the Source April 16, 2026

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NEVER MISS AN ISSUE!

Our Green Hero Issue is one of my favorites. We receive nominations from the local environmental community and select winners by an internal vote. The reporters, including myself, returned from our interviews impressed and excited by the work all the Earth Heroes are doing. The passion they bring to their causes is heartfelt and magnetic and the impact will benefit us all. We also profile the amazing work the amphitheater’s Green Team has done, sending less than 7% of waste to the landfill and how the Old Mill’s sustainability manager is spreading the mission to stores and restaurants. Plus, some upcoming eco-event picks, including Earth Day, which is in a new location this year. In other news, the Mastersingers are celebrating 20 years, and the Deschutes Watershed launches a speaker series. And there’s a lot happening right now in the food world! We have a review of the Bend Airport Cafe, a new superseed, gluten-free bread bakery opens, plus two restaurants close but two new restaurants are about to open in their spots! —Managing Editor Nic Moye

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Vote Morgan Schmidt for Deschutes County Commission, Pos. 5

With four candidates in this race, voters may very well get to vote again in November

Like a lot of the races for the Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners this May, the one for Position 5 is a crowded field. Voters will see four names on their ballots for this seat — one of two seats that are being added after voters previously moved to expand the county commission. If any one candidate gets more than 50% of the vote this May, they get the seat. But that might be a tall order, given the number of options here — largely viable ones at that.

Sisters Mayor Jennifer Letz is the only one who’s currently a local elected official, but she entered the race rather late. During our endorsement interview, she was less prepared than either Rob Imhoff, a local business owner, or Morgan Schmidt, who’s spent the last 20 years as a pastor, activist and nonprofit executive director. We would have liked to see more concrete ideas about county-specific issues from Letz, given her background. As the leader who helped usher in new home-hardening codes around wildfire in Sisters, we know she’s capable of more.

Both Schmidt and Imhoff have attended the Deschutes County College, which allows residents to learn more about their counties. That education was on full display during our interview. We liked Imhoff’s ideas to bring more dollars into the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center by building a sports complex that could sell sponsorships to pay for itself. (That idea, we soon discovered, is also being touted by other candidates in this vast field of county commissioner candidates.)

From Schmidt, we liked her idea to create an in-house ombudsman’s office to handle internal investigations — like the ones that happened often during the tenures of recent sheriffs. These were both examples of creative thinking that

could help the County work through some of its current issues.

Schmidt differentiated herself from Imhoff in a number of realms, but where she really differed was on the topic of homelessness, and how to handle it at the county level. Imhoff is advocating for a six-mile “UGB buffer” around Central Oregon cities, where homeless camping would be banned. That sounds good as it pertains to concerns around wildfire — except that it would be difficult to enforce in practice, and, as Schmidt pointed out, would only push people farther into the forests, or back into the cities, where County officials wouldn’t have to deal with them at all. Schmidt has a more realistic view of the issue: safe camping and safe parking programs are not what anyone wants, in the most idealistic view of the world — one where no one is experiencing homelessness — but in the real version, people need safe places to be, to avoid the nightmares of illegal dumping, unsanitary conditions and the threat of fires for the entire community. The County, as the body that handles public and behavioral health, the sheriff’s office, land use and the district attorney’s office, is in a position to lead on helping those experiencing homelessness, and the housing affordability crisis, to boot. We are overdue for leadership that is ready to address the issue, not push it further out of view. While Letz has a proven track record in Sisters, and Imhoff has ideas that would bring a positive contribution somewhere in local government, our endorsement in this May primary goes to Schmidt.

Letters

250TH PROCLAMATION

The Deschutes County Commission recently passed a resolution that proports to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, when in fact it is right out of the MAGA playbook, implying support for President Trump’s policies and actions, and filled with hypocrisy.

The piece was written by a right-wing group called the Taxpayers Association of Oregon. It passed two-to-one, supported by Commissioners DeBone and Adair over Commissioner Chang’s objections, and despite considerable objections from citizens in public testimony.

The Reverend Erika Spate, in her public testimony about the resolution, called it an “incomplete and biased document.” Some of the wildly political assertions include:

• Saying that President Trump is following the example of George Washington, fighting these “wars of choice” because, like Washington, he wants to “serve our country” even though people don’t support him;

• Suggesting that Trump’s tax policies are consistent with the spirit of the Boston Tea Party;

• Pointing to our country’s record on slavery and women’s rights, even as Trump promotes a male-dominated white nationalist agenda;

• Praising our nation’s pioneering work on vaccines as Trump’s secretary of Health and Human Services calls them into question;

• Calling Dr. King’s campaign of non-violent protest “daring” even as ICE murders and harasses protesters here;

• Praising our “full embrace of capitalism” even as Trump’s tax policies drive up the wealth gap between the rich and the poor;

• Citing our ability to sustain the Constitution, even as President Trump ignores it; and,

• Celebrating the National Parks, even as Trump de-funds them and fires the staff.

This is why we need change in our County Commission. It’s time to put Commisioners in place that can really

HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY?

Send your thoughts to editor@bendsource.com.

Letters must be received by noon Friday for inclusion in the following week’s paper. Please limit letters to 250 words. Submission does not guarantee publication. Opinions printed here do not constitute an editorial endorsement of said opinions. Letter of the week receives $5 to Palate!

represent the interests of everyone in our communities, not just the narrow personal interests of two biased, politically motivated people.

—Louis Capozzi

WHAT’S GOING ON?

The on-going issues within the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office are no longer isolated incidents, they reflect a pattern of dysfunction that has persisted far too long. A steady stream of lawsuits not only drains public resources but has also eroded community trust. Legal challenges such as this point to deeper systemic failures in accountability, transparency and internal culture. An agency repeatedly entangled in controversy sends a signal that the problems are not circumstantial, they are structural.

At the heart of this crises is substandard leadership that has failed to rise to the moment. Rather than seeking reform through fresh perspective and proven expertise, the department has remained insular, repeatedly choosing to promote from within. This reluctance to conduct a genuine, nationwide search for credible leadership has only reinforced existing issues. Leadership should inspire confidence, bring innovation, and challenge entrenched norms, not perpetuate them. So, the department remains trapped in a cycle of stagnation and these failures are compounded with a culture of blatant cronyism that has created a wound refusing to heal. The citizens deserve a leader that prioritizes their safety above internal alliances and personal loyalties. That standard is presently not being met.

—Clifford B. Evelyn Sr.

AMY SABBADINI FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONER

When we vote next month, let’s elect Amy Sabbadini to fill position three Deschutes County Commission. Amy knows how to engage in decision making that leads to results. That was her job as an educator. Amy will ask questions, search for clarification and peel back the layers of facts on the agenda to help move a plan forward.

Recently a group of us attended the meeting of the Deschutes County commissioners to discuss issues surrounding our homeless population. We offered some ideas for some action to move forward with a managed camp near Redmond. After our discussion regarding this issue Phil Chang asked Tony DeBone and Patti Adair to enter into a conversation to move the topic forward. The room became silent as Phil waited for their willingness to discuss the question on the table. Tony DeBone revealed he was not interested in this issue and Patti Adair made some comments which I was unable to hear. Phil raised the question again and it was obvious we were not going hear the three members in a conversation to move the topic to a decision. It is obvious we deserve a commission that is willing to discuss “tough” topics and make decisions that fit the needs. Amy Sabbadini has the skills and desire to become a member of a functioning county commission. I encourage you to vote for Amy Sabbadini to fill position three of the Deschutes County Commission. —Gloria Olson

THE BEND BIKEWAYS PROJECT

We were somewhere near the edge of the Old Farm District, teeth rattling and the sun screaming off the Cascades, when the reality hit. The world is changing, and for once, it doesn’t smell like burnt rubber. I’m talking about the 15th and Cumberland modality filter, a

glorious, concrete middle finger to the snarling, fossil-fueled hegemony that has held this town by the throat for too long. For years, 15th was a high-speed corridor for the frantic; a death trap for anyone navigating the world on two wheels. But look at it now! This “filter” is a surgical strike against the Car-Brain Pandemic. I watched a pack of schoolchildren crossing there yesterday. In the Dark Ages of 11 days ago, that was a scene of high-octane terror. Now? It’s a sanctuary. If we can’t protect the runts of the litter from being flattened by some commuter in a hurry to nowhere, the whole experiment of civilization is a wash.

What the screeching ghouls don’t understand is that community interaction requires a lack of velocity. You cannot be a neighbor at 45 mph. The Bend Bikeways project has reclaimed the streets from the machines and given them back to the organisms. The era of the shortcut is over. The “rat run” is dead. Buy the ticket, take the ride, but for god’s sake, do it on a bike.

—Barry Wicks

Letter of the Week:

Kudos Barry for embracing the bike culture. As letter of the week, you can ride to the Source office on NW Bond and Georgia Avenue for a gift card to Palate coffee.

—Managing Editor Nic Moye

Mountain Road Opening Dates

The road up Pilot Butte State Park is expected to open May 1. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department says, instead of contracting with a private company, seasonal staff workers will open and close the gate this year, which is why the agency can’t open it earlier.

Cascade Lakes Highway is expected to open in late April or early May. The highway is accessible from the south with a temporary gate at Lava Lake. Crews are working to remove snow and ice from Paulina Lake Road now, then will shift to Cascade Lakes Highway. With the warmer weather and low snowpack, the county says what typically takes six weeks to plow will likely take two weeks this year.

McKenzie Pass Highway is expected to open in mid-June. The Oregon Department of Transportation says the earliest possible opening date is the third Monday in June because maintenance crews need to plow, pave and remove any downed trees which is done in the spring.

Local Law Enforcement Agencies Target Distracted Drivers

This month, the Central Oregon Multi-Agency Traffic Team has special patrols out focusing on distracted drivers. It’s made up of six law enforcement agencies in Deschutes County including Black Butte and Sunriver police. In Oregon, from 20192023, there were 28,699 crashes with 221 deaths involving a distracted driver. The Multi-Agency Traffic Team issued a release saying that studies show using a cell phone while driving is akin to driving under the influence. In Oregon, it’s illegal to drive while holding and using a mobile electronic device, which includes sitting in traffic at stop lights. A first offense has a maximum fine of $1,000. Three cell phone tickets within 10 years could lead to a fine of $2,500 and six months in jail.

—Nic Moye

OSU-Cascades Chief Ousted Amid Ongoing Investigation

Chancellor and Dean Sherman Bloomer has been on faculty leave since March 23

By Clayton Franke

The top administrator at Oregon State University-Cascades, Sherman Bloomer, was removed from his role as chancellor and dean by a top university official April 7 after new information surfaced from an ongoing investigation into an alleged policy or ethics violation.

Roy Haggerty, provost and vice president with Oregon State University, informed students and staff across all campuses of the decision in an April 7 letter, but did not release details of the investigation. The investigation stems from a March 18 complaint filed with the Office of Audit Risk and Compliance and is led by the Office of Equal Opportunity & Access, which ensures compliance with civil rights laws and policies, according to the university.

The university has declined to comment further, citing the ongoing investigation.

“I ask for patience as investigators continue to work deliberately and expeditiously according to university policies,” Haggerty said in the letter.

In a story on April 8, KTVZ News reported that Bloomer had allegedly engaged in sexual conduct with students. The station said sources, who were not named, came forward with documents allegedly showing Bloomer made payments for sex, and that Bloomer had profiles on websites for arranging paid sex.

Sheila Miller, a spokesperson with the Bend Police Department, told the Source there is no active criminal investigation into the university’s chancellor.

Bloomer has been with the university for more than 30 years, rising in the ranks at the Corvallis campus before taking the top job in Bend in 2023.

Students on the OSU-Cascades campus Tuesday said the university hasn’t provided details about the dean, but did offer support services.

“I ask for patience as investigators continue to work deliberately and expeditiously according to university policies.”

—OSU Provostand Vice President Roy Haggerty

93.5%

“Advocacy is a team sport.”

—Climate Hero, Graham Zimmerman

“I think it’s definitely a little concerning and uneasy feeling if someone in charge was doing that stuff,” Logan Hainisch, a first-year mechanical engineering student, told the Source April 14. “Now we don’t really have a permanent leader.”

For the most part, students said, the dean’s removal hasn’t affected student life.

“From a standpoint of, they’re still investigating, it’s probably better we don’t know anything,” said Casey, a third-year computer science student who declined to provide their last name. “I think not spreading rumors is good until you know what actually happened.”

Bloomer still on leave from faculty role

Rob Odom, vice president of university relations and marketing, told the Source that although Bloomer was fired from his role as dean, he remains “on leave” from his faculty position, which means he could return as faculty pending results of the investigation.

Bloomer began leave March 23, five days after the initial complaint. Odom declined to say whether Bloomer is still being paid.

“The university generally does not comment further on OSU employee leave,” Odom said in an email.

Haggerty wrote that most OSU staff are considered “responsible employees” and have an obligation to report when they believe “a violation of the

university’s Sexual Misconduct and Discrimination, Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment, or Retaliation policies may have occurred.”

Haggerty said the university “strongly encourages all reports of suspected wrongdoing, violations of university policy, or breaches of ethical conduct,” citing an anonymous hotline for doing so.

He said investigations typically “take time” to conduct interviews and gather evidence.

“The outcomes of such investigations may remain confidential due to privacy laws and concerns,” he wrote.

OSU promoted Bloomer to chancellor and dean of its Bend campus in 2023 after nearly three decades with the university. He came to OSU in 1995 to chair the Department of Geosciences and went on to serve as dean of the College of Sciences and leader of the budget and planning office. Before OSU, he was a faculty member at Boston University and Duke University.

OSU tapped a longtime university leader, Dr. Becky Johnson, to serve as interim dean for the Bend campus. Johnson was a top administrator at OSU-Cascades from 2009 to 2021 and served as interim president for the whole university system from 2021 to 2022 before retiring.

Six Candidates Vie to Replace Adair on Deschutes County Board of Commissioners

Three have separated themselves with fundraising and endorsements

By Clayton Franke

An action-packed primary race for Position 3 on the Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners features six candidates and a diverse set of backgrounds, including a teacher, a tribal member and a former Marine.

The seat is currently held by Commissioner Patti Adair, who announced last fall her bid for the U.S. House of Representatives, leaving her seat and a fouryear term up for grabs as the commission expands from three members to five.

The top two vote-getters in the nonpartisan May 19 primary will advance to the general election in November. If one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, they automatically win and forego the November election.

That’s highly unlikely, though, as three candidates have strong financial and political backing.

Contested endorsements

The race for Position 3 has been divisive, at least when it comes to the Deschutes Democrats party endorsement.

After Amy Sabbadini, a civics teacher, edged Amanda Page, a flight medic and Redmond School Board member, in the party’s endorsement vote, Page’s supporters wrote a letter alleging a “smear campaign” and said the vote was biased because the ballot highlighted her reluctance to pledge support for only Democrat-endorsed candidates. The letter also criticized the Deschutes Democrats for an alleged lack of support for candidates of color. Page is a member of the Klamath Tribes.

Some local Democrats on the Bend City Council and Bend La-Pine Schools board have endorsed Page anyway.

Page, 44, said the lack of party endorsement means she has a smaller team of people knocking on doors for her campaign. But she feels it pulled her supporters in tighter, mobilizing younger voters and people in the BIPOC community.

“Our campaign really draws out people who otherwise would sit this out, because they see that we’re different, they see we have a vision that’s fully in line with our values,” Page said. “We don’t just go along with things to ease the tension for people, or, ‘let’s be more moderate, moderate our message.’ We’re 100% here for working families here in Deschutes County. That’s our mission. We protect the land and we take care of people.”

Page and Sabbadini are neck and neck in fundraising. Page has raised $75,427 in campaign contributions. That includes $30,000 in cash and in-kind donations from the Tribal Democracy Project, a nonprofit whose mission is to help Native candidates get elected. She also received $9,000 from the Color PAC, which supports candidates who are people of color.

Protecting the land and taking care of the community are two pillars of her tribe’s philosophy, which she would translate to county commissioner, she said. That translates to policies that reduce urban sprawl and protect natural resources, she said. Page said she would advocate for a fee on short-term rentals and vacant houses to create an “affordability fund” to help people pay for rent, mortgages and child care. She also said she would want the County to do more to actively protect people from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. For example, the County could get creative by using the emergency alert system to warn of

immigration agents in a certain area.

“I think there’s a lot we can do if we choose to,” Page said.

Sabbadini has reported $72,801 in campaign donations, which she says is all from individuals, not from PACs. She called the effort “grassroots.”

Sabbadini called endorsements her “biggest asset” as far as competitiveness in the race.

“I’m the person most of the electeds trust to win this position,” she said in an interview.

Sabbadini, 50, was the regional program manager with the Civics Learning Project, a nonprofit that teaches students about government and democracy. She was also an instructor with the teaching program at Oregon State University-Cascades and has lobbied on behalf of the Oregon Education Association. In her 20s, she was a land use planner with the County of Santa Barbara in California.

Sabbadini’s top priorities include helping plan for low and middle-income housing, supporting public health programs and law enforcement, minimizing rural sprawl and preparing for wildfire, including helping ease insurance rates for homeowners in high-risk areas.

More competition

Meanwhile, Lauren Connally, the Republican-endorsed candidate, has characterized herself as the most moderate choice for Position 3.

“We need long-term, systems-driven thinking,” Connally said. “When we allow policy to be driven by emotional rhetoric ... then it’s piecemeal.”

She added: “The two-party system wants you to talk from what their foundational values are,” Connally said. “I’m very clear with everyone: I’m going to be me, I’m going to speak as me, and I’m going to act as me.”

After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2004 to 2007, Connally, 45, has worked with suicide prevention groups for veterans and advocated for veterans’ health care on Capitol Hill.

Now, she’s the office administrator for Deschutes Defenders, a state-funded nonprofit that provides public defense services.

In 2025, she lost her housing and lived out of a travel trailer with her two kids, moving in and out of RV sites and campgrounds across the county. The experience gave her insight into the homelessness and housing affordability crisis, she said.

“Despite having a job, it was easier to live in a trailer in an RV park than to rent a small three-bedroom house,” Connally said.

She moved into housing in January, but still spends more than half her income on rent.

She also cited the need for more resources to treat substance use and mental health disorders. She talked about how many of the people tied up in the local justice system are stuck in multigenerational cycles of drug abuse and mental health-related problems.

“It really pushes me to say, what are we doing to take care of our families and our youth, what are we

doing to break that cycle,” Connally said.

On land use, Connally said decisions should be made on a case-by-case basis. She said there are many farm-zoned lands in Deschutes County that aren’t desirable for farming, and pointed to the economic benefits of destination resorts.

Connally has reported $14,886 in campaign contributions, including $5,000 from the Central Oregon Association of Realtors PAC.

Three others have gained little traction fundraising and campaigning: Samuel Facey, a 28-year-old mill worker from La Pine, Gary Campbell, a former board member with the Swalley Irrigation District, and Charles Webster Baer, a perennial local candidate and advocate for depopulationism, or one-child policies.

Facey, a Republican Precinct Committee Person who ran for county commissioner and mayor of La Pine in 2024, said he was motivated to run to do something about the threat of wildfire and high cost of living.

“Most people can’t afford to live here,” Facey said in an interview. “I make above minimum wage, and can’t afford it,” Facey said. “We’ve gotta do something about it.”

He works at a window and door mill in Bend and serves on the city of La Pine’s budget committee. He started a business making fish food and selling it online, but said he took the website down because of the cost.

In his first 100 days, he said he wants to form a Deschutes County agricultural department, order a housing code and zoning audit and ramp up fuels reduction and defensible space projects.

Campbell didn’t return phone calls from the Source for this story. His filing application lists a variety of past experience: school bus driver and driver’s education teacher, irrigation district board member, lab technician for a pharmaceutical company in Bend and forklift driver for Jeld Wen Millworks, the same place Facey now works.

Baer is making another attempt at local office after a handful of unsuccessful campaigns for Bend and Redmond city offices. He said he would try to enact a one-child policy for Deschutes County, and have the county develop its own cryptocurrency, AI and social media platforms.

REDMOND NEWS

St. Charles Opens New $65 Million Cancer Treatment Center in Redmond

The facility mirrors the services offered by the St. Charles cancer center in Bend

By Clayton Franke

For patients in north Central Oregon, a new Redmond cancer center is making care closer to home.

The St. Charles Health System this week is opening a new $65 million, two-story, 53,000-squarefoot cancer center in Redmond, offering nine times the space of its current facility. The new cancer center will offer radiation, chemotherapy, surgery and other services, matching the capabilities of St. Charles’ cancer center in Bend 17 miles to the south.

It’s a big step for a rural health system where about 40% of cancer patients live in Redmond, Prineville, Sisters, Warm Springs, Culver and beyond, said Mari Shay, administrative director of cancer services for St. Charles. The new center will help ease the burden of commuting for people receiving daily or twice-daily treatment in Bend.

“Transportation is probably the biggest barrier that we see in our patient population here, because of the rural aspect that we support,” Shay told the Source in an interview. “We do spend a lot of time working with those outer communities to get their patients here. But some patients, it’s enough of a barrier that we unfortunately see patients forego treatment because they just can’t logistically make it work.”

The new treatment center was built in Redmond because it still needs to be in close proximity to other medical facilities, Shay said. It’s located along U.S. Highway 97, just south of the St. Charles hospital in Redmond.

Construction is complete after two and a half years. The new facility will be able to serve 300 patients a day, according to St. Charles. It features 36 exam rooms, a 5,000-square-foot chemotherapy infusion room with 22 infusion bays, three semi-private bays and one private infusion room.

The previous cancer clinic in Redmond offered only chemotherapy and visits with providers, but not radiation or surgery.

“We just don’t physically have the space,” Shay said. “We have a really small, 2,500-square-foot clinic here.”

Shay said that when discussions began in 2018 for a new Redmond Cancer Center, concepts were limited to adding radiation oncology, but with growth postCOVID-19, it became clear more services were needed.

The project was built with part of the $90 million in revenue bonds the hospital system secured in the fall of 2020 that were restricted for new construction.

Notable technology at the new facility includes a high-dose brachytherapy suite — localized cancer treatment through internal radiation — and a True Beam Linear Accelerator, which uses photon or electron beams to target and treat cancerous tumors, according to St. Charles.

St. Charles plans to hold a ribbon cutting ceremony April 16 at 4pm, with a chance to tour the facility, located at 180 NW Kingwood Ave. in Redmond.

TRIVIA (&TACO) TUESDAY

TACO TRIVIA TIME

Quiz fans of Redmond: bring the crew this week for UKB live trivia & more! Delicious menu favorites, brews, cocktails, plus Taco Tuesday menu! Players will compete for gift card prizes or play just for fun. Bring good vibes and a pen. 6:30pm at Elements Public House. 1857 NW 6th St, Redmond. Free.

TUESDAY 4/21

BINGO AT INITIATIVE IN REDMOND

A LIL’ FRIENDLY COMPETITION

Randy is hosting Central Oregon’s “semi-pro” bingo legend, for a fun night with real cash prizes on the line. Great food, cold drinks, and a good time—all while supporting the Redmond Senior Center. Bring cash. Bring friends. Bring a game face! 5:30-7:30pm at Initiative Brewing. 424 NW 5th St, Redmond. Free.

EARTH HERO

thoughtfully designed and constantly evolving.

Most importantly, the land itself is treated as a partner, not a resource to be used up. Natural growing practices guide every decision. Cover crops replenish the soil, tribal tobacco is grown as a natural pest management tool, ubiquitous plants we think of as invasives like mullein are used for tea, and even bright colored bachelor buttons end up in salads.

Sakari Farms

The owners of the Tumalo farm honor the land and Native agriculture

By Joshua Savage

Sakari, a word meaning “sweet” in Inupiaq, represents a loving and warm personality, which exactly describes the vibe I felt when Spring and Sam Schreiner, along with Otis, their energetic canine, welcomed me to their farm on a bright, blue-sky day in Tumalo.

Spring, an enrolled member of the Chugach Alaska Native Corporation and Valdez Native Tribes, has worked with numerous natural resource management organizations at both the federal and local levels, including the Department of Agriculture. Her connection to leadership and service runs deep, going back to her father who was a tribal leader in Alaska.

Sam, a lifelong Oregonian from Camp Sherman, complements Spring perfectly. A skilled builder and mechanic, he has a natural ability to bring ideas to life. His craftsmanship is visible all around the farm, from thoughtfully constructed workspaces to the efficient systems that keep everything running smoothly. Everything flows with purpose.

The couple brought their talents together to create Sakari Farms. When they purchased the property they’ll tell you it’s the pond that sold them. Their faces light up when they talk about the crystal clear water that fills it up during warmer months.

“We swim, paddleboard, and just enjoy being outside” Sam said.

At its heart, Sakari Farms serves as a template and resource hub for Native agriculture, aiming to create opportunities and build connections among tribal communities.

Spring’s commitment ensures that Native agricultural traditions are honored, not appropriated. She actively connects with other tribal farmers, attends conferences, and participates in seed sharing networks, always getting permission before growing culturally significant seeds.

Sakari Farms has become a gathering place where languages are revitalized, lost recipes are rediscovered, and people come together. Initiatives like the tribal seed bank help strengthen these connections and Tribal Boxes provide access to culturally relevant foods. The farm also regularly host workshops and classes, including seed-saving sessions, Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) programs, and community events like the Tribal Long Table.

The couple has created quite an impressive and organized setup in which every structure has a role. A glasshouse nurtures plant starts, while large tunnel greenhouses stretch the growing season in Central Oregon’s unpredictable climate. There’s a dedicated kitchen where harvests are transformed into finished products and a drying room where herbs and plants are carefully preserved. It’s a full-circle system,

Like any farmers, Sam and Spring have their fair share of challenges. Water is always a concern, and with low snowpack this past winter, it may be an even bigger issue. Still, they’ve built an efficient irrigation system and remain hopeful about improvements made by the Tumalo Irrigation District. Economic pressures, like tariffs for example, have completely halted overseas shipping. This season Sam says they plan to focus on what they do best, leaning into their specialties with a “reel it in” mindset.

Twenty-five percent of what is grown on the property is dedicated specifically to support Oregon Tribes. Most of the remainder of what they grow goes into their own products like Hopi black bean hummus or the spicy buena mulada peppers that are used in their popular hot sauces. The unique flavors concocted by Sam, the pepper master, have won numerous awards. Spring admits, “He’s a natural green thumb.”

Beyond the heat, Sakari Farms offers a wide range of products like teas, seasonings, coffee, jams, and more. The farmers collaborate with other local businesses like Funky Fauna, Boneyard Beer, and Broadus Bees. Curious customers can find their products all over Central Oregon and beyond or pick them up directly from the on-site shop in Tumalo.

Upon receiving recognition from the Source, Spring eloquently explains, “An Earth Hero utilizes our culture and lived experience. This means being respectful of the living systems of the land which we farm and including the native plant and wildlife habitat and their needs into our growing operation. We implement conservation practices that support the fragile environment the High Desert has to offer.”

Through trial and error, Sam and Spring are always experimenting. New seasonings, new hot sauce flavors and other ideas continue to percolate. Most importantly though, they want to care for the land and give back to the Native communities that inhabited it long before its current residents.

“First we take care of the land, and then it takes care of us.”

WATER HERO

Kevin Tanski

Dedicating his time to reviving wetlands, one beaver at a time

By Nic Moye

Kevin Tanski is a lifelong conservationist and environmentalist, but in the past three years his attention has been laser focused on beavers. As a volunteer with Think Wild’s Beaver Works Oregon, he’s traveled to remote areas of the state, putting in countless hours restoring beaver habitat.

The significance of beavers caught his attention after he read two books, “Eager” and “Beaver Land” which explore the profound impact beavers have on the environment.

“Water, climate, sustainability and resilience converge with getting beavers back in the landscape. I don’t think we have used this term before, but ecological amnesia in terms of we really don’t know what this land was like more than 200 years ago when settlers first started trapping. Beavers were virtually trapped out,” he says.

The work Tanski and other volunteers do through Beaver Works involves, among other things, planting willows, a food source for beavers. He’s worked to restore Black Butte Swamp in conjunction with the Deschutes National Forest. The creek running through that area has deepened channels and dried out vegetation. He’s improved beaver habitat at Collier State Park and worked with the Burns Paiute Tribe along the Malheur River.

“We were working with them on tribal land to repair some fencing so that they could keep livestock off of a place where they’re doing some stream restoration,” he explains. Tanski also does stream assessments for beaver activity in conjunction with the Malheur National Forest south of John Day and has led projects in the Ochoco National Forest.

In addition to his volunteerism, Tanski has been a voice for change. He wrote letters in support of two pieces of legislation protecting beavers. In 2023, Oregon House Bill 3464 removed beavers, which are herbivores, from a list of predators. The bill’s text states that the beaver is a keystone species serving as nature’s engineer, playing a significant role in increasing the quantity and quality of water on a landscape, thereby decreasing the risks of wildfire and acting as a buffer against climate extremes. Oregon House Bill 3932 in 2025 prohibits a person from trapping beavers on water or watersheds that are considered to have poor water quality, often caused by warm temperatures, too much sediment or low oxygen.

Tanski says reviving the beaver population is on his list of the three most important environmental contributions he can make, along with being mindful of personal consumption and supporting politicians who, as he sees it, will do the right thing.

“For me personally, it’s of the utmost importance for near-term and long-term resilience and the resilience of populations, not just of humans but of everything we share the earth with,” Tanski explains.

When the call went out to the local environmental community for Green Hero nominations, Dr. Maureen Thompson, program manager for Beaver Works, wrote, “Kevin shows up in the field, building beaver-dam analogs, restoring riparian habitat, mentoring new volunteers and cultivating a welcoming, effective volunteer culture by starting campfires, bringing home-grown food to share, playing guitar by said campfire, and inviting people to learn about the birds and stars… Kevin moves through the world with ‘beaver goggles,’ constantly identifying restoration opportunities.”

Tanski himself is more modest about his accomplishments.

“One of my favorite sayings is ‘communities are made great by those who plant trees in whose shade they know they will never sit.’ So planting that seed tree…might be something I never personally experience the benefits of, but I can leave knowing that maybe I’ve contributed to something that helped the future.”

TEACHER HERO

Joe Craig

Craig received the Teacher Hero award for his extraordinary work passing knowledge about wildlife and the outdoors to future generations

By Jesse Coronado

Joe Craig can be described using many words, but if one were to pinpoint it to just three they would be humble, generous and inspired.

These are some of the qualities that make Craig the teacher he is today and why he has been chosen for this year’s Teacher Hero. His passion for wildlife and outdoor stewardship, and his collaborative nature and generosity when it comes to sharing ideas and knowledge have made him the right person for the award.

“All the knowledge that I have, to be able to get other people excited and pass that knowledge on, is one of the most fulfilling things,” Craig told the Source. “At the end of my career, working for nonprofits and volunteering with the kids, it’s just been a pleasure in giving back.”

These days, Craig spends much of his time volunteering for the Forest Service, which partners with Discover Your Northwest, a nonprofit that helps propel the spirit of outdoors stewardship through the next generation. As a volunteer, Craig steers snowshoe tours with elementary students to Mt. Bachelor where he teaches about hydrology, wildlife and geology.

Craig says geology is a big topic on the tours. For a Central Oregonian, living in a location with unique landscapes of obsidian and lava formations, that certainly seems appropriate.

“Taking the kids out is my most favorite thing I’ve ever done in my career. I’m doing it as a volunteer, but it’s so gratifying,” Craig says.

As the students return their snowshoes, Craig says he asks them to share one thing they learned. He hears

facts whistled back to him. They recount how South Sister is an active volcano, or how Madras is the carrot-seed capital of the world and helps feed over 1 billion people annually.

In addition to volunteering, Craig has been helping Central Oregon Land Watch reach its goals of protecting wild and open lands. He has been the vice president for the Board of Directors since 2023. He is also co-owner of an outdoors-brand sales agency called CW Outdoors.

His love and care for the outdoors began just outside of Cleveland, Ohio.

Craig was misty-eyed when he was asked to recall teachers who shaped him back home. He says the impetus for his love of the outdoors were his parents, who would take him to the Allegheny Mountains.

“I would just be gone all day and come back at night,” Craig says.

One of his Boy Scout leaders, “Mr. Koptis,” taught him the importance of outdoors immersion.

“On a hike, a lot of times people will be talking to each other, but if you stop every so often and look around and take it all in, there is so much going on. I was taught that at a young age, how everything is connected.”

Craig says Mr. Koptis kept in touch with him throughout his career and sent him congratulatory notes. This is a habit he now employs as a teacher himself.

In 1995, Craig started working for Columbia Sportswear. He worked his way up until he eventually reached

senior vice president of North American sales. Craig retired from this role in 2018.

For Craig, the pursuit of knowledge is unending, and he says he is still learning. In 2025, he graduated from the Naturalist program through Oregon State University Extension where he expanded his knowledge on ecology and geology.

“If I can instill in people an understanding of how nature works and how everything balances, that just means a lot to me,” Craig says.

Without a doubt, if Craig were a 6th Century dragon with a hoard of treasure, he would give its contents to people in need rather than endlessly guard it. He proves this metaphorical idea through his passing of knowledge to students.

“The Native Americans express it best,” Craig says, referring to the “Seven Generation” principle expressed in some Indigenous communities. “You look out for seven generations. What are we leaving for our grandchildren, our great grandchildren, or our greatgreat-great grandchildren?”

Currently, Craig says passing on knowledge is his greatest goal, and he plans to continue doing that in his work.

“I think the primary thing is to put ego aside, and it’s all about bringing other people up. It’s not about you being a hero, or being the best salesperson, best at whatever you do,” Craig says. “It’s about helping other people be their best.”

YOUNG HERO

Brennan Breen

Energize Bend’s campaign coordinator doesn’t want to bore you about home electrification

By Peter Madsen

It’s hard out there for climate justice advocate these days. Few know how quickly your eyes glaze over when the topic turns to, say, heating pumps, than this year’s Young Hero, Brennan Breen.

Breen, the campaign coordinator of Energize Bend, a nonprofit coalition advocating for electrification, however, decidedly does not live in mamby-pamby land. At just 26, Breen has worked in a missile factory (doing environmental compliance) and afterward, in the (renewable) natural gas industry.

Perhaps counterintuitively, these posts give him environmentalist cred.

“I’ve yet to encounter somebody else in the advocacy space who’s worked in the natural gas industry,” Breen said. “I can sit across the table from a natural gas lobbyist and, most likely, I’ve been on more natural gas sites than they have.”

The Sisyphean challenges of those roles, in their respective industries, led Breen to his current charge with Energize Bend. Advocating for change on the local level feels, well, much less like an uphill battle.

“There are problems locally, but we can fix them,” Breen said. “At Energize Bend, we have capacity and platform to get people engaged locally. We can make governments work for us. We need to push them in the direction we want to see.”

Breen cropped up in Central Oregon news stories in late 2025 and early this year as a staunch supporter of a fee on natural gas appliances in new home construction. (City councilors voted on a fee rate that would cost about $2,000 per home; they’ll vote in June on whether to adopt it.)

Breen and other electrification advocates would have preferred to see fee rates set at $10,000 per new home, which would have accounted for 100% of the Environmental Protection Agency’s estimated social cost of 1 ton of carbon dioxide emissions in long-term climate change-related harm. Yet a fifth of the way there would be, at least, a step in the right direction. The point, Breen makes, is to de-incentivize natural gas, whose emissions contribute to a warming planet, in favor of electrified homes that feature one-and-done electric heating pumps. They’re like air conditioner units but can heat air, too, he explained.

Whoops — there Breen goes again, rambling about heating pumps.

“Even if you’re a person who hasn’t, you know, paid attention or studied environmental science, but you’ve lived in Bend for 15 years, there’s some good gut-check intuition you can do,” Breen said. “You know there wasn’t a fire season 15 years ago and there is one now.

“It’s a pretty easy calculus that things are not gonna

get better on their own,” he continued. “Bend only exists because we take care of the environment and all the tourism and opportunities that it brings. That’s an economic priority.”

Having a mix of people in Bend who can work in the service and tourism industries, for example, and live here without being cost-burdened, is an ongoing problem in Central Oregon. And home electrification and affordable housing, he says, aren’t mutually exclusive.

Breen steers the conversation back to the natural gas fee — the money it would collect would get funneled into a transition fund. From there, it would be divvied up toward initiatives like weatherizing rental homes, which would cut down on heating and cooling costs for renters. The fund would go toward installing electric heating pumps in new dwellings, as well.

“We can meet both climate-change and housing affordability goals at the same time,” Breen says. “The longer that we wait, the more it’s going to cost us. If we really care about affordability, let’s put our money where our mouth is and start investing in clean things that are more affordable.”

CLIMATE HERO Graham Zimmerman

Award-winning author, alpinist and climate activist Graham Zimmerman is all about killing the climate change problem

By Jesse Coronado

Alpinist and climate activist Graham Zimmerman walked into the Source offices to discuss his winning of the Climate Hero award for the Green Issue this year. From his windblown bedhead hair and Bend finery, a reasonable person wouldn’t be able to tell he is a renowned alpinist who climbs some of the most extreme mountain faces.

Zimmerman has been recognized as an activist against climate change, marrying together his love for the outdoors with actions needed to nurture and sustain it.

“Advocacy is a team sport,” Zimmerman says. “Any credit given to me is really just credit toward that entire group of incredible folks and organizations who I have the opportunity to work with.”

Zimmerman says some of the things that worry him the most are defending public lands, frontline and fenceline communities, climate change and the lack of clean energy sources.

Frontline and fenceline communities are those that abut industrial facilities that emit heavy amounts of pollutants — and are largely communities of color.

“One of the most important moments this year is going to be the election, and that is when we will be in a position to make sure our federal government is prioritizing communities in the way that they should,” Zimmerman says.

Zimmerman won the Piolet d’Or award in 2020 for his mountaineering at Link Sar in Pakistan. His memoir, “A Fine Line: Searching for Balance Among Mountains,” was given the Independent Publisher Book Award in 2024.

“The biggest goal was some level of culture shift,” Zimmerman says. “I got some really good advice that the best thing I could do to do that was really pour my heart into this thing and build the right team.”

And by his account, it appears that Zimmerman did.

One of the major themes that kept emerging during his interview with the Source was the importance of collaboration and friendship. Zimmerman attributes much of his longevity and success to people around him like mentors, his wife and his daughter.

Many of his mentors, he says, come from the outdoor sports community. People like Kaj Bune, an outdoors photographer, have been instrumental in shaping him into the alpinist and activist he is today.

Zimmerman says Bune introduced him to the “100year plan” when he was 25 years old. This plan centers around the idea that he needs to be doing things that get him to age 100.

“He told me, ‘I want you to tone down the risk. Give yourself more opportunity to go try hard things because you’ll have more time to go to the mountains because you won’t get hurt or killed,” Zimmerman says.

Lindsey Halvorson, senior director of advocacy and campaigns at Protect Our Winters, is someone Zimmerman credits for helping him learn how to use his voice. POW is a nonprofit organization that focuses on protecting and advocating for the environment.

“I was going to amazing mountains all the time, but it ended up being quite hollow,” Zimmerman says. “I feel very fortunate that I was coached into how to build purpose into that… and leverage my platform that I built by going on those trips in order to make the world a better place.”

Anyone who gets the opportunity to sit and talk with Zimmerman will quickly realize that he is passionate about the work he does.

Neuroscientists say when people imagine things in their head, the brain cannot distinguish between what is real and what is imaginary.

I looked over at Zimmerman spacing out during his interview and wondered where he was transported when asked to describe what the mountains are like. The corners of his mouth would twist upward in a grin as he listed off what it was like.

“There is this really deep level of commitment and exertion and partnership that all come together to create this really magical experience. And then you’re in this just otherworldly realm of the world’s highest mountains,” Zimmerman says. “It’s pretty inhospitable, but of incredible elegance and beauty.”

And that elegance and beauty is now at risk because of climate change.

Zimmerman says he has noticed the change even here in Central Oregon with us now having a historically dry winter with low snowpack at Mt. Bachelor.

Now that he says he has grown into a more mature climber, Zimmerman says the goalposts for what he wants have moved. He now wants to lean into the fight to create a better world for the community and his daughter.

He considers the 100-year plan as a way for him to do that.

“I want to make sure that what I leave behind, what we leave behind, is something that we’re proud of,” Zimmerman says.

He still pushes himself hard when he traverses a mountain; he just makes sure to remember who is waiting for him back home.

“I have to do that in a way that makes sure I come home in one piece,” Zimmerman says. “That means being really specific about the objectives that I choose and who I go with, and making sure I bring enough snacks.”

TRAILBLAZER

HERO

Martinson has pioneered designs for drought-tolerant High-Desert landscapes across Bend

By Clayton Franke

Rick Martinson can summon the Latin name for almost any High Desert plant on a whim. Ask for the common name, and it may take him a few seconds to conjure up.

That’s because, in the world of native plants, common names are far less important.

Take genus Arcostaphylos, commonly known as manzanita. It’s the mid-sized tree or shrub with smooth, deep-red bark, brooked branches and green leaves. Dozens of manzanita species are found in Oregon, many with two or three common names. Arcostaphylos patula, a thinner shrub that needs little water and is specifically adapted to live in dry environments like the High Desert, has three common names: green manzanita, greenleaf manzanita and buckbrush.

That’s the one Martinson grows at his seven-and-ahalf-acre native plant Winter Creek Nursery northeast of Bend. Among rows of greenhouses and demonstration gardens, Martinson and his staff at the High Desert Horticulturual Center are growing more than 200 plant species, all of them specifically adapted to live in arid High Desert environments, and nearly all of them native to Central or Eastern Oregon. Martinson has propagated many of the plants from cuttings or seeds he collected on hikes exploring some of his favorite landscapes.

The mission, Martinson said, is to increase the awareness and appreciation of native plants, those adapted for Central Oregon’s arid climate. Specifically, the horticultural center is a resource for people or businesses who want to create thriving native plant landscapes on their properties. That not only helps conserve the species that have lived here thousands of years, but it unlocks the benefits they bring, like water conservation and habitat for pollinators, Martinson said.

“A lot of these species take very little to no water,” Martinson said in an interview. “One of our biggest

issues is people tend to overwater them, and that will kill them.”

The City of Bend aims to reduce community-wide water use by nearly 8 billion gallons by 2040. To help reach the goal, the City has required native or drought-tolerant plants in planter strips in new developments and created an incentive program for people to rip out their lawns in lieu of native landscaping.

“Our strategy is to help people use water more efficiently, the water that we have, so we don’t have to find new water,” said Dan Denning, water conservation program manager with the City. “Incorporating native plants into our landscape is really a sensible strategy.”

Plant sales at Martinson’s nursery help fund the nonprofit, which puts on tours, demonstrations and other educational programs focused on native plants. The nursery has been around for more than 30 years. Up until a few years ago, Martinson also ran Winter Creek Landscaping, a company that built native plant landscapes.

In many ways, it was about blending art and science, Martinson said.

“We try to match the ecology with the site and meet that aesthetic objective, which is really a unique way to deal with native species and landscape design and construction,” he said.

That approach has come to life across Bend. In 2007, the CEO of Moda Health hired Martinson to plant a native garden on the roof of its former headquarters building in the Old Mill District. The project, one of the first of its kind, won awards for its design. Before that, Martinson helped design about 10 acres of native landscaping at the Safeway on Century Drive. According to Martinson, his proposed design didn’t fit with the City’s landscaping code at the time, but the City approved it anyway, and it became a model for future projects.

Modeling landscapes is also part of Martinson’s work at the Winter Creek Nursery off Deschutes Market Road. Along with seven greenhouses, he has multiple demonstration gardens. One is bursting with cacti like Prickly Pear and Black Spine Pedio Cactus. In another, blue bunch wheatgrass and fringed sage grow from crevasses in a rock outcropping where small grey lizards bask in the sun.

“We get a lot of people that say, ‘I just have really rocky areas, I can’t grow anything,’” Martinson said. “This is a really rocky ridge, and we’re planting with species that are adapted to really rocky ridges.”

Even the smallest nuances in topography can make a difference.

Once, Martinson and an ecologist friend were hiking on Hart Mountain, a wildlife refuge in the Great Basin about 200 miles southeast of Bend. They noticed a higher diversity of plant species in areas where cows had grazed. The reason? Hoof prints. The slight depressions in the soil created just enough moisture and shade for tiny plants to grow.

Ancestral Puebloans used in the Southwestern U.S. used the technique for growing beans and corn in “waffle gardens” on High Desert mesas thousands of years ago, said Martinson, who’s also a former archaeologist.

Still, the Oregon Landscape Contractors Board, which regulates landscape design, hasn’t recognized it. Instead, the state’s official landscaping guidelines require contractors to anchor roots three inches above soil grade, a technique for shedding excess water in wet environments west of the Cascades.

Other than educating the public, one of Martinson’s long-term goals is to lobby the legislature to create landscaping guidelines that are applicable to desert environments east of the Cascades.

SOURCE PICKS

TEEN OPEN MIC NIGHT

SPRING TEEN LIVE PERFORMANCES

Registration required for all performers. This workshop is intended for ages 13-18. Snacks provided. Share music, poetry, comedy, dance, or any other talent on a supportive stage! 5-7pm at Open Space Event Studios. 220 NE Lafayette Ave, Bend. Free.

INK & INSIGHTS SPEAKER SERIES

INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE, INFLUENTIAL STORIES

A Speaker Series where local stories meet global ideas-a conversation with Central Oregon Earth Heroes. 6:30-8pm at Roundabout Books. 900 Northwest Mount Washington Drive #110, Bend. $10.

FRIDAY 04/17

BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR

FILM FUN

This event features a thrilling series of films about extreme mountain climbing, biking, skiing & skateboarding adventures. Each night features different films. It's a benefit for Realms schools. 7pm at Tower Theatre. 835 NW Wall St, Bend. $38.

THE RUSTY FRETS

REGGAE FROM THE CASCADES

The Rusty Frets is a rising American reggae band from Bend, blending positive, dance-driven reggae with a Pacific Northwest edge. Formed in 2023, the band quickly gained momentum with charting singles like “Tide Keeps Rising,” “No One,” and “Swervy,” earning spots on the iTunes Reggae Top 100. 8-10pm at Commonwealth Pub. 30 SW Century Dr #100, Bend. Free.

THE COMEDY ROAST OF FREDRIK RYDLUN

FRIDAY ROAST

Celebrate Bend’s oldest working comedian the only way possible… with ruthless jokes and light elder abuse that he's looking forward to. One night of brutal roasts, wild stories, and historic burns! If he survived 86 years, he can survive this… probably. 7-9pm at Craft & Kitchen Brewery. 62988 Layton Ave STE 103, Bend. $15.

JUST ROLL WITH IT – 4/20 THEMED COMEDY

SMOKIN' HOT COMEDY

The 3rd Annual Just Roll With It Comedy Show features Gina Marie Christopher, Fredo, & PDX's Robby Sherman at The Capitol in Downtown Bend. $15 Online - $20 Same Day. $5 Footlongs by Subway! Local Prizes & fundraising for The Alzheimer's Foundation. 7-9pm at the Capitol. 190 NW Oregon Ave, Bend. $15-$75.

SUNDAY

ROCK TO THE RESCUE – BENEFIT CONCERT

MUSIC FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Redmond native Jess Siler was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma late in 2025. Since then, she has been out of work all the while dealing with the terrible symptoms and medical treatment of this disease. This benefit event is meant to defray these expenses. 1-3pm at Faith, Hope & Charity Vineyards. 70450 NW Lower Valley Dr, Terrebonne. $20.

TUESDAY 04/21

ECHO CHAMBER

MID-WEEK INTERLUDE

Echo Chamber is an energetic band that blends classic rock, grunge, alternative, and indie rock to create an unforgettable sound, with a punk ideology and stage presence you can’t look away from. Echo Chamber will make you fall in love with rock 'n' roll all over again. 6:30-9pm at Silver Moon Brewing. 24 NW Greenwood Ave, Bend. $12.

WEDNESDAY 04/22

AN EVENING WITH MATISYAHU

TRULY UNIQUE MUSIC EXPERIENCE

Matisyahu comes to Bend as a part of his spring tour. His unique music style is said to have no specific genre. His music features themes of hope, fatherhood and Jewish faith. 8pm at Midtown Ballroom. 51 NW Greenwood Ave, Bend. Prices vary.

S SOUND Mastersingers Mark 20 Years with Landmark Concert at Tower Theatre

Anniversary performance blends reunion, reflection, and a forward-looking vision for Central

Oregon’s choral scene

By Wally Hofmann

The Central Oregon Mastersingers will celebrate two decades of music, collaboration, and community with a special anniversary concert, “We Are the Music Makers,” on Saturday, April 25, at 7PM. at Bend’s Tower Theatre. The performance, under the direction of Artistic Director and Conductor Christian Clark, closes the ensemble’s 20th season with a program designed not only to honor its past, but also to point toward its future.

Founded in 2005, the Mastersingers have become one of Central Oregon’s premier choral ensembles, known for polished performances, ambitious programming, and a commitment to connecting with audiences across the region. The upcoming concert reflects that legacy, bringing together current singers and alumni, while honoring founding director Clyde Thompson for an evening that doubles as both a musical showcase and a reunion.

At the center of the program is Illuminare, a contemporary choral work by composer Elaine Hagenberg. Performed with orchestra, the piece explores themes of light, hope, and renewal—an apt choice for an anniversary concert marking both longevity and continued growth. The work’s sweeping choral lines and rich orchestration have made it a favorite among modern choirs, and it promises to be a highlight of the evening.

In addition to Illuminare, the concert will revisit selections from the ensemble’s past repertoire—pieces that helped define the Mastersingers’ identity over the last 20 years. For longtime audience members, the program offers a sense of continuity and nostalgia; for newcomers, it provides a curated introduction to the group’s artistic range.

Alongside the featured work, the program will also revisit highlights from the ensemble’s past répertoire. Selections include “We Are the Music Makers,” “Wildflowers” (written by Tom Petty, with the arrangement by Chanticleer Music Director Tim Keeler, whose group is collaborating with the Mastersingers at the Tower Theatre on April 14), “Shenandoah,” “Let My Love Be Heard,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water/You’ve Got a Friend” (written by Paul Simon and Carole King), and “The Road Home.” Each piece reflects the artistic choices that have defined the Mastersingers’ sound over the past two decades. For longtime supporters, these works offer a sense of nostalgia and reflection, while for new listeners,

they provide a well-rounded introduction to the ensemble’s versatility. The program will also feature a special premiere: “Northern Flicker,” composed by Moria Smiley in celebration of the Mastersingers’ 20th anniversary.

“This concert is about honoring where we’ve been while embracing where we’re going,” said Clark, who has led the ensemble since 2017. “Whether you’ve fol lowed us for years or are hearing us for the first time, it’s meant to be an inspiring and welcoming experience.”

Clark’s tenure has seen the Mastersingers expand both artistically and geo graphically. Under his leadership, the group has continued to explore a wide range of musical styles, from classical masterworks to contemporary compositions and cross-genre collaborations. The ensemble’s reputation has grown beyond Central Oregon, with invitations to perform on prestigious stages both nationally and internationally.

with a handful of singers—Virlene Arnold, Bevalee Runner, and Steve Runner—after an early performance to discuss next steps. With organizational support from his wife, Jo Ann, the idea quickly evolved into a structured ensemble.

“It really started as a kind of cottage industry,” Thompson said. “But there was so much enthusiasm and talent that it grew almost immediately.”

Over the next decade, Thompson guided the Mastersingers through a period of rapid development, building a reputation for excellence and ambitious programming. His background as a composer and educator informed the group’s approach, emphasizing both technical precision and expressive depth.

Despite its growth and accomplishments, the Mastersingers has remained rooted in community engagement. The ensemble regularly offers free concerts and participates in outreach programs aimed at making choral music accessible to broader audiences. Educational initiatives and partnerships with local schools and organizations have further strengthened those ties.

Conductor Clark, who also serves as director of music at Trinity Episcopal Church in Bend and teaches at Redmond Proficiency Academy, said that community connection remains central to the group’s mission.

“Music has the power to bring people together in a way that few other things can,” he said. “That sense of connection is at the heart of what we do.”

Looking ahead, Clark sees continued opportunities for growth and innovation. As Central Oregon’s population expands, so too does its artistic landscape, creating new possibilities for collaboration and audience engagement.

Most recently, members of the Mastersingers performed Johannes Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem at Carnegie Hall in New York City and at the Berlin Philharmonie in Germany as part of the New England Symphonic Ensemble. In 2024, the group traveled to Italy, performing concerts in Sorrento and Rome and singing mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican—milestones that underscore how far the ensemble has come from its modest beginnings.

Those beginnings trace back to a moment of transition in founder Thompson’s career. After retiring early from directing choirs at Central Oregon Community College in 2004, Thompson found himself with the time and motivation to pursue a long-held vision.

“I wanted to create a group that could perform at the highest level possible with the talent we had here,” Thompson recalled in a recent interview. Drawing on connections with skilled local singers, many of whom he had worked with previously, Thompson assembled what would become the core of the Mastersingers.

The group took shape informally at first. Thompson remembers sitting down

Thompson’s own career spans more than 50 years and includes roles as a teacher, conductor, performer, and composer. He has taught at colleges in West Virginia, Illinois, and Oregon, and his compositions have been performed throughout the United States as well as in Europe and South America. His works have been published by several major music companies and he continues to remain active in Central Oregon’s musical community as a church choir director and member of the Sunriver Music Festival Board of Trustees.

Reflecting on his time with the Mastersingers, Thompson points to largescale performances as some of his most memorable experiences, including a 2012 performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the Sunriver Music Festival Orchestra.

“That was a real pinnacle, collaborating with a top-notch professional orchestra to perform that great work,” he said.

He also emphasized the collaborative spirit that has defined the ensemble. Over the years, the Mastersingers have partnered with a wide array of organizations, including the Sunriver Music Festival Orchestra, Cascade Chorale, Central Oregon Symphony, Youth Choir of Central Oregon, and Eugene Vocal Arts Ensemble.

For Thompson, that evolution is both gratifying and exciting. He notes that the region’s musical community has flourished over the past several decades, with increased opportunities for performers and audiences alike.

“Bend has grown so much,” he said. “There’s an incredible amount of musical activity here now, and the level of talent is remarkable.”

As for the name, “Mastersingers,” Thompson admits it was never meant to be permanent. “I meant that to be just a placeholder,” he said with a laugh. “But after 20 years, I think it’s safe to say it stuck.”

Saturday’s concert will bring that story full circle, uniting past and present members of the ensemble for a shared celebration. With a program that blends reflection and renewal, the event offers a fitting tribute to two decades of artistic achievement—and a promising glimpse of what lies ahead.

“We Are the Music Makers” Sat, Apr 25, at 7pm Tower Theatre 835 NW Wall St, Bend towertheatre.org/events/month $15-$35

CALENDAR

15 Wednesday

24 NW Greenwood Ave Cascadia

Comedy Presents: Derek Sheen Derek Sheen is a cuddly mess of insecurities, a human hug, and a one-of-a-kind storyteller. Sheen has amassed a loyal fanbase touring with Patton Oswalt, Janeane Garofalo and Brian Posehn, just to name a few. He has also released four albums of his stand-up on Minneapolis-based Stand Up! Records with Grammy-winning producer, Dan Schlissel. 7:30-9pm. $17.59.

Café des Chutes Abbey Blackwell and Keeley Boyle Primarily known as a bassist for groups like Grammy-nominated band Alvvays and Seattle surfers La Luz, Abbey Blackwell is sharing solo work described as “a lovely slice of folky indie rock with a lush atmosphere and just a little ragged edge.” 5:30-9pm. Free/Donations accepted.

Cafe des Chutes Nick Rogstad / Abbey Blackwell / Keeley Boyle Abbey Blackwell (Alvvays, La Luz) and Keeley Boyle will be touring down the coast and will be performing with local songster Nick Rogstad for an evening of songs and acoustic music. 5:30-8pm. $5-$15 Suggested Donation.

The Coyote Free Line Dance Lessons Free beginner-friendly line dance lessons with instructor Alex Reininger. Learn two fun dances in one hour—no experience needed! 7-8pm. 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. 7:30-9pm. Free.

Dogwood At The Pine Shed Tropical Latin Dance Party Tropical Latin Dance Party at Dogwood is the place to be every third Wednesday of the month! This is a night of sizzling rhythms and spicy moves at Dogwood at The Pine Shed. Get ready to dance the night away to the hottest Latin beats by DJ SOLO. 7-10pm. Free.

Hosmer Bar Trivia Night Brainy banter and cold drinks! Whether one is a seasoned quiz champ or just in it for the laughs, gather the crew and test everyone’s knowledge! 7-9pm. Free.

JC’s Bar & Grill Wing-SKEY Wednesday + Trivia Enjoy $0.75 wings, cheap whiskey and drink deals. Trivia with the infamous “physical” challenge (think musical chairs, limbo, paper airplanes, etc.) kicks off at 7pm. 7pm. Free.

Northside Bar & Grill Mellow Wednesday Open Mic Night Come down for our Open Mic Night hosted by Derek Michael Marc!!! Sign up at 530pm to get a spot to play! 5:30-8pm. Free. Ponch’s Place Bingo Wednesday Come out for bingo! 5:30-7pm. Free.

Portello Lounge Music Bingo Music Bingo is hosted by the always entertaining Rachel Fishman, who keeps the crowd singing and laughing all night! It’s the perfect bonus to a night out enjoying great food, drinks and good company at Portello! 6:30-8:30pm. Free.

Tower Theatre Tommy Emmanuel Tommy Emmanuel has a Grammy Award, multiple ARIA Awards and countless accolades, but nothing means more than the three letters Chet Atkins designated at the end of Tommy’s name: C.G.P. The title of Certified Guitar Player was the highest honor Atkins could bestow on another player. 7:30pm. $50.

LIVE MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

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16 Thursday

Bunk+Brew Karaoke Thursdays All voices are welcome. Food carts available all evening! Located in the Historic Lucas House Living Room for winter. 7-10pm. Free.

The Coyote Free Hip-Hop Line Dance Lessons Free beginner-friendly hip-hop line dance lessons every Thursday with instructor Alex Reininger. Learn two fun dances in one hour—no experience needed! Event features a spacious dance floor, full bar, mocktails, great food, TVs, and pool tables. 7-8pm. Free.

Hosmer Bar Bingo Night Your week just found its highlight—bingo! Drinks, good company and a little friendly competition. 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.

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

River’s Place Cheyenne West Duo A country girl with a serious country rockin issue! 6-8pm. Free.

SCP Redmond Hotel Third Thursday Spoken Word Night Step up to the mic for a spoken word night the third Thursday of the month. All writers and readers and word-lovers invited to attend and read. Readers are invited to arrive early to sign up. Readers have seven minutes at the mic. Food and drink are available for purchase. 6-8pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Bigfoot County Local band Bigfoot County is a blues-rock and country band known for their soulful takes on classic tunes. Mixing the grit of old school Allman Brothers with the swagger of Waylon Jennings, this dueling guitar band brings high energy and a rippin’ good time to every show. 7-10pm. $12.24.

The Open Arts Center Teen Open Mic Night at the OAC Registration required for all performers. This workshop is intended for ages 13-18. Snacks provided. Share your music, poetry, comedy, dance, or any other talent on a supportive stage! 5-7pm. Free.

The Winery at Manzanita- Bend Vino & Vibes Enjoy an evening of wine and Local community grooves every Thursday. Local singers and song writers welcome. 5-7pm. Free.

Worthy Brewing - Main Pub and Brewery

Winter Mics: Comedy Open Mic Jane Doe Comedy presents a (mostly) monthly open mic at Worthy Brewing’s Eastside location. Enjoy fresh jokes from pros, cheer on first-timers, and drink tasty brews. For comics, this is a practice space as well as an opportunity to get booked for paid “We’re Not Worthy” shows. See you there! 6:30-8:45pm. Free.

17 Friday

The Astro Lounge Live local sounds with assorted DJs. Live local sounds from different artists every Friday and Saturday. 10pm-2am. Weekend cover charge.

Bunk+Brew Apres Ski Nights Après Ski Nights are heating up at Bunk + Brew! Join us every 1st & 3rd Friday when the mountain closes for DJ Briantology, bonfires, and cozy vibes. Show your mountain pass for free sauna sessions and exclusive drink discounts. Alebrije will be open for food, your after slope destination! Third Friday of every month, 5-8pm. Free.

The Commonwealth Pub The Rusty Frets The Rusty Frets are a rising American reggae band from Bend, Oregon, blending positive, dance-driven reggae with a Pacific Northwest edge. Formed in 2023, the band quickly gained momentum with charting singles like “Tide Keeps Rising,” “No One,” and “Swervy,” earning spots on the iTunes Reggae Top 100. 8-10pm. Free.

Craft Kitchen & Brewery The Comedy Roast of Fredrik Rydlun Celebrate Bend’s oldest working comedian the only way possible… with ruthless jokes and light elder abuse that he’s looking forward to. One night of brutal roasts, wild stories, and historic burns! If he survived 86 years, he can survive this… probably. 7-9pm. $15.

The Domino Room Curtis Salgado “Legacy Rewind: Live in ‘25” album release show Award-winning vocalist, instrumentalist and songwriter Curtis Salgado is revered worldwide for his ability to wring every ounce of soul out of every song he performs. Salgado is famed not only for his powerhouse live shows and eleven albums, but also for his passionate and insightful original songs. 8-11pm. $35.87.

Faith, Hope & Charity Vineyards Live at the Vineyard: Cover City Get ready to dance, sing, and groove all night long with Cover City – a powerhouse band delivering high-energy, feelgood music that keeps the crowd moving! Cover City transforms every show into a non-stop celebration. 5-8pm. $20.

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.

Pangaea Guild Hall Speakeasy Nights

Pangea Guild Hall is holding a secret speakeasy with an evening of live entertainment and classic cocktails. Something new to discover every week! 6-9pm. Pay what you can.

Volcanic Theatre Pub Parties of Progress A fundraiser event to support the relocation of transfolx out of Kansas. Event organizers are brining three of the best DJs in bend Timothy Bee, Cliche and Lunallday. 8pm. $20.59.

18 Saturday

The Capitol Just Roll With It - 4/20

Themed Comedy Event The 3rd Annual Just Roll With It Comedy Show features Gina Marie Christopher, Fredo, & PDX’s Robby Sherman at The Capitol in Downtown Bend. $15 Online - $20 Same Day. $5 Footlongs by Subway! Local Prizes & fundraising for The Alzheimer’s Foundation. 7-9pm. $15-$75.

The Commons Cafe & Taproom Ian George & the Knee Pockets | Mustang County Boxing Jamboree Two bands. 6:30 doors, 7:00 show, $15 tickets, standing room only : ) Folk, rock, pysch, country, warbly... * We allow a good time here “Ian George : Weirdly beautiful and a gorgeous voice.” -NPR 6:30-10:30pm. $15.

The Commonwealth Pub Heller Highwater Heller Highwater is a five piece dance band with roots in R&B and Classic Rock. Where ever Heller is playing there is a party going on. Based out of Bend, Oregon, Heller Highwater creates a vibe that audiences of all ages can move to. 8-10pm. Free.

Craft Kitchen & Brewery Rev & Random Comedy Show Rev and Random is a fast paced unique showcase for artists of many mediums and most of all it’s a darn good time. With live music and custom games played with performers that the audience chimes in on; it’s a beautiful way to laugh cares away! 7:30-9:30pm. $15.

Faith, Hope & Charity Vineyards Live at the Vineyard: John Hoover & The Mighty Quinns This is the night for those who love John Denver! Playing guitars, mandolin, percussion and bass, the Quinns present a fully energized performance evocative of Denver’s live concerts. 5-8pm. $22.

River’s Place Saturday Jazz Sessions Brandon Campbell Trio is performing Gypsy Jazz live at River’s Place. 6-8pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Baz Moto Baz Moto is a high-energy cover band rocking your favorite hits & deep cuts through the decades to today! 7-10pm.$12.24

Silver Moon Brewing SWITCHBACK The event will uniquely cover classic & alternative rock from the 60’s thru the 90’s, spotlighting some favorite female singers and bands. 7-10pm.$12.24

The Barrel Room at Upp Liquids Enchanted 2: ‘Awaken’ Spring Fashion Soiree w/ EOE Springtime fashion show and dance party featuring local designers Ara Star Designs, Dre’s Creations, OH Designs, Chimera Alchemy and more! Music will be by EOE, N8TURE, LYFE, [fame], Chauncy, GAINON, Cryptid, ALATIN and ROMZ. The event also features vendors, raffles, LED performances. This is a 21 and over event. 7pm-2am. $20.

Volcanic Theatre Pub SkiiTour Supported by Don Fuego. 21+. 8pm. $27.

19 Sunday

The Commonwealth Pub Double Trouble Trivia Double Trouble Trivia! 5 rounds per nightsometimes themed, sometimes a variety of themes… always fun. Features the “Double Trouble” final round that allows teams who are behind a chance to catch up. Free to Play, Prizes to Win. Instagram @doubletroubletrivia. 6:30-8pm. Free.

Dogwood At The Pine Shed Okay Karaoke Sing your favorite songs with friends, enjoy professional sound and lighting, and let the spotlight shine on you. Hosted by the dynamic Tammy Larsen, it’s the perfect night out for music lovers and party people alike. Noon-11pm. Free.

Faith, Hope & Charity Vineyards

Rock to the Rescue - Benefit Concert Redmond native, Jess Siler, was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma late in 2025. Since then, she has been out of work all the while dealing with the terrible symptoms and medical treatment of this disease. This benefit event is meant to defray these expenses. 1-3pm. $20.

Initiative Brewing - The Hub Trivia Sunday with UKB Trivia at Initiative Brewing/ The Hub in Redmond Not too early, not too late! Team up to win prizes, or for the fun of it. No fee to play! This is no ordinary trivia quiz, it’s Useless Knowledge Bowl! Enjoy fantastic food and brews. Bring good vibes and a pen if possible. 4-6pm. Free.

River’s Place Trivia Gather the team for this friendly battle of the minds hosted by Useless Knowledge Bowl. Free to play & prizes to win! Check out the Mimosa menu! Noon-2pm. Free.

River’s Place Ghost of Brian Craig Ghost of Brian Craig plays with a unique and captivating acoustic sound, using a looping pedal, harmonica, backing tracks and skillful acoustic guitar playing. 5-7pm. Free.

Tower Theatre Reelin’ in the Years - A Steely Dan Celebration Major Dudes is Bend’s premier Steely Dan tribute, a group of seasoned local musicians united by a shared obsession: The immaculate grooves, razor-sharp arrangements, and sly storytelling of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker... With a deep respect for the Dan’s studio perfectionism! 7:30-10pm. $36.75.

20 Monday

Cheba Hut 420 Fest Concert at Cheba Hut Come get down with DuBd Central and Bend Fire Artists! Drink specials and tons of fun to be had! 7-9pm. Free.

M&J Tavern Vinyl Night Monday Night just got better!!! 9pm to Midnight. SupaFly will be your Dj. Bring your own vinyl and sign up to add it to the Playlist or pick from hers. . 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.

Silvermoon Brewing Bluegrass Collective

Mondays The Bluegrass collective is an event for intermediate to advanced players to perform their favorite bluegrass songs. Experienced players encouraged to join and share the stage. 6-8pm. Free.

21 Tuesday

The Astro Lounge Tuesdays Trivia and Karaoke The longest running trivia show in Central Oregon. Matt and Mark bring the buzz. This is a bring your own food event. We have a small fryer menu but supporting other restaurants is encouraged. We will follow with karaoke with Christina at 9pm till close. 7:30-9pm. Free.

Beach Hut Deli Tip of the Tongue Trivia Tip of the Tongue trivia is the right event for those who want to test their knowledge and try for a chance to win some great prizes! 6-8pm. Free.

The Capitol Karaoke Drink specials! Air guitars! People should definitely check this out for themselves. 8pm-1am. Free.

The Cellar Open Mic Open Mic is hosted by Mari of the band, Mari & The Dream! This is an intimate night of sharing music in a welcoming environment and supportive community. 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.

Elements Public House Trivia (&Taco) Tuesdays Quiz fans of Redmond: bring the crew this week for UKB live trivia & more! Delicious menu favorites, brews, cocktails, plus Taco Tuesday menu! Players will compete for gift card prizes or play just for fun. Bring good vibes and a pen. 6:30pm. Free.

Initiative Brewing - The Hub Bingo at Initiative in Redmond! Randy is hosting Central Oregon’s “semi-pro” bingo legend, for a fun night with real cash prizes on the line. Great food, cold drinks, and a good time—all while supporting the Redmond Senior Center. Bring cash. Bring friends. Bring a game face! 5:30-7:30pm. Free.

M&J Tavern Karaoke Sign-ups start at 8pm! 8pm-1:15am. Free.

Mountain Burger Trivia Tuesdays Trivia Tuesday at Mountain Burger! Free to play! Prizes & fun every Tuesday! 7:30-9pm. Free.

River’s Place Wildlife Bingo Win cash prizes and support our organization and mission to help inspire the high desert community to care for and protect native wildlife through education, conservation, rescue and rehabilitation! 6-8pm. Prices vary.

River’s Place Bingo! Have fun, win $$ and help out a local non profit organization Cards $1$5 6-8pm. $1-$5.

Silver Moon Brewing Echo Chamber Echo Chamber is an energetic band that blends classic rock, grunge, alternative, and indie rock to create an unforgettable sound, with a punk ideology and stage presence you can’t look away from. Echo Chamber will make you fall in love with rock n’ roll all over again. 6:30-9pm. $12

The Glow Pad Bend Ecstatic Dance A weekly free-form dance and movement space with live Dj’s and setlist curators who craft music journeys which inspire embodied explorations. Open to everyone 12+. Non-alcoholic. Not a class, no steps to learn, conversation-free and shoe-free dance floor. 7:30-9:30pm. $20.

Volcanic Theatre Pub Karaoke Karaoke in the pub of VTP! Every Tuesday, 7pm - late 7pm. Free.

22 Wednesday

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 people smiling and moving to tunes they know while discovering new favorites! 7:30-9:30pm. Free.

The Astro Lounge Karaoke with Christina Karaoke with Christina. Karafun catalog gives one thousands of songs to sing to. Great sound system and brand new wireless mics. Drink specials during the event. 9pm-1am. Free.

The Capitol Karaoke Drink specials! Air guitars! People should definitely check this out for themselves. 8pm-1am. Free.

The Coyote Free Line Dance Lessons Free beginner-friendly line dance lessons with instructor Alex Reininger. Learn two fun dances in one hour—no experience needed! 7-8pm. 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. 7:30-9pm. Free.

Hosmer Bar Trivia Night Brainy banter and cold drinks! Whether one is a seasoned quiz champ or just in it for the laughs, gather the crew and test everyone’s knowledge! 7-9pm. Free.

JC’s Bar & Grill Wing-SKEY Wednesday + Trivia Enjoy $0.75 wings, cheap whiskey and drink deals. Trivia with the infamous “physical” challenge (think musical chairs, limbo, paper airplanes, etc.) kicks off at 7pm. 7pm. Free.

Midtown Ballroom An Evening with MATISYAHU Matisyahu comes to Bend as a part of his spring tour. His unique music style is said to have no specific genre. His music features themes of hope, fatherhood and Jewish faith. 8pm. Prices vary.

Northside Bar & Grill Mellow Wednesday Open Mic Night Come down for our Open Mic Night hosted by Derek Michael Marc!!! Sign up at 5:30pm to get a spot to play! 5:30-8pm. Free.

Ponch’s Place Bingo Wednesday Come out for bingo! 5:30-7pm. Free.

Portello Lounge Music Bingo Music Bingo is hosted by the always entertaining Rachel Fishman, who keeps the crowd singing and laughing all night! It’s the perfect bonus to a night out enjoying great food, drinks and good company at Portello! 6:30-8:30pm. Free.

MUSIC

BYO Vinyl Night Guests are invited to bring favorite records to spin or simply enjoy an evening of curated tunes by other music connoisseurs. This community-focused event for music lovers welcomes all genres and offers the perfect soundtrack for a fun night out! Fridays, 5-8pm. Through April 24. Bevel Craft Brewing, 911 SE Armour St., Bend. Contact: 541-972-3835. holla@bevelbeer.com. Free.

Circle of Voices Circle of Voices is an intimate cultural gathering featuring a Ukrainian women’s folklore trio performing songs followed by an artist reception with food and drinks. This event invites connection, storytelling, and shared experience. April 19, 3:30-5:30pm. Hanai Foundation, 62430 Eagle Road, Bend. Contact: 202-716-9602. milashelehoff@gmail.com. $80.

Music in Public Places Gathering members will enjoy an hour of music as part of A Novel Idea. The Dove String Quartet is comprised of musicians from the Central Oregon Symphony, including Sarah Ruzucka and Meg Clithero on violin, Leslie Knight on viola, and Travis Allen on cello. April 18, 2-3pm. La Pine Library, 16425 1st St, La Pine. Contact: 54-312-1032. lizg@ deschuteslibrary.org. Free.

Music Masters, Masterclass and Community Concert The community will enjoy a full day celebrating brass music with a 10:00 AM brass masterclass and a 7:00 PM evening concert, featuring the 27th St. Brass Quintet and the distinguished Oregon Brass Quintet. This event is free and open to the public. April 18, 10-11am and 7-9pm. COCC Campus Center - Wille Hall, 2600 College Way, Bend. Contact: 541-317-3941. info@cosymphony.com. Free.

DANCE

Adult Ballet Class Come learn or rediscover the art of ballet on Tuesday nights! Adult Ballet is an open-level class for adult learners and dancers. Tuesdays, 12:30-1:30 and 6:45-7:45pm. Acadamie De Ballet Classique, 1900 NE 3rd St #104, Bend. Contact: 541-382-4055. dance@ abcbend.com. Price varies.

Adult Jazz Dance Community Class 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.

Argentine Tango: 6-Week Beginners Series Curious about Argentine Tango? Tango in Bend is holding its 6 week beginner series every Wednesday from April 1st-May 6th. Each week will focus on foundational elements to help people build skills and awareness to create a unique dance experience based on connection, musicality and expression. No partner is needed! Wednesdays, 6:30-8pm. Through May 6. Sons of Norway Hall, 549 NW Harmon Blvd., Bend. Contact: 818-207-1363. info@tangoinbend.com. $75.

Central Oregon School of Ballet: Giselle The story of this show follows Giselle, a gentle village girl who falls deeply in love with a young man she believes to be a simple peasant. When his deception is revealed, the heartbreak proves too much for her fragile heart. But death is not the end of Giselle’s story. April 18, 6-8pm and April 19, 2-4pm. Mountain View High School Auditorium, 2755 NE 27th St., Bend. Contact: 541-389-9306. centraloregonschoolofballet@ gmail.com. $15-40.

Lindy Hop Social Dance and Lessons

Take back your night life! A vintage swing dance turned contemporary global phenomenon. Danced to classic jazz standards, Lindy Hop is an energetic, athletic and goofy way to connect with a partner. Intro to Lindy Hop, (no experience needed) 6pm, Beyond Basics, (some experience needed) 6:30, Social Dance at 7:15 Sundays, 6-8:30pm. The Space, 63830 Clausen Rd, Bend. Contact: lindyhopcentral@gmail.com. $7-$12.

Lost and Found Bellydance Classes

Lost and Found Bellydance offers 6-week progressive sessions in improvisational bellydance, which covers foundational movements, formations and finger cymbals. Come join us in a fun and welcoming space--No experience necessary: this class is suitable for beginners. Studio C--upstairs; Entry door is on the right of the building Mondays, 7-8pm, Mondays, 7-8pm, Mondays, 7-8pm, Mondays, 7-8pm, Mondays, 7-8pm and Mondays, 7-8pm. Through June 29. Terpsichorean Dance Studio, 1601 NW Newport Ave, Bend. Contact: 541-420-5416. lostandfoundbellydance@gmail.com. $75.

Partner & Line Dance Lessons at The Coyote Join us Wednesdays at The Coyote in downtown Bend! Partner dance lessons 6–7 p.m. with Seth and McKenna, line dance lessons 7–8 p.m. with Alex. No partner or experience needed—come solo and connect. Enjoy great energy, a spacious dance floor, food, drinks, mocktails, pool tables, TVs, and a welcoming atmosphere. Wednesdays, 6-8pm. The Coyote, 910 NW Harriman St., Bend. Contact: mindfulmotionmentor@ gmail.com. Free.

Salsa Dance Classes - Beginner Level

This class if perfect for all, whether one has two left feet or is looking to brush up dance moves. Their experienced instructors will guide one through the basic steps and rhythms of salsa dancing in a fun and supportive environment. Tuesdays, 7:30-8:30pm. Through April 28. Foundation Health And Fitness, 1105 SE Centennial St, Bend. Contact: 541-325-6676. latindancebend@ gmail.com. $15.

Salsa Dance Classes - Intermediate Level

This event is perfect for those who are looking to level-up their salsa skills. Whether one is looking to improve their footwork or spice up their moves, these classes are perfect for dancers looking to enhance their salsa abilities. Get ready to groove to the rhythm and meet fellow dance enthusiasts. Tuesdays, 8:45-9:45pm. Through April 28. Foundation Health & Fitness, 1105 SE Centennial St., Bend. Contact: 541-3256676. latindancebend@gmail.com. $15.

Salsa Styling and Footwork - All Dancers, All Levels Learn how to add your own personal style and flair to your Latin dancing. The first two weeks will focus on body movements, arm variations, and turn techniques. The second two weeks participants will learn individual footwork (shines), and then put everything together in shines combinations. Thursdays, 7:45-8:45pm. Through April 30. Foundation Health And Fitness, 1105 SE Centennial St, Bend. Contact: 510-866-7434. bailawithberklee@ gmail.com. $15.

Tango in Bend Learn and dance Argentine Tango. Whether a beginner or an experienced dancer, the community welcomes all. First class is free! 6:30 - Intermediate Class. 7:15 - Beginners Class. 8:30 - Practice for all. Wednesdays, 6:30-9:30pm. Sons of Norway Hall, 549 NW Harmon Blvd., Bend. Contact: 818-207-1363. info@tangoinbend.com. $10 class & practice, $5 practice only.

FILM EVENTS

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour This event features a thrilling series of films about extreme mountain climbing, biking, skiing & skateboarding adventures. Each night features different films. It’s a benefit for Realms schools. April 17, 7pm and April 18, 7pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend. $38.

ARTS + CRAFTS

The Art of Cheese Join a 3-hour guided art and cheese workshop at FREAK’N ART. Sample artisanal cheeses with cheese monger Teri Tith of TalkingCheese.com, then paint your favorite in acrylic using bold impasto techniques inspired by Floris van Dijck and Wayne Thiebaud. Ages 12+. All materials included. Limited to 10 artists. April 18, 1:30-4:30pm. FREAK’N ART, 1265 NW Wall st., Bend. Contact: 541-508-7438. HelloFreakNArt@gmail.com. $80.

Art Play Toddlers and preschoolers dive into process-based art through sensory stations, open-ended exploration, and hands-on creative play. Ages 2-5 Thursdays-Saturdays, 10-11am. Two Suns Art Studio + MakerSpace, 70 SW Century Drive, Bend. Contact: 541-892-6471. taylor@ twosunsartstudio.com. $25.

Bug Sculptures For Kids Participants will let their child’s imagination take flight in this fun, hands-on Bug Sculpture Workshop with Ms. Alyssa! During this 45-minute drop-off class, kids will design and create their own unique bug sculptures using a variety of playful materials and techniques. April 18, 11-11:45am. Teal Art & Lounge, 1024 NW Bond Street, Bend. Contact: 541-4807491. sarahanneswoffer@gmail.com. $65.

Crochet Café Fancy Nancy will be the host at Fancywork Yarn Shop. This 2-hour hook session is designed specifically to foster community among the crochet crew. All skill levels are welcome in this weekly drop-in event. Thursdays, 1-3pm. Fancywork Yarn Shop, 200 NE Greenwood Avenue, Bend. Contact: 541-323-8686. hello@fancywork.com. Free.

Date Night Weld Together This is the perfect date night that’s hands-on, memorable, and a little out of the ordinary. This class is all about trying something new together while learning real welding skills in a supportive, beginner-friendly environment. April 15, 6-8pm. DIY Cave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 541-388-2283. classes@diycave.com. $99.

Earth Day Upcycle Workshop and Trivia Celebrate Earth Day with fun information and trivia games with prizes and snacks. learn how to help pollinators by planting native flowers, bushes and trees here in Central Oregon. The group will be upcycling bottle caps and tabs into lawn art for Beeautiful Yard Awards. April 22, 5-7pm. Wondery Art + Adventure School, 19570 Amber Meadow Dr Suite 110, Bend. Contact: 434-6030301. Julie@wonderyschool.com. $65.

Found Poetry - Finding Poems Where You Least Expect Them! Found poems are the literary equivalent of visual collage. We’ll use generative techniques anyone can learn that free the mind and invigorate creativity through experimentation. Imaginative leaps abound when spontaneity replaces compliance to rules. No writing or art experience necessary. Open to all! April 16, 6-8pm. The Open Arts Center, 999 NE 2nd St, Bend, OR 97701, Bend. Contact: 971-2416225. maija@theopenartscenter.org. $30.

Free Teen Open Art Hours Teens ages 13-18 are welcome to join every Tuesday & Thursday between 3pm-7pm for Free Open Art Hours where they will have access to art supplies, musical instruments, a sewing station, and plenty of space for your creative projects with the support of creative mentors. Registration required. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 3-7pm. The Open Arts Center, 999 NE 2nd St, Bend, OR 97701, Bend. Contact: 978-771-4635. claire@theopenartscenter.org. Free.

A Glimpse of Bengal: Henna, Face Painting, and More This is an event for people all ages from four and up. Registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are allowed. Children under 10 must be accompanied by a caregiver. This is a celebration for the arts and crafts of West Bengal, India, with Culture Bearer Sushmita Poddar. April 19, 1-3pm. The Open Arts Center, 999 NE 2nd St, Bend, OR 97701, Bend. Contact: 541-312-1062. elsah@deschuteslibrary.og. Free.

Interpreting the Landscape: Paintings and Photographs Karen Maier and Janet Frost are sharing two different visions of the landscape through their photographs and oil paintings at Premiere Property Group through the month of April. Both artists will be available during First Friday, April 3, 5-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 9am-5pm. Through April 30. Premiere Property Group, 25 NW Minnesota Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-241-6860. Free.

Open Art Nights Bring your art supplies and make art with your new creative community! No registration required, just show up with an open mind and willingness to create and connect. 18+. Questions? Email brian@theopenartscenter. org Tuesdays, 6-9pm. The Open Arts Center, 999 NE 2nd Street, Bend. Contact: 978-771-4635. brian@theopenartscenter.org. Free.

Paint and Sip at Teal Tea & Art Lounge Looking for a laid-back night out? A friendly local artist, is hosting some painting and sipping fun! No pressure, just good vibes and a relaxed atmosphere. This event is two hours with a 11”x14” canvas, all the supplies you need and a guided tutorial provided. April 21, 6-8pm. Teal Tea & Art Lounge, 1024 NW Bond St. Ste101, Bend. Contact: 805-801-8328. chalkedcreative@gmail.com. $48.

Paint Your Pet Night “Paint Your Pet as a Tarot Card” This a fundraising event for Brightside Animal Shelter at Pine & Prism Wellness Collective! Paint your Pet into a pre-stenciled 7x10 Tarot card with a holographic hand painted backside. SUBMIT YOUR PET PHOTOS & THEME/TITLE ON THIS GOOGLE FORM! https://forms.gle/KTbrKeBTzGQJ5ebC7 April 17, 5-7pm. Pine & Prism Wellness Collective, 856 NW Bond St., Suite 202, Bend. Contact: 541-7600723. Chelsea.childers95@gmail.com. $33.65.

Powerful Acetums and Oxymels as Herbal Medicine Participants will learn about the science behind vinegar infusions, including its ability to draw out both flavors and constituents from plant materials. The session will cover stepby-step instructions for making herbal vinegars at home! April 18, 2:30-4pm. The Peoples Apothecary, 1841 NE Division Street, Bend. Contact: 541-7282368. classes@thepeoplesapothecary.net. $35.

The Rush of the Cascades Barbara Hudler Cella is April’s featured artist at the Oxford Hotel. She will be there to share “Rush of the Cascades,” a show highlighting her paintings, on Friday, April 3 from 5-7 p.m. First Friday event will run through the end of April. April 3-30, 9am9pm. The Oxford Hotel, 10 Northwest Minnesota Avenue, Bend. Contact: 541-382-8436. Free.

Teen Trash Fashion Workshop with Rubbish Renewed The Open Arts Center is partnering with Rubbish Renewed to support two Trash Fashion Design Workshops in anticipation of their big Fashion Show. Participants can project and work alongside other teen designers with support from dedicated designers and mentors. Registration required. Wed, April 1, 3-6pm and Wed, April 15, 3-6pm. The Open Arts Center, 999 NE 2nd St, Bend, OR 97701, Bend. Contact: 978771-4635. claire@theopenartscenter.org. Free.

PRESENTATIONS + EXHIBITS

“My Father Created D.B. Cooper” A little more than 50 years ago D.B Cooper skyjacked a plane here in the Northwest, was given $200,000 in cash and four parachutes. He told the crew to set a course for Mexico City, but before the plane landed for refueling he jumped from the back of the plane. April 17, 5-6pm. Redmond Public Library, 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond. Contact: 541-312-1063. beccar@deschuteslibrary. org. Free.

“Seagulls” in Central Oregon? This entertaining, yet educational, program will answer all the questions about if seagulls can be found in the High Desert. The class will be held in classroom 3. April 19, 2-3pm. Larkspur Community Center, 1600 SE Reed Market Rd., Bend. Contact: 541-312-1029. laurelh@deschuteslibrary.org. Free.

250 in the West: Public Lands Historian, author and associate professor at Colorado State University Leisl Carr Childers will discuss the history of public lands from the American Revolution to today. April 15, 6-8pm. High Desert Museum, 59800 S. Highway 97, Bend. Contact: 541- 382-4754. info@highdesertmuseum.org. $8.

Boeing: Military & Commercial Aircraft Maker To The World This event shows a concise history of Boeing and the 2027 Supersonic Transport. During this hour-long presentation Jeffry Culver, Boeing retiree and docent at the Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington, will focus on The Boeing Company’s role in building aircraft first for the US Military, then for commercial use. April 20, 6-7pm. Redmond Public Library, 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond. Contact: 541-312-1032. lizg@ deschuteslibrary.org. Free.

THEATER

Into the Breeches! ETC presents George Brant’s Into the Breeches! Set in 1942, this comedy follows women who take over a theater during the war, launching an all-female Shakespeare season of resilience and community. April 18, 2-5pm. Sunriver Christian Fellowship, 18139 Cottonwood Road, Sunriver. $20 Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 “Bend’s Biggest Party” From Dave Malloy comes an electropop opera based on a scandalous slice of Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace. Fresh off Broadway, The Greenhouse stages this lofty and immersive production! Drama and wonderful music with 11 actors, 8 pit members, and all the delectible storytelling. Thursdays-Sundays, 7:30-10pm. Through May 2. The Greenhouse Cabaret, 1017 NE 2nd St., Bend. Contact: 541330-4086. info@thegreenhousecabaret.com. $20-$75.

WORDS

Author Mitali Perkins: Home is in Between Mitali Perkins, author of our Youth A Novel Idea 2026 selection, Hope in the Valley, will give an engaging presentation for all ages. Mitali will describe how her own experience of growing up between cultures empowered her for the rest of of her life. April 16, 4-5pm. Redmond Public Library, 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond. Contact: 541-312-1062. elsah@deschuteslibrary. og. Free.

The Craft of Writing Wednesdays Learn the technical nuts and bolts of creative writing one craft element at a time. Bring a notebook, pen/pencil, and an eagerness to learn. Open to fiction, nonfiction, memoir, essay, and experimental writers. Facilitated by Meghan Robins Teeter on behalf of the Open Arts Center, Bend’s home for creative community. Third Wednesday of every month, 7-8:30pm. The Open Arts Center, 999 NE 2nd St, Bend, OR 97701, Bend. Free.

Ink & Insights Speaker Series INK AND INSIGHTS: A Speaker Series where local stories meet global ideas-a conversation with Central Oregon Earth Heroes. Thursday, April 17th at 6:30, at Roundabout Books. April 16, 6:30-8pm. Roundabout Books, 900 NW Mount Washington Dr., #110, Bend. Contact: 541-3230964. support@layitoutfoundation.org. $10.

ETC.

Wednesday Night Rebuy Tournament 20-minute blind levels with a 10-minute break every hour. Register early to get our early bird bonus for an extra 1/3 starting stack! Unlimited rebuys for the first hour. Late registration ends at 7:10pm. Wednesdays, 6-11pm. Bend Poker Room, 917 NE Greenwood Ave, Bend. Contact: 541-508-9123. bendpokerrroom@gmail.com. $20.

OUTDOOR EVENTS

2026 Bend Salmon Run Celebrate the 38th Annual Salmon Run – One of Bend’s Oldest Races! Kick off the 2026 race season with this exciting Oregon tradition. Drawing inspiration from the iconic salmon of the Pacific Northwest, we welcome you to join hundreds of runners on their own journeys along the beautiful Deschutes River courses. With three distances: 5K, 10K and half marathon, we are prioritizing accessibility for all runners with affordable registration fees and early bird pricing for even deeper discounts. The perfect month for racing, April boasts cool temperatures in Central Oregon and blue bird sunny skies! April 18, 9am. Riverbend Park, 799 SW Columbia St., Bend. $45-$80.

Beginner Mountain Bike Ride | Ticket to ride trail This event is perfect for beginner mountain bikers who are warm and welcoming and want to make new friends. No drop ride. Bring a beverage for a hang afterwords. April 15, 5:15-7:30pm. Cascade Lakes Welcome Station, 18390 Century Drive, Bend. Contact: brianyounginoregon@gmail.com. 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. Free.

Earth Day Habitat Cleanup at Crooked River Park This is a celebration of Earth Day with Think Wild at the Crooked River Native Plant Stewardship Project! Volunteers will help remove invasive plants to create space for native wildflowers and shrubs, assist with general site maintenance, and learn about the restoration work happening at the site. April 22, 10am-1pm. Crooked River Park, Crooked River Park, S Main Street, Prineville. Contact: 541-316-0397. hannah@thinkwildco.org. Free.

Join the Pet Evacuation Team Board Serving residents and their animals with emergency evacuations and sheltering during disasters. PET is actively seeking compassionate, committed leaders to serve on the board. Every 7 days, 8am-6pm. Contact: 541-610-6628. deb.k@ petevacuationteam.com. Free.

Mustangs to the Rescue Seeking help with all aspects of horse care. No experience necessary. Mondays-Sundays, 9am-4:30pm. Mustangs to the Rescue, 21670 McGilvray Road, Bend. Contact: 541-330-8943. volunteer@mustangstotherescue.org. Free.

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.

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! Thursdays, 6-9pm. Crux Fermentation Project, 50 SW Division St., Bend. Contact: 425-354-8867. leifawiebe@ gmail.com. Free.

BUGS (Bend Ukulele Group Weekly ukulele jam, open to all levels. Jam and sing along. Free for first timers. Play and sing along with old song favorites and experience the fun of playing this amazing little instrument. Tuesdays, 6-8pm. Pickleball Zone, 63040 NE 18th St., Bend. Contact: 206-707-6337. sherilfoster@yahoo. com. $5.

COS Anti-Fascist Solidarity Protest

Central Oregon for socialism has been hosting a protest every Saturday 12-2pm at peace corner in Bend for over two years. Come on out and chat with our organizers about the community building opportunities COS offers April 18, Noon-2pm. Peace Corner, Corner of NW Greenwood Avenue and NW Wall Street, Bend. Free.

County Commissioner Candidates

Forum This is an opportunity for community members to engage with candidates and hear their positions on key issues. Candidates for County Commissioner Positions 1, 3, 4 and 5 will attend. Your questions for candidates may be emailed to questions@lwvdeschutes.org. April 20, 5:30-7:45pm. Deschutes Services Building, 1300 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-931-9096. info@lwvdeschutes.org. Free.

Craft & Connect: Art Supply Swap

PMRCAA staff and community members hold an afternoon of fellowship and craft. They will start the afternoon with the Art Supply Swap, so participants are encouraged to arrive by 2 p.m. Following the swap, the group will have time to craft alongside each other in the classroom. April 16, 2-5pm. Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture, 68467 Three Creek Rd., Sisters. Contact: 541-904-0700. moriah@roundhousefoundation.org. Free.

Let’s Talk Housing Solutions What can one do about the housing crisis? This is an invitation to find out. This is an interactive workshop to teach about upcoming policy changes in Bend, explore strategies for lowering rents and affordable housing. Plus, free pizza! Hosted by Central Oregon YIMBY, 1000 Friends of Oregon and Central Oregon LandWatch. April 21, 5:30-7:30pm. Open Space Event Studios, 220 NE Lafayette Ave, Bend. Free.

Marijuana Anonymous Marijuana Anonymous is a fellowship of people who share the experience, strength and hope with each other that we may solve our common problem and help others to recover from marijuana addiction. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using marijuana. Entrance on Staats St. Mondays, 5:30-6:30pm. Bend Church, 680 NW Bond Street, Bend. Contact: 541-633-6025. curbdaherb@gmail.com. Free.

Scrabble Club Meet upstairs. Club uses the 7th edition of the Scrabble Players Dictionary. All levels welcome. Wednesdays, 6-8:30pm. Market of Choice, 115 NW Sisemore St, Bend. Contact: 828-707-4390. testudine2002@yahoo.com. Free.

Singles Speed Dating at the Coyote (Ages 21-39ish) This is an event for adults aged 21 to 39-ish. Daters can expect a good time full of connection with good people! April 19, 4:30-6:30pm. The Coyote, 910 NW Harriman St., Bend. Contact: 406-672-3861. info@epiphanymatch.com. $10.

Speed Dating for Singles (Ages 40+)

Participants will meet fun, like-minded singles in a relaxed, welcoming setting! They will be able to enjoy laughter, great conversations & real connections. April 15, 6-8pm. Testimony Wine Bar, 307 NW Sixth St., Redmond. Contact: 406-6723861. info@epiphanymatch.com. $10.

Spring Social The High Desert Chapter is holding its annual Spring Social! Attendees will learn about what the High Desert Chapter does, membership benefits, and receive 10% off of WinterCreek Nursery plants if they are a member. High Desert Chapter merchandise will be for sale. Snacks and refreshments provided. April 17, 4:30-6pm. Wintercreek Nursery, 63405 Deschutes Market Road, Bend. Contact: hdceventscoordinator@gmail.com. Free.

Suicide Prevention and Loss Support This is an event to provide support those struggling with suicide ideation, who have lost someone to suicide or know someone struggling with suicide ideation. This is a safe space to share and listen to others. Snacks are provided to attendees. Wed, March 11, 6-7:30pm, Wed, March 25, 6-7:30pm, Wed, April 8, 6-7:30pm and Wed, April 22, 6-7:30pm. Cottage 33, 33 NW Louisiana Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-419-9616. onewellbend@gmail.com. Free.

Who Uses the Water in Central Oregon? Cities, Farms, Rivers, and How It’s Distributed As canals turn on and river levels shift, this Raise the Deschutes seminar breaks down who holds water rights in Central Oregon, where the water goes, and what this year’s conditions mean for an overallocated basin. April 20, 6-8pm. Worthy Brewing - Main Pub and Brewery, 495 NE Bellevue Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-382-4077. marisa@deschutesriver. org. Free.

Women’s Cancer Support Group We are a group of women cancer survivors providing support and information to those newly diagnosed with cancer and/or undergoing treatment. We are here for you. Thursdays, 1-3pm. First Presbyterian Church, 230 NE Ninth St., Bend. Contact: judyerickso@gmail.com. Free.

WorkSource Hiring Event for Enterprise Mobility WorkSource Redmond is hosting a hiring event on behalf of Enterprise Mobility on April 15th. Positions include Customer Assistance Representatives, Automotive Detailers and Car Washers. If you are interested, please apply in person at WorkSource Oregon in the days leading up to the event. April 15, 9am-1pm. WorkSource Redmond, 2158 SE College Loop Ste. B, Redmond. Contact: 541-693-2727. Free.

FUNDRAISING

Assistance League of Bend - Dream Trip Raffle Assistance League of Bend is holding its annual Dream Trip Raffle. The winner will choose their dream vacation from five fabulous getaways, all valued at over $4,300. Help clothe a child in need in Deschutes County. Visit AssistanceLeagueBend.org for more information and to purchase tickets. Mondays-Sundays. Through April 15. Contact: 541-389-2075. info@ assistanceleaguebend.org. $30.

Changing Patterns Giveback Day at Mountain Burger 10% of all sales go back to Saving Grace all day from Mountain Burger! Delicious food and to help support! April 20, 11:30am-8pm. Mountain Burger, 2747 NW Crossing Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-668-7177. info@ mountainburgerbend.com. Free.

Earth Day Fashion Show This Earth Day celebration event is on the runway at Central Oregon Community College’s annual Clothing Connection Fashion Show. The evening features local secondhand and upcycling vendors, followed by a live runway show where students and staff model secondhand looks. Benefits go towards the Clothing Connection, a free clothing resource on campus. April 17, 4:30-7pm. Central Oregon Community College, 2600 NW College Way, Bend. Contact: clothingconnection@cocc. edu. Free.

For Art’s Sake: An Educational Variety Show and Fundraiser for Scalehouse What is the difference between Renaissance and Baroque? Why did Marcel Duchamp submit a urinal as art? What makes something “art” in the first place? These questions—and many more—will be explored during an evening of curiosity, laughter, lively learning and fundraising benefiting Scalehouse! April 16, 5:30-7:30pm. Open Space Event Studios, 220 NE Lafayette Ave, Bend. Contact: 541-362-1288. info@scalehouse. org. $35-$225.

Friends & Family Night at McMenamins Old St. Francis! Attendees are encouraged to bring their crew and enjoy dinner and other amenities at Mcmenamins. 50% of proceeds support REALMS Middle School’s outdoor programs REALMS empowers students through hands-on, real-world learning, fieldwork, and community stewardship—and your night out helps make it happen. April 21, 5pm-Midnight. McMenamins Old St. Francis School, 700 NW Bond St., Bend. Free. The Great Promsby-Boys & Girls Clubs Throwback Prom The BGCB’s fourth annual prom is a 1920s event inspired by The Great Gatsby. April 18, 7-10pm. Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend, 500 NE Wall Street, Bend. Contact: 541-617-2877. alice@bgcbend.org. $50.

THE LIFE WE HAVE - Film Screening + Raffle for American Cancer Society and Berlin Marathon Local filmmaker, Greg Balkin is hosting this event to support a great cause for The American Cancer Society and Berlin Marathon fundraiser! Embark will be screening the award-winning short documentary, The Life We Have, followed by a no-drop 5K, an incredible raffle, and an opportunity to connect with our community. April 15, 6-8pm. Embark, 2843 NW Lolo Drive, Bend. Contact: greg@wondercamp.co. Free/$15 suggested donation.

EVENTS

+ MARKETS

Cascades East Transit Pop-Up event introducing Dial-A-Ride in DRW Transit Pop-Up Event with Cascades East Transitfree ice cream sandwiches! Learn more about the new DRW paratransit Dial-A-Ride service starting May 4. Staff will help riders sign up, tour the bus, and learn to ride. See you there! April 16, 10:30am-1pm. Riverwoods Country Store, 19745 Baker Rd, Bend. Contact: 541-385-8680. awasilew@coic.org. Free.

DENIM NIGHT - Denim Afterhours Casa de Stela hosts Denim After Hours, a free VIP evening celebrating vintage denim and craftsmanship. Guests can customize pieces with expert tailoring and chain-stitching, enjoy a photo booth and a complimentary drink. The shop transforms into a lively workshop space for a creative, handson after-hours experience. April 17, 5-9pm. Casa de Stela, 838 Nw Bond St, Bend. Contact: 541208-2623. Jess@casadestela.com. Free.

Gardening in Central Oregon Workshop This is a hands-on workshop at Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture. Learn from the knowledgeable Garden team as they lead a workshop in our greenhouse to learn about tips and tricks on how to take advantage of the short growing season. April 15, 10-11:30am, 12-1:30 and 2-3:30pm. Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture, 68467 Three Creek Rd., Sisters. Contact: 541-904-0700. moriah@ roundhousefoundation.org. $15.

Lavender 101 This event is for learning more about lavender from the ground up! Tour the farm and learn the process of growing and harvesting lavender, distilling essential oil, and making products, as well as how to choose and plant the right cultivar for your needs. April 18, 10-11:30am. Tumalo Lavender, 19825 Connarn Road, Bend. Contact: 541-383-2441. info@tumalolavender.com. $40.

Resellers Row Resellers Row, let’s go! A vintage and preloved clothing market! All ages welcome! Pull up, find the fit, wow the girlies. April 19, 11am-4pm. Dogwood At The Pine Shed, 821 NE Second St., Bend. Contact: 541-6992794. bendmoonlightmarket@gmail.com. Free.

VINTAGE RENDEZVOUS CLOTHING

POPUP Participants will discover unique vintage to modern pieces while soaking in an incredible live atmosphere featuring beats from DJ VERNDON. Grab a drink, browse the racks, and enjoy an evening of music, community, and timeless fashion. April 17, 4-8pm. Crux Fermentation Project, 50 SW Division St., Bend. Contact: 541325-6676. vintagehouse81@gmail.com. Free.

FAMILY + KIDS

Are You Ready to Remodel? - Workshop Bend’s Neil Kelly Design Center will feature information and inspiration people need to get their home remodeling project started. This is an insightful workshop designed to help people think beyond Pinterest boards and paint colors and understand what it truly takes to move from dreaming to doing. April 18, 10am-Noon. Neil Kelly’s Bend Showroom, 190 NE Irving Ave, Bend. Contact: 541-382-7580. inquiries@neilkelly.com. Free.

Art for Pre-school Class A class designed just for preschoolers ages 3–5! Each month features new themes and includes hands-on art projects, games, poems, story time, sensory-based pretend play and fun! Tuesdays-Thursdays, 10am-Noon. Wondery Art + Adventure School, 19570 Amber Meadow Dr Suite 110, Bend. Contact: 434-603-0301. julie@wonderyschool.com. Starting at $45.

Balloons with Tyler at Initiative in Redmond! Things get a little weird—in the best way. A balloon artist creates full-blown masterpieces right at visitors’ tables: dragons, aliens, and things you didn’t know could exist. Technically for kids, but adults get just as into it. It’s completely free—tips encouraged once visitors see what’s possible with balloons. Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30pm. Initiative Brewing - The Hub, 424 NW Fifth St., Redmond. Contact: 541-527-4380. followtherabbit@initiativebrew.com. Free.

Friday Night Open Gym This event is staff supervised - Parents may stay and watch, or leave them in the capable hands and supervision of our awesome COGA staff! Those interest can pre-register to save a spot. The $48 per child monthly membership can be used towards unlimited visits to our Friday and Saturday Fridays, 7:30-9pm. Central Oregon Gymnastics Academy, 63060 Layton Ave, Bend. Contact: 541-385-1163. jordan@cogymnastics.com. $22/child or $48 monthly unlimited Fridays and Saturdays.

Harmony & Hugs: Parent and Child Yoga & Sound Bath Join us for a special Family Flow Yoga & Sound Bath at Namaspa! Bond with your child with an afternoon of fun yoga, movement, & mindfulness activities that facilitates parent and child connection. Families will get to explore sound and vibration, allowing for vocal and body expression, movement, and play. April 18, 2:30-3:45pm. Namaspa Yoga Studio, 1135 NW Galveston Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-5508550. soundbathstillness@gmail.com. $30.

Hello! Storytime This event is a sharing of stories, movement and a touch of music with 0-5 year olds, geared toward those younger ages. There will be a heavy emphasis on fun, so bring people should bring listening ears and a smile. April 22, 10:30-11am. Roundabout Books, 900 NW Mount Washington Dr., #110, Bend. Contact: 541-306-6564. events@roundaboutbookshop. com. Free.

Kid’s Yoga at Namaspa! Kids Yoga Mondays at Namaspa! Our kids classes (open to kids ages 3 and up) run in tandem with adult classes and in a separate and dedicated kid-friendly space, so parents can practice while their kids spend time with other kids and one of our certified kids yoga instructors Mondays, 4-5pm. Namaspa Yoga Studio, 1135 NW Galveston Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-550-8550. soundbathstillness@gmail.com. $10.

Kids’ Entrepreneur Market This is an entirely kid-run, eco-friendly market, for ages 7-17. This event teaches kids to learn entrepreneurship by creating and selling their own products and services. FREE to attend. $15-$30 to participate. April 17, 1-4am. Elks Lodge, 63120 Boyd Acres Rd,, Bend. Contact: 703-309-9360. KidsEntrepreneurMarket@gmail.com. Free.

Nano Ninja 6-Week Series (Winter/ Spring) Through positive direction, your children will gain confidence while enhancing balance, increasing strength, improving focus, and enhancing body awareness through Ninja Warrior obstacle-based gymnastics and climbing. 6-week series, multiple days/times of the week to choose from, age 4 - 6, drop-off. Mondays, 4:30-5:20pm, Tuesdays, 3:15-4:05pm, Wednesdays, 5:15-6:05pm and Thursdays, 3:15-4:05pm. Through May 14. Contact: 541-241-3919. info@ freespiritbend.com. $144.

Tiny Artist Series Special art classes designed for ages 0-6! Dive into process-based art through sensory stations, open-ended exploration, and hands-on creative play. With rotating themes and art stations each week, children develop independence, enhance fine motor skills, build expressive language abilities, and gain confidence through art! Tuesdays, 9:15-10:15am and Thursdays-Fridays, 10-11am. Through Feb. 13. Two Suns Art Studio + MakerSpace, 70 SW Century Drive, Bend. Contact: 541-892-6471. Briony@twosunsartstudio.com. $18. Wild Art Wednesdays! Come create with us each Wednesday on early release days from 3-6pm! Each week we explore new themes, art mediums and nature! Sibling discounts available! Wednesdays. Wondery Art + Adventure School, 19570 Amber Meadow Dr Suite 110, Bend. Contact: 434-603-0301. julie@wonderyschool.com.

FOOD + DRINK

R.J.’s Red Bird Nashville Fried Chicken Pop-up One day Nashville fried chicken pop-up at Americana’s downtown location. April 19, Noon-6pm. Americana - Downtown, 1033 Bond St., Bend. Free.

Redmond Cookbook Club Join local home chefs for a potluck cooked from a different cookbook each month. Meet great people, enjoy delicious wine, and share fabulous food! Choose your recipe at our monthly happy hour on the 2nd Tuesdays, then bring your dish to the dinner party every 3rd Tuesday. Bon apetit! Third Tuesday of every month, 6-8pm. Arome, 432 SW 6th St., Redmond. Contact: 503-409-7944. kelsey.seymour@jillscookbookclub.com. $15.

BEER + DRINK

$10 Rebuy Hold’em Tournament Thursday Night $10 no limit Hold’em poker tournament at Bend Poker Room starting at 6pm. Unlimited rebuys for the first hour and an optional add-on after the first break. Friendly crowd, great vibes and action packed night! Thursdays, 6pm. Bend Poker Room, 917 NE Greenwood Ave, Bend. Contact: bendpokerroom@gmail.com. $10.

$20 Tuesdays Every Tuesday, all to-go wine bottles are $20 with the purchase of a glass. Enjoy wines you cannot find anywhere else in the world, besides our little cabin. Made exclusively for us from grapes sourced mainly in California and Oregon, many of which are biodynamic, these wines are exceptional. Tuesdays, 3-10pm. Olvi, 1142 NW Galveston Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-241-2443. $20.

Coffee Bar & Brunch Now open for delicious weekend brunch, weekday craft coffee and breakfast everyday! Sunriver Brewing Company’s Eastside Pub is an East Bend meeting spot for friends and family. A place for community gathering, featuring large locally crafted wood tables, open kitchen, kids play area, and relaxed outdoor seating. Saturdays-Sundays. Sunriver Brewing Co. - Eastside Pub, 1500 NE Cushing Dr., Bend. $10-$30.

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.

Happier Hours + Power Hour $3 draft Coors Light, $5 draft beer and food cart specials that will make your taste buds dance! Mondays-Thursdays, 2-4pm and Mondays-Thursdays, 8-9pm. Midtown Yacht Club, 1661 NE Fourth St., Bend. Contact: 458-256-5454. midtownyachtclub@gmail.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.

Red Blend Exploration This is a curated tasting of four red blends featuring Pambrun, Griffin Creek, Metis, and Pere Ami wines each expressing its growing region. A winery ambassador will guide your flight with vineyard insights and stories. Ticket includes the flight, light charcuterie, and a bottle credit. April 16, 6-7:30pm. Willamette Valley Vineyards, 916 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-306-6000. bend@ wvv.com. $45.

Taco & Margarita Tuesdays Enjoy 2/$10 chipotle chicken street tacos and $10 margaritas! Tuesdays, 4-9pm. Portello Lounge, 2754 NW Crossing Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-385-1777. contact@portellobend.com. Free.

Thirsty Thursday! $7 glasses of wine/bubbles, $4 Rainiers, $10 margaritas + mules, $7 Wild Roots vodka lemonades, $12 Aperol spritz. Thursdays, 4-9pm. Portello Lounge, 2754 NW Crossing Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-385-1777. contact@portellobend.com. Free.

Tiki Tuesdays We want you to love rum as much as we do! Every Tuesday we will feature a new rum at a discounted price. We hope you will get to know this spirit on a new level. Additionally all signature rum drinks will be just $11 all night. Tuesdays, 4-11pm. The Flamingo Room, 70 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-323-0472. info@ theflamingoroombend.com.

Trappist Tuesdays @ The Monkless Brasserie Join us every Tuesday from 3–6pm for Trappist Tuesdays, our fun, Belgian-inspired twist on happy hour. Explore the rich world of Belgian beer with $1 off all Belgian Bottle Flights, featuring four curated options: Trappist, Dubbel, Tripel, and Dark Strong. Tuesdays, 3-6pm. Through May 26. Monkless Belgian AlesBrasserie, 803 SW Industrial Way, Bend. Contact: 541-797-6760.

Trivia Tuesday Trivia Tuesday with Emily! Free to play with prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Industry Night with 25% off beverage service for workers in the food, bev or cannabis industry! Tuesdays, 6-8pm. Cheba Hut, 1288 SW Simpson Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-388-8400. bend-westside@chebahut.com. Free.

Whiskey + Fire Fridays Fridays just got cozier at Riverhouse Lodge. Whiskey + Fire Fridays, are a new weekly experience pairing a featured craft whiskey cocktail with fireside s’mores under the Central Oregon sky. Gather around Riverhouse’s outdoor fire pits for toasted marshmallows, melted chocolate, and memory-making moments. Fridays, 5-10pm. Through April 25. Currents at the Riverhouse, 3075 N. Hwy 97, Bend. Contact: 5413893111. info@riverhouse.com. $25.

HEALTH + WELLNESS

$5 Yoga Classes This event features $5 classes to celebrate the 5th Anniversary in the Yoga Center’s new location. 12 classes highlight the diverse offerings and unique teachers. Some hot classes, some not. Some fast, some slow. Amazing raffle prizes for donations to our Scholarship Program. April 19, 8am-7pm. Bend Yoga Center, 1230 NE 3rd Street, Suite A230, Bend. Contact: yoga@bendyoga.center. $5.

Belly Dance Classes, all levels welcome Expand your movement language by learning a variety of Belly Dance styles + build strength, grace, confidence, & community. Classes include a great workout, yoga, professional technique, functional fitness approach for alignment, longevity, & safety in movement and body. Performance opportunities for those who desire Mondays, 5-6:15pm. Private Studio, ., Bend. Contact: https://www.templetribalfusion. com/contact/. $20.

Breathwork, Yoga, Silent Disco Emily from Do Yoga Outside, and Brighton, Beyond Body Wellness, host this event at Tumalo State Park as their first ever collaboration. The event starts with Breathwork, transitions to a yoga flow and ends with a silent disco! April 17, 5:307:30pm. Tumalo State Park, 64120 O. B. Riley Rd, Bend. Contact: 541-668-6132. doyogaoutside@ gmail.com. $45.

Declutter Your Digital Landscape Explore the hidden environmental impact of digital habits while gently clearing what’s no longer needed. Through simple practices, participants will reduce digital clutter, lighten ongoing data buildup, and create more mindful ways of engaging with technology. April 22, 6-7:30pm. Hanai, 62430 Eagle Rd, Bend. Contact: 541-668-6494. info@hanaifoundation.org. $20.

Earth Day Forest Bathing: Reciprocity with the Wild Celebrate Earth Day with a guided forest bathing experience rooted in reciprocity. Slow down, awaken your senses, and receive the forest’s gifts while exploring ways to give back. This gentle, restorative practice invites connection, belonging, and a deeper relationship with the more-than-human world, leaving you feeling grounded, relaxed, and inspired. April 18, 1-3pm. Shevlin Park, 18920 Shevlin Rd., Bend. Contact: indy@rootedpresence.com. $40.

Healing Circle Tired of being stuck in your story? Stuck in judgement and lack of freedom internally? I warmly invite you to learn to practice the 6 steps of undoing stuck emotions and apply the Choose again Method. Contact by phone or email for more details. Third Saturday of every month, 1:30pm. Through Dec. 19. Location TBA, Location TBA, Location TBA. Contact: 760-2089097. lmhauge4@gmail.com. Free..

Men’s Connection Group This is the perfect event for men struggling with life challenges and looking for support. This event is a circle for an evening of support, sharing, and connection. Mondays, 6:30-8:30pm. Living Undone, 33 NW Louisiana Ave, Bend. Contact: 541-410-5572. centraloregonmen@gmail.com. Free/ Donations accepted.

Mini Inner Wisdom Coaching Sessions

A blend of intuitive coaching, tarot, and somatic awareness to help people connect with their inner truth, support the nervous system, and clarify next steps. Come with a curiosity about something in life—or simply an open mind—and the group will see what inner wisdom has to say. April 18, 11:30am-1:30pm. The Peoples Apothecary, 1841 NE Division Street, Bend. info@ bodyandbeinghealing.com. $25.

NAMI Mental Health Peer Support Group: La Pine NAMI’s Peer Connection Support Group is a free, peer-led support group for adults living with mental health challenges. You will gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others, and the groups are led by NAMI-trained facilitators who’ve been there. 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of each month. First and Third Tuesday of every month, 3pm. La Pine Senior Activity Center, 16450 Victory Way, La Pine. Contact: 541-316-0167. programs@namicentraloregon.org. Free.

Qigong & Meditation Practice unique qigong including Ba Duan Jin, Animal qigong and Heaven & Earth. Before returning to the day the group will engage in a walking and sitting meditation. Sat, April 18, 10:30-11:45am, Sat, April 25, 10:3011:45am, Sat, May 2, 10-11:45am and Sat, May 30, 10-11:15am. Hanai Foundation, 62430 Eagle Road, Bend. Contact: 414-916-2597. wellspring_ whisper@rbx.life. $20-$35.

Redmond NAMI Family Support Group

The National Alliance of Mental Illness is having a Family Support Group. This is a peer-led group program for family members, caregivers, and loved ones of individuals living with mental illness. In these groups, family members can talk frankly about their challenges and help one another through their learned wisdom. Third and First Tuesday of every month, 6-7pm. Redmond Seventh Day Adventist Church, 945 SW Glacier Rd, Redmond. Contact: 541-316-0888. organize@namicentraloregon.org. Free.

Veterans Caregiver Cafe This is a community peer support group for Veterans and families caring for Veterans. Attendees will come to share ideas, navigate challenges, and simply meet others in a similar situation. Third Thursday of every month, 10:30-11:30am. Through Dec. 17. La Pine Senior Activity Center, 16450 Victory Way, La Pine. Contact: 541- 408-0974. communityevents@partnersbend.org.

Weekly Online Breathwork Weekly online breathwork hosted from Bend, Oregon and open worldwide. Release stress, reset the nervous system, and reconnect to calm through guided Conscious Connected Breathing. Trauma-aware and choice-based. Wednesdays, 6:30pm. Through Dec. 30. Contact: confluencebreathbody@gmail.com. $22.

CHOW C

Hot Dogs for Breakfast? Yes, Please! At Bend Airport Cafe, three kitchens collide with playful energy and runway views

By Donna Britt

There is a moment, about halfway up the stairs inside the Skyservice building at Bend Municipal Airport, when you’re wondering where you are. Then you turn the corner into a brighter than expected space, busier in spirit than in crowd, and just a little bit quirky in the best possible way.

Welcome to Bend Airport Cafe, the newly reimagined space formerly known as Dogs and Fries. The slogan promises three kitchens, one destination, and for once that kind of ambition does not feel like marketing fluff. It feels like a dare.

At its core, the original Dogs and Fries menu still anchors the experience. Hot dogs, burgers, fries and breakfast all day. Simple enough, until you realize the hot dog menu alone could keep you occupied for weeks. There is the Humble, a classic kosher all-beef dog with the usual condiments. Then things veer into maximalist territory with creations like the Bandari, a sliced dog piled with grilled onions, tomato, fries, jalapeno, pickles, cajun seasoning and sriracha on a pub bun. There is a chili cheese dog, a Texas BBQ dog, even a Hummus Dog. It is playful, a little chaotic, and surprisingly affordable, with most options topping out around twelve dollars.

Burgers follow suit, all made with halal beef, which tends to be more tender and notably clean in flavor. A straightforward cheeseburger comes with American cheese and garlic aioli, while the Mushroom Swiss and Patty Melt lean into comfort food territory. The Chili Cheese Burger brings the mess, in a good way. Fries are not an afterthought here either. Fresh cut, crisp and available as regular or sweet potato, or dressed up as poutine with mozzarella and beef gravy, or as garden fries with herbs, tomato and ranch.

But the real curveball is breakfast. Served all day, the breakfast menu reads like a diner that spent a semester abroad and came back with ideas. The OG Breakfast Burrito is where things get interesting. Sliced beef hot dog, eggs, hashbrowns, cheddar, grilled onions, tomatoes, jalapenos, and chipotle mayo all wrapped into one handheld situation. It sounds like a late night decision.

stepping into an indoor food cart pod where every stall decided to share a single kitchen. Somehow, it works.

The Mexican offerings cover familiar ground with tacos, burritos, bowls and quesadillas. Beef barbacoa and chicken tinga make appearances, alongside a vegan sweet potato bowl with poblano and cotija. It is approachable, well priced and clearly designed to please a wide range of appetites.

The Persian and Mediterranean menu is where things get more distinctive. On a recent visit, the Koobideh Wrap came highly recommended by the person behind the counter, who spoke about it with the kind of confidence that usually pays off. It arrives as a soft, lightly grilled wrap filled with a long, seasoned ground beef kabob, rice, Shirazi salad, cucumber, yogurt dip, pickles and aioli.

It eats like a revelation. The hot dog adds a smoky, savory punch that some how makes perfect sense alongside the usual breakfast suspects.

There is also a Veggie Fiesta Burrito loaded with mushrooms, pepperoncini and mozzarella, plus a lineup of omelets including, yes, a Breakfast Dog omelet. If you are not in a burrito mood, you can go all in on hashbrowns, from a simple plate to a stacked, two layer version loaded with eggs, cheese and sauces, or even a triple layer situation with added jalapeno for heat.

And just when you think you have a handle on the place, the menu expands. Alongside the American comfort classics, Bend Airport Cafe houses two additional concepts: El Joss Mexican Kitchen and a Persian and Mediterranean menu. It is a lot to take in, almost like

The setting adds to the charm. The cafe sits on the second floor, with large windows overlooking the airfield and out toward Powell Butte. Small planes taxi and take off in a steady rhythm, giving you something to watch between bites. It is peaceful, a little removed from the bustle of Bend proper, and worth the fifteen or twenty minute drive east.

The beef is juicy and well spiced, the herbs in the salad bright and refreshing. The pickles, for me, tipped the balance a little too far toward familiar American flavors, but that is an easy adjustment next time. Other options include a Chicken Joojeh Kabob plate, marinated in saffron and lemon and served with basmati rice and grilled tomato.

Do not skip dessert. The baklava, a modest three dollars, delivers exactly what you want. Crisp layers, sticky sweetness and a nutty richness that begs to be shared, if only because it is so satisfying in small bites.

One of the most pleasant surprises here is the pricing. In a time when a casual lunch can quietly creep past twenty dollars per person, Bend Airport Cafe feels refreshingly reasonable. Eleven dollar omelets, nine dollar burgers, five dollar fries. It is entirely possible for two people to eat well, even with dessert, for around thirty dollars.

There are a few quirks. Ordering happens at the counter, and you take a buzzer back to your table, food cart style. The menu sprawl can feel overwhelming at first glance. But there is also something refreshing about a place that refuses to be just one thing. Bend Airport Cafe leans into variety without losing sight of quality. It is a spot where you can have a hot dog for breakfast, a Persian wrap for lunch, and baklava for dessert, all while watching planes lift into the sky.

And if you find yourself intrigued, consider signing up for their monthly Persian dinner pop-ups. Recent menus have included dishes like Zeytoon Parvardeh with pomegranate and walnuts, Sabzi Polo ba Mahi with saffron scented rice and halibut and a Persian Love Cake infused with rose and cardamom. It is the kind of offering you will not find anywhere else in Central Oregon. Three kitchens. One destination. Turns out, they are not kidding.

Bend Airport Cafe

Mon-Fri 7am-7pm, Sat 7am-2pm 63136 Powell Butte Road, Bend bendairportcafe.com

IG: dogsnfries

LITTLE BITES

By Nic Moye

8am-Bend Breakfast Bliss is the Latest Venture from the Owner of Dear Mom Cafe

JJ

Chalernhinthong also has a pop-up donut business

Jattalee Chalernhinthong, who goes by JJ, is busy creating a new breakfast menu. After recently closing her first Bend restaurant, The Good Egg at The Grove, she’s working on her new plan for “8am-Bend Breakfast Bliss.” It’s an Asian-themed breakfast concept that she’ll open at her current restaurant, Dear Mom Cafe off SW Century Drive. When asked to describe the menu she says, “Japanese coffee pancakes and we’ll have so many Asian-inspired toppings like tiramisu or matcha cream, white chocolate matcha, something like that.” JJ anticipates opening the breakfast spot in late May/early June from 8am to 2:30pm utilizing the Dear Mom Cafe indoor and outdoor space. The Dear Mom Cafe menu will also remain, starting around 11:30am.

JJ says she decided to close The Good Egg because it didn’t pencil out financially anymore with the fluctuating costs of eggs, rent and other expenses. JJ says she sold the assets from Good Egg to Hablo Tacos, which just announced it will open a second location at The Grove.

On the side, JJ has been doing donut pop-ups around town under the name Oh My Goodness Bakery. Each

time there’s been a massive line for the handmade brioche Asian-inspired flavors, causing her to quickly sell out at 400 donuts. She’s constantly inventing new flavors. “We’re working on a tiramisu, a chocolate Dubai, banana Banoffee cream, honeycomb lavender. Something really fun like orange cream, passion fruit.”

JJ says she prefers to keep her donut business as a pop-up so she can meet other business owners and make new friends around town. Her next donut pop-up will be April 18. She’ll announce the location on Instagram.

8am-Bend Breakfast Bliss

Opening late May/early June

At Dear Mom Cafe 921 NW Mount Washington Dr, Bend instagram.com/8am.bend/

Hablo Tacos 2nd Location

Opening date TBA The Grove

320 SW Century Dr #410, Bend instagram.com/hablotacos/

CHOW C

From Gluten-Free to Global Inspirations

Three new restaurants come to town

by Nic Moye

Good Friend specializes in 100% gluten-free superseed breads

Olive & May and Casa Sur are both opening in May

Olive and May

The Drake in downtown Bend is no longer. New owners are currently remodeling the space and plan to reopen it later this spring under the name, Olive and May. One of the owners, Peter Kost, who also is one of the owners of Ken’s Artisan Pizza, told the Source the food will be northern Mediterranean with influences from Spain, Italy, France and Greece. The restaurant is named after two women in Bend’s history. Olive McKay arrived around 1900 with her husband, Clyde McKay, and were influential in the city’s early development. Kost says Clyde built the existing building in 1947. “The McKays had their business offices located in the building for quite a while. We are working on gathering a full history of tenants,” he says.

Anew organic, all gluten-free bakery and coffee shop has opened in Redmond. Good Friend operates with the mission that food is nourishment, space is belonging and business is a vehicle for community and regeneration. Owners Jerek Lovey and Beth Davies specialize in superseed breads which have about 60 grams of fiber and 60 grams of protein per loaf. The breads come in four flavors including apricot almond, cranberry walnut, dark chocolate and pumpkin seed. Good Friend also sells bread mixes to be made at home.

The location on SW Badger Avenue off Airport Way was chosen so it could serve as both a production facility and

community gathering space. Customers can enjoy specialty toasts served weekdays such as almond, cinnamon, avocado, hummus and ricotta with fruit. There is also organic coffee and espresso, Uji matcha and looseleaf teas. With its first location now open, Good Friend is expanding into direct-to-consumer and specialty retail across the west coast. The owners hope to open multiple bakehouse locations in the coming years.

Good Friend

Mon-Fri 7am-2pm 1950 SW Badger Ave Suite 109, Redmond higoodfriend.com/

May Arnold led the Women’s Civic League back in 1928 and was responsible for gathering 1,500 signatures to put a $21,000 bond on the ballot to finance the city’s purchase of land along the Deschutes River for what was then called City Park, now known as Drake Park, thereby preventing it from becoming a housing development. “There were only 5,700 residents here at that time so quite a feat,” Kost says. “It passed, of course, but she was never recognized for her work in the preservation and official establishment of our beautiful Drake Park.”

Kost says the goal is to have Olive and May open by Memorial Day weekend. At first, the restaurant will only be open for dinner, but plans to expand to lunch this summer.

Olive & May

Tentatively opening Memorial Day weekend 801 NW Wall St, Bend

Casa Sur

Crave Bend closed on SW Century Drive. In its place is Casa Sur, a new Mexican restaurant that’s expected to open in early May. A father-son team is behind the venture. Reyes Nava has spent more than 20 years in the kitchen, including about 15 years as executive chef at another local Mexican restaurant. His son, Alex Nava, has been working in the medical field, primarily in hospital labs in Bend and Portland.

“Growing up around restaurants and seeing my dad’s passion for food always stayed with me, so we decided to take the leap and build something of our own together,” Alex told the Source. “For years we talked about creating something that truly reflects our family, our roots, and our style of cooking. Casa Sur is that vision finally coming to life.”

Casa Sur will specialize in southern Mexican food, drawing inspiration from regions like Guerrero, where the Nava family is from. Alex describes it as bold, deeply flavorful dishes like moles, slow-cooked meats and fresh salsas. They’re currently hiring for lead bartender and front of the house.

Casa Sur Opening early May 335 SW Century Dr, Bend casasurbend.com/ instagram.com/casasurbend/

SC SCREEN A Momentous Year for Film on La Croisette

A brief look at the 79th Cannes Film Festival

By Jared Rasic

More than Sundance, more than Berlin, Venice or Toronto, the film festival I have unshakable faith in when it comes to programming of either future cinematic classics or wildly ambitious failures is the Cannes Film Festival. Since 1946, the festival has been held at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes, France, and has awarded the Palme d’Or (basically, Best Picture) to films like “The Third Man,” “The Wages of Fear,” “Taxi Driver,” “Black Orpheus,” “La dolce vita,” “The Conversation” and more recently, masterpieces like “Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives,” “Titane” and “Dancer in the Dark.”

What I respect so much about the festival is that even when they invite Hollywood blockbusters and screen films that will most likely have a huge commercial appeal, the movies that usually take home the top prizes are auteur-driven works of startling originality that push the medium of motion pictures into new and sometimes uncomfortable areas. Last week, the lineup for the 79th Cannes Film Festival was announced, and frankly, it’s a jaw-dropper, packed to the rafters with new films from some of the finest filmmakers alive. Here’s a brief look at some of the films I’m the most excited to catch:

In Competition

“All of a Sudden:” Dir. Ryusuke Hamaguchi. Making his French-language debut, Hamaguchi gets philosophical. Loosely based on the letters between philosopher Makiko Miyano and medical anthropologist Maho Isano, this should be a profound and moving examination of death that only the director of “Drive My Car” could achieve.

“Bitter Christmas:” Dir. Pedro Almodóvar.

The Spanish provocateur’s last film, “The Room Next Door,” is his best since 2011’s “The Skin I Live In,” so count me cautiously optimistic about his newest transgression, which follows several artists as they struggle with grief, writer’s block and other maladies.

“Coward:” Dir. Lukas Dhont.

This is from the director of 2022’s “Close,” one of the most moving and gorgeously realized films of the decade so far. “Coward” follows a Belgian soldier in 1916 as he discovers his artistic side while engaged in trench warfare during WWI. Expect to bring tissues.

“Fjord:” Dir. Cristian Mungiu.

So, Mungiu is easily one of the most undersung filmmakers working, with at least two (“4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days” and the terribly titled “R.M.N.”) stone-cold classics in his filmography. “Fjord” follows Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve as a married couple who move to a remote Norwegian village and become suspected of disturbing behavior by their distrustful neighbors. Hoping for a cringey, pitch-black comedy.

“Gentle Monster:” Dir. Marie Kreutzer.

After her last film, “Corsage,” I’m in love with Kreutzer’s fearlessly idiosyncratic style. “Gentle Monster” sounds like a psychologically harrowing drama about women sacrificing their dreams and careers for the men in their lives and the repercussions society puts on them.

“Hope:” Dir. Na Hong-Jin.

One of the finest South Korean filmmakers working, Hong-Jin is responsible for one of the most exhausting thrillers (“Chaser”) and most unforgettable horror movies (“The Wailing”) ever made. “Hope” sees him with his biggest budget yet, telling an epic sci-fi adventure about aliens invading the Korean demilitarized zone.

“Parallel Tales:” Dir. Asghar Farhadi.

As one of the most powerfully relevant living filmmakers, Farhadi could never make another movie and still be considered a master after “A Separation” and “The Past.” Luckily, we have “Parallel Tales” coming with Isabelle Huppert, which is focused on the Nov. 15 terrorist attacks in Paris.

“Sheep in the Box:” Dir. Hirokazu Kore-eda.

Maybe the one I’m the most excited for. Kore-eda, the visionary behind “Monster,” “Shoplifters” and “Broker,” returns with a quiet and contemplative science fiction drama about a couple who purchase an infant robot after the death of their son. Kore-eda is a master at subtle devastation, so this should be a heartbreaker.

Un Certain Regard

(basically the award for innovative filmmaking)

“Everytime:” Dir. Sandra Wollner.

I’m obsessed with Wollner’s last film, “The Trouble with Being Born,” so count me as first in line to see her newest, which is being described as a psychological drama about a mother, her daughter and a teenage boy taking a trip to the Canary Islands.

“Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma:” Dir. Jane Schoenbrun.

“We’re All Going to the World’s Fair” and “I Saw the TV Glow” are two of the most exciting and experimental films of the last decade, so Schoenbrun has me raptly attentive to anything they have coming up next. They describe their newest as “an insane yet cozy midnight odyssey that beckons to unsuspecting viewers from the horror section at the local video store.” Sounds like it’s made just for me.

Also hyped for:

• “The Beloved” Dir. Rodrigo Sorogoyan

• “The Birthday Party” Dir. Léa Mysius

• “The Man I Love” Dir. Ira Sachs

• “A Woman’s Life” Dir. Charline Bourgeois-Tacquet

• “Her Private Hell” Dir. Nicolas Winding Refn

• “Jim Queen and the Quest for Chloroqueer:” Dir. Nicolas Athane and Marco Nguyen

• “Elephants in the Fog:” Dir. Abinash Bikram Shah

• “Yesterday the Eye Didn’t Sleep” Dir. Rakan Mayasi

O OUTSIDE The Green Team is a Leader in Sustainability

Manager Justin Alvarado and his team hustle to shrink the amphitheater and Old Mill’s waste footprint

By Nic Moye

The morning after every concert at Hayden Homes Amphitheater, employees known as the Green Team, show up to sort through the trash. They dump each bag into a plastic kiddie pool, pull on rubber gloves and meticulously pick out recyclable and compostable materials achieving a 93.5% landfill diversion rate. That accomplishment involves a multi-prong effort including Green Team members monitoring garbage bins during concerts to ensure concert-goers use the correct receptacle. It also requires buy-in from food vendors who sign a contract agreeing to use items that can be recycled or composted locally such as brown paper boats, bamboo and wooden utensils.

The man leading it all is Justin Alvarado, sustainability manager for the Old Mill District. When he sees a consistent item heading for the landfill, he looks at solutions for a different outcome. For instance, the amphitheater had been using compostable cups, but those couldn’t be processed locally. “In 2024 we switched to Ball aluminum cups. Those go to Radius Recycling here in town and then shipped to Portland to get melted down into a new raw material,” he says. In 2025, the amphitheater recycled more than 62,000 pounds and composted more than 94,000 pounds of material earning it the honor of having the highest diversion rate for a Live Nation boutique amphitheater as well as the top rebate redemption value.

The sustainability program was launched in 2017. Alvarado became the manager in 2024 after attending a job fair at OSU-Cascades, where he studied social sciences and sustainability.

“There’s a lot of social behavior that happens with garbage,” he says. “And a lot of confusion. So, using that social science background... when someone’s throwing something away, they’re not going to read a card of what can go in a bin. But using imagery allows people to see what they have in their hand, look at a picture and throw it into the right bin. You’re dealing with waste management, but you’re also dealing with behavioral things.”

Alvarado is expanding his expertise to advise other events held at the Old Mill District like WinterFest 2026 which achieved a 37% overall waste diversion rate, up from 31% in 2025. That adds up to nearly 3,000 pounds of waste being diverted from the landfill.

He’s also working with retailers in the Old Mill to reduce waste. “In November, we started a plastic recycling program for the tenants using soft film plastic,” he explains. “Each piece of clothing comes wrapped in an individual bag, so that is a pretty large amount of waste from the stores.”

And he’s working with restaurants to minimize waste. “We went to the main restaurant businesses and sorted three different trash enclosures to see how much food waste was in their landfill. Our hope

UPCOMING ECO-FRIENDLY EVENTS

with that is to ultimately get composting down here in the Old Mill for restaurants.”

But that’s not all. Alvarado is working on a plan to install aluminum beverage can recycling bins throughout the Old Mill District which would be the first in Bend. There is a cost benefit to green values in the money made from aluminum recycling, but that’s not the primary motivator. “We want to take care of the place where we live,” he says. And by “we” he’s including the Old Mill management team and owner, William Smith Properties.

Alvarado is working with an intern to create a sustainability guide that can be shared with others who want to duplicate a successful green model.

“The landfill has five years left in its capacity,” Alvarado says. “It’s basically curbing that out of sight, out of mind mentality. We care about this and we don’t want to be just part of the issue.”

Sisters Community Cleanup Sat, April 18, 9am-noon Fir Street Park

150 N Fir St, Sisters envirocenter.org/tec-events/earth-day-fair/ Free Volunteer to clean up the town of Sisters. Coffee, donuts and family-friendly locations available.

Earth Day Fair & Parade Sat, April 25 11am-3pm Alpenglow Park 61049 SE 15th St, Bend envirocenter.org/tec-events/earth-day-fair/ Free

Local performers, artists, a parade in the park, vendors, sustainability activities, food trucks and a kid zone!

Pedal for the Planet Sat, May 2 8am-12:30pm Farewell Bend Park 1000 SW Reed Market Rd, Bend 350deschutes.org/pedal-for-the-planet/ $25 adult/$15 child

A 12-mile paved loop from Farewell Bend Park along the Haul Road Trail to the Cascade Lakes Welcome Station and back. A shorter loop is available for families. It’s a fundraiser for 350 Deschutes’ climate work.

Think Wild Baby Shower Sat, May 9 3-6pm Oregon Spirit Distillers 740 NE 1st St, Bend thinkwildco.org/babyshower/ Free

Wildlife fundraiser to support supplies and care for injured and orphaned native wildlife. Live music, food, raffles, a silent auction, family friendly.

O OUTSIDE Local Splitboarder was Passionate About Snow and the Environment

Stratton Matteson died in an avalanche in February, but his legacy of adventuring while also protecting the earth lives on

By Dallas Finn Calvert

Stratton Matteson loved snow. As a child, he’d zip around his family’s Vermont neighborhood, on his bike, in the snow. He built miniature ski areas in his backyard complete with chairlifts, lodges and little Lego characters schussing his makeshift runs.

Flash forward several years and you might have spotted him climbing Bend’s Century Drive, on his bike, in the snow. He’d make the trek regularly, riding his bike, weighed down with gear, to a spot in the Three Sisters Wilderness, where he’d unload and hike until he reached the backcountry terrain he wanted to splitboard. He often camped so he could enjoy multiple days in the mountains. In fact, he logged 230 days of snow camping last year, his dad, George Wuerthner, told the Source. He’d then bike back to the Bend home he shared with his longtime partner, Madeline Wettig.

“He was obsessed with the snow and snowboarding,” says his mother, Malia Matteson, a Bend psychotherapist.

His passion was his undoing. Matteson, 28, was killed in an avalanche while splitboarding near Pemberton, British Columbia, on Feb. 24. His commitment to preserving the environment, so snow would continue to fall each year, is his legacy.

“He was a good kid. We miss him tremendously,” said George. “He was a real bright spot. He was very kind and dedicated and passionate, and he’d figured out how to live his life and best live his values. A lot of us ascribe to that kind of life and he managed to pull it off. My daughter’s the same way. They both have been able to do what they like to do and are passionate about. That, to me, is the most important thing.”

Stratton was so passionate about snow and protecting the environment, that several years ago, he decided to significantly reduce his carbon footprint by commuting solely by bike. He cycled to his backcountry adventures, sometimes pedaling hundreds of miles at a time, and commuted to client sites by bike. He ran Tangled Roots Restoration, his landscaping business that focused on using plants native to Central Oregon.

“I hope he would be remembered for being so passionate about it and incorporating active change into his own life, and doing it in a way that he found actually enjoyable,” said his sister, Summer Wuerthner, 31, a Bend photographer and owner of Scout Casting Agency.

Born in Eugene to George Wuerthner and Malia Matteson, Stratton came by his love of the outdoors naturally. “Almost immediately, from the time they were born, they were being immersed in wild places,” recalled George, a writer and photographer specializing in books about nature, the environment, and outdoor topics. “We took Stratton on his first backpack trip when he was probably two or three weeks old, up in the Olympic mountains of Washington. In those days, his sister was only like 2 ½ or three years old, so she had to walk because we were carrying Stratton. And then I had to carry everything.”

Stratton grew up in Vermont and learned to ski at Cochran Ski Area. When Stratton was nine, an older cousin visiting introduced him to snowboarding. He was hooked.

When Stratton turned 17, he began lobbying his dad to move back to Oregon, specifically to Bend, where

he longed to pursue his snowboarding passion at Mt. Bachelor. Wuerthner finally agreed.

“He was always an optimist. Even if the conditions were terrible, and most of his friends would say it was a rotten time (to go out), he would always see the bright side of things and make the most of whatever the conditions were,” Malia said. She added, “I feel like Stratton, maybe when he was younger, wouldn’t have said this, but I think at the time he passed, he would certainly agree that snowboarding was his spiritual practice, his way of feeling really alive and connected to the universe. And because he cared about it so much, and how he saw the earth was directly at risk from climate change because of the way we live our lives, he had this commitment. He wasn’t going to have zero impact, but he wanted to reduce his impact as much as he could.”

That meant many hours astride his bike. When headed to the mountains, his bike would be loaded down with gear. While working, he’d pull a large trailer filled with wheelbarrows and tools and was a strong proponent of using native plants in landscaping projects.

Stratton finally decided to consider using a faster mode of transportation, at least occasionally. He bought an electric car in 2024, a move that Malia said he made after much deliberation.

“His commitment to biking was exacting some wear and tear on his human relationships,” she said, explaining that he’d often leave in the very early hours of the morning to bike to wherever he’d go splitboarding, then spend the day (or several) hiking and boarding, before cycling back to Bend, oftentimes arriving late at night. At the time of his death, she said he was also interested in immersing himself more in Bend happenings. “I think he was trying out what it would be like to be in the community in town more, doing things locally. He said to me, ‘I’m going to try the townie program more.’”

A fixture on the slopes and in the terrain park at Mt. Bachelor, Stratton transitioned from snowboarding to splitboarding after a snowboarding accident “destroyed his left knee. The orthopedic surgeon didn’t know if he’d be able to walk again, much less snowboard,” Malia said.

Splitboarding combines aspects of snowboarding and cross-country skiing. A splitboard can be split apart, just like the name implies, and enables a boarder’s heels to move freely, like a cross-country ski, so you can climb hills. You can then connect the two halves of the splitboard and snowboard down hills. Stratton thought it’d be easier on his knee, plus, he’d already been “boot packing,” Malia said, so he could back-country snowboard. The injury, which “severed every tendon and ligament in his knee,” needed extensive rehab, but he found his way back to the snow.

“He didn’t let that slow him down, but he wanted to do something that was going to be a little easier on his knee,” Malia said. “Of course, with splitboarding, you have to earn every turn. You have to climb up to go down.”

He made some lengthy splitboarding treks, posting about them, and also memorialized a major one on film to emphasize how human-powered adventures can be epic but not impactful to the environment. “Sierra to Baker” was the result of a 2,000-mile, 100-day bike-toboard adventure that saw him cycling from the Sierra Nevadas to the northern Cascades, climbing and then descending, many of the peaks along the way. There’s talk of entering the film in some festivals.

His family is planning a public celebration of his life for June 6 at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship from 3 to 6pm. They’re also exploring ways in which to memorialize his adventure-filled life, possibly by creating a native-plant garden in Bend or helping to build a bike path that extends all the way to Mt. Bachelor “so people can safely ride their bikes up there, even in winter,” Malia said.

“A lot of people have asked us if there’s something they can donate to or support. We’re still envisioning what that might be,” she added. The snow. The mountains. The earth. Stratton had a passion for all three, which his family believes is his lasting legacy.

This story has been edited for space. You can read a longer version at bendsource.com.

By Damian Fagan

Know Your Home Waters

Upcoming lecture series to focus on Deschutes Watershed

In their book, “On the Loose,” Terry and Renny Russell write, “One of the best-paying professions is getting ahold of pieces of country in your mind, learning their smell and their moods, sorting out the pieces of a view, deciding what grows there and there and why, how many steps that hill will take, where this creek winds and where it meets the other one below…This is the best kind of ownership, and the most permanent.”

With that storyline meandering through your head, you’ll want to sign up for the upcoming Know Your Home Waters series about the Deschutes watershed presented by the Upper Deschutes Water Council in conjunction with Central Oregon Community College’s Community Education and the High Desert Museum. This sixpart speaker series will feature four lecture sessions held at the High Desert Museum, along with two field days spent exploring parts of this important watershed.

“This annual speaker series is a great way to learn about your home waters, especially for those that have recently moved to the community,” said Kris Knight, Upper Deschutes Watershed Council executive director. “We got some feedback from a previous series where folks said the field trip was their favorite part and that they’d like to have more of that, so we’ve paired two field trips with the lectures to see what they’ve learned about.”

The Upper Deschutes Watershed is a two-million-acre basin fed from precipitation and snow melt in the Cascades near Mt. Bachelor and the Three Sisters Wilderness. That water feeds Little Lava Lake, the headwaters for the Deschutes River, which flows 250 miles to its junction with the Columbia River.

“The series will include topics on how water is used in the basin, irrigation conservation, salmon and steelhead restoration, and restoration

projects on Whychus Creek and the Metolius River,” Knight said. “One of the topics will be Think Wild’s beaver program, looking at how these ecosystem engineers are integral to waterways.” Those new to beavers will get a close-up look at one of these aquatic creatures at the High Desert Museum.

One of the field trips will be to the Pelton and Round Butte dams to get a behind-the-scenes tour of how Portland General Electric operates the facility, especially in regard to the unique fish passage program there.

A topic of concern to many in the community is the prolonged drought that has impacted Central Oregon over the last five years. “Lack of snowpack and lack of water is stressful for everyone,” said Knight. “Less water to provide for different needs, from farms to fisheries, forces all of us to be smarter with water use.”

Those who float the Deschutes River through the Old Mill District or have played in the whitewater park below the Columbia Street Bridge may have some disconnect to the Deschutes as the river is managed differently along various stretches upstream and downstream from these areas. Learning about the various aspects of the river basin and how the Deschutes Basin Habitat Conservation Plan, which involves numerous stakeholders, attempts to balance water resource needs with wildlife and habitat protection, only makes one a better water-informed citizen who embraces their ownership of living in the Deschutes River watershed.

COCC Community Education April 23/May 6, 15, 28/June 4, 12 6—8PM

High Desert Museum

59800 S. Highway 97, Bend enroll.com/cocc/ $65

THE MEDICINE CABINET WITHIN

HOLISTIC MEDICINE AND YOUR POWER TO BE WELL

By Joshua Phillips, ND

Caring for an Aging Population: The Wild West of Elderly Health Care

Caring for elderly parents who are no longer able to care for themselves is an experience that few are prepared for. Elderly people who live alone have compounding medical issues, and those suffering from dementia related cognitive decline, present a multifaceted set of concerns. Adult children and families who are going through this experience with parents or loved ones can attest to the inherent challenges, as well to the reality that we are living in a country that has no road map in place to help with the navigation.

It is estimated that roughly seven million Americans are living with Alzheimers-related demen tia, most of whom are in the over age 65 age bracket and roughly two thirds are women. Due to this overall aging population in the U.S., the number of elderly expected to be living with debilitating demen tia is expected to almost double within the next few decades. While it is obviously devastating for those going through the process of losing their memory and cognitive capacity, it is also incredibly difficult for their friends and family. It’s estimated that about 12 million family members and unpaid caregivers provided 20 billion hours of care for those with dementia in 2024.

his book, “Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End,” Dr. Atul Gawande explores some of the issues of what really matters with end-of-life care, dignity for the elderly and many of the pitfalls of the current institutions of care for this population.

In a country where the framework of socialized and government-supported medical care is weak at best, it is nearly non-existent for elderly needing longterm care and even more challenging for families needing higher end memory-care for dementia. If a long-term care insurance plan is not in place, this becomes an incredibly expensive prospect, one that is subject to all the rules of capitalism. Families are left to navigate a labyrinth of for-profit assisted living facilities and adult foster care homes, with price tags that few can afford. For many this means a family must completely drain all investments and savings to nearly zero, before the state Medicaid program will begin to assist.

The reasons for such a massive increase in the prevalence of Alzheimers and other causes of cognitive dementia are multifactorial, including a complex landscape of genetic, physiologic and environmental/societal issues. In previous articles published in this column, The Aging Brain and The Gut-Brain Connection, I discuss some of the underlying causes as well as tools for supporting the health of our brains and nervous systems.

Many adult children and families find themselves unprepared for the rapid cognitive decline that can befall their parents and scramble to put a system of care in place. The very fact that humans live so much longer than we did historically, combined with a modern way of living where multi-generational households are rare, sets the stage for the unfolding dilemma. In

In Central Oregon, we are fortunate to at least have the Council on Aging on our team, a nonprofit that is full of resources to help elderly individuals and their families find much needed support. Their resource lists help to identify the options for residential support, medical support, as well as groups that meet regularly to support caregivers, both professional and familial.

In a culture and health care system that is largely an every-man-forhimself environment, it becomes even more important to get connected with groups and organizations that can provide support, so one does not feel so lost in the woods. While it is a daunting journey at times to know how to move forward in support of a loved one who can no longer care for themselves, resources and support do exist.

—Joshua Phillips, ND is a naturopathic physician and the director at Hawthorn Healing Arts Center in Bend, Oregon. He can be reached at docnaturecure@gmail. com with questions or comments.

TIME TO PLAN FOR THE BEST SUMMER EVER!

Get the word out about your classes, camps, family events and services in the next issue of Bend Nest, and look forward to an active and fulfilling season!

On Stands: May 14

Deadline: April 30

DON’T

TAKE ME HOME

By Nathan Powers Engel Volkers Bend

Back to Reality: Bend Housing Market

The numbers suggest Bend is finally realigning with its pre-pandemic growth trajectory

It has been well documented just how wild the COVID era was for Central Oregon real estate, with unprecedented year-over-year price increases creating a market that has been working to correct itself since 2022. In my article from two issues ago, I highlighted how the national median home sale price has increased by 34% over the past decade (according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis), while Bend has seen a 119% increase over that same period. A common rule of thumb in residential real estate is to expect a 3—5% annual growth rate.

If we look at the growth Bend experienced in the five years leading up to COVID, we can get a clearer sense of where our market might be today had it not been for a global pandemic and the resulting migration out of larger cities.

Using Q1 data from 2015 to 2020, Bend showed an average annual growth rate of roughly 7.5% in both median sale price and price per square foot for single-family homes (according to the local Flex MLS).

While still above the national average, this represents a more sustainable pace of growth. If we use that rate as a

HOME PRICE ROUNDUP

guide, we can compare where the market is today versus where it might have been under more typical conditions.

Analysis:

Viewed through this lens, the numbers are pretty remarkable. Bend’s market has seen little to no growth—and even a slight decline—over the past four years, but in many ways, it has finally realigned with the trajectory it was on prior to the COVID spike. In March, we saw the lowest days on market (13 days) since May 2024, and inventory levels have settled at 3.4 months of supply, closely mirroring the 3.2 months recorded in March 2019.

Concluding Thoughts:

Of course, this is all hypothetical, and even a 7.5% annual growth rate is still above what’s typical in most markets. That said, the data suggests that Bend’s market is finally catching up to itself and returning to healthier, more sustainable levels. For the first time since the days of masks and virtual happy hours, it feels realistic to expect a period of steady, consistent growth.

ASTROLOGY

By Rob Brezsny

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Anthropologist and author Clifford Geertz loved to use “thick description.” He wrote detailed reports that captured not just the surface level of what happened but the deeper levels of meaning. Here’s an example of thin description: “He winked.” Thick description: “He quickly closed and opened his right eyelid in a culturally specific gesture of playfully conspiratorial communication.” In the coming weeks, Aries, I invite you to enjoy the sumptuous pleasures of thick description. Unleash your wild curiosity as you dig down into the rich, complex truths about everything. Gleefully explore how the cultural, personal, and historical contexts give each moment its specific, nuanced significance. (PS: This approach will enhance your options for responding.)

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): New beginnings and final chapters will be overlapping in the coming weeks, and they’ll push you in the direction of robust growth. It won’t always be obvious which is which, though, so you’ll need to sharpen your discernment to read the signs. Here are two contemplations to steer you: 1. Which long-running sagas in your life have finally played themselves out? 2. Which struggling, half-forgotten dreams are yearning to rise again and blossom as if they were brand new? Once you’ve listened deeply enough to answer those questions, move boldly: Feed and protect whatever is being born, and actively assist in the graceful dismantling of whatever is ready to end.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): One of your go-to tools or assets is still functioning, but now is exactly the time to repair or refurbish it—before it breaks. Furthermore: A power outage of sorts may be looming unless you move to head off an impending overload. Wait, there’s even more! The monster in your closet is still deeply asleep, which is why now is the perfect moment to summon an exorcist or exterminator, before it stirs. Are you getting the picture, Gemini? The very fact that you’re reading this horoscope gives you all the advance warning you need to sidestep potential glitches and diversions.

ilege of witnessing the rapid cycling of total darkness and brilliant light, which provides a visceral sense of life’s deep cadences at work. Your routine may seem similarly unsettled these days, Virgo. Transitions are coming faster than feels natural. But I suspect this disruptive blessing is giving you access to patterns that aren’t intelligible when you’re moving more slowly. You’re beholding the way things change as well as the changes themselves. This is a valuable gift. The insights will be worth the disorientation.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You Libras sometimes get accused of indecision, as if your careful weighing of possibilities were a weakness. But I see a different truth: You aspire to be fair-minded as you honor all the legitimate claims on your attention. So the problem isn’t your capacity for considering multiple sides of each story. Rather, I find fault with the culture you live in, which is obsessed with one-dimensional certainty. If I were your coach or therapist, I would give you permission to take your time and resist the rush to resolution. The most honest thing you can say may be, “I’m still deciding,” or “Both of these feel true.”

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You’re not a flaming expert at turning tension into treasure, but you have modest skills at that art. And now I’m predicting you will grow these skills. Before you jump to conclusions, though, please know that I’m not implying you will be immersed in stressful melodrama. I’m suggesting you will handle differences of perspective with increasing aplomb and curiosity. Instead of treating conflict as a debilitating hassle, you’ll try to find value in it. Some debates may even feel stimulating and fun rather than tiring. To take maximum advantage, enjoy the controversies as exploratory missions rather than as showdowns you must win at all costs.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): According to my reading of the astrological omens, asking the BIG questions is highly advisable right now. Why? Because you are unusually likely to get really good answers to those BIG questions. Want a nudge to get started in this noble enterprise? Here are three recommended queries: 1. “What is the wild meaning of my precious life?” 2. “Who the #@$%&!* am I, anyway?” 3. “Where is this so-called ‘God’ I hear so much about?” Dear Cancerian, I will also urge you to formulate humorous, satirical BIG questions that inspire life to be playfully revelatory with you. Here are three: 1. “How can I fine-tune my friends and loved ones to perfection?” 2. “Are there shortcuts to getting absolutely everything I want?” 3. “How do I sign up for a life of nonstop pleasure, free from all discomfort?”

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): When people finally grasped just how radical Einstein’s theory of relativity was, a journalist asked him how he had arrived at such a breakthrough. Einstein said it was simple: He had utterly ignored supposedly fundamental truths. Dear Leo, please notice what that might imply for you in the coming weeks. Einstein didn’t dismiss a mere opinion or fashionable theory; he set aside theories so deeply accepted that everyone treated them as obviously factual. He didn’t waste energy fighting them, but simply proceeded as if they didn’t exist. Consider doing the same: Set aside at least one seemingly incontestable assumption and be alert for the new realities that then become possible.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The International Space Station orbits Earth every 90 minutes, so astronauts see 16 sunrises and sunsets every 24 hours. It’s a challenge to maintain their circadian rhythms. They must be disciplined as they stick to a sleep cycle that human bodies are accustomed to. But there’s a wonderful trade-off: the rare priv -

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): I hope and predict that you will be wildly resourceful as you wisely experiment with love in the coming weeks. I hope and predict that you will research the art of tender, inspiring intimacy in new frontiers. Reinvent passion, you subtle intensity freak! Be a bold explorer who breaks the boring old rules! Dare to break open new varieties of sweetness and companionship that require you to innovate and improvise!

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): If you were on a walk and spied a dime on the ground, would you bend down to grab it? Probably not. Would you feel differently about a quarter? Maybe you have decided that nothing under a dollar is worth your effort. But in the coming weeks, you will be wise to break such rules. Symbolically speaking, the act of stooping down to pick up a dime will set off a chain reaction that ends with you acquiring a hundred-dollar bill. By saying yes to small, unexpected blessings, you’ll position yourself to receive larger ones down the line.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): The coming weeks will be an excellent time to begin a building project on the scale of Egypt’s Great Pyramid or India’s Taj Mahal. You should at least initiate work toward some magnificent masterpiece or creation, Aquarius. According to my analysis, there’s a chance you could coax an armada of helpers to work on your behalf. And as you set out to accomplish your labor of love, I bless your quest.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Artists who specialize in origami can create structures far stronger than the flat paper they’re folded from. The weakness of being made from thin, fragile material is overcome through strategic creasing. Engineers now use origami principles to design everything from solar panels to artificial blood vessels. Let’s extrapolate these facts into a lesson for you in the coming weeks, Pisces. We’ll assume that your flexibility is a strength, not a liability. You will wield your pliability to produce a high degree of structural integrity.

By Brendan Emmett Quigley

Pearl’s Puzzle

Puzzle for the week of April 13, 2026

Puzzle

of

Fill in every row, column, and 3x3 box with each of the letters

exactly once.

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

Fill in every row, column, and 3x3 box with each of the letters

The highlighted letters read left to right and top to bottom will complete the quote: “Swimming is a confusing sport, because sometimes you , and other times you to . And when I'm swimming, sometimes I'm not sure which one it is.

The highlighted letters read left to right and top to bottom will complete the quote: “Swimming is a confusing sport, because sometimes you ______, and other times you ______ to ______. And when I'm swimming, sometimes I'm not sure which one it is.”

exactly once.

Demetri Martin

Answer for the week of April 06, 2026

ANSWER TO LAST WEEK'S PUZZLES

The highlighted letters read left to right and top to bottom will “Swimming is a confusing sport, because sometimes you to . And when I'm swimming, sometimes I'm - Demetri Martin

Answer

“Tax day is the day that ordinary Americans send their money to Washington, D.C., and wealthy Americans send their money to the Cayman Islands.” — Jimmy Kimmel.

“Tax day is the day that ordinary Americans send their money to Washington,

and wealthy Americans send their money to the Cayman Islands.”

Jimmy Kimmel.