appreciates the public support. “I think that’s so important with food and dining in a community, having a voice where, truthfully, the readers get to decide,” he says, “When you really see what the public thinks, you get a real interpretation of what’s going on in this town.”

Best of DRINKS winners

Best Brewer Nate Doss — Bevel Craft Brewing

By Peter Madsen

It’s not hyperbole that winning the “Best Brewer” category — in beercrazed Bend — might be one of the most illustrious “Best Of” categories there is. But tell that to now-five-time-winner Nate Doss, the co-owner and head brewer at Bevel Craft Brewing, and, humble guy he is, he’ll turn the conversation right back to the community — and, in particular, locals.

“We wanted to open on the east side for Bend people,” Doss said, adding that while he appreciates visiting beer fans, he wanted his seven-barrel brewery and taproom to have a hometown feel.

Beyond calibrating atmospherics, Doss handles the brewing.

“It’s my job to make sure beer goes from grain to glass,” Doss said.

This summer, folks have been lapping up his light beers, such as the German-style Helles beer, along with several Hazy IPAs, a West Coast IPA called Evil Genius and a prickly pear, dry-hopped kettle sour beer called Courtesy Violation — a reference to the Doss’s love of disc golf.

Doss, along with co-owners Valerie Doss (also his wife) and Justin Celmer, meant to cater to a locals-heavy crowd when they settled on Ninth Street Village for their brewery and taproom. Walking the walk, the Bevel crew turned their Tuesday Locals Day — $4 pints all day! — into an institution, winning “Best Locals’ Hangout” two years in a row. This year, Bevel snagged second place for “Locals’ Hangout,” along with second place for “Best Trivia Night,” for which Celmer goes the extra mile researching questions and donning costumes for any given theme, Doss said. Bevel fans will rejoice Aug. 23, when the brewery hosts Pursuit of Hoppiness, a four-hour festival showcasing 12 hop-forward beers from around the West Coast. Doss is crafting a special hazy IPA for the occasion.

“We come to work each day to be a part of our community and be a place where Bendites can come have a good time, whether it’s watching live music, playing trivia or just catching up with friends,” Doss said. “We love our business, we love our community. And it’s always fun on Tuesdays.”

Best Boba Teacupfuls

By Libby Findling

Good grades, graduations and winning home games are reasons Loana Perez, owner of Teacupfuls, has received an abundance of business from the Bend community. Restless after Perez sold her cleaning business in 2017 and inspired by her kids’ love for boba, the wild Teacupfuls was born. Perez opened the boba business with the intention to create a space where kids could hang out after school and relax with a treat.

Teacupfuls is known for its eye-catching milk teas, often decorated with “big tops” – bright blue cotton candy, rainbow lollipops, marshmallows and chocolate pretzels to name a few.

Classic boba options are also available, including Thai, green and black tea with warm, fresh tapioca pearls. Beyond drinks, Teacupfuls sells a variety of Asian treats, like Pocky biscuits, Hello Kitty candies and Hi-Chews, along with souvenirs like boba plushies, cups and keychains.

“You don't have to come in and get crazy. One thing that I've found is that a lot of people hear about our brand and they think sugar, which isn't always true. I’m not a huge fan of sugar,” Perez shared. “You can adjust the level of sweetness of the drinks. I will do the level one, or I won't do any flavor in my teas at all. So there's something for everyone,” Perez beamed.

She imagined the boba specials, bringing her elaborate visions to the brand. Now, every couple of years, Perez and her team get together for a tasting party, where they pitch, brainstorm and taste new ideas for drinks.

“I think we are bringing culture to Bend. When we first started, a lot of people were unfamiliar with boba, and I still find that a lot, especially at our east side location. Being next to the hospital, we're getting a lot of the older generation that's coming in. It's not for everybody, but we are hoping that we can convince them otherwise.”

Teacupfuls has been so well received from the community that it became a franchise in 2022, with 26 stores currently under development in Michigan, Texas and Nevada. “We want to be able to help other entrepreneurs complete their dreams and spread the joy of our brand,” Perez says.

Bend has three Teacupfuls locations: downtown, on the west side and the east side.

Teacupfuls

Downtown: 744 NW Bond St. Ste. B

West side: 1288 SW Simpson Ave. Ste. B2

East side: 1500 NE Cushing Drive. Ste 120 teacupfulsonline.com

Thank you, Central Oregon, for voting us Best Antiques in Bend!

We are grateful to be part of this incredible community and owe a big thank you to our staff whose hard work keeps our store running smoothly, our vendors who continue to add a diverse unique array of items to our inventory and, most of all our loyal customers, whose support has kept us in the business for the last 53 years!

You are the reason we have made it this far and STILL want to keep going!

Best Furniture Consignment

Roundabouts Home Consignments

By Sarah Isak-Goode

Just like Bend's famous roundabouts keep traffic moving smoothly through the city, Roundabouts Home Consignments keeps quality furniture flowing through the community — and thankfully, out of our landfills. Its combination of quality, community focus and environmental consciousness makes Roundabouts Home Consignments a well-deserved winner of Best Furniture Consignment 2025.

Husband and wife team Gavin and Alison Graham opened the business in 2015, operating from an airy 9,000-square-foot showroom just off Second Street in Bend. The store features hundreds of items ranging from mid-century modern pieces to vintage finds and contemporary decor for every room.

Consignment provides both economic and environmental benefits. By buying and selling pre-owned goods, the business keeps money in the local community while offering consumers affordable alternatives to new furniture. For consigners, Roundabouts offers a 97-day consignment period, a clean showroom and extensive market research for pricing. Buyers have a large, rotating selection of items from which to choose. All items are quality inspected before being put on sale. The store inspects all items for quality before placing them for sale. Buyers looking for specific items can use the store's Wishlist Program by sending an email request. Staff will contact customers when requested items arrive.

additional steps by donating or repurposing pieces that don't sell in the store. Graham noted the environmental benefits of the business model. "It is really cool from an environmental standpoint. You're avoiding waste in the landfills," he said.

This customer-focused approach reflects the store's broader mission in the community. "You're helping families get nicer things that are going to last longer, things that they may not otherwise be able to afford," said co-owner Gavin Graham. The business also provides restoration and refinishing services for customers wanting to repair furniture pieces.

From an environmental perspective, consignment prevents usable furniture from reaching landfills. Roundabouts takes

Roundabouts Home Consignments operates daily with changing inventory, serving customers seeking both affordable furniture options and sustainable shopping alternatives in the Central Oregon market.

Best Vintage Clothing Revival Vintage

By Peter Madsen

Stepping into Revival Vintage feels like entering a cocktail party attended by disembodied — if gloriously outfitted — party guests, transported from any number of the 20th Century’s fashion eras.

Hovering near the entrance, black leather bombers and blazers rub elbows with ‘60s denim chore coats and nylon athletic team jackets. Western pearlsnap shirts cluster near chaps draped with fringe. Floor-length furs mingle with sheepskin coats and a sequined shawl that can only be described as wizardly. Elsewhere, ‘70s-era lamps hang from the ceiling, while Tiffany-style, stained glass lamps, along with trays of fashion pins, smoking pipes and Afghan rug coasters, dot the tabletops.

Shasta DeArmond, who opened Revival Vintage in 2019, says she revels in newcomers’ delight as they explore her store.

“I definitely love the store’s magical aspect, the sense of escape,” DeArmond said. “It’s a place for people to embrace their inner child. I hear lots of gasps when they come in. The shop is very engaging, almost like a museum.”

On this evening, DeArmond stood among the aisles, greeting customers while wearing her Best Of crown. Shop dogs Yoshi and Teddy greeted visitors beneath the curated racks.

“Now we’ve got the crown back,” said DeArmond, whose store momentarily lost its top-billing for Best Vintage

Clothing to Old Boy Vintage in 2024; Revival has otherwise reigned supreme since 2020. But DeArmond was quick to praise the community-mindedness of Bend’s vintage resellers who refer customers to others’ shops.

“A rising tide raises all ships,” said Olivia Brumwell, a part-time shop assistant who became friends with DeArmond years ago while perusing estate sales. That’s where Revival sources much of its clothing, furnishings and do-dads. DeArmond’s self-identifying “lefthand woman,” Cayleigh Rutherford, straightened racks nearby. They agreed that Bend is getting more style-y; DeArmond attributes that sea change to a philosophy she affixes with a hashtag: “#lesspuffmorefluff.” Puffy jackets are great, DeArmond explained, but you don’t need to wear one every time you leave the house.

“Consider leather, fur — faux or real — and sheepskin coats,” DeArmond said. “They’re just as warm.”

Asked for advice in approaching vintage shopping, DeArmond didn’t hesitate.

“Don’t hunt for gender,” DeArmond said. “Hunt for size and style.”

Revival Vintage Mon-Thu 11:30am-6pm, Fri 11:30am-7pm, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-6pm 550 NW 12th St., Bend revivalvintagebend.com

Best Beauty Boutique Wren & Wild

By Nic Moye

The owner of Wren & Wild Clean Beauty on Minnesota Avenue. is very clear about the intent of her business. With more than 88 brands, Mandy Butera frequently adds new ones, but only if they meet strict criteria.

“Clean ingredients,” she says. “We look for specific things that they don’t carry like parabens or phthalates or anything that would disrupt your hormone, endocrine system… We look for brands that have 100% disclosure of all their ingredients… Then we look for their impact on the environment. Are they making products like Und Gretel? Everything on their product is recyclable, so it’s either in glass or aluminum. They’re trying to make an impact where they’re not adding to landfill or adding to the negativity of the environment that we’re already experiencing.”

Her number-one selling brand is Westman Atelier, which was created by a makeup artist who works with actors. “It makes you look naturally beautiful, like who you are,” Butera says. “It brings out the best of you.”

Wren & Wild has been voted the Best Beauty Boutique in Bend for the past five years, ever since that category was first added to the Source’s Best of Central Oregon ballot. The store has been in downtown Bend for the past seven years. Online business accounts for about a quarter of sales. Butera says about 84% of her clients are repeat customers. She credits her success to the natural products, an excellent reward program and her dozen staff members.

“It’s all about community. They know people by name. It’s like the Cheers bar. They know you when you come in and that’s what differentiates us from shopping at the big box stores.” You may also be greeted by Butera’s 11-yearold bulldog, Booker.

“When you come into my store, I want you to feel so good that when you’re leaving the store you go outside, you feel good and you feel happy so you’re able to share that love and happiness with the people in your family and the people in the community,” Butera says. “That’s our whole mission. If you feel good, we feel good. That we’re all good together.”

Wren & Wild Mon.-Sat, 11am-5pm, Sun., 11am-5pm 112 NW Minnesota Ave., Bend wrenandwild.com

Thank Thank

WBest Local Farm Boundless Farmstead

By Maddie Franz

hile the “Best Local Farm” category may be new, David and Megan Kellner-Rode’s Boundless Farmstead is going strong in its eighth season of growing food. After about a half-decade of learning the ropes on their 20-acre mixed vegetable farm just north of the Badlands, the Kellner-Rodes seem to be hitting their stride.

With more than 50 different crops, the amount of food being grown and harvested at Boundless Farmstead is truly stunning. During my visit, I picked my way through rows of carrots and kale, poked my head into 200-foot-long greenhouses filled with sweet peppers and tomatoes, and sampled sumptuous raspberries fresh from the patch. My favorite, though, was probably the cucumbers — crisp, bright, and sweet.

It takes more than just a tasty cucumber to become Central Oregon’s favorite farm, though. In creating Boundless, the Kellner-Rodes have followed rigorous, chemical-free practices: no GMOs, no synthetic sprays — even organic sprays that could harm pollinators are avoided. Instead, they rely on crop rotation, cover crops and a devotion to composting.

Beyond the fields, the farm is deeply rooted in community. When asked about their favorite aspect of farming in Central Oregon, both David and Megan were quick to point to their fellow farmers in the region. “The first thing that came to mind is camaraderie amongst the farmers,” said Megan. “Everybody is so supportive of each other. It’s just all support, every time. We have a group text going.”

“It’s like trauma-bonding, I think,” chuckled David, in a nod to the famously difficult-to-farm high desert.

Whatever it is, Boundless’s community-forward approach is working. Their 80-share collaborative CSA, co-run with Fibonacci Farm, offers an incredible produce variety and shared choice options each week. Shoppers can also find their food at the Bend Farmers Market on Wednesdays and in local restaurants and grocery stores.

To have collected the most votes in the inaugural year of this category is fitting recognition for years of hard work, care and consistency. David and Megan have built Boundless Farmstead with a clear focus on growing food, taking care of the land and making their produce accessible to the community — thoughtful, honest farming that speaks for itself, one season at a time.

Farmstead

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Please note: times and events are always subject to change.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2025

5:30 PM Kick Off Party (Erickson Aircraft Collection)

$15 Adults, $10 12 & Under (Tickets Online Only) Snacks and No Host Drinks LIVE Music by Stu Kinzel Trio

8:00 PM Kick Off After Party (New Basin Distilling) FREE LIVE Music by Mark Mobley Band (Not Airshow Affiliated)

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2025

1:00 PM Gates Open to the Public Static Displays & Erickson Aircraft Collection

Les Schwab Car Show

Food / Beverage Vendors Open Hot Box Open to the Public (Show Planes)

1:30 PM LIVE Music by Vince Bigos (South Food Court)

4:30 PM Chasin' Bandits- Live Music (South Food Court)

5:15 PM Subaru Live Music- Precious Byrd (North Stage)

5:30 PM Fish & Chips Dinner (First 1,000 people)

7:00 PM Aerobatic Performances

8:30 PM Intermission

9:00 PM Special Night Performances Pacific Power Fireworks Show

10:00 PM Subaru Live Music- Precious Byrd (Until 11 PM)

11:00 PM Airshow CLOSES

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 2025

9:00 AM Gates Open to the Public Static Displays & Erickson Aircraft Collection

Les Schwab Car Show

Food / Beverage Vendors Open Hot Box Open to the Public (Show Planes) Elks Breakfast

9:30 AM LIVE Music by Vince Bigos (South Food Court)

10:00 AM LIVE Music by Thomas T and the Blue Chips (Main Stage)

1:00 PM Afternoon Performances

4:30 PM Airshow CLOSES

6:00 PM After Burner Parties (Downtown Madras) Rio – The Spot – Initiative Brewing Music – Food - Fun (Family Friendly) (Not Airshow Affiliated)

CAR, AIRCRAFT & AEROBATIC SHOWS

The Shows Vendors Fireworks

FOOD & BEER

Over 20 vendors!

AVAILABLE ONLINE Tickets

YOURBRINGRV! Camp

FRIDAY NIGHT 9:00PM

High energy display up close to the crowd.

Music by

Friday Night 5:15 PM - 7:00 PM 10:00 pm (After Fireworks)

Best Tattoo Artist Chase Tafoya

By Peter Madsen

Chase Tafoya lived all over California before making Bend his home in 2012. He’d visited his parents, who’d just moved here, loved it and relocated three weeks later.

“Bend is such an artist town,” Tafoya says. “From the arts and entertainment, the entrepreneurial spirit, to the recreational sports; the people who live here are all creative types. You see that in the culture of Bend, and it’s a privilege that I can contribute to that culture.”

Tafoya’s dedication to realism runs in tandem with his origin story as an artist, which began when he was three.

“I was always drawn toward people’s faces, primarily their eyes,” Tafoya said. “I was told at an early age that the eyes are the windows to the soul. That stuck with me, and I remember wanting to capture that feeling in my art.”

Tafoya specializes in black/gray and color tattoos. He says most tattoo ideas dictate their ultimate

realization. Tafoya’s portfolio is chockful of photorealistic tattooed portraits of customers’ family members, friends, pets and symbols from their upbringings. Religious iconography blends with pop culture: Jesus shredding on a skateboard; Jesus burning rubber in Rat Fink’s hotrod; Jesus slam-dancing à la Circle Jerks.

Tafoya’s own upbringing and his Native American and Chicano heritages are also on full display, particularly in his paintings. Carrying on their legacies, he says, has shaped him into the artist he is today.

“Most of my clients are forever capturing these important images on themselves for nostalgic purposes,” he said. “It brings a sense of happiness and healing.”

Best Medical/Cosmetic Enhancement Services

EsthetixMD

By Nicole Vulcan

Loyal voters have chosen EsthetixMD the “Best” in the realm of medical and cosmetic enhancement services for 10 years running. The Practice Manager Emily Talbot attributes that longtime win to loyalty and experience among the staff.

“We have a great, tenured, experienced team that — from our patient care coordinators up to our providers — with vast amount of experience and close relationships and ties, with a level of authenticity, that they offer to the Bend community,” said Talbot.

EsthetixMD continually tries to improve the benefits it offers to repeat patients, Talbot said, including a new loyalty points reward program, called a beauty bank membership, that offers discounts on services, and rewards for the services patients purchase. This October, the practice will celebrate 22 years in business.

People come in for a range of services at EsthetixMD — the most popular being injectables such as Botox, Xeomin and Dysport, along with fillers such as Juvederm. Skin care, including

laser treatments for hyperpigmentation — another name for spending too much time in that Central Oregon sun — and body contouring treatments are also popular.

“Everybody's outside, in the summer and in the winter, so sunscreen is critical to everybody — all over the body every single day. But we have some great hyperpigmentation treatments as well to help even complexion, and then also target any issues of capillaries that are popping as well. So that's anything that looks like your high-altitude nose, sunspots, veins.”

the community 10 years running, Talbot was effusive.

Talbot leads the team, along with Medical Director Taylor Stockon, DNP, who pivoted to a career in medical aesthetics for its ability to blend, “science, artistry, and a deep commitment to patient care,” according to her bio.

When asked what makes EsthetixMD a place that garners accolades from

“We're an all-woman-run team. They're fantastic. There's vibrancy,” Talbot told the Source. Every time you walk in, you feel warm and welcomed. We take care of people, and that's all we really want to do at the end of the day.”

Tue-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 9am-4pm, Mon 9am-6pm 115 SW Allen Rd., Bend esthetixmd.com

HBest Influencer/Best Indoor Plant Store

Fertile Liza/Somewhere That’s Green

By Peter Madsen

eavy is the head that wears the crown. Or, in this case, many, many crowns, as John Kish has now won six consecutive Best Indoor Plant Store awards for Somewhere That’s Green. (The shop is also the venue space for The Greenhouse Cabaret, which hosts theatric performances.) Additionally, this year, Kish has earned another accolade — Best Local Influencer.

Better put: Fertile Liza, Kish’s drag queen persona, is Central Oregon’s pick for influencer. If only the headwear would fit her outsize wig, which Fertile Liza wore during a recent photo shoot at Somewhere That’s Green.

“How about I bite it?” she said with a grin.

To many out-and-about Central Oregonians, Fertile Liza, Kish’s punny alter ego, is a household name. You’ve seen her crooning at brunch spots and taprooms. She may have taught you how to care for plants during workshops. Fertile Liza has also done trail work with Vámanos Outside and Central Oregon LandWatch and, memorably, gave a sermon at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon.

But which of her two names does Fertile Liza go by?

“I like to say someone calls her Liza if they’re nice and Fertile if they’re nasty,” Kish said.

The significance of Fertile being tapped as Best Local Influencer isn’t lost on Kish.

“Oh, it’s amazing; who doesn’t want a drag queen influencing Bend?” he said with a laugh. “It’s proof that drag can be more than one facet, something that’s not just born in a nightclub.”

Kish developed Fertile during Covid lockdown, sometimes appearing in persona while conducting his plant workshops via Zoom. With a degree in horticulture from Oregon State University, a year spent as a member of the American Mime Theater Troupe and plenty of stage time in theatric productions, Kish deepened his hybrid devotion to science, business and performance with drag. Kish is quick to credit his drag awakening to his late friend and roommate Deb Auchery, who founded The Cult of Tuck, Central Oregon’s original drag troupe, in 2018.

“Deb was definitely instrumental in getting Fertile’s heels clackin’ down the streets of Bend,” Kish said.

Kish’s first performance in drag — technically Fertile’s first night out — was in a production of “Cage aux Folles,” the source material for the movie “The Birdcage,” produced by Lay it Out Events (sister company of the Source) and performed in Drake Park.

What does Kish like most about Fertile?

“I mean, what’s not to love about her?” he jokes. “I just love that she is truly everything that I’m not but then it reminds me that I can do that, too. She gives me permission to live a fuller life. She also gives permission to other people to live more confidently and more powerfully in themselves.”

TBest Place to Work (Under 50 Employees)

Tumalo Animal Hospital

By Nic Moye

umalo Animal Hospital has been around since the 1970s, located in a former house and barn. The workspace is tight, which is fine when you have happy employees who just won Best Place to Work (under 50 employees).

When asked what makes the clinic the “Best Place to Work,” Practice Manager Amie Aleshire says, “I think the energy all the team members bring every single day. The positive attitude and how much we care about our patients and clients… Competitive wages, paid continuing education, generous PTO and sick time. We very seriously prioritize time off for staff and reserve same day slots for sick pets to make sure patients can be seen but we don’t overwhelm staff.”

The staff also participates in bonding activities once a quarter, such as rafting, visiting a pumpkin patch, painting or celebrating birthdays at The Bite food truck lot. Aleshire also says they have a “Pawsitive Comments” box to acknowledge staff members who go above and beyond or achieve a new skill. They read those comments at their monthly staff meetings.

Owner and veterinarian Dr. Rebecca Cochran says, “We work very hard to make it a good place to work. It’s very intentional. It’s not just happenstance. We make sure everyone’s heard and has their own voice as part of the clinic. It can be a very stressful job. People come in at very emotional states.” Cochran says they don’t tolerate anyone being rude to staff and she also feels the quarterly bonding outings make a difference. The camaraderie shows, with the longest employee working there nearly 20 years.

Tumalo Animal Hospital has 20 employees serving 2,811 human clients who own a total of 3,241 animal patients. It’s not just a clinic serving cats and dogs; one veterinarian also sees livestock and farm animals such as alpacas, cows, horses, pigs, chickens, sheep and goats. There’s even a corral out back to hold the larger animals.

Tumalo Animal Hospital Mon.-Fri. 8:30am-5pm, Sat. 8:30am-4pm 19850 5th St., Bend tumaloanimalhospital.com/

Best Nonprofit Serving Education, Families and Children

Boys

& Girls Club of Bend

By Sarah Isak-Goode

What happens when homework help meets basketball courts, art supplies meet leadership training, and caring mentors meet kids who are ready to explore? You get the Boys & Girls Club of Bend. This year, that winning combination earned it the Best Nonprofit award for its outstanding work with children and families.

"It's super exciting to step in an organization and have such an amazing team," said Bri Slusser, interim CEO for the Boys & Girls Club of Bend. "I think it just shows that the organization is very much loved by the community and appreciated by parents and kids that attend the program."

The club gives kids and teenagers a safe place to go after school and during summer break, offering everything from homework help to sports, arts and crafts, leadership programs and dozens of other activities. The club has programs specifically designed for kids from all different backgrounds, and all facilities work for members with disabilities, too. The Boys & Girls Club of Bend also provides financial help so any kid can participate. Housing Works even supports the east Bend location, showing how the whole community invests in kids' futures.

What makes this club special isn't just what it offers, but who it partners with to make it happen. They've built strong relationships with Bend-LaPine Schools, Bend Park and Recreation District and the Sylvan Learning, and secured partnerships with state-level organizations like the Oregon Department of Education and community violence intervention programs.

"We just couldn't be more proud of our programming staff, the people who show up here every day to support our wonderful youth," said Slusser. The organization also credits former CEO Bess Goggins, described as "a real go-getter" who "really lifted up the organization during her tenure."

The program’s impact really shows up in kids like 11-yearold Hazel, who's been coming since first grade and now helps mentor younger members.

"We have a couple of the kids in our group that have been going here for a while that go and volunteer to help the kids when it comes to art and crafts projects," she explains.

Kids can get tutoring support, try new hobbies, hang out with friends and work with mentors who care about helping them succeed. Hazel's favorite activities include field trips – she recently went mountain biking in Drake Park with six other kids – and a world geography program where students, "learn all about the countries of the world," including "flags and cultures."

With both downtown and east Bend facilities, the Boys & Girls Club of Bend continues expanding its reach while keeping the quality programming that earned this well-deserved community recognition.

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When they were traveling across the nation as a military family, Kristy Cross, her husband and her four kids always found themselves at cozy, homey, eclectic diners. Inspired and imaginative, they would sketch on paper napkins what their own cafe could look like. Seventeen short years ago, when Cross’s husband began building homes in Redmond and found an old dental lab perfect for a new small business, their dream became a reality: One Street Down Cafe.

Just north of downtown, the charming red house sits mid-block. The smell of freshly roasted coffee invites visitors inside, where friendly faces greet and seat eager-to-fill bellies with pancakes made from their family recipe.

“The breads, biscuits and pancakes all came from my grandma,” Cross beamed. She says One Street Down is best known for their benedicts, which the cooks create special versions of daily. “Our t-shirts say, ‘friends with benedicts’ on the back.” Guests with a sweet tooth order cinnamon rolls bigger than their faces, stuffed french toast and homemade chai crafted with the help of Thump. For lunch, the cafe serves sandwiches, soups and salads.

One Street Down is made possible by local farmers. “I have a frontof-house manager that will go out and shop, and I go shop, and we find local people that help. From there, we fill in,” Cross shared. “We try to get as fresh of produce as we can get.”

Besides the freshest foods and tastiest treats, One Street Down may be more known for their ability to foster

Best Breakfast in Redmond One Street Down Cafe

By Libby Findling

tradition, heart and community. Regulars line the front counter, a cheery bunch known as the “Counter Intelligence Group.”

“They never miss a day. We've been here long enough that we've walked through births and weddings and deaths,” Cross remarked, “It's a home for many. I have girls that were with me when we opened who are still servers here.” Today, Cross’s mom sits at the counter, quietly reading with a cup of tea as the cafe bustles with energy.

Cross hopes one day, when she is gone, One Street Down continues to thrive as a welcoming “hangout place.”

With her kids busy raising kids of their own, Cross sees her staff as family who could keep grandma’s recipes alive for generations to come.

Best Boutique in Redmond

Willow Wild

By Nic Moye

Diana Pierce has owned Willow Wild on Southwest Sixth Street in downtown Redmond for the past three years. Before that, she was an employee. The women’s boutique has been voted the Best in Redmond for the past two years.

Pierce believes one of the reasons is that they try to cater to every woman.

“We work really hard to have different sizing from size 5 up to 2x, and we really tried to serve the greater part of that age range…up to 85 years old. We try very hard to be trendy, unique, but for all ages,” she says. Willow Wild also carries clothing for junior girls.

The store has a variety of clothing from jeans to dresses along with accessories including hats, purses, sunglasses and jewelry. “We have all local jewelry with Derive, Ponderosa Moon and Monstera. Hand-crafted. They’re awesome and all hand done,” Pierce says. There’s also a coin bar for shoppers to pair with a chain. The store carries gift items as well including candles and cards.

Willow Wild is open seven days a week with four employees. Pierce gives them freedom to create displays. “Without them, it would not look like this. They are spectacular and I super, super encourage them to put their own stamp on everything as they walk in and walk out so that they have that freedom to help make the store look as good as they feel.”

While Pierce works hard to carry a wide variety of items to match a style for each individual woman, customer service may be the real reason voters keep putting Willow Wild in the top “Best of” spot.

Pierce says she has one main goal. “Whether you like to shop or you don’t like to shop, when you walk out, you feel good about what you just purchased and that you were helped well. The goal is just to keep it going and to keep women feeling the best about themselves that we can possibly help them feel.”

Best Mediterranean

Best Pizza in Redmond Grace and Hammer

By Sophie Haney

Grace and Hammer’s pizza menu offers a variety of divine names, including, “Belltower,” “Integrity,” “Purist” and “Benevolent Bird.” The meaning behind the holy motif? The pizzeria is in a declared historic church site.

Adam Valentine, the “preacher of pizza,” spoke with the Source during the eve of Grace and Hammer’s sixth anniversary.

Valentine told the story of how he and his two business partners used to work for another pizza place just outside of Austin, Texas. “I believe we were one of the largest buyers of Deschutes Beer in our area. We eventually caught some representatives of Deschutes' attention, as far as how much we were purchasing from them, and being good customers,” he said. “At one point they offered to show us around the Bend area and in some surrounding areas.”

They took a trip to Central Oregon and fell in love with the area. “There was just this serendipitous moment where we were just meandering around, and wound up just driving right by this historic church here in Redmond on our way back to the airport. There's a big old ‘For Sale’ sign, and the historic architecture and the community here in Redmond, all of it just kind of fit together, and it just, this was it. This was the place.” Grace and Hammer opened in August of 2019.

The church was completed in 1912 and declared a historic site in 1976. After the last congregation left, the church, as Valentine says, wore “many different hats,” being an event venue and dance studio before being sold again. Valentine labeled them as the stewards of the historical building.

“We have so many people that come into our restaurant that bring up the fact that, ‘hey, I was married in this church, like 25 years ago,’ ‘I was baptized here,’ or even more recently, ‘hey, I had a dance recital here.’ That is a really fun thing to get to experience. And I feel like if we were to disregard a lot of the things set in place to maintain the historical aspect, I feel like that would take away from a lot of the fond memories people have at the place.”

In addition to Grace and Hammer’s usual complement of devout customers, celebrity chef Guy Fieri made a pilgrimage in 2023. In an episode of his show, “Diners, DriveIns and Dives” he tries one of their more unique pizzas; the Prodigal Pig, which features Korean kalbi sauce, mozzarella, fontina, smoked pulled pork, pineapple slaw and pickled red onion. Also featured in the episode was Grace and Hammer's specialized wood-fired oven that can reach 800 degrees, fueled by white oak. It can cook their 12-inch pizzas, including their most popular Saint Stanley—red sauce, pepperoni, Italian sausage, fresh mozzarella, caramelized onions, and Calabrian chilies—in 2 minutes.

As Fieri said on the show, “I know I am preaching to the choir, but I got to confess, It’s excellent pizza.”

Grace and Hammer

Wed.-Thu., 4-8pm, Fri.-Sun., Noon-8pm 641 SW Cascade Ave, Redmond graceandhammer.com/

Runner up: Jersey Boys Pizzeria

Best Breakfast Burrito in Redmond

Jonny’s Joint

By Sophie Haney

An Americana diner on wheels, Jonny's Joint serves what Redmond locals voted the Best Breakfast Burrito, as well as being runner up for Best Burger and Best Food Truck. Co-owned by mother-son duo LoriAnn and Jonny Kuhn, the bright red food truck parked on First Street is a family affair, involving three of the four sons, along with Jonny’s father, Tom Kuhn, who built the food truck.

After working in telecommunications for nine years, LoriAnn asked her youngest, Jonny, if he would start a food truck with her. He said yes. LoriAnn thought he should get some food truck experience beforehand, and that’s when That Guy’s Bistro gave him a job. That Guy’s Bistro gave Jonny experience and the Kuhn family guidance.

“We changed up our equipment because of their help. They’re a great group of people.” LoriAnn said. Open for almost a year and a half now, Jonny's Joint was runner up last year for Best New Food Truck in Redmond after being open for only three months.

Literally next door to the food truck is nonprofit NeighborImpact, to which Jonny's Joint gives 10% of their profits. It supports other nonprofits, too.

“Whatever foods we don't use in a week, we give to the Shepherd's House,” LoriAnn said. Her husband is the assistant director of the Shepherd’s House, but the community ties do not end there. She’s on the board of directors for Redmond Economic Development Inc and on the Redmond Tourism and Lodging Advisory Committee.

The Kuhns and their food truck have ties across the community. “Our breakfast burritos are actually DoorDashed to Bend and Prineville every day,” LoriAnn said, in addition to catering their breakfast burritos to the Apple Data Center in Prineville. Recently, Jonny’s Joint provided dinner and breakfast for people evacuated by the Alder Springs Fire in Crooked River Ranch. The hotshot wildland firefighting teams are big fans of Jonny's Joint, leaving notes after their seasonal deployment encouraging others to visit the food truck.

When asked why they think they won Best Breakfast Burrito in Redmond, LoriAnn said, “We use local beef. We don't buy frozen patties ever… we want to stay as local as possible. I think all of us have a passion to provide good food at a fair price. We call ourselves affordable deliciousness."

LoriAnn and Jonny have plans to open a second food truck at the same location, specializing in tacos, and eventually opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant.

Best Barber in Redmond Aziz Crew

By Sophie Haney

Amber Webb started cutting her cousins and three brothers' hair as a joke at the age of 12. At 15, she decided it was her career path.

“Everyone's like, chicks aren't barbers, right? Chicks do chick things, and guys do guy things.” Webb said.

That is where Aziz Crew started — at least the namesake. Aziz means “to be respected” in Arabic.

“I want to be respected for, you know, being a barber and having a barber shop, so it's part of our name.” And for the “crew” portion of the name, “I want it to be a team about everybody, not just me.”

Aziz Crew was runner up last year when this category was first introduced. When asked why she thinks Redmond voted Aziz Crew as Best Barber Shop, she responded, “We strive to have the nicest shop, to listen to clientele. That's probably one of our main feedbacks we get is like, 'oh, you actually listen to what I wanted. You didn't just do what you wanted.'”

Making the service easily available to customers is also key. “We either try to do walk-ins and same day, so that I try not book out too far. And that's been really convenient… Guys are a ‘now’ kind of people.”

Webb also believes part of the success is Zoe, who is frequently mentioned in the barber shops reviews and has been in the shop nearly five years since she was six weeks old.

Patrons give her frequent “pup cups” from the nearby Dairy Queen.

Besides being the master of men’s hair, Webb also put in the floors, lights and mirror installations herself with a recent remodel in January.

Webb has one other barber, Emmitt Sam-Smith. “I only had three chairs. I knocked down a wall and opened up two more. So, we are currently looking for a couple more barbers to fill, but I'm being picky,” she says.

Aziz Crew also has a bar where customers can come in and get a free shot or mixed drink complimentary with their service.

Webb reflects on the best part about owning a barber shop, saying, “The reward is seeing your clients out in public and just knowing that they're my walking billboard. So, we make sure every client's happy. Every client loves what they got, what they wanted.”

Every couple of Mondays a month, Webb goes to Regency Rehab to give free haircuts to wheelchair-bound residents. She claims Zoe has a big heart as well, saying the dog is able to sense when someone has had a traumatic experience happen to them and sits right next to them on the chairs.

WBest Nonprofit Event in Sisters Sisters Folk Festival

By Maddie Franz

hile the sun is still burning hot these days, there will come a time not so long from now when the scene looks more like this: a late September weekend in Sisters, evening settling in with a sharp autumn bite. The streets are filled with music, merriment and warm layers as people wander in and out of cafes, pubs and a church-turned-music hall, looking to catch the next show. Some are warming up around a bonfire in someone’s front yard; others have stopped to tap their toes to tunes provided by a young busker. It’s the annual Sisters Folk Festival, and dozens of musical acts are playing across seven stages throughout town. Now in its 28th year, the three-day musical celebration draws thousands of attendees while remaining a locally grown and cherished community event.

Though the three-day festival is the star of the show for the broader public, its proceeds support an expansive and impactful array of year-round local programming. And last year the nonprofit officially changed its name from Sisters Folk Festival Inc. to SFF Presents, to more accurately reflect the extent of this work. For example, the organization offers educational opportunities to over 1,200 Sisters students, grades 5-12, in the form of the Outlaw Strings Club, producing fiddler extraordinaires. The Americana Project inspires students to write perform and record their own music. And a luthier program enables students to use advanced woodworking techniques to build guitars. There are also summer music camps. Around festival time, visiting musicians hold assemblies and workshops in the schools.

This community-first approach is reflected throughout the festival, with its intimate venues, boot-stomping dance parties and organic post-show jam sessions. Erin Pihl, communications manager at SFF Presents, notes the exciting discoveries to be made as you make your way from stage to stage. “You may go knowing one or two of the 30-plus acts, and then a lot of times you'll leave with a new favorite,” says Pihl. “Oftentimes, we get somebody who's up and coming, and then in the next couple years, they blow up.” A legend often makes the lineup as well — in this year’s case, Loudon Wainwright III. Whether familiar with the acts or not, there’s an undeniable magic in the air during folk fest weekend; a grassroots, town-wide party featuring world-class musicians and mountain views.

SFF Presents

204 W Adams Ave., Suite 101, Sisters sistersfolkfest.org

TBest Food Cart in Sunriver Wonderland Chicken Co.

By Nic Moye

he history of Wonderland Chicken Co. begins with a love story. In 2019 the owners, husband-wife team Jonathan Gooden and Autumn Eberlei, happened to order a Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich at a brewery in Portland. They loved it so much, they obsessed over how to replicate it. Their experiments turned into a recipe for the sandwich. The family wanted to stay true in spirit to the restaurant that started the trend, Prince’s Hot Chicken in Nashville. Legend has it that the original intensely spicy chicken sandwich was created by a woman trying to seek revenge on a cheating boyfriend, but he ended up loving it so much they opened a restaurant. Wonderland Chicken’s sandwich is only a labor of love. The couple put their own twist on it, using chicken thighs instead of the traditional dark meat, and pickle slaw instead of pickle chips. The company’s website says they were playing around with fusion taco recipes when they created the slaw. They also developed their own blend of seasonings. While the roots are historically spicy, Wonderland offers multiple spice levels. Last year, the Source ran an article rating their different heat levels from zero to seven which is said to be pure fire.

The pandemic turned their lives upside down, leading the family of four to live in an RV and build a food cart from scratch. They opened their first truck in 2021 in Sisters. When the family moved to Bend in 2023, so did their truck. The family tested the truck in a variety of locations, before opening within Worthy Brewing Downtown. Their food truck moved to Century Commons Taps & Trucks in Sunriver last year. The family now has 15 employees which Gooden says play a big role in their success.

Wonderland Chicken Co. sells more than sandwiches. The menu features loaded mac and cheese with fried chicken bits, Nashville sauce and diced pickles, as well as loaded cheese fries, chicken bites and Nashville hot tacos. Their motto, woven into everything they make, is “Nashville flavor with a Wonderland twist.”

BEST OF BEND

Best of Food

Best Bagel

1st Place - Big O Bagels

2nd Place - Bo's

Best Bakery

1st Place - Sparrow Bakery

2nd Place - M's Bakery

Best BBQ

1st Place - Baldy's Barbeque

2nd Place - Pop's Southern BBQ

Best Bowl

1st Place - Active Culture

2nd Place - Café Yumm!

Best Breakfast

1st Place - The McKay Cottage

2nd Place - The Victorian Café

Best Breakfast Burrito

1st Place - Bend Breakfast Burrito

2nd Place - Burrito Sunrise

Best Breakfast Sandwich

1st Place - Sparrow Bakery

2nd Place - Farmer's Deli

Best Burger

1st Place - Bend Burger Company

2nd Place - Dandy's Drive-In

Best Brunch

1st Place - The Lemon Tree

2nd Place - The McKay Cottage

Best Smash Burger

1st Place - Americana

2nd Place - Blue Eyes Burgers & Fries

Best Burrito

1st Place - Tacos Pihuamo

2nd Place - Super Burrito

Best Caterer

1st Place - Bleu Bite Catering

2nd Place - Luckey's Woodsman

Best Chef

1st Place - Nate King & Bill Dockter - Bosa Food & Drink

2nd Place - Carlos Anthony - Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge

Best Chinese

1st Place - Chi Chinese and Sushi Bar

2nd Place - Chan's Chinese Restaurant

Best Dessert

1st Place - Bonta Gelato

2nd Place - Handel's Homemade Ice Cream

Best Dinner

1st Place - Rancher Butcher Chef

2nd Place - BOSA Food & Drink

Best Doughnut

1st Place - Richard's Donuts & Pastries

2nd Place - The Dough Nut

Best Eggs Benedict

1st Place - The Victorian Café

2nd Place - The Lemon Tree

Best Falafel

1st Place - Kefi Fast Fresh Mediterranean 2nd Place - Shimshon

Best Family Dining

1st Place - Jackson's Corner

2nd Place - Pine Tavern Restaurant

Best Fine Dining

1st Place - Ariana Restaurant

2nd Place - Rancher Butcher Chef

Best Food Cart

1st Place - Cotto

2nd Place - Americana

Best Food Cart Lot

1st Place - The Podski Food Cart Lot 2nd Place - On Tap

Best Fried Chicken

1st Place - The Tin Pig

2nd Place - Wonderland Chicken Co.

Best Fries

1st Place - Blue Eyes Burgers & Fries

2nd Place - Americana

Best Gluten-Free Menu

1st Place - Blissful Spoon

2nd Place - Active Culture

Best Indian

1st Place - Spiceland

2nd Place - Taj Palace Indian Cuisine

Best Japanese

1st Place - Yokocho Izakaya

2nd Place - Okawa Steakhouse & Sushi

Best Lunch

1st Place - Kefi Fast Fresh Mediterranean

2nd Place - Bangers & Brews

Best Lunch Deal

1st Place - Pizza Mondo

2nd Place - Bangers & Brews

Best Mac n Cheese

1st Place - Junior's Grill

2nd Place - Brother Jon's Public House

Best Mediterranean

1st Place - Kefi Fast Fresh Mediterranean

2nd Place - Shimshon

Best Mexican

1st Place - El Sancho

2nd Place - El Rodeo

Best Milkshake

1st Place - Dandy's Drive-In

2nd Place - Blue Eyes Burgers & Fries

Best New Food Cart -

Open 1 year or less

1st Place - The Dominican

2nd Place - Mundrelli’s Italian Kitchen

Best New RestaurantOpen 1 year or less

1st Place - Ken's Artisan Pizza

2nd Place - Spiceland

Best Italian

1st Place - Bosa Food & Drink

2nd Place - Trattoria Sbandati

Best Patio Dining

1st Place - Bend Brewing Company

2nd Place - Pine Tavern Restaurant

Best Pizza

1st Place - Pizza Mondo

2nd Place - Pinky G's Pizzeria

Best Sandwich/Deli

1st Place - Valentine's Deli

2nd Place - 'Wich Doctor Sandwich Co.

Best Seafood

1st Place - Sebastian's Seafood and Specialty Market

2nd Place - Anthony's at The Old Mill

Best Smoothie/Juice Bar

1st Place - Mother's Juice Cafe

2nd Place - Emerald City Smoothie

Best Sushi

1st Place - 5 Fusion & Sushi Bar 2nd Place - Kanpai

Best Tacos

1st Place - El Sancho

2nd Place - Tacos Pihuamo

Best Thai

1st Place - Wild Rose

2nd Place - Dear Mom Cafe

Best Vegan

1st Place - Toasty

2nd Place - A Broken Angel

Best Vegetarian

1st Place - Active Culture

2nd Place - Toasty

Best Vietnamese

1st Place - Pho Viet & Cafe

2nd Place - Dang's Vietnamese Restaurant

Best Wings

1st Place - Fire on the Mountain

2nd Place - Wonderland Chicken Co.

BEST OF DRINKS

Best Bar

1st Place - San Simón

2nd Place - The Flamingo Room

Best Bartender

1st Place - Buck Bales - D&D Bar & Grill

2nd Place - Dane Olson - Waypoint BBC

Best Boba

1st Place - Teacupfuls

2nd Place - Boba Tea Bend

Best Bloody Mary

1st Place - The Victorian Café

2nd Place - Washington Dining & Cocktails

Best Brewer

1st Place - Nate Doss - Bevel Brewing

2nd Place - Bryon Pyka -Terranaut Beer

Best CBD Beverage

1st Place - Ablis CBD

2nd Place - Boneyard Elixir

Best Cider

1st Place - Bend Cider

2nd Place - AVID Cider Company

Best Brewery

1st Place - Deschutes Brewery

2nd Place - Van Henion Brewing

Best Sports Bar

1st Place - The Hideaway Tavern

2nd Place - Sidelines Sports Bar & Grill

Best Happy Hour

1st Place - Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge

2nd Place - Pine Tavern Restaurant

Best Wine Bar

1st Place - Flights Wine Bar

2nd Place - Portello Lounge

Best Drive Thru Coffee

1st Place - Porchlight Coffee Co.

2nd Place - Backporch Coffee Roasters

Best Sour

1st Place - Crush - 10 Barrel Brewing

2nd Place - Ching Ching - Bend Brewing Co.

Best Dark Beer

1st Place - Black Butte Porter - Deschutes Brewery

2nd Place - Big Winter - Goodlife Brewing

Best Hazy

1st Place - Cloud Mentality - 10 Barrel Brewing

2nd Place - Fresh Haze - Deschutes Brewery

Best IPA

1st Place - RPM - Boneyard Beer

2nd Place - IPA - Van Henion Brewing

Best Light Beer

1st Place - Helles Lager - Van Henion Brewing

2nd Place - Sweet As - Goodlife Brewing

Best Seasonal Beer

1st Place - Red Chair - Deschutes Brewery

2nd Place - Jubelale - Deschutes Brewing

Best Local Coffee

1st Place - Backporch Coffee Roasters

2nd Place - Thump Coffee

Best Cold Brew Coffee

1st Place - Thump Coffee

2nd Place - Backporch Coffee Roasters

Best Coffee Shop

1st Place - Thump Coffee

2nd Place - Backporch Coffee Roasters

Best Specialty Cocktail

1st Place - The Beetnik - Dogwood at the Pine Shed 2nd Place - Strawberry Basil Paloma - 5 Fusion + Sushi Bar

Best Specialty Mocktail

1st Place - Cool Hand - Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge

2nd Place - Calm the F Down - San Simón

Best Hotel Bar

1st Place - Canteen - Campfire Hotel

2nd Place - ROAM - The Oxford Hotel Bend

Best Margarita

1st Place - Hola!

2nd Place - El Sancho

Best NA Beer

1st Place - NØ MØ - Crux Fermentation Project

2nd Place - Fresh Squeezed NA - Deschutes Brewery

BEST OF SHOPPING

Best Antique Store

1st Place - Iron Horse Antiques

2nd Place - Gathered Wares

Best Beauty Boutique

1st Place - Wren & Wild

2nd Place - Adored Tattoo Boutique

Best Bike Shop

1st Place - Pine Mountain Sports

2nd Place - Hutch's Bicycle

Best Bookstore

1st Place - Roundabout Books 2nd Place - Dudley's Bookshop Cafe

Best Car Dealership

1st Place - Subaru of Bend

2nd Place - Kendall Toyota

Best CBD Company

1st Place - Ablis CBD 2nd Place - Mission Farms CBD

Best Children’s Clothing

1st Place - Hopscotch Kids

2nd Place - Stone Soup

Best Clothing Consignment

1st Place - Cosa Cura

2nd Place - Truffle Pig Trading Co.

Best Dispensary

1st Place - Tokyo Starfish

2nd Place - Oregrown

Best Furniture Consignment

1st Place - Roundabouts Home Consignments

2nd Place - Iron Horse Second Hand Antiques & Vintage

Best Gift Store

1st Place - ju-bee-lee

2nd Place - Lark Mountain Modern

Best Grocery Store

1st Place - Newport Avenue Market

2nd Place - Market of Choice

Best Home Décor

1st Place - Lark Mountain Modern 2nd Place - furnish.

Best Indoor Plant Store

1st Place - Somewhere That's Green

Place - Desert Rose Cactus Lounge Best Jewelry Store

Place - Silverado Jewelry Gallery

Place - Saxon's Fine Jewelers Best Liquor Store

Place - 3rd Street Beverage 2nd Place - Trailhead Liquor

Best Local Appliance Store 1st Place - Johnson Brothers Appliances 2nd Place - Standard TV & Appliance Best Men’s Clothing

Place - Revolvr Menswear 2nd Place - Vanilla Urban Threads Best Nursery/Garden Center 1st Place - Moonfire & Sun Garden Center 2nd Place - Eastside Gardens

Best Outdoor Clothing Store 1st Place - Mountain Supply 2nd Place - The Gear Fix

Best Outdoor Gear Shop

Place - The Gear Fix 2nd Place - Mountain Supply

Pet Store

Place - Bend Pet Express

Place - Mud Bay Pet Store

Best Place to Buy Art 1st Place - The Workhouse 2nd Place - Red Chair Gallery

Best Place to Buy Swimwear 1st Place - Soul Bella Boutique 2nd Place - Vanilla Urban Threads Best Ski/Snowboard Shop 1st Place - Powder House Ski & Patio 2nd Place - Tactics

Best Smoking Accessories 1st Place - Hempies 2nd Place - Oregrown

Best Thrift Store

1st Place - Humane Society of Central Oregon 2nd Place - REgroup

BEST OF SHOPPING cont.

Best Toy Store

1st Place - Leapin' Lizards Toy Co.

2nd Place - Learning Express Toys

Best Vintage Clothing

1st Place - Revival Vintage

2nd Place - Old Boy Vintage

Best Women’s Clothing

1st Place - Vanilla Urban Threads 2nd Place - Hempies

BEST OF GOODS AND SERVICES

Best Adult Dental Group

1st Place - Bend Family Dentistry

2nd Place - Alpenglow Dental

Best Alternative Health Clinic

1st Place - Hawthorn Healing Arts Center 2nd Place - Drop Thesis

Best Auto Body Repair

1st Place - Auto Body Concepts

2nd Place - Precision Body & Paint

Best Auto Repair

1st Place - Import Performance Auto Repair

2nd Place - Happy Danes Auto Repair

Best Bank Branch

1st Place - Wells Fargo

2nd Place - OnPoint Community Credit Union

Best BarberShop

1st Place - Blade and Barrel

2nd Place - Electric Light Barbershop

Best Budtender

1st Place - Brett Hoffman - Tokyo Starfish

2nd Place - Lexxie - Oregrown

Best Day Spa

1st Place - Radiant Day Spa

2nd Place - Evoke Healing Space & Spa

Best Dermatologist/Group

1st Place - Bend Dermatology Clinic

2nd Place - Peters Dermatology Center

Best Dog Training

1st Place - Dancin' Woofs 2nd Place - The Kind Canine

Best Esthetician Services

1st Place - Evoke Healing Space & Spa 2nd Place - EsthetixMD

Best Fitness Studio

1st Place - Altius Pole Studio 2nd Place - barre3

Best Florist

1st Place - Donner Flower Shop

2nd Place - Flowers by Eryn

Best Golf Course

1st Place - Widgi Creek Golf Club

2nd Place - Juniper Golf Course

Best Hair Salon

1st Place - Technique Salon

2nd Place - Lemon Drop Salon

Best Green Business

1st Place - A+ Cleaning & Sanitation

2nd Place - Somewhere That's Green

Best Gym

1st Place - SNAP Fitness 2nd Place - The House

Best Health & Recreation Facility

1st Place - Juniper Swim & Fitness Center 2nd Place - Larkspur Community Center

Best Heating & Cooling

1st Place - Custom Plus Heating & A/C

2nd Place - Central Oregon Heating & Cooling

Best House Cleaner

1st Place - A+ Cleaning & Sanitation

2nd Place - Cleaner Living NW

Best Insurance Agent

1st Place - Fabian Clark - Country Financial 2nd Place - Ryan Walker - State Farm

Best Interior Designer

1st Place - Cedar + Sage Design

2nd Place - Iron Roots Design

Best Landscape Service

1st Place - Bluestone Gardens and Landscape 2nd Place - Aspen Landscape Development

Best Lash Services

1st Place - Bend Eyelash Extensions

2nd Place - Ajaye Beauty Bar

Best Law Firm

1st Place - High Desert Law

2nd Place - Bryant, Lovlien & Jarvis

Best Local Farm

1st Place - Boundless Farmstead

2nd Place - Sungrounded Farm

Best Local Fundraiser

1st Place - Tuxes & Tails - HSCO 2nd Place - Flannel and Frost - Boys and Girls Club of Bend

Best Local Home Builder

1st Place - Hayden Homes

2nd Place - Sierra James Construction

Best Mani/Pedi

1st Place - Three Sisters Nails

2nd Place - Crescent Nails & Spa

Best Massage Therapist

1st Place - Radiant Day Spa

2nd Place - DeJohn Bodywork

Best Medical/Cosmetic

Enhancement Services

1st Place - EsthetixMD

2nd Place - W Aesthetics

Best Medical Group

1st Place - High Lakes Healthcare

2nd Place - Summit Health

Best Mortgage Company

1st Place - A2Z Home Loans

2nd Place - Boss Mortgage

Best Painting Company

1st Place - Webfoot Home Improvements

2nd Place - Smile-A-Mile Painting

Best Pediatric Dental Group

1st Place - Deschutes Pediatric Dentistry

2nd Place - Pediatric Dental Associates

Best Pediatric Medical Group

1st Place - Central Oregon Pediatric Associates 2nd Place - Mosaic Medical

Best Pet Grooming 1st Place - Muddy Paws Bath House 2nd Place - Dirty Dog Grooming

Best Pet Boarding 1st Place - Bend Unleashed 2nd Place - Bend Pet Resort

Best Plumber 1st Place - Severson Plumbing & Heating 2nd Place - Sunset Plumbing

Best Tattoo Artist

1st Place - Chase Tafoya 2nd Place - Sean Belida

Best Tattoo Studio

1st Place - Monolith Tattoo Studios 2nd Place - Adored Tattoo Boutique

Best Therapy/Counseling Practice

1st Place - Drishti Mental Health 2nd Place - Rimrock Trails Treatment Services

Best Property Management

1st Place - A Superior Property Management Company

2nd Place - Real Property Management Ignite

Best Solar Company

1st Place - Sunlight Solar Energy 2nd Place - Purelight Power

Best Roofing Company

1st Place - Deschutes Roofing 2nd Place - Scott's Roofing

Best Restoration/Remodel

1st Place - Sierra James Construction 2nd Place - Iron Roots Design

Best Real Estate Company 1st Place - Stellar Realty NW 2nd Place - Bend Premier Real Estate

Best Realtor

1st Place - Tiffany Clark - Bend Premier Real Estate 2nd Place - Ann Willis - RE/MAX

Best Veterinary Practice

1st Place - Bend Veterinary Clinic 2nd Place - Tumalo Animal Hospital

BEST OF GOODS AND SERVICES cont.

Best Waxing

1st Place - Radiant Waxing

2nd Place - The Prickly Pear

Best Yoga Studio

1st Place - Namaspa Yoga Community

2nd Place - Yoga Shala

BEST OF PEOPLE

Best Local Band

1st Place - Precious Byrd

2nd Place - Not Your Ex Lover

Best Local Elite Athlete

1st Place - Max King

2nd Place - Max Warbington

Best Local Influencer

1st Place - Fertile Liza

2nd Place - The Bend Foodie

Best Local Radio Personality

1st Place - Dave Clemens

2nd Place - Kris Arnold

Best TV Personality

1st Place - Emily Kirk

2nd Place - Dylan Anderman

PLACES

Best Indoor Music Venue

1st Place - Tower Theatre

2nd Place - Silver Moon Brewing

Best Locals' Hangout

1st Place - On Tap

2nd Place - Bevel Craft Brewing

Best Locals' Night

1st Place - Silver Moon Brewing

2nd Place - Deschutes Brewery

Best Lodging

1st Place - The Oxford Hotel Bend 2nd Place - Campfire Hotel

Best Nonprofit Serving Animal Welfare

1st Place - Humane Society of Central Oregon 2nd Place - Street Dog Hero

Best Nonprofit Serving Arts Culture

1st Place - Cascade School of Music 2nd Place - Scalehouse Collaborative for the Arts

Best Nonprofit Serving Basic Needs

1st Place - The Giving Plate

2nd Place - Bethlehem Inn

Best Nonprofit Serving Education, Families and Children

1st Place - Boys & Girls Club of Bend

2nd Place - Family Access Network

Best Nonprofit Serving Health & Environment

1st Place - Central Oregon LandWatch

2nd Place - The Environmental Center

Best Open Mic

1st Place - The Commons Cafe & Taproom

2nd Place - Silver Moon Brewing

Best Place To Work (over 50 employees)

1st Place - COCC 2nd Place - Hayden Homes

Best Place To Work (under 50 employees)

1st Place - Tumalo Animal Hospital

2nd Place - Bend Veterinary Clinic

Best Radio Station

1st Place - KPOV 2nd Place - 92/9 FM Local. Independent.

Best Senior Living Facility

1st Place - Whispering Winds Retirement 2nd Place - Touchmark Senior Living

Best Staycation Destination

1st Place - Sunriver Resort

2nd Place - FivePine Lodge and Spa

Best Spot for a Night Out with the Crew

1st Place - Hayden Homes Amphitheater

2nd Place - Dogwood at the Pine Shed

Best Trivia Night 1st Place - Silver Moon Brewing 2nd Place - Bevel Brewing

Best Wedding Venue

1st Place - Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards 2nd Place - Sunriver Resort

BEST OF rEDMOND

Redmond Best Adult Dental Group 1st Place - Redmond Dental Group 2nd Place - Caldera Dental Group

Redmond Best Auto Repair

Place - Robirts Auto Care 2nd Place - Redmond Auto

Redmond Best Barbershop

Thank you, Central Oregon for voting us Best Property Management Company, again!

We're so honored for this recognition!

"We are not the biggest, just the best!"

BEST OF REDMOND cont.

Redmond Best Food Cart

1st Place - Cascade Alchemy Bowls 2nd Place - Jonny's Joint

Redmond Best Food Cart Lot

1st Place - Blacksmith Public House 2nd Place - Wild Ride Brewing

Redmond Best New Restaurant/Bar 1st Place - Sunriver Brewing 2nd Place - A New Tropical

Redmond Best Lodging 1st Place - SCP Redmond Hotel 2nd Place - Eagle Crest Resort

Redmond Best Happy Hour

Place - Feast Food Company

Place - Timbers Bar & Grill

Redmond Best Insurance Agent

1st Place - Brian Myers - State Farm 2nd Place - Jake Waardenburg - State Farm

Redmond Best Margarita 1st Place - Diego's Spirited Kitchen 2nd Place - Carnaval Mexican Grill

Redmond Best Mexican 1st Place - Carnaval Mexican Grill 2nd Place - Xalisco Latin Cuisine

Redmond Best New Food Cart

Place - Indian Tadka 2nd Place - Burger Wild

Redmond Best Mortgage Co

Place - Boss Mortgage 2nd Place - Guild Mortgage Company

Redmond Best NonProfit 1st Place - Neighbor Impact

Place - Hospice of Redmond

Redmond Best Nonprofit Event 1st Place - Crush Cancer - Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards

Place - Festival of Trees - Hospice of Redmond

Redmond Best Painting Company 1st Place - Smile-A-Mile Painting 2nd Place - Webfoot Home Improvements

Redmond Best Place to get a Mani/Pedi 1st Place - Lotus Nails & Spa 2nd Place - Redmond Nails & Spa

Redmond Best Real Estate Co 1st Place - Jeff Larkin Realty 2nd Place - Windermere Real Estate

Redmond Best Roofing 1st Place - Tin Shield Roofing 2nd Place - Deschutes Roofing & Insulation

Redmond Best Taco 1st Place - Axel's Taco Shop 2nd Place - Carnaval Mexican Grill

Redmond Best Veterinary Practice 1st Place - Redmond Veterinary Clinic 2nd Place - Cinder Rock Veterinary Clinic

Sisters Best Coffee Shop

1st Place - Sisters Coffee Company

2nd Place - Fika Sisters Coffeehouse

Sisters Best Breakfast 1st Place - Sisters Bakery 2nd Place - Cottonwood Café

Sisters Best Lunch 1st Place - Sisters Meat and Smokehouse 2nd Place - Luckey's Woodsman

Best New Restaurant/Bar 1st Place - Famille 2nd Place - Bob's Electric

Sisters Best Restaurant 1st Place - The Open Door 2nd Place - Luckey's Woodsman

BEST OF sisters BEST OF sunriver

Best Nonprofit Event

1st Place - Sisters Folk Festival 2nd Place - Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show

Sisters Best Bar/Brewpub

1st Place - The Barn in Sisters

Sisters

Sisters

CHOW C Standout Summertime Cookbooks

From cabins to buses to backyard patios, these cookbooks celebrate seasonal flavors and carefree days

By Donna Britt @donnabrittcooks

Summer is a strange time for cooking. On one hand, the season gives you the juiciest peaches, the brightest tomatoes and sweet corn that is practically candy. On the other hand, who really wants to be stuck inside fussing over a complicated recipe while the sun is shining and the lake is calling? The good news is there are cookbooks that get it. They know summer cooking should be simple, delicious and low stress. Here are a few standout summertime cookbooks to keep you out of the kitchen and in the sunshine.

“The Essential Cottage Cookbook” by Andrea Buckett

Canadian author Andrea Buckett grew up with summers in Ontario’s Haliburton Highlands, a place where weekends were about the water, the woods and as little kitchen cleanup as possible. Her new book, “The Essential Cottage Cookbook,” is full of recipes designed to fit exactly that vibe. Buckett offers seasonal dishes that come together with minimal equipment and effort, whether you are in a lakeside cabin, a camper van or even just your own backyard.

What makes this book stand out is how personal it feels. Between recipes you will find snippets of Buckett’s own cottage memories. The food is simple but not boring. Think lemony grilled chicken, bright salads with herbs you can snip from a window box, and satisfying breakfasts that can be made while you are still half asleep. There are plenty of clever tips for prepping ahead so you spend less time chopping

and more time enjoying your free time. This is the kind of book that will have you flipping through while sipping your morning coffee and thinking, yes, I can totally make that.

“The Summer House Cookbook” by Geralyn Delaney Graham and Debra Ponzek

If Andrea Buckett’s book feels like a warm new friend, “The Summer House Cookbook” is that old reliable pal who has been there for decades. First published in 2003, it is one of my personal standbys. My copy lives at our family’s lake house, tattered and stained from years of use, and it still makes me smile every time I pull it off the shelf.

The recipes are grouped by occasion, from breezy breakfasts to lazy picnics to those rainy days when you need a pot of soup simmering while the board games come out. The tone is lighthearted and very forgiving. The authors clearly believe that summer meals should be about fun, not perfection. You will find tips for cooking in big batches, plenty of grill-friendly ideas, and suggestions for dishes you can prepare in advance so you can just toss a salad and call it dinner.

It is also a book that invites a little celebration. The margarita recipe is a winner and so is their Best-Ever Guacamole. Pair those with some chips and the back deck and you have yourself a very fine evening.

“The Buslife Kitchen” and “The Buslife Kitchen Vol. 2” by A. J. Forget

This was a new discovery for me, thanks to a happy wander through the cookbook section at Dudley’s Bookshop Cafe in downtown Bend. A. J. Forget is living a version of summer that is

part road trip fantasy and part cooking experiment. He and his partner travel full time in a 90-square-foot converted school bus they call Sweet Bea. Forget was once a wildland firefighter but now spends his days writing, cooking and proving that gourmet food is possible even in the tiniest of kitchens.

His first book, “The Buslife Kitchen,” and the brand new follow-up are full of recipes from all over the globe, cooked on nothing more than a small propane stove. Forget’s style is enthusiastic and encouraging. He wants you to believe you can make Chicken Tinga or Huli Huli Chicken or a perfectly spiced shakshuka no matter where you are.

The recipes span Italian, Japanese, Mexican, French, Thai and vegan dishes. Many are inspired by family traditions. The books are as

much travelogue as cookbook, sprinkled with stories from the road and a clear sense of adventure. They make you want to pack a cooler, grab a pan and see where the highway takes you.

“The Mushroom Hunter’s Kitchen” by Chad Hyatt

If summer for you includes a walk in the woods, you might as well come home with something tasty. Chef Chad Hyatt’s brand new “The Mushroom Hunter’s Kitchen” is a love letter to all things fungi. Hyatt is a professional chef from the San Francisco Bay Area who became known for collecting the odd mushrooms that other foragers ignored. His curiosity has led to a definitive guide for cooking both wild and cultivated mushrooms.

The book contains more than 120 recipes, from hearty dinners to surprising desserts. Hyatt shares safety tips, preserving methods and techniques for coaxing the most flavor from every variety. There are recipes for morels, oysters, huitlacoche and other less familiar finds. You will also learn how to turn mushrooms into spreads, pickles and even sweets. Whether you are an experienced forager or someone who has only bought button mushrooms at the store, there is something here to inspire you.

Why These Cookbooks Work for Summer

All five of these books share a certain philosophy. They are not about fussy plating or hours of prep work. They are about making food that fits into a life that is already full of activity. They also encourage improvisation. If you do not have one ingredient, use something else. If you do not have a grill, try the stovetop. If you want to take a recipe to the beach, wrap it in foil and go.

Summer is fleeting. The light lasts long into the evening but the weeks still fly by. Having a few go-to cookbooks that keep the work easy and the flavors big can make a huge difference. Whether you are cooking in a cabin, on a back porch, in a bus or in your own kitchen with the windows open, these books will help you make the most of the season.

So pour yourself a cold drink, flip through a few pages and pick something that makes you excited to eat outside. Then close the book, step away from the counter and get back to living your summer.

LITTLE BITES

By Nic Moye

Abe Capanna’s Neighborhood Restaurant

Detroit Pan Pizza now served in two locations

Abe Capanna’s Detroit Pan Pizza now has a brick-and-mortar restaurant in NE Bend across from St. Charles Health System. Its food truck has been a staple at Crosscut-Warming Hut No.5 in southwest Bend. The new location on NE Cushing Drive features daily pizza slices starting at $4 including cheese, pepperoni and a rotating daily special such as Sarah Hearts Cliff (ham and pineapple) or Mr. White (three cheeses, basil, garlic and olive oil). Deals include two slices and a drink for $9 or a slice, Caesar salad and drink for $11.

Detroit-style pizza is cut into rectangular slices featuring thick, doughy crust covered with cheese. Sauce is ladled on top to prevent a soggy crust.

The menu also includes nine specialty pizzas, meatball or chicken parmesan sandwiches, salads, two pasta options and other items like fried calamari, meatballs and garlic bread. Owner Cliff Abrahams says the best sellers are pepperoni pizza and the Almost Famous Salad which has salami, cheese, artichokes, kalamata olives, peppadew peppers and tomatoes with a lemon herb vinaigrette.

Diners order at the counter. Tables are both indoors and in a covered courtyard. Every table has white butcher block paper attached to it with crayons, making it family friendly. There is also cushioned lounge seating in the courtyard.

Delivery is available through DoorDash, Uber Eats, Local by Toast and other delivery services. Abrahams says eventually customers will be able to order through their website. He’s still in the process of developing a happy hour menu and waiting for his liquor license to be approved. Once it is, he will offer Frose, sangria, red and white wine mimosas, beer and hard cider.

Right now, Abe Capanna’s is closed on Sundays, but Abrahams says he will be open seven days a week the first week back to school. He will eventually add a Sunday night family special such as giant spaghetti and meatballs with salad for four. He also hopes to add trivia and bingo nights and more grab-and-go food for quick lunch options.

“We are super excited to be in the neighborhood,” Abrahams told the Source. “We are 100% geared towards being a neighborhood restaurant with our ears wide open to our audience so we could consistently evolve and improve.”

While the core menu is pizza and salad, Abrahams plans to change the menu seasonally, saying having more space will allow him to incorporate new things. In addition to Abe Capanna’s, Abrahams owns the other food trucks at Crosscut-Warming Hut No.5 including The Lost Texan and Bluma’s Chicken & Waffles.

Abe Capanna’s Detroit Pan Pizza Mon.-Fri. 11am-9pm, Sat., Noon-9pm

Open Sundays starting Sept. 7

1462 NE Cushing Dr. #140, Bend facebook.com/PizzaBend/

C CULTURE Bend Comedy Festival

Twenty-six comedians, from Bend and afar, round out a packed weekend

By Peter Madsen

Twenty-six comics in three days.

That’s a lotta laughs.

Spanning about eight venues during the Aug. 29-31 weekend, the Bend Comedy Festival is the brainchild of local comedian Skylar King, who flexed her organizational chops last year by putting on four comedy nights in Bend. By scaling to the festival format, King, 26, felt ready to tack le a festival — with the continued help from friends. Granting her additional assurance is the enthusiasm of both Bend comedians and comedy show goers alike.

“There was so much excitement around it we were bringing in comedians from Portland, we were mixing up the schedule for comedy shows that Bend typically has,” King said. “We thought, ‘What if we put on a weekend full of cool shows and got people from out of town or out of state to come?’ It just grew and grew.”

Nearly 500 comedians paid a submission fee to the Bend Comedy Festival to have their material considered. That’s how comedy festivals cover upfront costs, King explained. She’s no stranger to comedy festivals herself; She recently advanced the semifinal round of Helium Comedy Club’s Funniest Person contest in Portland, where she delivered a killer five-minute set about the awkwardness of pre-adolescence. Still, she’s funneled most of her comedic energies this year toward the Bend Comedy Festival.

“I’ve been blown away by how many submissions we’ve gotten,” King said.

Twenty-six comedians made the cut. A 12-person panel shuffled them through a ranking of material quality, tim ing and general stage presence. Some submissions, however, got an automatic pass. Such is the case of Kate Berlant, whom King called the festival’s dream headliner. Berlant’s latest special “Cinnamon in the Wind” streams on Hulu. Her dizzying filmography includes roles in “Sorry to Bother You,” “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” and an epi sode of “The Bear.”

SKYLARKING

While the Bend Comedy Festival roster boasts bigname comics, King has mixed in talent from Oregon, such as Portland’s Rachelle Cochran and Bend’s Cody Michael, who recently performed a 30-minute set on the same bill as big-name comic John Caparulo in June. Michael moved to Bend from Iowa seven years ago. Much of his comedy deals with fish-outof-water observations, born of his West Coast relocation as his nonchalant defiance of people’s expectations of who he is. Having done stand up since 2015, Michael begins some of his sets with a series of disclaimers addressing expectations regarding his appearance, race and timber of voice. Facebook Ads, he explains, consistently misidentify him, plying the comedian with advertisements for a particular Japanese auto brand, hyper-specific outdoor gear for a sport he doesn’t do, and, well, women’s basketball highlights. Michael explores the themes of manliness, Oregon’s specific strain of whiteness (Michael is mixedrace) and his pronounced frustration with one inaccurately titled horror movie sequel from the 90s. (His comedic outrage is superb.) During high school, Michael connected with the comedy of Bo Burnam and Aziz Ansari — “I got really attached to Aziz’s comedy. He was the first comedian that I really identified with. A lot of his materi al was just goofy, young man material. Not super mature, energy based,” Michael said of Ansari, who’s Indian American. “And he also had material about being a brown kid in a really white place that I really gravitated toward. I was, like ‘Oh, if these are the kinds of stories you can tell onstage, then maybe I do have some things I can talk about.”

“We’re super excited about Kate,” King said, recounting an instance when she caught Berlant live in Los Angeles. “It was the best show I’d ever seen.”

Berlant is one of four headliners, including Susan Rice, Ehsan Ahmad and Peter Antoniou.

she wanted to be a comedian by age 10. Raised in a devout Catholic family with five siblings, Cochran said she gravitated toward humor when she realized she “wasn’t the smartest or the cutest” of the litter. But she could make everyone laugh. One of her earliest jokes happened when an older cousin teased Cochran that she poisoned the cup of water she’d just drank from.

Cochran deadpanned: “You’re not invited to my funeral.”

Around the same time, Cochran caught comedian Maria Bamford on television, pushing her interest in comedy over the edge. (Yeah, Cochran is similarly intense.)

Since attending the University of Oregon’s accounting program, Cochran has no lack of bookkeeping jokes: “seemed like a good career move, the IRS will outlive us all.” She moved to Portland in 2012. Cochran developed her comedy at open mics and on her YouTube channel, where she did silly skits involving taste tests of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer. Then, life happened. In 2017, Cochran came out as a lesbian. During the Covid lockdown, Cochran began bringing herself to the forefront of her work. She also stopped going to monthly confessions after a priest encouraged her to seek conversion therapy.

“Coming out as gay set my comedy free,” Cochran said. “I never thought I’d talk about being gay on stage. I thought I was going to wait until my parents died.”

ROCHELLECOCHRA N

A taste of Cochran’s newest work is available in ample supply on her Instagram account. Hilariously, a running theme is her notion of “Portland Sober,” which goes something like: “If California Sober means you don’t drink but you smoke weed, then Portland Sober means you don’t drink but you microdose mushrooms, obviously drop acid at queer goth drag brunches and accidently join a coven.” In preparation for her three sets at the Bend Comedy Festival, Cochran said she was tossing around some jokes that compare Portland lesbians to Bend lesbians. We also wondered what “Bend Sober” might look like. I ventured a guess: “We’re Bend Sober. We don’t drink anymore; we stick to daily shots of testosterone and EPO.”

Meh — let’s workshop that.

In the time since, Michael has found a distinctly original method of addressing complicated and potentially embarrassing issues with straight man aplomb. And he’s still delightfully goofy.

Rachelle Cochran, hailing from Elmira (near the Country Fairgrounds west of Eugene) via Portland, is another comic to watch out for. Cochran, 34, knew

Bend Comedy Festival Fri.-Sun., Aug. 29-31 Multiple venues, Bend For more information visit Bendcomedyfestival.com

SC SCREEN Naked Guns and Being Alone Together A very strange double feature

By Jared Rasic

If you want to go to the movies and watch a double feature so insanely polar opposite from each other that it factory resets your brain, then look no further than the mind-melting combination of “The Naked Gun” and “Together.” One is a gruesome, body-horror deconstruction of toxic relationships and codependency and the other is a goofball comedy that’s so stupid you’ll find yourself caught between belly laughs and eye-rolling the entire time. Across these two movies, almost every emotion gets covered in one way or another, and by the time they were both over, it feels like you’ve had a bit of a spiritual cleanse.

“Together” is heavenly for those of us missing the dark hilarity of “The Substance” and how it simultaneously worked as a grody horror movie and a critique of modern American culture. “Together” is not only a cringe-inducing thriller with two or three of the scariest shots I’ve seen in a film all year, but also a razorsharp and hilarious metaphor for relationship anxiety and codependency that builds to such dizzying and disgusting heights as to be almost unbearable.

All I’ll say about the plot is this: Tim and Millie (played by real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie, both never better) are a long-term couple, still unmarried, who move upstate and out of the city so she can take a teaching job. After settling down in their house in the woods, they go for a hike and fall into a mysterious cave that causes them to become much closer than they have ever been before. Go in as blind as you can, as I did, so you can be constantly shocked and blown away by the insanely violent and depraved shenanigans that ensue. While “Together” might not be an instant horror classic like “The Substance” was, the film is easily the next big cult horror classic and the perfect date night movie for couples who feel a little something is missing from their relationship.

My brain was a little broken and disturbed after

“Together,” so going directly into “The Naked Gun,” starring Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson, is probably what it needed to bounce back to normal. The number of puns in this movie is legendary and when people say, “they don’t make them like this anymore,” I feel like they’re talking about comedies that are so ridiculous and gleefully stupid that they’re ultimately impossible to write about.

Everyone’s sense of humor is so subjective that each person who watches Liam Neeson growl his way through 90 minutes of poop jokes, puns, prat falls, sight gags and word play will find completely different bits to love. There’s a five-minute section of the film where, through a musical montage, Neeson and Anderson go on vacation together and accidentally bring a snowman to life that had me laughing so hard I might have developed a snot bubble. Yet, I’m pretty sure I was the only person laughing in the sold-out theater. Whereas, there were sections that had the entire auditorium rolling that elicited only a groan from me, so your mileage may vary.

I grew up watching the original “Naked Gun”

movies with my Grandpa Bud, so seeing a new movie set in this cartoonishly ridiculous world hit all the nostalgia buttons for me and kept me with a grin on my face even when I was rolling my eyes. Some people will think this is the funniest movie they’ve ever seen, while others will think it’s the dumbest movie ever made and a death-knell for the intelligence of America. Neither is correct.

Still, I want to thank director and co-writer Akiva Schaffer for making the movie anyway. He’s one of the minds behind The Lonely Island, “Hot Rod” and “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping,” and has had a hand in giving me some huge laughs across the last 20 years. A whole new generation will watch this new “Naked Gun” with someone they love and have nothing but good memories of profound ridiculousness and sharing belly laughs with loved ones.

In a time where everything feels so fraught and serious, there’s something beautifully cathartic about a film so purposefully stupid and hilarious that you can shut your brain off with no negative consequences. It’s so important to have an outlet like that and art is one of the last places where we can let go of our ego and just exist in someone else’s experience for a few hours. We all need it from time to time.

“Together”

Dir. Michael Shanks

Grade: B+

Now Playing at Regal Old Mill, Tin Pan Theater

“The Naked Gun”

Dir. Akiva Schaffer

Grade: B

Now Playing at Regal Old Mill, Sisters Movie House

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NW Volunteers Keep Wilderness Trails Passable Friends of the Central Cascades Wilderness awarded for their work

By Damian Fagan

One of the nonprofit groups that is helping the Deschutes and Willamette National Forests out with trail work and signage repair is Friends of the Central Cascades Wilderness. Based in Bend, FCCW works with the USFS to protect and preserve the wilderness character of four wilderness areas in the Deschutes and Willamette National Forests. In addition to keeping trails passable, the organization provides education about wilderness ethics and conservation to locals and visitors alike.

Though these groups often receive little recognition, Richard Nix, president of the Friends group, was awarded the U.S. Forest Service’s 2024 Wilderness Partnership Champion Award, as part of the National Wilderness Awards Program, in December of 2024. These awards reflect the spirit of wilderness preservation that Bob Marshall, co-founder of the Wilderness Society, exhibited during his lifetime.

The lack of notoriety in local news about this national award was reflected in Richard’s recent response to my organizational inquiry, “Don’t make it about me. Make it about the organization.”

In addition to the trail work FCCW has completed, in 2023, Nix secured funds in partnership with the Deschutes Trails Coalition to construct a wilderness trailhead host, “Cabin on a Trailer.”

The nomination application letter, submitted by one of the FCCW volunteers, noted that, “The cabin has been a substantial benefit to the Deschutes wilderness program, wilderness volunteers, and the public. The host cabin provides shelter and a base for about 50 volunteer wilderness trailhead hosts to educate visitors on wilderness ethics, regulations, permitting, minimal impact recreation, and provide general forest information to the public. The volunteers using this cabin made over 7,700 visitor contacts between June and October 2023. This is on top of FCCW’s regular program of work to restore, install and maintain dozens of signs, kiosks, logging-out

trails, and naturalizing impacted sites in our wilderness areas. FCCW fills in gaps and completes projects that Forest Service wilderness staff have limited capacity to perform, yet greatly improve the public’s wilderness experience and enjoyment.”

“I’ve worked with Richard and his crew for about 5 years now, helping to replace and repair trail and wilderness signs, clean up and/or decommission camp sites, and remove logs from trails,” said FCCW volunteer Jennifer Sutter. “I really enjoy being out in the wilderness and after enjoying trails for most of my life, it feels good to help maintain them for all of us.” Sutter also appreciates the comradery of working with like-minded people. “I think the fact that maintaining good trials keeps people from negatively impacting vegetation and wildlife off of the trails is an important objective.”

FCCW has 183 registered volunteers. “The 80/20 rule says 20 percent of the volunteers do 80 percent of the work,” said Nix. In 2024, FCCW volunteers contributed nearly 1,550 hours worth of work, not including administrative time, totaling over $54,000 worth of in-kind labor.

According to Nix, the Forest Service’s wilderness program often runs out of funds for supplies in August. “FCCW has received several third-party grants to buy lumber and paint to refurbish kiosks and signs,” added Nix. “The Forest Service is more reliant on volunteer rangers to patrol wilderness trails and identify problems that only volunteer groups have the manpower to fix.”

Volunteer Kurt Droms works mostly with installing and repairing wilderness trail signs. “I feel that these signs enable people to more safely enjoy wilderness adventures, and hope that more people will appreciate the beauty and value of wilderness and will support its protection,” said Droms. Similar to Sutter, Droms also enjoys the comradery of working together with other volunteers in the wilderness.

There is also a tangible benefit for those who volunteer with FCCW. One can earn a Volunteer Northwest Forest Pass and a Wilderness Volunteer Permit, which allows use of limited entry trailheads at will and overnight wilderness stays without date restrictions. With staffing cuts and budgets in question, FCCS has collaborated with Sawyers with Attitude to Spare and Central Oregon Nordic Club to form a brushing crew to clear overgrown trails in burn scars in the Sisters Ranger District, and COTA has taken on a leadership role in offering crosscut and chainsaw training.

With extended cuts to Forest Service budgets by the current administration expected to come in the following years, reliance on volunteers will only grow. Be a part of the solution and consider spending some time out in the wilderness with like-minded volunteers and help protect these incredible wildlands, and channel some of that Bob Marshall spirit.

By Nic Moye

Sundays on the Green

Donate food in exchange for tarot card readings, art therapy or astrology

For 17 years, the funky gift shop

The Cosmic Depot, on NE Clay Avenue in Bend, has been quietly collecting and donating food to NeighborImpact once a week on Sundays during the summer months. To encourage public participation, the owner of The Cosmic Depot has partnered with esoteric practitioners who volunteer their time to provide free services in exchange for food donations. Those services include astrology, tarot card reading, art therapy, flower essences and more. The experience is called Sundays on the Green.

“The entire event is volunteer run, so we do have different people from week to week depending on their schedules,” says owner Christy Nickey. “You never know what services are offered until you come to Sundays on the Green.” In the early days, Nickey partnered with One Heart Ministry. She says she started doing it because she believes in community connection and spiritual health and well-being for all.

“We want to provide space for something beyond commerce to serve you. Our aim is to be an institution of curiosity, a place where enlightenment is encouraged and acceptance blooms,” she says. The Cosmic Depot opened in 1998. There is a variety of colorful merchandise for sale including crystals, beads, jewelry, incense, clothing and candles. On the store’s website, Nickey calls herself the Purveyor

of Happiness/Merchandiser of Magic. She says the store itself has a heart, personality and a reason for being.

During Sundays on the Green, her goal is to gather mountains of food each week and says, over the years, the event has collected thousands of pounds of food for NeighborImpact. Nickey stresses that anyone can stop by on Sundays to donate food without participating in the services offered. But for those who are interested, the activities take place outside on the grass, under the trees.

“These are the kind of quality individuals who give their time so yours is better,” Nickey says about the practitioners. “I love them. They are my favorite kind of people… It is a wonderful way to spend time…with people who are giving theirs to benefit you and your neighbors. It is something special. We are honored to be a part of it and we know for a fact that it changes people’s lives for the better. They tell us year after year. And that is motivation enough for us.”

Sundays on the Green is operating two more Sundays before ending for the season.

Sundays on the Green Sun., Aug. 24 & 31, 10am-2pm The Cosmic Depot 342 NE Clay Ave., Bend thecosmicdepot.com/ Canned Food Donations for NeighborImpact

HIGHLIGHTS IN HOLISTIC HEALTH

A COLUMN THAT EXPLORES INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

THE MEDICINE CABINET WITHIN

HOLISTIC MEDICINE AND YOUR POWER TO BE WELL

By Joshua Phillips, ND

Mind and Body — Part 2

In last month’s issue of The Medicine Cabinet Within I described that the leading cause of death in the United States is heart disease and the underlying chronic illnesses that can contribute. Also discussed were the primary physiological issues that are the focus of heart disease treatment and prevention. In this second article on the topic, the connection between our minds, emotions and the heart are the underlying causes of cardiovascular illness and at the same time, “mindbody” approaches to prevention.

It will come as no surprise that some of the most persistent and common mental and emotional states of stress and unhappiness have been shown to contribute directly to heart disease. While our full range of emotions and mental overwhelm are normal and totally appropriate, getting stuck in states of chronic stress, anxiety or depression can over time contribute to a nervous and endocrine system “tone” that is consistent with the development of heart disease.

Chronically elevated cortisol levels from stress and anxiety negatively affect cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while also lending to increased inflammation in the vascular system, all of which are risk factors for the development of plaque in arteries. Additionally, these mental states are known to contribute to heart arrhythmias, another contributor to heart disease. Depression and loneliness, along with unresolved trauma, have also been shown to impact key metrics in cardiac health such as blood pressure, heart rate and vascular health.

The good news, however, is that taking steps to build practices into a weekly routine that improves how we feel will lead to a physiological and metabolic environment that is consistent with a healthier heart. The effects of feeling relaxed, joyful and content in our lives and the impact these states of being have on the cardiovascular system (and all our physiology) appear to be hard-wired into our anatomy and nervous systems.

The part of our nervous system that connects our brains to our heart (and many other organs) that slows and relaxes the heart, is called the vagus nerve. When “vagal tone” of the nervous system is increased, it tends

to slow heart rate and lower blood pressure, improve vascular function, improve heart rate variability and support a healthy and regular heart rhythm. There are many empowering practices and routines that will support this nervous system tone. A great starting point revolves around the vast concept of mindfulness.

Mindfulness, as defined by the Oxford dictionary, is “a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness in the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts and bodily sensations.” I would add that non-judgement and developing a stance of compassion for oneself is also important.

A meditation practice is an amazing starting point for cultivating more mindfulness in one’s life. If this is a foreign concept, there are many real-life meditation groups to join for guidance, as well as countless online apps to build this into a daily routine. Prayer and spiritual community, along with an array of options for yogic practice, are another way to send the right messages through the nervous system.

Exercise, and time spent simply being in nature, built into a weekly rhythm, will support the cardiovascular system in a healthy way, while also supporting a nervous system tone that is consistent with feeling better emotionally and mentally.

If self-care practices are not enough, seeking help from trusted counselors and therapists or psycho-somatic therapists and bodyworkers would also be highly recommended.

Cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease is not only an issue of what we eat, genetics and family history, but is also directly connected to who we are mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

—Joshua Phillips, ND is a naturopathic physician and director at Hawthorn Healing Arts Center in Bend. An in-depth free talk on how to prevent and treat heart disease holistically will be held on Aug. 26 at 6:30pm. Reach out to the center at info@hawthorncenter.com to register.

ASTROLOGY

By Rob Brezsny

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In traditional Chinese medicine, the heart is the seat of joy. It’s also the sovereign that listens to the wisdom of the other organs before acting. Dear Leo, as you cross the threshold from attracting novelty to building stability, I encourage you to cultivate extra heart-centered leadership, both for yourself and for those who look to you for inspiration. What does that mean? Make decisions based on love and compassion more than on rational analysis. Be in service to wholeness rather than to whatever might bring temporary advantage.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In Mesoamerican myth, the god Quetzalcoatl journeys to the underworld not to escape death, but to recover old bones needed to create new life. I propose you draw inspiration from this story, Virgo. In recent weeks, you have been gathering pieces of the past, not out of a sense of burdensome obligation, but as a source of raw material. Now comes the time for reassembly. You won’t rebuild the same old thing. You will sculpt visionary gifts for yourself from what was lost. You will use your history to design your future. Be alert for the revelations that the bones sing.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In the Hebrew language, the word for “face” is plural. There is no singular form for panim. I love that fact! For me, it implies that each of us has a variety of faces. Our identity is multifaceted. I think you should make a special point of celebrating this truth in the coming weeks, Libra. Now is an excellent time to explore and honor all of your many selves. Take full advantage of your inner diversity, and enjoy yourself to the max as you express and reveal the full array of truths you contain.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In the ancient Hindu holy text known as the Upanishads, ananda means bliss, though not so much in the sense of physical or psychological pleasure as of deep, ecstatic knowing. I believe you are close to attracting this glorious experience into your soul, Scorpio—not just fleetingly, but for a while. I predict you will glide into alignments that feel like coming home to your eternal and perfect self. Treasure these moments as divine gifts. Immerse yourself with total welcome and gratitude. Let ananda inform your next steps.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In Daoist cosmology, the nature of life is characterized by cyclical, flowing patterns rather than linear, static motions. In my study of its gorgeous teachings, I exult in how it inspires me to honor both contraction and expansion, the power of circling inward and reaching outward. With this in mind, Sagittarius, I invite you to make the spiral your symbol of power. Yes, it may sometimes feel like you’re revisiting old ground. Perhaps an ex will resurface, or an old goal will seek your attention. But I guarantee it’s not mere repetition. An interesting form of evolution is underway. You’re returning to longstanding challenges armed with fresh wisdom. Ask yourself: What do I know now that I didn’t before? How can I meet these interesting questions from a higher point of the spiral?

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Inuit artworks are often made from materials available in their environment, like driftwood, stones, walrus ivory, whale bones, and caribou bones and antlers. Even their tools are crafted from that stuff. In part, this is evidence of their resourcefulness, and in part, a reflection of how lovingly they engage with their environment. I recommend you borrow their approach, Capricorn. Create your practical magic by relying on what’s already available. Be enterprising as you generate usefulness and fun out of scraps and leftovers. Your raw material is probably better if it’s not perfect.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): The medieval alchemists had a central principle, rendered in Latin as follows: Visita interiora terrae, rectificando invenies occultum lapidem. Translated, it

means, "Seek out the lower reaches of the earth, perfect them, and you will find the hidden stone.” I invite you to go on a similar underground quest, Aquarius. The purpose is not to wallow in worry or sadness, but rather to retrieve a treasure. Some magnificence beneath your surface life is buried—an emotional truth, a creative impulse, a spiritual inheritance. And it’s time you went and got it. Think of it as a quest and a pilgrimage. The “hidden stone,” an emblem of spiritual riches, wants you to find it.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In ancient Greece, the god Janus presided over doorways. He had two faces, one looking outward and forward, one gazing inward and backward. I believe this is your Janus phase, Pisces. Before you launch into your next fluidic quest, pause and take inventory. Peer behind you, not with regret but with curiosity and compassion. What cycle has fully ended? What wisdom has settled into your bones? Then face the future, not with shyness or foreboding, but with eager intention and confidence. What goals, rooted in who you are becoming, can inspire an exciting new plot thread?

ARIES (March 21-April 19): When glassmakers want to cool a newly blown piece, they don’t simply leave it out to harden. That would cause it to shatter from the inside. Instead, they place it in an annealing oven, where the temperature drops in measured increments over many hours. This careful cooling aligns the internal structure and strengthens the whole. Let’s invoke this as a useful metaphor, Aries. I absolutely love the heat and radiance you’ve expressed recently. But now it’s wise for you to gradually cool down: to allow your fervor to coalesce into an enduring new reservoir of power and vitality. Transform sheer intensity into vibrant clarity and cohesion.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): To paraphrase Sufi mystic poet Rumi: “Don’t get lost in your pain. Know that one day your pain will become your cure.” In my astrological opinion, Taurus, you have arrived at this pivotal moment. A wound you’ve had to bear for a long spell is on the verge of maturing into a gift, even a blessing. A burdensome ache is ready to reveal its teachings. You may have assumed you would be forever cursed by this hurt, but that’s not true! Now it’s your sacred duty to shed that assumption and open your heart so you can harvest the healing.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): As you enter a Tibetan Buddhist temple, you may encounter statues and paintings of fierce spirits. They are guardian figures who serve as protectors, scaring away negative and destructive forces so they can’t enter the holy precincts. In accordance with astrological omens, Gemini, I invite you to be your own threshold guardian. Authorize a wise and strict part of you to defend and safeguard what truly matters. This staunch action doesn’t have to be aggressive, but it should be informed with fierce clarity. You can’t afford to let the blithe aspect of your personality compromise your overall interests by being too accommodating. Assign your protective self to stand at your gate and say: “I protect this. I cherish this. I won’t dilute this.”

CANCER (June 21-July 22): "Dear Dr. Feelgood: Lately, you seem to be extra nice to us hypersensitive Crabs. Almost too kind. Why? Are you in love with a Cancerian woman, and you're trying to woo her? Did you hurt a Cancerian friend’s feelings, and now you’re atoning? Please tell me you're not just coddling us. —Permanently Drunk on a Million Feelings."

Dear Drunk: You use your imagination to generate visions of things that don't exist yet. It's your main resource for creating your future. This is especially crucial right now. The coming months will be a fertile time for shaping the life you want to live for the next 10 years. If I can help you keep your imagination filled with positive expectations, you are more likely to devise marvelous self-fulfilling prophecies.

Homework: What spoiled part of your life could you rehabilitate? Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com

ACROSS

1.  "Iliad" figure

5.  Follower of Mary

9.  Dots on a map

14.  Knock down

15.  Boo-boo, in totspeak

16.  Actor Mandel

17.  Nobelist Pavlov

18.  Towering

19.  Sound off

20.  Collie that's into rastafarianism?

23.  Bard's preposition

24.  Stetson, e.g.

25.  Tell tall tales

26.  Corporate officers: Abbr.

28.  Investment

30.  Unwanted e-mail

32.  "Awright!"

33.  Wriggler

35.  Dieters' units: Abbr.

36.  Being, to Sartre

37.  Short horror tales of a mystery dog shared on the Internet?

42.  Naval base?

43.  Shed tears

44.  Natl. Adopt-a-Dog Mo.

45.  Years and years

46.  Top dog

48.  Christian Pulisic's team, for shor

52.  Cineaste's channel: Abbr.

53.  Salon offering

54.  Option for welfare recipients, briefly

56.  Musical talent

57.  Yellow slobbery dog in a Bond film?

61.  Japanese dog

62.  Part of BYO

63.  Leon Uris's "___ 18"

64.  Wranglers rival

65.  Like much music of the 90s

66.  Rapper born Tracy Morrow

67.  Sassy

68.  Girl's nickname

69.  Like some sums

By Brendan Emmett Quigley

Pearl’s Puzzle

Puzzle for the week of August 18, 2025 Difficulty Level:

Puzzle for the week of August 18, 2025

A Y S

Difficulty Level:

DOWN

1.  Crops up

2.  "Les Miserables" inspector

3.  Flowering shrub

4.  TV's warrior princess

5.  Plenty, casually

6.  Looks for

7.  Eight furlongs

8.  Iconic office park where Lumon's offices in "Severance" is filmed

9.  Yonder items

10.  "My bad!"

11.  They served under Eisenhower

12.  Like the first season of "Severance"

13.  Observe

21.  Pen filler

22.  Hopes that one will

27.  ___ Bridge (walkway to Citi Field)

29.  Naval bases?

31.  ___ del Carmen, Mexico

32.  "The Second Coming" poet

34.  Chinese fruit

37.  ___ room

38.  One whose work is walked all over

39.  Chosen course

40.  Basically decent

41.  Sharp as a tack

47.  Take off

49.  Noble Italian family name

50.  Caught

51.  Compact

53.  Big hit

55.  Small feathered friend

58.  "How sweet ___!"

59.  A Chaplin

60.  Jump over 61.  TV ET

Fill in every row, column, and 3x3 box with each of the letters exactly once. PATIO KEYS

Fill in every row, column, and 3x3 box with each of the letters P A T I O K E Y S exactly once.

Fill in every row, column, and 3x3 box with each of the letters P A T I O K E Y S exactly once.

The highlighted letters read left to right and top to bottom will complete the quote: “Hiking is just walking where .” - Demetri Martin

The highlighted letters read left to right and top to bottom will complete the quote: “Hiking is just walking where ________"

Martin We’re Local! Questions, comments or suggestions for our local puzzle guru? Email Pearl Stark at pearl@bendsource.com © Pearl Stark mathpuzzlesgames.com/quodoku

ANSWER TO LAST WEEK'S PUZZLES

Answer for the week of August 11, 2025

The highlighted letters read left to right and top to bottom will “Hiking is just walking where .” - Demetri Martin

Answer for the week of August 11, 2025

I C E B S M O C S O I M A T E B

“I like an escalator because an escalator can never break, it can only become stairs.” —Mitch Hedberg

“I like an escalator because an escalator can never break, it can only become stairs.” - Mitch Hedberg

“I like an escalator because an escalator can never break, it

TAKE ME HOME

By James Keane Broker RE/MAX Key Properties

NAR Settlement Update

One Year Later

Many expected the National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement to be a seismic event for the real estate industry, but a year after the rule changes went into effect, the market has remained remarkably stable. Contrary to predictions of widespread disruption, the core mechanics of buying and selling homes have largely gone on as before. While the settlement has introduced some new formalities and disclosures, it has not, as of yet, fundamentally altered the industry's business model or led to a dramatic drop in commissions.

The most significant change from the NAR settlement was the prohibition of listing a buyer's agent's commission on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). This was intended to make commissions more transparent and encourage negotiation, ultimately lowering the cost of buying and selling a home. However, the data from the first year paints a different picture. According to some analyses, buyer's agent commissions have not seen a significant drop. In fact, some reports even suggest commissions have slightly increased in certain price brackets. This is likely because, even though the commissions are no longer advertised on the MLS, sellers can still offer compensation to a buyer's agent "off-MLS," and the practice of doing so has continued. Many sellers find it to be a key incentive to attract buyers and their agents, especially in a competitive market.

Another key aspect of the settlement was the requirement for buyers and their agents to enter into a

HOME PRICE ROUNDUP

written agreement before touring a home. This was meant to clarify the agent's services and compensation upfront. While this has been a procedural change for many agents and homebuyers, it hasn't led to the expected decrease in the use of buyer's agents. Most buyers still opt to work with an agent, as the complexity of the home-buying process and the value of having a professional advocate remain high. For many, especially first-time homebuyers, the thought of navigating negotiations, inspections, and closing without professional representation is daunting. This new requirement has simply formalized a pre-existing understanding, rather than fundamentally changing the buyer-agent relationship.

A new challenge that has emerged is the frustration of unrepresented buyers who, by not having an agent, must coordinate directly with the listing agent for showings. They sometimes get upset with listing agents who are unable to reschedule their day to accommodate a specific show ing request. This is often a logistical problem, not an unwillingness on the listing agent's part, as they have mul tiple clients and responsibilities to manage. The listing agent may be tied up with another showing, a closing, or other business.

While the new rules have introduced increased transparency and consumer choice in theory, in practice, the industry has adapted without a major overhaul. For now, the real estate landscape remains largely familiar.