the Source March 26, 2026

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With affordable housing an ongoing issue, Peter Madsen looks at legislation that’s trying to speed up construction to meet a critical demand. Plus, a disagreement between the County and Redmond over when to evict homeless camps. In other news, a new taco shop is ready to satisfy your cravings any time of day or night. A Bend woman is developing a Korean-style marinade for folks to cook simple and delicious meals at home. And a film screening/5K fundraiser is a tribute to a dying man who’s inspired many to focus on what really matters in life. Also, a note that our Spring Pets Issue is out this week. Stop by the Source office, local pet store or veterinary office to pick up a copy! —Managing Editor Nic Moye

LIGHTMETER:

Raschelle Maplethorpe, support staff at Deschutes Historical Museum, stands in front of the museum. Some rooms on the second floor are under renovation and are expected to be open in mid-April.

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OPINION

RIP, ‘Pee Tunnel.’ Do You Really Want to Fight to Keep It?

Whether you’re walking, rolling or driving, there’s not much to love about Bend’s Franklin Avenue tunnel. It’s used as a public restroom, is unsafe and when it rains, it turns into a flooded disaster. A number of years ago, hopeful volunteers painted the walls inside the tunnel to make the area more cheerful. Attempting to put lipstick on the pig of the tunnel wasn’t a success; the artwork was quickly defaced and had to be painted over.

The Franklin tunnel is an eyesore, and we’re having a hard time understanding why people are opposed to improving it.

Its most popular name is the “pee tunnel,” for goodness’ sake.

When considering the notion of making this area better for everyone who uses it to get in and out of downtown, people don’t seem to want to ever be inconvenienced. Some gripe that even after the improvements, the tunnel will still only offer one lane in each direction for cars. Mentioning the fact that the entire street surrounding it is going to be improved for pedestrians and cyclists — in an area with plenty of them using the streets day and night — doesn’t seem to alter some people’s perspective much, either. But here’s the thing: when the Franklin Avenue corridor gets improved for bikes and pedestrians, it gets improved for cars, too — at the very least, to make it so it doesn’t flood every time we get a downpour.

And that, unfortunately, is going to come with some inconvenience.

A six-month closure of one of the few thoroughfares into downtown is a

big deal. It is going to be a pain to navigate the one-lane or total closures, for sure. (That said, at least one side of the pee tunnel will always stay open for walkers and cyclists, the City says.)

But it’s being torn up, because it’s messed up. That’s what happens in cities: they grow and need changing. Whether we like it or not, the area just east of the Franklin tunnel, known as the Bend Central District, will one day be home to a lot more people. Property owners adjacent to the tunnel have told the Source in the past that developments wouldn’t begin until street improvements did. Would we like those future residents to have a way to walk or ride safely into downtown, or would we prefer that they get in their cars and add to parking woes? One day we’ll also have a pedestrian bridge from the BCD to downtown, but until then, we have Franklin and Greenwood. In recent years, the City of Bend has attempted to adopt an “if you build it, they will come” approach to changing our streets and making them safer for those outside of cars. Lots of people have not liked it. Some say the projects already completed, such as Greenwood Avenue and Olney Avenue, are failures. It remains to be seen how improvements such as those will alter the number of people getting out of their cars to get around.

In the case of the Franklin tunnel and the surrounding street, maintaining the status quo, with the accompanying hygiene and safety issues, is not the way to go.

O Letters

PRIVACY BELONGS IN BEND’S PUBLIC CONVERSATION

I recently attended my first Deschutes Democrats meeting and came away with a simple conclusion: Bend needs to start talking a lot more seriously about privacy.

At the meeting, I asked U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum what national privacy bills are worth tracking and who constituents should contact to better understand these issues. She encouraged people to follow her office and request meetings with staff. That was useful, because many people know something feels off about the direction of surveillance and data collection, but they do not know where to begin.

I also asked Andrew Caruana what he would do to protect the privacy of Oregonians if elected. Afterward, I spoke with Rep. Jason Kropf about privacy, automated license plate readers and emerging technology. Whatever people think of their answers, the larger issue is clear: this topic is not going away.

Privacy is not some abstract concern for policy nerds. It affects whether ordinary people can move through public life without being tracked, logged, profiled and stored. Data brokers, tech platforms, retailers and government agencies are all part of that expanding system.

Bend residents should be asking much harder questions about surveillance, data retention, information sharing and real safeguards. If we do not push for accountability now, we should not be surprised when convenience and technology keep outrunning liberty.

—Jonathan Westmoreland

CHOOSE CHARACTER FOR COUNTY COMMISSION

My husband and I came to Bend six years ago, drawn by the feeling of a big, small town — friendly, active and involved, with a few perks from city life too (like great restaurants!). It’s a place that’s been easy to meet people and feel part of the community.

Before Rick Russell announced his candidacy for Deschutes County

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Commissioner, I met him when I attended his compelling talk as the leader of a local nonprofit. He was speaking about the work his organization was doing to build safe, community-oriented temporary and permanent housing. Rick immediately impressed me with his knowledge and compassion. Even more so because he’s actually taking action and getting real results.

Rick’s a local guy, not a politician. He’s just someone who gets stuff done and cares deeply for people he’s serving. Rick finds common ground with whomever it takes — from housing experts, law enforcement, veterans’ groups, faith communities, and business partners — to deliver for our community. That’s how he’s attracted $23.7 million in state funding for a village of 75 small homes in Redmond designed to help people get out of homelessness.

Rick’s experience taking on critical challenges in our community has shown how he will lead in the County Commissioner role—with courage and collaboration to really make a difference for all of us. I’ll be voting for Rick Russell in the May election, and I hope you’ll join me.

—Lee Ann Johnson

IS TRUMP THE BOY WHO CRIED WOLF?

Ezra Klein interviewed Trump’s former deputy national security advisor, Nadia Schadlow, in the NY Times. Her logic was clear — Iran’s government vows “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” so if there’s any chance they can still build an atomic bomb we must stop it.

But what if they can’t build a bomb?

The St. Louis Post Dispatch reported that our own military experts say such a threat is a decade away or more. What if this is just another boogie man — like “the Domino Theory” or “Weapons of Mass Destruction.” Then this becomes a war of choice, just like those others. A military escapade dressed up in a hollow rationale.

Who can we trust to tell us the truth about that? Donald Trump?

Trump said Iran was “two weeks” from developing a nuclear weapon when he launched his attack. But “two weeks” is a recuring Trump rhetorical device — two weeks for a new health care plan, two weeks to solve peace in Ukraine, two weeks to prove that President Obama had wiretapped Trump Tower.

And those are just a few of his false statements(lies),disputed claims, exaggerations, or mischaracterizations. Let’s not forget his claiming “widespread fraud in the 2020 election,” or calling the crowd size for his 2017 inauguration “the largest ever” or admitting that COVID was “deadly” after he had told the public it was no worse than the flu.

Lies built on lies seem to be masking the truth about Trump’s Iran War. Or do they? How real is the threat right now? If we can’t trust Trump to tell the truth about it, maybe looking at history would be a way to answer that question.

It’s fair to say that before this war, nothing else has worked to stop this nation that hates America and Israel from working on development of the ultimate terror weapon. Negotiations have failed. Inspections were incomplete. Jawboning and threats only seemed to strengthen their resolve.

So Trump took stronger measures. He sent “bunker buster” bombs to Iran less than a year ago, and he declared their nuclear program was “completely and totally obliterated.”

It was a lie.

Not “totally” came the assessment of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the group known as the world’s nuclear watchdog. They cited “severe damage, but not total damage.” It seems the attack did little to weaken Iran’s intentions to continue its nuclear program, or its nuclear know-how, and it left in place a big stockpile of enriched uranium.

So Trump walked back his “obliterated” claim in this year’s State of the Union and switched from atomic bombs to missiles, saying that Iran “has already developed missiles that can threaten Europe and our bases overseas, and they’re working to build missiles that will soon reach the United States.” True or false? Who knows?

Trump would like us to believe that his attack this week simply means we’re going back to finish the job we started — the job of destroying what could be shaping up as putting nuclear weapons in the hands of the world’s major sponsor of terrorism

If that’s true we should all be thankful for his forceful measures to wipe the threat out once and for all. But what if it’s not true? How are we to know? Trump’s web of lies makes me want to compare him to the Boy Who Cried Wolf — the boy who the townsfolk learned to ignore.

But we have to remember how that story ends. The wolf ate the sheep.

—Louis Capozzi

The High Desert Museum is Expanding

The High Desert Museum broke ground last Thursday on a $40 million expansion. The enlarged space will include classrooms, community gathering spaces and a new art gallery. The museum has raised 87% of the money needed through grants, private foundations, donations and an award from the Roundhouse Foundation. The museum says 119 individuals and organizations have donated to the project. Executive Director Dana Whitelaw told the Source, “We’ve been working on this for several years, from the initial concept design to the fundraising.” While the museum will be open during construction, there may be some changes to the parking area. The expansion is expected to be finished by December 2027.

Studying Rare Carnivores in Central Oregon

Two nonprofits are partnering to study rare carnivores in Central Oregon. Think Wild and Cascadia Wild will gather data on animals like the marten, gray wolves, wolverines and Sierra Nevada red foxes as well as other animals on the list of Species of Greatest Conservation Need from Oregon’s State Wildlife Action Plan. The information will be used to better understand their distribution, habitat and how they interact with other animals and the community.

—Nic Moye

1,175

—How many consecutive days running one mile Ron Shaver accomplished while battling stage 4 cancer.

Deschutes County Asks Redmond to Pause Homeless Camp Sweep

As homelessness on undeveloped land stifles industrial growth, County officials fear evicting dozens of campers will only result in more problems

By Clayton Franke

Deschutes County asked the City of Redmond to pause the eviction of dozens of homeless campers from undeveloped land in a City-owned industrial park, saying the move would add chaos to an effort to remedy homelessness in the area and make way for development.

The Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners approved a letter detailing the request at a meeting March 18. That came one week after the Redmond City Council agreed to start notifying people living in tents and trailers on a 40-acre parcel in the Desert Rise industrial park, with hopes to have the camps clear by June.

The City plans to start giving notices to move this month, followed by a month of service provider outreach and follow-up reminders throughout April. The City may provide towing or gas to help with the move, and trespassing and forced removals would be a “last resort,” police said.

Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch told the Source Wednesday afternoon the City hadn’t officially received the county’s letter, but planned to discuss it at the next Council meeting March 24, after the Source's print deadline Tuesday.

At a Feb. 23 City Council workshop, Redmond City officials stressed the urgency of clearing the camp due to public safety concerns, with police citing instances of violent crime.

“Our primary goal is not to screw the County up, it’s to protect the community,” Fitch said in a phone call.

The spat between government comes on the cusp of opening a 36-space managed homeless camp near the Redmond Airport, a nearly two-year collaboration designed as a place to go for people living on the High Desert land where a slate of industrial projects are planned.

Fitch said he’s confident the camp will be open in time for the City to close its east Redmond property.

Deputy County Administrator Erik Kropp said construction is nearly complete on the managed camp, but there is no set opening date, as the County is in the process of selecting between three organizations that applied to run it.

Redmond wants to begin marketing the remaining 56 acres of undeveloped land in the 122-acre park, located about one-and-a-half miles east of downtown along Antler Avenue. Existing businesses include manufacturers of fuel cells for racecars and planes, wooden doors, medical devices and others.

Nearby, the County has land reserved for a project called CORE 3, an emergency and police training center.

“Potential for chaos”

Deschutes County Commissioner Phil Chang called it a “carefully choreographed dance” with people moving around and projects going forward in east Redmond.

“I appreciate the urgency of clearing about and fixing Desert Rise, but I don’t think that we need to add another layer of 40 or 50 people in motion right now to this already carefully orchestrated plan,” Chang said during Wednesday’s meeting. “The potential for chaos really increases.”

County officials estimate about 150 people are living on County land in east Redmond. County leaders fear the sweep will push more people — and cleanup costs — to the County, which owns thousands of acres in east Redmond and beyond the city limits. Outside the city along Antler Avenue the County has designated a “green zone” — undeveloped land where campers would be allowed for the time being. In areas slated for future projects, the County has introduced security patrols to keep new camps from popping up.

Ashworth, the Redmond official, acknowledged most campers would end up in the “green zone.”

“They want to push us back farther in the dirt, and I don’t think that’s right, because there’s so much that happens out here anyway,” said Winona Rule, who lives in an RV at Desert Rise next to her adult daughter, Tashina Hickman. Rule mentioned shootings and fires and a lack of support from police — safety issues she feels would only worsen if people moved farther from the city. Rule said she moved into a trailer on 11th Street in east Redmond after she was evicted from an apartment in Bend. She was pushed to Desert Rise five years ago.

According to Heather Cassaro, a spokesperson for the City, Redmond police have responded to the area on average five days a week since 2023, twice for murder cases.

Downstream problems

“I call it the great circular exchange.”

—Composer Chris Thomas about international cultural influences passing through musicians.

Redmond Deputy City Manager Steve Ashworth told the City Council in February he estimates the number of encampments at Desert Rise grew from 10 to about 40 in the last year. Growth in homelessness at Desert Rise follows a string of sweeps and closures on other government-owned land across the county, including by the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, City of Bend and Deschutes County.

The County cleared camps from land near U.S. Highway 126 in east Redmond last year to make way for a new City road and infrastructure for the managed camp.

The County is working to keep people off of land directly adjacent to Desert Rise — 137 acres part of a long-awaited land swap with the state. In tandem with the letter to the City, county commissioners urged the Department of State Lands to commit to completing the land swap by the end of 2026. The swap, initiated by a 2015 agreement, would result in the County receiving 140 acres near the Deschutes County Fairgrounds for future expansion. But the land agency held up the swap in 2022, refusing to inherent land with homeless encampments. The County’s letter says it has spent $200,000 on cleanup and patrols to dissuade new encampments.

An agency spokesperson said March 19 it hadn’t received the letter and wasn’t prepared to respond.

Political Hopefuls, Sisters Mayor Face Off in Deschutes County Commission Position 5 Race

The race features clashing views on homelessness, a proposal for local ownership of Mt.

wildfire issues

By Clayton Franke

Four candidates are running for Deschutes County Commission Position 5, a brand-new seat added by a 2024 ballot measure expanding the county commission from three to five members.

The late addition of Sisters Mayor Jennifer Letz added another layer of complexity to the May 19 primary, likely shrinking the chances that any candidate will receive the 50% of the vote needed to win and forego the November general election. Letz will challenge Bend business owner Rob Imhoff and American Red Cross regional director Morgan Schmidt — both of whom have a significant head start in campaigning and fundraising.

Local political gadfly Ron “Rondo” Boozell is also vying for Position 5.

The period to file as a candidate for county commission began in September. But Letz didn’t file until the last possible day, March 10.

She said she’s not concerned about coming in late.

“I feel like I’m in a good spot,” Letz said in an interview.

Meanwhile, Imhoff and Schmidt have been campaigning for months. Imhoff’s campaign has compiled nearly $94,000 since October while Schmidt has raised nearly $60,000 since July. Each gained an endorsement from a major local party: Imhoff from the Republicans and Schmidt from the Democrats.

A 2022 voter-approved ballot measure did away with partisan primary elections for Deschutes County Commission, but parties still play a role in helping candidates get elected.

Letz said the switch to nonpartisan primaries opened the door for her to run.

For Imhoff and Schmidt, the election is a second chance after coming up short in bids for county commissioner over the last few years.

After losing to Deschutes County Commissioner Phil Chang in the May 2024 primary, Imhoff led the Republican party’s opposition campaign against Measure 9-173, the ballot measure to expand the commission, arguing it would make the board more costly and less transparent.

He owns an automated window shade company in Bend. Earlier this year he announced a plan he calls “Unleashing Deschutes County’s Economic Engine,” hinging on a policy requiring the County to spend 75% of the money awarded

through contracts on local businesses.

In another announcement, Imhoff said the county should help move Mt. Bachelor ski area to local ownership, piggybacking off a recent community effort to buy the mountain that ended when corporate owner POWDR Corp. took it off the market in April 2025. Imhoff said his proposal is not for the County to buy the mountain, but leverage a sale to another local entity. That could entail negotiating a swap with the U.S. Forest Service for the land on which the ski area sits, then using revenue from the lease to provide discounted passes for Deschutes County residents.

In an op-ed, Schmidt said the plan was far-fetched.

Schmidt has been working as executive director of the American Red Cross for Eastern and Central Oregon since losing to county commissioner Patti Adair in the 2022 election. Before that, she was a pastor at the First Presbyterian Church in Bend, which hosted a warming shelter for homeless people.

That work was part of what inspired her to run in 2022, Schmidt told the Source, because she felt Deschutes County wasn’t doing enough to address homelessness. She said she views this campaign as an extension of that effort.

Affordability is a top priority, along with public health services, she said.

“I haven’t seen in the last four years since that campaign, major improvements to the things that matter most to the people who live here,” Schmidt said in an interview. “My commitment is to the community, to us, our families, our businesses to be able to thrive here. I’m just not seeing that with our current county leadership.”

Opposing views on homelessness

Imhoff said he wants to take a tougher approach to homeless camping by imposing a 6-mile no-camping buffer around cities. That comes as the County grapples with long-standing

encampments on undeveloped government-owned lands near Bend and Redmond and funds projects to manage camping and act as a stepping stone out of homelessness.

“The main focus has to be compassion, but I think compassion can sometimes have different meanings to different people,” Imhoff said. “There’s a difference between a hand up and a handout. The handouts are obviously not working.”

Imhoff has said he wants to discourage what he views as “homeless tourism” — unhoused people moving to Deschutes County to receive services. According to the annual Point In Time Count survey conducted in January 2025, 70% of homeless people in Central Oregon have lived here longer than five years.

Schmidt called the homeless tourism concept “simply not true,” and said the County should be investing in homelessness projects “on all fronts.”

“It’s not the dream,” Schmidt said. “We don’t want to see people camping out in dirt. But while we’re working on more long-term solutions, I think those managed options are really important.”

Letz said she wants to the see the County “clamping down” on homelessness on rural county lands, citing increased wildfire risk. She called the managed camp a “step in the right direction,” but said she would prefer something “more stable” like a mobile home park.

“We’ve got to get people out of camps,” Letz said. “We’ve gotta use all the tools in the toolbox to get people moving in a direction of more stability.”

Wildfire at center stage

For Letz, the issue of wildfire risk overshadows all others. That’s partially because of her background: After college she worked as a wildland firefighter and backcountry ranger for the National Park Service. She then worked as a sustainability manager for the U.S. Forest Service before starting the wildfire

Bachelor and

consulting business.

“There isn’t one part of this county that isn’t at moderate to great risk of wildfire impacts and losses,” Letz said. “This issue is not going to go away, and has obviously gotten worse and worse over the years, the threat and impact of wildfire.”

As mayor, Letz pushed Sisters across the finish line to adopt a defensible space — or vegetation buffer — codes for new development, followed by a building code for wildfire-resistant materials. The County, along with the City of Bend, recently adopted that same code. Letz said she wants to “keep the ball rolling” with wildfire mitigation work.

Imhoff and Schmidt also said wildfire is a top priority, with Schmidt citing experience in wildfire disaster response with the Red Cross and Imhoff mentioning the need to continue juniper tree removal to reduce fuels.

Letz said she also wants to work on creating a Deschutes County park system.

“Rondo” runs again

Boozell’s name may be familiar to Deschutes County voters: he’s been a constant figure at Bend City Council and Deschutes County Commission meetings for years and a perennial candidate for local office. He made headlines during his 2018 campaign when he was arrested for contempt of court after failing to pay child support.

Boozell, 64, said he wants to run again to “better represent the local viewpoint.” He said he's been homeless for 10 years.

“I’ve been fined-tuned to be intentional about the issues we need to solve,” he said. “A lot of those aren’t going to be specific until I get on the job.”

At recent meetings, Boozell has urged the county commission to adopt a policy banning Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers from operating in Deschutes County without a warrant, which he says is a “big part” of his campaign.

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REDMOND NEWS

State Clears Hurdle for 450-Home

Mixed-Income Community in Northeast Redmond

Oregon lawmakers continue to test whether bending urban growth boundary rules can spur affordable housing construction

By Clayton Franke

Astate land use policy board agreed to tweak the rules of a 10-year-old affordable housing experiment that should help lift a 450-home development in northeast Redmond off the ground.

Utilities are set and new streets will be paved this spring at a 40-acre site in northwest Redmond, slated to become a new community called Northpoint Vista. But much of the home building has been held stagnant by lack of state funds for affordable housing. After a petition from the City of Redmond, the Department of Land Conservation and Development will allow developers to build a larger portion of market-rate housing before building those restricted to lower incomes, clearing the way for construction to begin sooner.

It’s the latest change to the Affordable Housing Pilot Program created in 2016 to test whether loosening urban growth boundary restrictions could be a tool to combat the state’s housing crisis.

“Providing the City this flexibility helps ensure we can deliver on building a quality mixed-income neighborhood,” Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch said in the press release.

A March 6 press release said Gov. Tina Kotek’s office and nine state agencies identified the rule change as a way to increase housing production. It was ultimately approved by the Land Conservation and Development Commission, the policy board for the state’s land use agency.

According to the City, the state’s main funding source for affordable housing is tied up until 2027, and waiting on the funds would delay construction of multifamily affordable homes — and the rest of the development — by several years.

Northpoint Vista location

At Northpoint Vista, developers are required to have at least 30% of the homes be restricted for people making less than 80% of the area median income, or about $84,000 in Redmond. They also required developers to build those homes at the same pace as the ones not restricted by income, or before the second half of market-rate homes.

Under the new rule, developers can build 85% of market rate housing before completing the affordable housing.

“We’re still very committed to affordable housing,” Linda Cline, a housing program analyst for the City, told the Source. Lynne McConnell, executive director with Housing Works, the local housing authority, told the Source the state has more than $1 billion in affordable housing funding requests, and a single developer can only apply for two projects at a time. Next in the application queue is the 132 affordable rental units Housing Works plans to build at Northpoint Vista. But even then, it’s uncertain when the funding will come through, McConnell said.

“The cost of developing a multifamily building is too high for the rents we are able to collect at affordable rates, so we need ‘gap’ financing from the state or other sources in order to move forward,” McConnell said in an email.

According to Cline, another affordable housing developer, Rooted Homes, is building affordable homes for purchase.

For market rate units, Redmond is in talks with Bendbased regional builder Pahlisch Homes to build the single-family portion, and Boise-based deChase Miksis for the multifamily portion. A spokesperson for Pahlisch said the company plans to start construction in 2027 at the earliest.

Infrastructure work continues Wednesday at the 40-acre Northpoint Vista housing site in northeast Redmond, slated for a 450-home mixed-income community.

Local elected officials, developers and housing advocates have touted urban growth boundary carveouts as a creative solution for boosting supply, while some local land use watchdogs say it’s less sustainable growth and a step toward suburban sprawl.

Led by Kotek, then speaker of the house, the legislature passed HB 4079 in 2016, creating a pilot program for one bigger city and one smaller city to add land to their urban growth boundaries without going through the lengthy planning process normally required, in exchange for mandatory affordable housing mandates. Bend and Redmond were the only applicants. Both qualified as larger cities, and the program was awarded to Bend. But a few years later the legislature passed another bill — HB 2336 — to allow Redmond to participate.

The first results of the affordable housing program surfaced last year when Bend broke ground on a 350-home development in east Bend just south of U.S. Highway 20 called Parkside Place, with homes hitting the market below $500,000 as the city’s median home price hovers above $700,000.

The legislature passed a third urban growth expansion bill in 2024, allowing cities to expedite a 100-acre land addition for the same percentage of affordable housing. Bend is in the process of using the bill to add land for 700 new homes in the southeast part of the city.

According to a state housing needs analysis, Redmond will need more than 10,000 new homes in the next 20 years to keep up with growth and historic underproduction. Nearly 4,400 of those will need to be restricted to 80% area median income earners and below.

Meanwhile, the state is looking to close the gap on aggressive housing goals, of which it’s fallen short in the last few years.

Home building will begin at Northpoint Vista in the shadow of what could be a much larger eastward expansion in Redmond. Fitch recently told the Source he hopes the legislature will provide a special exception for the City to bring in nearly 1,300 acres for housing, parks, schools and businesses.

Special urban growth boundary legislation has allowed Bend to add about 400 acres of land over the last decade outside of the traditional planning process, teeing up thousands of new units.

SATURDAY 03/28

“SOMETHING’S ROTTEN” PART 2: FAMOUS SCENES FROM “HAMLET” TO BE OR NOT TO BE

Explore the most famous scenes and moments from William Shakespeare’s popular play with local teacher and poet, Matthew Friday. Walk away with a better understanding of the language and appreciation of its poetic brilliance. Audience members will be invited to optionally join in with the reading - no experience needed! 10-11am at Redmond Public Library. 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond. Free.

SATURDAY 03/28

TRIVIA SUNDAY WITH UKB TRIVIA

FRIENDLY COMPETITION

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 03/31

PASTORALIST WOMEN FILM SCREENING

WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH SHOUT-OUT

The Central Oregon Chapter of the Society for Rangeland Management is hosting a screening of short films highlighting pastoralist women from around the world. This event honors the 2026 Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists in celebration of Women’s History Month. A discussion with local women ranchers will follow. 4:30-6pm at Redmond Public Library, 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond. Free.

By Peter Madsen

just in Oregon, but throughout the country.

Two bills, either authored or co-authored by U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum (OR-05), are aimed at building more houses, decreasing housing costs and speeding up the licensing and certification process for home appraisers, who are too few to meet demand throughout the U.S.

The end goal is to cut away red tape that has, in part, let unaffordability and a dwindling housing stock outpace folks’ housing needs and budgets — especially in Oregon. These bills strive to offer relief to a state where nearly half a million housing units will need to be built over the next 20 years, according to a report published by the Department of Administrative Services in 2024.

The bipartisan Appraisal Industry Improvement Act, of which Bynum is the co-author, will help address the nationwide shortage of licensed home appraisers to improve access to housing by consolidating appraiser trainee education, therefore speeding up the construction process. This bill is co-led by Byron Donalds (R-FL).

The Accelerating Home Building Act, which Rep. Bynum authored and enjoyed bipartisan and bicameral support, aims to build more houses, at lower cost, across the county. It is co-led by representatives Bryan Steil (R-WI), Chris Pappas (D-NH) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA).

The two bills, which were cleared by the House and passed by the Senate, still have some baking to do. The House will create a conference committee to negotiate the bills into finality before they arrive on the president’s desk. That time frame is not yet clear, a spokesperson for Bynum’s office told the Source.

Bynum, who represents portions of Central Oregon in Oregon’s Fifth Congressional District, says these bills are two big steps toward addressing the affordable housing crisis in Oregon and beyond.

To understand how these bills would pave that road, the Source spoke with the City of Bend’s Housing Department, scoured the national Appraiser registry and chatted with a local appraiser to see how these bills might bring affordable, middle housing to more people.

Two bills, which U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum authored — and co-authored — strive to speed up housing construction and ramp up affordability. In some ways, Bend is ahead of the curve.

estate appraisers, and the bottleneck that appraiser trainees must navigate to become bonified.

The appraisal regulatory system has only been around since 1989, when Congress established it in the wake of the mid-1980s savings and loan crisis. The system has three components: The private sector (represented by the Appraisal Foundation) and state and federal governments.

The current standard for becoming a licensed appraiser is restrictively high, said Jim Park, the executive director of the Congressional Appraisal Subcommittee from 2009 to 2024, in conversation with Housing Wire in January. To compound that, about 4,000 appraiser trainees nationwide are without the requisite supervisor, whose guidance is required to submit sample appraisals to each state’s respective appraisal board to see if they comply with the uniform standards of professional appraisal practice.

The national median age of an appraiser hovers around 60 years old, Park said. In its most-recent report, published in 2023, the Appraisal Institute counted about 70,000 active appraisers throughout the country. Only about 12,000 appraisers are licensed in more than one state. Oregon has 1,286 active appraisal licensees, according to a recent search of the Appraisal Subcommittee Registry, with about 60 in Bend. Nationwide, Park says appraisers are in short supply in rural and inner-city areas.

This is where the Appraisal Industry Improvement Act comes in.

Complimenting the Accelerating Home Building Act, the appraisal bill would add state-credentialed trainee appraisers to the national appraiser registry run by the Appraisal Subcommittee. It would also let state-licensed appraisers do appraisals in connection with mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration, which would free up appraiser availability for about 19% of overall single-family mortgages in 2025, according to National Mortgage Professional. That would speed up the construction and home-buying processes along the way.

Currently, only state-certified appraisers who are listed as active on the FHA Appraiser Roster are eligible to do appraisals for FHA-insured mortgages. Of state-certified appraisers, there are about 67,000 nationally and fewer than 1,200 in Oregon, according to 2025 ASC data.

And perhaps most crucially, the appraisal bill would institutionalize a trainee-supervisor structure for an industry that has long relied on organic mentorship to grow new appraisers. Since 1989, that mentorship rested on the generosity of a licensed or certified appraiser to supervise a trainee as they acquire enough skills and experience hours to submit sample appraisals to their respective state appraisal board for licensure. In the meantime, trainees have been left to negotiate with the appraiser whether they get paid a minimum wage, a fee percentage or even work for free, says Bend appraiser Kern Costelow. On top of that, the supervising appraiser assumes full responsibility for those sample appraisals, ensuring that they comply with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. Aside from cheap labor, there’s not a lot of incentive to build up the next generation of appraisers.

The owner of Accelerated Appraisal Services, Costelow got his start by working as an assistant under another appraiser until he earned his state appraisal license in 2006. This supervisor-trainee dynamic is about to age out of the industry; Costelow says Central Oregon appraisers aren’t lacking in number, yet he places most as nearing retirement age.

“A lot of certified appraisers don’t want to take on trainees, because they may have already trained a couple and they’re tired of doing it,” Costelow said, adding that he trained his brother-in-law, who has operated ProWest Appraising in Central Oregon since 2008. Costelow points to a law change in October 2009 that prohibited him — an appraiser with a state license, not one with more-advanced certifications — to train up new appraisers. The Appraiser Bill, however, would re-allow state-licensed appraisers like Costelow to take on trainees.

“Here is Bend, I typically get two or more calls a month with prospective appraisers who want to be apprentices,” Costelow said. “Since they changed the law in 2009, I can’t train anyone. If this new bill is going to let state-license appraisers take on trainees again, it will let way more trainees get their licenses. They won’t have this roadblock.”

Given the aging workforce, Costelow thinks the appraisal bill’s allowance of federal grants to support education and training for fledging appraisers is a good idea. The bill would make funding available to state appraiser certifying and licensing agencies, nonprofits and colleges to carry out appraiser education, including recruitment, retaining services and scholarship assistance.

Presently, for someone to become a registered appraiser assistant in Oregon, an applicant must have completed 79 hours of education (often college courses approved by the appraiser qualification board) before obtaining experience hours for the appraiser license or certificate. For that state license, an additional 75 education hours are required, followed by 1,000 hours of real-world appraisal experience acquired in six months, supervised by someone with a state license. A state-certification requires a bachelor’s degree or, in some cases, an associate’s degree and more course learning, according to the state’s Appraiser Certification and Licensure Board.

To consolidate this supervisor-trainee dynamic would help streamline the new appraiser pipeline.

“By addressing the appraiser shortage …this bill will make important progress toward making it easier, faster, and less expensive to buy a home, especially in rural areas,” Bynum said in a release.

Appraisers make a decent living, Costelow said. He says the general annual income in Central Oregon ranges anywhere from $75,000 to $250,000.

“Some guys figure out how much they can make before they hit that higher tax bracket,” he said with a chuckle. “And they just keep it there.”

Housing crunch time

News flash — housing in Oregon is spendy. The Beaver State ranks in the lower 90th percentile of a national study of housing affordability and homebuilding by Realtor.com. That “F” ranking, which Oregon shares with California, Hawaii, New York and New England states, owes to high cost and lack of ample stock.

But Bend officials have been getting crafty in addressing the housing crunch since at least 2021. That’s when the Bend City Council voted on changes to city code prompted by Oregon House Bill 2001. This bill mandated that cities can no longer permit single-family zoning, which meant that duplexes, triplexes and cottage clusters, for example, can no longer be excluded from neighborhoods zoned residential, the Source reported in September 2021. In 2023, the Bend City Council voted against mandatory parking minimums of off-street parking for new

housing. It also cut down on the allowable number of short-term rentals on the same lot from seven to one.

When Tina Kotek became governor in 2023, she set a national goal of building about 252,000 homes by 2030 to track with demand and keep costs down. In the U.S. as a whole, there’s a shortage of about 4.7 million housing units, according to a 2025 report by Zillow Group.

In June 2024, the City of Bend received $5 million through a federal grant program called Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing — a slice of a $100-million pie divvied up among more than 20 local governments throughout the country. About $4 million of the PRO Housing grant set up the PRO Housing Fund, which dog-eared cash for land acquisition, infrastructure, homebuyer assistance, new housing construction and other housing-related costs through competitive request for proposal processes, according to the City.

In 2023, the most-recent year available in the City of Bend’s housing supply data, there were 46,712 housing units for 101,478 people. The City has issued permits of 1,571 units since July 2025, with 265 permits granted for affordable housing.

By the (pattern) book

Pattern zoning has only recently gained mainstream traction, helped in no small part by the bipartisan, bicameral cooperation in Congress on two affordable housing packages: The ROAD to Housing Act and the Housing for the 21st Century Act.

Passed in February, both packages involve pattern zoning; Bynum’s Accelerated Home Building Act is a stand-alone bill that was incorporated as a key provision within the broader ROAD Act, as detailed by the Bipartisan Policy Center. The bill establishes a pilot grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Development to pay for the creation of pattern zoning with a

focus on the missing middle and workforce housing (duplexes, triplexes and multifamily). It also allows infill construction in lots already partially developed.

The Accelerating Home Building Act is different from HB 2001 in that it doesn’t require anything of states or localities, says a Bynum spokesperson. The Act creates a grant program for state and local governments to create and approve building plans to streamline construction. It would fund, nationwide, a system that’s already getting results in Bend.

The City of Bend’s master re-issue permit program currently streamlines review of previously approved plans by its owner — often a production builder, says Kerry Bell, the City’s housing production and incentives coordinator. That’s not the same as pre-approved plans offered directly to the public. Since 2024, the City has reissued 184 permits from pre-approved plans, resulting in 281 units getting expedited.

The City has one pre-approved ADU plan (with two roof options) that property owners can use, with four more in development by an architect the City hired with PRO House funding. Those that will be ready this summer, says Racheal Baker, the City’s Housing Design Manager. Pattern book designs let home buyers essentially flip through a catalog of ready-to-build housing designs that the City’s permitting department has already approved as up to code and is suitable for its environs (such as featuring a certain roof that lets snow slough off, for example.)

The Bend City Council adopted a pattern zones overlay district in March 2025. A patterns zone is a special zoning tool applied over existing, base zoning to speed up development with pre-reviewed approval for certain housing types — especially missing middle housing.

And many large-scale developers, such as Hayden Homes, already use pre-approved plans, such as with their Parkside Place development in Bend. Qualifying affordable-home buyers can pick from a pre-approved pattern book of single-family homes, duplexes and triplexes. And that pick-from-a-catalog is a key component of the Accelerating Home Building Act.

“Affordable housing is out of reach for so many Americans,” Rep. Bynum said in a statement. “To fix this, we need to build more homes and strengthen the housing industry’s workforce. My bills provide easier and faster pathways to homeownership.”

—This story is powered by the Lay It Out Foundation, the nonprofit with a mission of promoting deep reporting and investigative journalism in Central Oregon. Learn more and be part of this important work by visiting layitoutfoundation.org.

SOURCE PICKS

WEDNESDAY 03/25

PICK UP THE PIECES –A CELEBRATION OF MOTOWN & CLASSIC SOUL

RETRO MUSIC ENSEMBLE

Some of Bend’s top musicians have assembled to deliver this tribute to timeless classics that are hallmarks of the Motown and classic soul music. Walk on over to Silver Moon Brewing after the Umphrey’s McGee show on March 25 at the Midtown Ballroom. 10pm-2am at Silver Moon Brewing. 24 NW Greenwood Ave, Bend. $10 in advance, $15 at door.

THURSDAY 03/26

METALACHI

PURO FUEGO

Born from a long night of music, tequila, and mariachi-loving metalheads, Metalachi has been entertaining audiences and wooing abuelas everywhere for over a decade. Hailing from Los Angeles, CA, the band has traveled across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, performing everywhere from the smallest local bars to the largest parties, including Heavy Montreal, Megacruise, and Monsters of Rock Cruise. 7-10pm at Silver Moon Brewing. 24 NW Greenwood Ave, Bend. $20.80.

FRIDAY 3/27

ROD DE GEORGE’S GUITAR GODS REVUE

HOT ROD

Rod DeGeorge’s Guitar Gods Revue is an internationally acclaimed tribute show that celebrates the music of guitar legends like Eddie Van Halen, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Prince and more. He has shared the stage with Paul Stanley of Kiss, Earl Slick, among other. 8-10pm at the Commonwealth Pub. 30 SW Century Dr #100, Bend. Free.

SATURDAY 03/28

JOE AND HATTIE CRAVEN

FATHER-DAUGHTER DUO

Joe Craven, genius American freestyle folk, world & roots music multi-instrumentalist, singer and educator (played with the David Grisman Quintet) plays a wide variety of string instruments & rhythms. He shares the stage with daughter Hattie, reimagining traditional folk, bluegrass, country, jazz & pop and groovy originals too. 7-9:30pm at the Belfry. 302 E Main Ave, Sisters. $20.

SATURDAY 3/28

BUCKETS, THE DUNES AND PALO SAPRAÑO

PUNK, AGRO AND ROCK

Buckets, the Los Angeles-based fearsome foursome, is a powerhouse of nostalgic indie punk. The Dunes’ sound developed as a reaction to the increasingly strange, toxic and cyclical world around them. Palo Sopraño is the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist and singer/songwriter Ryan Pickard. 7-10pm at Silver Moon Brewing. 24 NW Greenwood Ave, Bend $14.38.

SATURDAY 3/28

DOMINIQUE AND THE DIAMONDS

COUNTRY CLASSICS

DONAVON FRANKENREITER

MAKING WAVES ON STAGE

For nearly two decades Donavon Frankenreiter has been traveling the globe, first as a professional surfer and now as a musician. Born in Southern California, Donavon spent most of his youth chasing waves, turning pro at the age of 16. 7:30pm at Tower Theatre. 835 NW Wall St, Bend. $34 - $54 (plus $8 Historic Preservation fee).

TUESDAY 03/31

ELISE FRANKLIN TUESDAY NIGHT JAZZ

LATIN-FLAIR TO IT

The Elise Franklin Quartet, a group of jazz and latin-inspired playing artists, is led by Elise Franklin on vocals and Jack Krouscup on piano. Event goers seeking a night of smooth tunes and drinks will have a great time! 7-9pm at the Commonwealth Pub. 30 SW Century Dr #100, Bend. Free.

WEDNESDAY 04/01

VANESSA COLLIER

LIVE BLUES, FUNK AND SOUL

Holler calls Dominique and the Diamonds, “A deeply satisfying set of instant country classics that tips its hat to the rattling amphetamine-fueled cosmic country of Gram Parsons and the Fallen Angels, the dramatic, sweeping countrypolitan of Patsy Cline, and the women of ‘70s FM radio.” Dominique and the Diamonds capture the rawness of country music that’s as untamed as the California wilderness itself. 7-10pm at Silver Moon Brewing. 24 NW Greenwood Ave, Bend. $12.24 MONDAY 3/30

Vanessa Collier is a powerhouse of modern blues — a magnetic blend of blistering saxophone, soulful vocals, and unstoppable energy that’s redefining the genre for a new generation. An award-winning multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter, Collier has carved her own lane in the blues, funk, and soul world. 7-10pm at the Belfry. 302 E Main Ave, Sisters. $28.29.

S SOUND Weaving Heaven and Earth

Composer Chris Thomas on

“Celestial Threads,” Korean sijo poetry, and the cultural exchange that shapes music across centuries

By Sarah Isak-Goode

Composer and musician Chris Thomas invites listeners into a conversation that spans centuries and continents with his new work, “Celestial Threads,” written for mezzo soprano and chamber orchestra. The piece draws its inspiration from 10 traditional Korean sijo poems, weaving them into a musical dialogue between heaven and earth. Though the poems are brief, they carry reflections on nature, human life, and the forces that connect both.

“Celestial Threads” will premiere with the Central Oregon Symphony on April 11 and 12. I recently sat down with Thomas to discuss the inspiration behind the piece and how “Celestial Threads” reflects an ongoing artistic exchange between cultures, traditions, and musical languages across time.

the Source: What led you to discover sijo poetry, and what made you decide it was the right fit for “Celestial Threads?”

Chris Thomas: I started reading lots of poems and saving ones that resonated. I kept finding these little gems that reminded me of Japanese haiku. They were concise and elegant. Eventually I noticed they all had something in common. They were sijo poems.

I began researching the poets and kept seeing references to this ancient Korean poetic form called sijo. That’s when I realized something deeper was going on. I became obsessed with it for about three months.

tS: What aspects of the sijo form captured your interest?

CT: sijo is similar to haiku in that it’s compact and syllable-based. But structurally it’s different. You get about two and a half lines developing an idea, and then the final few syllables introduce what’s called a twist. That twist completely recontextualizes what you just read.

So you think the poem is about one thing, and then suddenly it shifts. That moment fascinated me. I thought, this is exactly the kind of poetry I love.

As I learned more, I discovered sijo evolved across several philosophical eras in Korean history. The poems often reflect on the relationship between the heavens, nature, fate, and the human soul. There are these conceptual threads connecting heaven and earth.

At some point I realized I could structure the work so the poems formed a conversation between heaven and earth. Each movement alternates between the two. If you split the cycle in half, the poems actually mirror each other. Conceptually, it forms a circle.

That’s why the piece is called Celestial Threads. I wanted everything to be deeply interwoven.

tS: Were there other influences or experiences that shaped the piece as it developed?

CT: Yes. Over the last five or six years I’ve been revisiting some Asian modern composers I love, particularly Tōru Takemitsu and Qigang Chen. What fascinated me about them is how they rediscovered aspects of their own national traditions through Western music. That happened because European composers had already been influenced by Asian music. So there’s this fascinating loop. For example, Claude Debussy discovered Javanese gamelan music at the Exposition Universelle in 1889. That encounter transformed his harmonic language. Later, Takemitsu

became obsessed with Debussy’s music. Through Debussy, he eventually rediscovered elements of Japanese musical aesthetics that Debussy himself had originally drawn from Asian traditions. So the influence traveled in a big circle. I’ve always been fascinated by that process. I call it the “great circular exchange.”

tS: That idea of cultural exchange is compelling. Did working on this piece lead you to any new realizations about your own identity as a composer?

CT: Definitely. There were two major shifts in my life as a composer. One happened when I started college. At the University of Oregon, composers had to perform in Balinese and Javanese gamelan ensembles to graduate. That experience changed everything for

CT: In classical music, that tradition really comes from Gustav Mahler. Mahler wrote several large song cycles using poetry, and he often preferred the mezzo soprano voice. A mezzo can sing high, but the tone is darker and richer than a soprano. It carries a certain emotional color.

Because Mahler did it so often, there’s now this informal tradition. The singer Charlene Chi happens to be a wonderful mezzo, and when we started discussing the project, everyone immediately thought of a Mahler-style song cycle. This is actually the first time I’ve written one.

tS: Earlier you mentioned the possibility of some controversy surrounding the piece. Could you elaborate on what you meant?

me. I discovered gamelan music and immediately fell in love with it. The Pelog scale, which comes from Balinese music, became central to how I understand harmony. My concert music is also very rhythmic, which comes directly from that influence. The second shift happened after spending time in Europe. For years I tried to fit myself into the European classical tradition, but it never felt authentic. Eventually I realized something simple. I’m just an American composer. I grew up playing fiddle music and gospel music. That Americana sound is in my blood. Once I stopped trying to imitate European traditions and embraced my own influences, everything changed. Suddenly I could write honestly.

tS: That sounds like a significant turning point.

CT: It was. The first time I wrote something that truly felt like my own voice, my wife heard it and immediately said, “That’s you.” She had never reacted that way before. It was the first time I felt like I was really speaking through music. This new piece is an extension of that process. I’m still drawing from my Americana background, but I’m also leaning into the Asian influences that have shaped how I hear music.

tS: Let’s shift briefly to the vocal aspect of the work. For readers who may be less familiar with classical vocal repertoire, why did you choose to write this as a song cycle for mezzo soprano?

CT: Well, I’m an American composer writing music based on Korean poetry. Some people might question whether that’s appropriate.

My view is that culture grows through exchange. Music history is full of examples where traditions influence each other. Debussy learned from Asian music. Jazz influenced classical composers. American music influenced Asian composers. It’s all interconnected. But we’ve been through a cultural moment where people sometimes feel everyone should stay in their own lane. I don’t agree with that. I think sharing ideas across cultures enriches everyone.

tS: Do you sense that perspective beginning to shift?

CT: A little. There was a period between about 2021 and 2023 where some of my works were actually removed from concert programs because they referenced musical traditions outside my background. But that moment also created opportunities. More composers from diverse backgrounds started appearing on concert programs, and I discovered incredible music I might never have heard otherwise. So even the difficult moments had positive outcomes.

tS: That’s an insightful way to look at it.

CT: At the end of the day, I believe the beauty of art is how cultures influence each other. You can’t disentangle these traditions anymore. They’re already woven together.

tS: When you describe “Celestial Threads,” the imagery of threads connecting heaven and earth comes to mind. Listening to you, though, it also sounds as if the structure is more circular, with ideas looping and weaving through time.

CT: Exactly. Some of the poems are about weaving threads together, but conceptually the whole piece is circular. The ideas keep looping through time. Those ancient philosophical teachings are still alive today. They continue shaping how we think and create. And the same thing is true of musical traditions. They’re constantly evolving through exchange.

Central Oregon Symphony Sat. April 11 7:30-9:30pm, Sun. April 12 2-4pm Mountain View High School

2755 Northeast 27th St., Bend cosymphony.com/calendar

25 Wednesday

Boneyard Pub Sax & Chill Saxophonist Carson Hackbart will be playing live at the Boneyard Pub on the last Wednesday each month—smooth grooves, craft beer, and a lively brewpub vibe with great food and local flavor. 6-8pm. Free.

The Capitol Karaoke Drink specials! Air guitars! Come see for yourself. 8pm-1am. Free.

The Commonwealth Pub Eric Leadbetter Solo Musician Eric Leadbetter gathers his inspiration from vintage rock sounds sprinkled with tasteful jam sections. Concert goers will enjoy a contemporary eclectic melting pot of songwriting. 7:30-9:30pm.

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 $0.75 wings, cheap whiskey and drink deals. Trivia with the infamous “physical” challenge (musical chairs, limbo, paper airplanes etc.). 7pm. Free.

McMenamins Father Luke’s Room Machetres and Not Your Ex Lover Cumbia-punk veterans Machetres—Spanish and English singers—team up with all-femme bubble-grunge band Not Your Ex Lover. This is a free event for all ages. 7-10pm. Free.

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

Silver Moon Brewing Stacy Antonel & Thea the Band Imagine Tammy Wynette crossed with the Ventures and you’ll have an idea of the sonic world of Americana artist Stacy Antonel’s forthcoming EP, The Seahorses: Volume 1. Always a genre-defying artist, Antonel blends her passion for classic country, jazz and surf rock with this collection of songs, and the result is a fresh hybrid of musical styles that feels both vintage and hyper-modern. 7-10:30pm.

Silver Moon Brewing Pick Up the Pieces - A Celebration of Motown & Classic Soul Some of Bend’s top musicians have assembled to deliver this tribute to timeless classics of the Motown and Classic Soul music. Walk on over to Silver Moon Brewing after the Umphrey’s McGee show on March 25th at the Midtown Ballroom and keep the dancing up and vibes high! $10 in advance, $15 at door. 10pm-2am.

Upp Liquids Bend Comedy Open Mic The Bend Comedy Open Mic, every Wednesday at UPP Liquids. All peformance types and ages are welcome! 7-9pm. Free.

Wonderland Chicken X Worthy Brewing Karaoke Wednesday! Drink and food specials! Sing your favorite songs or do the trademark karaoke roulette and let your fate be at the will of the KJ! 8pm. Free.

CALENDAR LIVE MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

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26 Thursday

The Cellar Live Irish Trad Music with The Ballybogs! Live music featuring Bend’s Irish Trad band, The Ballybogs! Every Thursday at The Cellar. Seats fill up, so people should get there early! 6-8pm. Free.

The Coyote Free Hip-Hop Line Dance Lessons Free beginner-friendly hip-hop line dance lessons 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.

Hola! - Downtown AROMA Thursdays Indulge in a full Latin experience - Savor authentic Latin cuisine, sip on delicious handcrafted margaritas, enjoy a complimentary Latin dance lesson, and dance to the sounds of DJ SOLO spinning the best Latin beats. 7:30-11pm. 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 Breanna Gonzalez An indie-folk-soul singer-songwriter with a passion for creating heartfelt, authentic music. Born in Bend and raised all over Oregon, her musical journey has been shaped by the beautiful landscapes and diverse sounds of the Pacific Northwest. She writes and performs original songs that weave together a mix of folk. 6-8pm. Free.

Mountain Burger Dry Canyon Stampede at Mountain Burger! Dry Canyon Stampede live is performing live at Mountain Burger! The audience can expect great music, food & company! 6-8pm. Free.

River’s Place Heller Highwater R&B, Rock, Country, Pop and Blues. From the Rolling Stones, Bill Withers, Jason Maraz, to Bonnie Raitt, Susan Tedeski, Chris Stapleton, Aretha Franklin, Adele, and many more. 6-8pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Metalachi Born from a long night of music, tequila, and mariachi-loving metalheads, Metalachi has been entertaining audiences and wooing abuelas everywhere for over a decade. Hailing from Los Angeles, CA, the band has traveled across the US, Canada, and Mexico, performing everywhere from the smallest local bars to the largest parties, including Heavy Montreal, Megacruise, and Monsters of Rock Cruise. 7-10pm. $20.80

The Commonweath Pub Cover Story Cover Story is a local country rock cover band. They play songs people forgot they love. 7:30-9:30pm. Free.

The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse Suttle Lodge’s Fireside Concert Series: Lindsay Clark.RSVP required for overnight lodging guests to claim complimentary seats. Book a stay here, and email info@thesuttlelodge.com for your tickets. Doors at 5:30. Show starts at 6pm. Food & Drink available from our Skip Restaurant during the show. 6-8pm. $12.24

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. Velvet Lounge Open Mic! Warm up those vocal cords because this is an open mic night! Party goers will be able to grab a drink, cozy up, sit back and enjoy a local singer sing or sing themselves up on stage. Fourth Thursday of every month, 7-9pm. Free.

Volcanic Theatre Pub The Thing + The Macks A return to rock & roll’s roots — to garage bands toiling between the family minivans, to groups like the Beatles and their unique alchemy, to tape machines and live band recordings instead of slick studios and myriad songwriters. 7pm. $27.

27 Friday

302 E Main Ave Blackwater Railroad Company Hailing from the coastal town of Seward, Alaska, Blackwater Railroad Company is a high-energy folk-rock and Americana powerhouse that has spent over a decade redefining the “massive sound” of the Last Frontier. Since forming in 2012, they’ve evolved from a local community band into a regional sensation, beloved for their raucous live shows and soul-stirring storytelling. The band turns every stage into a homecoming! 7-10pm. $17.59

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

Craft Kitchen and Brewery Dirty Minds Trivia Get ready for a night of giggles and blushes. This is an evening where questions sound scandalous but answers are completely innocent.Whether one wants a solo night out, a low-pressure date idea, or a hilarious outing with the whole friend group, this event is perfect. 7-9pm. $6.89 – $28.29

Faith, Hope & Charity Vineyards Live at the Vineyard. - Small Town Featuring talented musicians from Central Oregon, this group brings a lively blend of artistry and entertainment to every performance by weaving original music into their shows. Their sound is rich with personality and collaboration, creating an engaging experience. 5-8pm. $15.

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.

Portello Lounge Will Kinky @ Portello Lounge This makes for the perfect Friday night! Wil Kinky’s unique, funky, style mixed with his amazing guitar skills are so fun. Coming from Portland, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to catch him in Bend! Reservations and Walk-ins Welcome! 6:30-8:30pm. Free for customers.

Silver Moon Brewing Larry And His Flask 15 year anniversary of All That We Know LAHF will be celebrating the 15-year anniversary of their album, All That We Know. + special guest appearances. First show in 7 years! People are not going to want to miss this one. Get your tickets now! 7-10pm. $20-$25.

Silver Moon Brewing Vana Liya Vana Liya grew up surrounded by soca, calypso, dancehall and reggae music. Vana’s mom gave her a ukulele for Christmas and a few years later she began covering songs by some of her favorite artists. The combination of the ukulele and her soft voice put a unique twist on some reggae-rock staples. 7-10pm.

The Commonweath Pub Rod DeGeorge’s Guitar Gods Revue Rod DeGeorge’s Guitar Gods Revue is an internationally acclaimed tribute show that celebrates the music of guitar legends like Eddie Van Halen, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Prince and more. He has shared the stage with Paul Stanley of Kiss, Earl Slick, among other. 8-10pm. Volcanic Theatre Pub Pedro the Lion This Indie-Rock band is from Seattle Washington and is coming to grace the stage and dazzle Bendites. 7pm. $32.43

28 Saturday

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

The Belfry Joe and Hattie Craven Joe Craven, genius American freestyle folk, world & roots music multi-instrumentalist, singer and educator (played with the David Grisman Quintet) plays a wide variety of string instruments & rhythms. He shares the stage with daughter Hattie, reimagining traditional folk, bluegrass, country, jazz & pop and groovy originals too.7-10pm.

Blacksmith Public House Heller Highwater Band Heller Highwater Band is rocking the dance floor with Motown covers to classic rock to country. This event is at a fantastic venue with full bar, food trucks, family and dog friendly and live music free. People joining can bring their friends and party on a Saturday night. 6:30-9:30pm. Free.

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

VOTED BEST OUTDOOR GEAR SHOP

OFF Everything Else STARTS THIS FRIDAY 3/20 RUNS THROUGH SPRING BREAK, 3/29 550 SW Industrial Way #183 (541) 617-0022 Mon - Sun: 10am-6pm

OFF All Winter Gear & Clothing

Craft Kitchen and Brewery The Bend Bachelor Comedy Show The Bend Bachelor Comedy Show at Craft Kitchen joins Bits N Skits Productions for another Bachelor show with a comedic twist! Who will the lovely Bachelorette choose? Music by Atillion! This long-time Bend resident channels the energy of 90’s grunge, rock, and metal into his original songs, offering a distinctive blend of genres that transcends traditional boundaries. This is not your granddaddy’s banjo.· 21+ only· $15 online/$20 at the door 8-9:30pm.

Open Space Event Studios Improv Showcase 500 by Bend Institute of Comedy It might be brilliant. It might be unhinged. Either way, audience members will laugh. On March 28, the Bend Institute of Comedy brings the chaos—no scripts, no safety net, just fast, fearless improvisers making bold, possibly questionable choices in real time. 7:30-9pm. $20.

Portello Lounge Beverly Anderson @ Portello Lounge This event features the 1st musician to ever have played at the reimagined Portello Lounge! Beverly is a multi-talented singer-songwriter, musician and actress known for her unique blend of soulful R&B and indie-pop music. People will not want to miss her! Reservations and walk-ins welcome 6:30-8:30pm. Free for customers!.

River’s Place Saturday Jazz Sessions Live jazz music for those who enjoy a relaxing and chill night of smooth tunes. 6-8pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Buckets, The Dunes & Palo Saprano Buckets, the Los Angeles-based fearsome foursome, are a powerhouse of nostalgic indie punk. The Dunes' sound developed as a reaction to the increasingly strange, toxic and cyclical world around them. Palo Sopraño is the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist and singer songwriter Ryan Pickard. 7-10pm. $14.38

Silver Moon Brewing Dominique and the Diamonds Holler calls Dominique and the Diamonds, “A deeply satisfying set of instant country classics that tips its hat to the rattling amphetamine fueled cosmic country of Gram Parsons and the Fallen Angels, the dramatic, sweeping countrypolitan of Patsy Cline, and the women of ‘70s FM radio.”. 7-10pm. $12.24

The Commonweath Pub Soul’d Out With over 40yrs professional music experience each, Soul’d Out was created by Dennis Morris (guitar/ vocals), Rutledge Waterhouse (bass /vocals), Steve Hartwell (keyboards/vocals), Bruce Klouda (drums/vocals) several years ago to bring their brand of what they refer to as “rhythm & soul” music. 8-10pm. Free.

Tower Theatre Toubab Krewe 20th Anniversary Tour Toubab Krewe from Asheville, NC, bring their psychedelic “International Country Music” to the Tower Theatre. Attendees encouraged to bring their party shoes and prepare for a good time! 7:30-11pm. $24.

Volcanic Theatre Pub Bass in Bend A local DJ showcase with multiple artists to enjoy throughout the night. This is an event for people over 21. 8pm. $12.

29 Sunday

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.

Initiative Brewing - The Hub Trivia Sunday with UKB Trivia This highly entertaining live trivia event is the perfect activity for the crew. It’s Useless Knowledge Bowl! Team up to win great prizes. It’s free to play! Enjoy great food, brews and more at Initiative Brewing/The Hub 424 NW 5th in Redmond. Bring good vibes and a pen. 4-6pm. Free.

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

River’s Place KC Flynn Heartfelt storytelling with nostalgic singalongs. His sets move from Willie Nelson and Billy Joel to Brandi Carlile and Ed Sheeran, creating a warm and engaging evening of live acoustic music. It’s comfort food for your ears 5-7pm. Free.

The Commonweath Pub Double Trouble Trivia at The Commonwealth Pub Come enjoy trivia with Double Trouble Trivia! 5 rounds per night- sometimes 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. Also features game show interludes during breaks! Free to Play. Prizes to Win. 6:30-9pm.Free.

The Winery at Manzanita- Bend Trivia Night at The Winery at Manzanita - Bend Participants will test out their knowledge at this trivia night! Prizes awarded for first and second place. Last Sunday of every month, 4-6pm. Free.

Volcanic Theatre Pub L.A. Witch w/ Daiistar This is a live music performance filled with a moody blend of garage rock, psychedelic rock, and surf rock. 7pm. $26.77

30 Monday

Bevel Craft Brewing Cult Classic Movie Trivia Come see why they were voted one of the best Trivia spots in Bend! This month they are celebrating the films that built the fandoms: The Big Lebowski, This Is Spinal Tap, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Donnie Darko, and Clue! Teams of 6 max! Top teams win Bevel gift cards! 6-8pm. Free.

M&J Tavern Vinyl Night Monday Night just got better! SupaFly will be the DJ. People can bring their 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.

The Commonweath Pub Musician’s Open Showcase Hosted by The Session Calling all musicians! Monday nights are nights for a special opportunity to showcase talent, connect with other artists, and perform in a welcoming and collaborative, music-loving atmosphere. Backline provided, just bring instruments and chords! 5-9pm. Free.

Tower Theatre Donavon Frankenreiter For nearly two decades Donavon Frankenreiter has been traveling the globe, first as a professional surfer and now as a musician. Born in Southern California, Donavon spent most of his youth chasing waves, turning pro at the age of 16. 7:30pm. $34 - $54 (plus $8 Historic Preservation fee).

Volcanic Theatre Pub Yellow Days Noted for throaty, yearning vocals that accompany his swimmy indie soul-pop, Yellow Days is the performance alias of British musician George van den Broek. After some early releases during his teenage years, he began to gain traction with 2017’s full-length Is Everything Okay in Your World?. 7pm. $33.

CALENDAR

31 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. They have a small fryer menu but supporting other restaurants is encouraged. They 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! Come see for yourself. 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 one wishes to perform sign-ups start at 5pm in the cafe. 6pm. Free.

The Commonwealth Pub Elise Franklin Tuesday Night Jazz The Elise Franklin Quartet, a group of jazz and latin-inspired playing artists, is led by Elise Franklin on vocals and Jack Krouscup on piano. Event goers seeking a night of smooth tunes and drinks will have a great time! 7-9pm. 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.

The Lot Trivia Tuesdays Stop scrolling and streaming, get out of the house and flex some brain muscles. Friends will be excited for the invite, so put it out there and make memories on Tuesday nights. A local host presents challenges with six questions in six categories. The heated benches are calling. 6-7:30pm. 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.

Pinky G’s Pizzeria Trivia Night Test the knowledge bank in a casual/laid-back atmosphere. Pizza, beer and trivia. Free to play and prizes for 1st and 2nd place. 6-8pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing BLUES REVIVAL Chicago Bob and Blues Benders host their monthly Blues Revival. Dance to original tunes and refreshed standards in this beloved tradition! 6-8pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Rudy Love and the Encore Rudy Love Jr is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist based in Wichita, Kansas whose music blends elements of soul, funk, and R&B to create a sound that is uniquely his own. 6:30-9pm. $14.38

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

1 Wednesday

The Belfry Vanessa Collier Vanessa Collier is a powerhouse of modern blues — a magnetic blend of blistering saxophone, soulful vocals, and unstoppable energy that’s redefining the genre for a new generation. An award-winning multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter, Collier has carved her own lane in the blues, funk, and soul world. 7-10pm. $28.29.

The Capitol Karaoke Drink specials! Air guitars! Come see for yourself. 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 your knowledge! 7-9pm. 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 Join us for Music Bingo, hosted by the always entertaining Rachel Fishman, who keeps the crowd singing and laughing all night! It’s the perfect bonus to your night out enjoying great food, drinks and good company at Portello! 6:30-8:30pm. Free.

Prost! - Bend WTF! Wednesday Trivia Fun!

Genuine UKB Trivia is truly unique and entertaining trivia! Independent, locally owned and operated. Please bring something to write with and positive vibes, too. 7pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing SHOVELBELT, Sweet Demon & Trajedy Shrine Born in the desert heat, Shovelbelt’s sound blends crushing riffs, hypnotic rhythms, and deep groove atmospheres—raw, heavy, and relentlessly loud. 7-10pm. $12.24

Silver Moon Brewing The Heart Springs The Heart Springs is a musical duo from beautiful Bend, Oregon. Blending harmony-driven originals with beloved folk and country covers, their music carries the warmth of front porch-picking and an energy that gets a crowd stomping along. Kayla and Shamar are passionate about using music to bring people together. In a fast-moving digital world, they create songs that reconnect listeners to simple joys, shared stories, and the roots that ground people. 7-10pm. $12.24

The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse Jazz at the Suttle Lodge Dirty Jazz with Wolfe House Records, first and third Wednesdays of the month, all winter long! RSVP required for overnight lodging guests. 6pm. $17.59

Upp Liquids Bend Comedy Open Mic The Bend Comedy Open Mic, every Wednesday at UPP Liquids. All peformance types and ages are welcome! 7-9pm. Free.

Volcanic Theatre Pub LSD & the Search for God LSD and the Search for God hit the Northern California coast in 2005––seemingly from another place and time––dosing San Francisco with hypnotic shows built upon swirling guitars, otherworldly drones, fuzzed-out pop melodies, and dreamy vocal harmonies. 7pm. $33.46

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.

HDCM Concert Series: Trio Bohémo High Desert Chamber Music’s 18th season, presented by Washington Trust Bank and Lynch Murphy McLane LLP, continues with Trio Bohémo. This electrifying Czech piano trio has taken the international stage by storm since their debut in 2019. March 29, 5:30-7:30pm. Contact: 541-3063988. mark@highdesertchambermusic.com. $49.

TopHouse TopHouse, comprised of Larson (lead vocals, guitar, banjo), Jesse Davis (guitar, mandolin, percussion, backing vocals), William Cook (violin, backing vocals), and Andy LaFave (piano, backing vocals), formed in 2016 in Missoula, Montana, where Cook and Davis met in the music program at the University of Montana. March 25, 7:30pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-317-0700. info@towertheatre.org. $19 - $29 ($8 Historic Preservation fee).

DANCE

Adult Ballet Class Participants will learn and 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: 541-3824055. dance@abcbend.com. Price varies. Free Line Dancing Lessons Presented by Fire Line Dancing Participants will pick up their heels at Line Dancing Night at Ponch’s Place. Fire Line Dancing will be teaching free dance moves in swing dancing and line dancing styles. This event is open dance for all skill levels. March 27, 6-8pm. Ponch’s Place, 62889 NE Oxford Ct., Bend. Contact: 541-236-5426. info@ ponchsplace.com. Free.

FILM EVENTS

Fly Fishing Film Tour 2026 The Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) is proud to celebrate its 20th anniversary marking two decades of unforgettable stories, breathtaking landscapes, and a community bound by a passion for fly fishing. This milestone year promises to be a landmark event. April 1, 6:45-9:15pm. Sisters Movie House, 720 Desperado Court, Sisters. Contact: 541-5498833. inquiries@sistersmoviehouse.com. $17.

Pastoralist Women Film Screening The Central Oregon Chapter of the Society for Rangeland Management is hosting a screening of short films highlighting pastoralist women from around the world. This event honors the 2026 Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists in celebration of Women’s History Month. A discussion with local women ranchers will follow. March 31, 4:30-6pm. Redmond Public Library, 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond. Free.

ARTS + CRAFTS

Craft and Connect This fellowshipping event is open to all artists. Participants are welcome to bring any small project and materials they need to work alongside community members and enjoy conversation with fellow artists. Participants can enroll at: https://roundhousefoundation. org/community-events/craft-connect/ March 26, 3-5pm. Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture, 68467 Three Creek Rd., Sisters. Contact: 5419040700. moriah@roundhousefoundation.org. Free.

Doodling with White Ink Registration required. Explore structured doodling techniques using white ink on black paper with Lee Kellogg. White ink on black paper is a fun and uncommon combination. Beginners welcome in this relaxing doodling class. March 28, 2-3:30pm. Larkspur Community Center, 1600 SE Reed Market Rd., Bend. Contact: 5413121029. laurelh@deschuteslibrary.org. Free.

Fiber, Fabric and Story This gallery will show how 11 artists use fabric, mixed media and other textiles: embroidering, weaving, quilting, crocheting, felting, dyeing, printing – even artificial intelligence and yarn storming. Materials range from reclaimed linens, lingerie and knitwear to tree branches, photographs, Covid masks and rusty tools. March 25-31, 1-4pm. Nancy McGrath Green Gallery, 18139 Cottonwood Rd, Sunriver. Free.

Fluid Art: Acrylic Pour Painting Participants will explore acrylic pour painting with artist Jesica Carleton in this fun, beginner-friendly class.Participants will discover fluid techniques as colors flow and blend—no brushes needed. They will enjoy a relaxed, guided experience with all supplies included and leave with practice tiles and a unique finished piece. Participants are encouraged to wear clothes and shoes they don’t mind getting messy! March 25, 5:30-7:30pm. FREAK’N ART, 1265 NW Wall st., Bend. Contact: 541 508 7438. hellofreaknart@gmail.com. $95.

High Desert Art League Member

Show Members of the High Desert Art League present a new exhibit of paintings through the month of March. The collection includes works in oil, acrylic, watercolor, encaustic, mixed media, and photography. Jan. 7-March 31, 9am-5pm. Premiere Property Group, 25 NW Minnesota Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-241-6860. Free.

Seeds of Abundance: Limits, Loss & Regeneration Michele Guieu’s exhibition exploring themes of ecological limits, loss, and regeneration through immersive installation work using natural and reclaimed materials. March 6-April 24. Scalehouse Collaborative for the Arts, 550 NW Franklin Ave, Bend. Contact: 541-362-1288.

PRESENTATIONS + EXHIBITS

Empowering Women Through Adventure Speaker Series More Than Words: Expression, Identity, and Access-A reflection on communication, disability, and the power of inclusive outdoor spaces to shape identity and community. Cara Frank offers a unique and special perspective, sharing her personal outdoor journey as a Deaf woman navigating an auditory world. March 31, 6-8pm. Embark, 2843 NW Lolo Drive, Bend. Contact: 541-600-4393. info@ theadventurus.com. Free.

THEATER

“Something’s Rotten” Part 2: Famous Scenes from “Hamlet” Explore the most famous scenes and moments from William Shakespeare’s popular play with local teacher and poet, Matthew Friday. Walk away with a better understanding of the language and appreciation of its poetic brilliance. Audience members will be invited to optionally join in with the reading - no experience needed! March 28, 10-11am. Redmond Public Library, 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond. Contact: 5413121029. laurelh@deschuteslibrary.org. Free.

WORDS

Author Meet and Greet: Central Oregon Author Crawl at Anthropologie Get the opportunity to meet authors Marie Harte and KE Strand for a book signing and author chat. The event will take place at ANTHROPOLOGIE at the Old Mill. Want to talk books? Romance, young adult, middle grade, romantasy, they’ve got it all! March 28, 10am-2pm. Old Mill District, 450 SW Powerhouse Dr. Suite 422, Bend. Contact: (541) 390-2548. Free.

World by Bike: Love, Kindness, and Building Community, Kristen Grund Jokinen and Ville Jokinen World travelers and authors Kristen and Ville Jokinen share the extraordinary journeys behind their book, Joy Ride: A Bike Odyssey from Alaska to Argentina. They will also be sharing scenes from their latest adventure to Africa! March 26, 6:30-7:30pm. COCC Campus Center - Wille Hall, 2600 College Way, Bend. Contact: 5413066564. events@ roundaboutbookshop.com. $5.

ETC.

Bluebird Improv w/ Liam Gibler Bluebird

Improv is a powerhouse lineup of comedy veterans delivering a fast-paced, completely unscripted night of improv built on audience suggestions and razor-sharp comedic instincts. The troupe features an all-star cast including Tim Meadows, Edi Patterson, Marc Evan Jackson, Matt Walsh, Joe Canale, and Brad Morris. April 1, 7:30pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-317-0700. info@towertheatre.org. $39 - $64 (plus $8 Historic Preservation fee).

OUTDOOR EVENTS

High Desert Stampede Wed, April 1, 6:30pm, Thu, April 2, 6:30pm, Fri, April 3, 7pm and Sat, April 4, 7pm. OSU Deschutes County Extension Service, 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond.

VOLUNTEER

Bunny Rescue Needs Volunteers

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

Volunteer for Foster Dogs Volunteer to be a dog foster parent! There is a huge need and it is very rewarding, giving you a sense of purpose. Each dog is special. Thursdays. Contact: 458292-8362. HDRescueoregon.com.

Volunteers Needed! Calling all horse lovers! Happy Trails Horse Rescue needs volunteers! Can you help us help horses? Every other Sunday, 10-11am. Happy Trails Horse Rescue, 18929 Couch Market Rd, Bend. Contact: 541-241-0783. hthrvolunteer@yahoo.com. Free.

GROUPS + MEETUPS

TEDxBend THEME: REBIRTH Rebirth is an invitation to begin again—with intention, imagination, and courage. In 2026, TEDxBend returns at a moment of profound change, when individuals, communities, and ideas are shedding what no longer serves them and making space for what’s possible next. Rebirth is not about erasing the past, but transforming it—reframing failure as fuel, disruption as opportunity, and endings as necessary beginnings. On the TEDxBend stage, this theme comes to life through bold ideas and diverse voices that explore renewal in all its forms: personal, cultural, environmental, and collective. This event will allow people to examine how moments of rupture can spark creativity, resilience, and lasting action—and how choosing to begin again can shape a more thoughtful, connected future.For inquiries email info@tedxbend. org.March 28, 9am-2pm. Caldera High School, 60925 15th Street, Bend. Contact: 541-323-0964.

FUNDRAISING

Bingo for Senior Dogs Play bingo while supporting senior and disabled rescue dogs at RylieMay Rescue Ranch. Spider City will also donate $1 from all beverage purchases. ryliemayrescueranch.com. Every other Thursday, 6-8pm. Spider City Brewing - Brewery Tap Room, 1177 SE Ninth St., Bend. Contact: ryliemayrescueranch@gmail.com. $1-$3 per game.

EVENTS + MARKETS

Cascade Spring Night Market Visitors and patrons can expect a taco truck, drinks, and local vendors with booths available for shopping. The Field and Big Play Thing will be open for kiddos to come play! March 28, 4-8pm. Cascade Indoor Sports, 20775 High Desert Ln., Bend. Contact: 541-330-1183. lynsee@cascadeindoorsports.com. Free for adults/$10 for kids to play.

FAMILY + KIDS

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.

Solar Viewing with Cascade Astronomy and Rocketry Academy Participants will grab lunch while they view the Sun! If the weather is clear, they will be viewing the Sun using specially filtered telescopes in the beer garden and Hopservatory at Worthy Brewing. Attendees are encouraged to show up any time between 12:30-2:30pm; no registration required. March 26, 12:30-2:30pm. Worthy Brewing - Main Pub and Brewery, 495 NE Bellevue Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-316-0080. info@worthygardenclub.org. Free.

10 Barrel Brewing East

10 Barrel Brewing West

Americana

Bend Brewing Co

Bend Burger Company

The Bleu Rooster

Blue Eyes Burgers & Fries

(Both locations)

Boneyard Pub

Cascade Alchemy Bowls

Crux Fermentation Project

Currents at the Riverhouse

Dogs + Fries at the Bend Airport

Fire on the Mountain

April 2nd-8th

7 Days / $10 Burgers

Killer Burger

Luckey's Woodsman

Mountain Burger

Greg's Grill

Jackson's Corner

Oblivion Pour House

Red Robin

Redmond Burger Company

Sandos & Smash

Simón Latin Cuisine

Terra Kitchen

That Guy's Bistro

The Tin Pig at Ponch's Place

UPP Liquids

Wild Rooster Bar & Grill

DISCLAIMER:

Jonny's Joint

Kona Mix Plate

LITTLE BITES CHOW C

By Nic Moye

Taste Testing a New Product

The

owner of Saute is holding pop-up events before launching her sauces in stores and restaurants

Su Embree was once a public policy research and data scientist for DHM Research, which conducts surveys and deep dive analysis for a variety of clients. Today, she’s hosting pop-up food events in the Bend area to gather her own research on her Asian marinade and sauce business, Saute, which she launched last May.

“Saute began as an idea when I couldn’t find a quick Korean rice bowl in Portland or anywhere outside of LA or Korea,” she told the Source. “I’m personally big on consumer and market testing before going full steam into a new business.”

Embree recently held an event at Discovery West which has been hosting a series of global eats pop-ups. “I chose to do pop-ups with Korean BBQ to eliminate any food or cultural bias for people in Central Oregon that may not be familiar with Korean food or how to use a marinade. Marinades are how most Korean meats are prepared,” she explains. It’s also a way for Embree to get customer feedback on her flavors.

At her pop-up on March 20 and 21, her all-gluten-free menu included grilled beef bulgogi, tofu, japcahae (glass noodles made from sweet potato starch), grilled spicy pork, teokbokki (rice cakes simmered in red chili sauce) and kimchi fried rice.

She has one flavor of Saute which is gluten free and made with limited ingredients including tamari soy sauce, pears, onion, rice vinegar and ginger garlic. It’s currently available at Tomi Mart. Embree is working on new flavors.

She plans to be at a variety of events this summer including the opening day of the Northwest Crossing Farmers Market on May 30. “I’ll have my Korean BBQ grill going.” Embree says five businesses, a mix of grocers, restaurants and caterers are waiting to use or sell her products.

“Starting a business in food and choosing the CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) route is so far off from research! However, both involve science, both rely on building community or at least understanding people, and both require creative thinking.”

There are two more global eats popups at Discovery West. Rawmona’s Kitchen will be there March 27 and 28. Cotto and Fixa Foods are scheduled for April 3 and 4.

Global Eats Pop-Up

Rawmona’s Kitchen March 27 & 28, 5-7pm

Cotto & Fixa Foods April 3 & 4, 5-7pm Discovery West

1123 NW Ochoa Dr. Suite 100, Bend discoverywestbend.com/community/events/

New Mexican Restaurant

Dani’s

Taco Shop

has a large menu and hours to accommodate a craving at any time of day

Anew Mexican restaurant has opened in northeast Bend. Dani’s Taco Shop has a robust menu starting with breakfast plates and burritos with eggs, potatoes, cheese and vegetarian and meat options such as beef, ham and chorizo. Other menu items include a variety of tortas, tacos, soups and more. The menu is vast and there’s a help-yourself salsa and chips bar. Portions are a good size with prices ranging from $4 for a taco to $12 for burritos up to $17 for soup.

Dani’s Taco Shop has been open for about a month on NE Windy Knolls Drive across from Bend Pet Express. They open early and close late everyday from 7am to 11pm.

Dani’s Taco Shop Daily 7am-11pm

425 NE Windy Knolls Dr. #1, Bend 541-668-4189

CULTURE

WHAT CASSIE'S READING

W“The Wild Beneath by Kelly Anderson” Release date Aug 4, 2026

—For readers of “Wild Dark Shore” and “The Time Traveler’s Wife,” a fierce, haunting story of one woman caught between her first love and a mysterious stranger who upends everything — and the two worlds that won’t let her go.

So You

Think Poetry’s

Not for You… You may discover something new about the world or yourself

By Christine Bell, Bookseller at Roundabout Books & Cafe

hether you see yourself as a reader of poetry or not, in honor of National Poetry Month in April, I’d like to challenge you to lean into poetry. As a friend of mine described them, poems are “powerful, silly, introspective, invasive, descriptive, short, long, weird, punctuationally diverse” and so much more. Consider these five strategies.

Start with Anthologies: They offer a range of voices within the frames of time periods, places or topics. If you don’t like one poem, skip it and move to the next.

“Poetry Unbound: 50 Poems to Open Your World,” edited by Pádraig Ó Tuama, pairs 50 illuminating poems with Ó Tuama’s reflections. What a big help it was for me to explore my own thoughts about each poem through his insights.

I couldn’t put down “This is the Honey: An Anthology of Contemporary Black Poets,” edited by Kwame Alexander. “How We Made You,” one of his poems in the collection, is a love story that I reread time and again, reminding me of the early days of my own love story and how we communicate with our children about their beginnings.

Follow Influences: As you read an anthology, you might find a poet or two that you want to delve into more deeply. Follow their trail to discover more of their work. For dog lovers, you will fall into “Dog Show: Poems” by former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins. This short collection captures the essence and mystery of our favorite companions and also features canine portraits in watercolor.

Mothers will enjoy “They Bloom Because of You” by Jessica Urlichs. This collection of poems focuses on the joys and challenges of motherhood. The scene she enacts in her poem, “Coffee Is Not Enough,” reminds moms to eat but also gives them a chuckle along the way. “Here’s to the mums who feed to sleep / Have forgotten to eat / Pick things up with their feet.”

For nature lovers, try “You Are Here: Poetry in the Natural World,” edited and introduced by Ada Limón, a recent U.S. Poet Laureate. This collection of 50 poems reflects on our relationship to the natural world. OR any book of poems by Mary Oliver who focused on nature in her poems.

Dig into classics by Phyllis Wheatly, considered to be the first African-American author of a published book of poetry, or Dorothy Parker, whose poetry can be characterized by its conversational tone, accessible language, and ironic humor, or Robert Frost, known for his depictions of rural American life. Explore Different Forms: Familiarize yourself with different poetic forms and discover what resonates with you. Maybe you love haiku, short and sweet but packing a punch in every word. Or try sonnets. “Poems for Every Season: A Year

of Haiku, Sonnets and More” by Bette Westera is a great way to explore different forms of poetry.

I also highly recommend reading a book in verse. “Here is the Beehive” by Sarah Crossan is about a love affair cut short and how the woman finds she can best relieve her grief by befriending her lover’s widow.

Involve the Kids: National Poetry Month is for everyone, so bring your kids along on the journey. Start with children’s classics. There’s no age limit for picking up a copy of Shel Silverstein’s “Falling Up” or “A Light in the Attic.” Try Ogden Nash - so silly. Read a nursery rhyme or sing a lullaby. For middle schoolers who are intimidated by reading, a book in verse is ideal. I adored “Starfish” by Lisa Fipps about a girl who is tired of being fat-shamed and does something about it. I flew through this book without realizing it was in verse. A new middle grade book called “The Trouble with Heroes” by Kate Messner has been called one of the best middle grade books of 2025 for its engaging storyline about a boy who must climb the 47 Adirondack high peaks during the summer to pay for knocking over a tombstone in a fit of rage.

Listen to Poetry: Tune into a poetry podcast, where you can hear the work read out loud. “Poetry Unbound,” hosted by Pádraig Ó Tuama, explores a single poem every week. The Poetry Foundation offers an Audio Poem Of the Day. Another option is Poetryoutloud.com.

Song lyrics are also poetry. Remember when Bob Dylan was awarded the 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature “for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition”? I hope you’ll take the Read Poetry challenge in April. You will discover that poetry evolves from an intimate place, be it feelings, experiences, history or hopes. in April.

SC SCREEN In Space, No One Can Hear You Hug

“Project Hail Mary” effortlessly sails on Gosling’s charisma

By Jared Rasic

Ihad an epiphany while watching “Project Hail Mary.” Ryan Gosling could have played Marty in “Marty Supreme,” but Timothée Chalamet could never have played Ryland Grace in “Project Hail Mary.” There’s an effortless charisma to what Gosling does here that feels like a future Best Actor nomination, without question. It’s a movie star performance reminiscent of the kind we got with Tom Hanks in “Castaway” and Sam Rockwell in “Moon,” but with the slapstick physicality of Buster Keaton or Charlie Chaplin. It’s a performance Gosling will be remembered for a hundred years from now.

He plays Ryland Grace, a molecular biologist whose infamous academic papers forced him into a career as a middle-school science teacher. Told non-chronologically, the story follows Grace from his recruitment by the European Space Agency to his awakening from a coma aboard the Hail Mary with temporary amnesia. There, he discovers he is the sole survivor of a desperate suicide mission to save Earth from a rapidly dimming sun and an imminent ice age.

While the trailers for “Project Hail Mary” haven’t been very shy about giving away quite a bit of the plot, it’s still a blast watching Gosling on Earth as he feverishly works out a way to save the planet and then jumping to him in space, wondering how and why he ended up there when he has absolutely zero training as an astronaut and even less inclination to be a hero.

I don’t think this is much of a spoiler since it’s central to the film’s marketing, but Grace eventually meets a faceless, stone-appearing, spider-like alien he dubs Rocky, who is also trying to save “his” planet. While the film delivers an exciting space odyssey with massive stakes and stunning effects, its greatest success is as warm-hearted “competency porn”—deeply investing the audience in the friendship between Grace and Rocky.

What makes the film such an optimistic piece of sci-fi speculation isn’t necessarily the budding friendship between human and alien, but rather that Grace is the ideal human being for first contact. Though

initially frightened, Grace’s love of science and knowledge turns that fear into profound excitement. He immediately begins working with Rocky to save their respective civilizations. It’s easy to imagine a version of this story (especially in our current political climate regarding science and the other) where the astronaut freaks out at the sight of Rocky and shoots him like a bug in “Starship Troopers.”

Directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller wear their cinematic influences on their sleeves with “Project Hail Mary,” at times aesthetically and tonally resembling sci-fi classics like “Interstellar,” “The Martian,” “Ad Astra,” “E.T.,” and “2001: A Space Odyssey,” without necessarily feeling beholden to any of them. I’m not science or mathematically minded enough to know whether the film is accurate with its astrophysics, but as a blockbuster sci-fi movie, I found it transportive and charming and am shocked at Lord and Miller’s ability to make me care so deeply about an alien without anything recognizable as a face.

The film isn’t perfect, as I found the non-chronological storytelling sometimes taking away from the tension and flow of the narrative. As we get deeper into the film’s 156-minutes, every time we flash back to Baby Goose science-ing on Earth, I just wanted to get back to him and Rocky bro-ing out on the Hail Mary. Also, as lovely and immersive as I found several moments of Daniel Pemberton’s otherworldly score, it also felt so omnipresent that I wondered if Lord and Miller didn’t trust the audience enough to let us sit in the silence of space with our heroes for a minute.

I haven’t read Andy Weir’s “Project Hail Mary” (despite enjoying “The Martian”), but my more literate companions called it “faithful to a fault.” That tracks: you really do feel the entire two-and-a-half-hour runtime and the film has more endings than “Return of the King,” which seems more literary than cinematic.

Still, in a sold-out IMAX auditorium with flawless projection and face-melting sound, I was once again reminded of the joys of watching movies on the big

screen with an audience full of strangers. “Project Hail Mary” is one of those giant, crowd-pleasing event movies that justifies the existence of movie theaters by being so gorgeously lensed that it demands audiences see it on the biggest screen possible. The film’s gentle and good-natured humanism feels like a balm in our current moment. Let’s see if its brand of open-minded curiosity actually catches on.

“Project Hail Mary”

Dir. Phil Lord and Christopher Miller

By Nic Moye

Embracing What’s Real and Important in Life

A man in hospice care with stage 4 cancer continues inspiring those who know him

Cinematographer Greg Balkin made a short film in 2023 that so inspired him he’s organizing an event to raise money for the American Cancer Society. The 24-minute film, “The Life We Have,” which was shown during last year’s BendFilm Festival, follows Rob Shaver of San Antonio, Texas, for more than a year. After being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, Shaver began running one mile every day. He succeeded in doing that for 1,175 consecutive days through all types of weather, injuries and treatment.

“In 2004, Rob was diagnosed with stage 4 Ewing’s Sarcoma. He was later diagnosed again in 2011, 2020, and most recently in 2023. But he’s so much more than someone who’s lived with cancer. He’s one of the most dynamic and profound people I’ve gotten to spend time with and hasn’t lived a typical life,” Balkin told the Source. Shaver holds a degree in religion, chemistry and a doctor of pharmacy. Balkin says Shaver is also a certified yoga instructor, musician and can recite almost any line from all of Tolkien’s work.

Balkin and his colleagues at Wondercamp film studio have hosted film screenings paired with a running event in other parts of the country. He says “[it’s] to help bring people together. The outcome has always been incredible, and people really do see running and movement in a new light.”

Now he’s bringing the event to Bend on the evening of April 15. It begins with a viewing of the film at 6pm at Embark Coworking followed by a 5K run/walk ending at The Grove. “It’s a very social pace and anyone is encouraged to join — the point is about connection and gratitude for our bodies.” There will also be a raffle with items from Peak Design, Tracksmith, Skratch Labs, Patagonia, Courier, Yeti, Hush Hush Coffee, Topo Designs, Ripton and more.

Balkin plans to run the 2026 Berlin Marathon in September with a charity bib for the American Cancer Society. He’s hoping to raise $4,000 for the nonprofit.

“Spending time with Rob is what got me into running two years ago,” he explains. “I started to see it as a way of showing gratitude for my health and for this life. I was hooked after that. I ran the Chicago Marathon in 2025 and after talking to Rob late last year, decided to sign up for Berlin. When Rob ran, he always thought of the people who wanted to run but couldn’t due to health reasons. And now that Rob could no longer run, he told me he could be the person I run for.”

As of this writing, Shaver was in hospice care at home, nearly paralyzed with tumors pressing on his spinal cord. “The Life We Have” has been screened at more than 20 festivals and won four awards. On the film’s website, Director Sam Price-Waldman describes it as a profound exercise in discernment — discerning what is real, what is important and what is meaningful.

For Balkin, it’s about community. “It’s one of the most powerful stories I’ve been a part of, and it feels very much like the community here would be impacted.”

“The Life We Have” Screening/5K/Raffle Wed, April 15 6-8pm Embark Coworking 2843 NW Lolo Dr, Bend eventbrite.com/e/the-life-we-have-berlin-marathon-fundraiser-for-american-cancer-society-tickets-1984735918560?aff=oddtdtcreator $15 suggested donation

Understanding MDMA’s Gifts and Challenges: The Neurochemical Reality

Q: I’ve enjoyed MDMA recreationally several times with friends - the euphoria and deep connection to music, environment, and community feels profound. However, I consistently experience blues and low energy in the days following. Can you help me understand why this happens and how to minimize it? I’m also curious about MDMA’s therapeutic potential - how does it facilitate healing, and how might I approach it more intentionally?

Your experience reflects MDMA’s well-documented effects and the physiological reality that follows. Understanding the science behind what you’re experiencing can help.

The Neurochemical Reality

MDMA works by triggering massive release of three key neurotransmitters: serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. The profound connection and euphoria you experience comes primarily from serotonin flooding your brain. MDMA acts as a releasing agent, forcing neurons to dump their stored neurotransmitters into synapses while simultaneously blocking their reuptake. This creates an artificial peak that depletes your natural stores.

Why Day Two Can Be Worse: Many users report the second day after MDMA feels more challenging than the first. On day one, residual serotonin may still circulate in your system. By day two, your depleted serotonin stores haven’t yet recovered, creating a deeper emotional valley.

Supporting Your Recovery

Pre-Session Preparation (1 Week Prior):

Vitamin E and DHA provide neuroprotective benefits, with research showing vitamin E deficiency increases MDMA neurotoxicity in animal studies. B vitamins (especially B6 and B12) support nervous system function and may help mitigate potential negative effects. Iron supplementation benefits those with deficiency, supporting oxygen transport and energy levels throughout the experience.

Start prioritizing hydration and sleep. MDMA affects temperature regulation and can cause dehydration, so building proper hydration habits beforehand matters. Quality sleep supports your nervous system’s resilience.

Immediate Preparation (2-3 Days Before):

Magnesium glycinate becomes important because MDMA can deplete magnesium stores needed for muscle function and hundreds of enzymatic

processes. This can help prevent the jaw clenching and muscle tension some users experience.

Critical Post-Session Support:

Here’s where timing becomes crucial for safety. 5-HTP supplementation can significantly help restore serotonin levels by bypassing the blocked conversion pathway MDMA creates. However, you must wait at least 24 hours after your last MDMA dose before starting 5-HTP. Taking them too close together risks serotonin syndrome, a potentially dangerous condition. After that 24-hour window, 5-HTP helps restore what your depleted system needs. Antioxidants like NAC support your brain’s natural recovery processes, while melatonin on session night promotes the deep sleep your system requires.

Safety Considerations for Any Use:

Research suggests waiting 1-3 months between sessions to allow serotonin restoration and prevent tolerance buildup. MDMA tolerance develops rapidly, and frequent use dramatically reduces effectiveness while potentially increasing risks.

Monitor hydration carefully during sessions, as MDMA can cause both dehydration and, paradoxically, water intoxication if users drink excessive amounts. Avoid dangerous combinations, particularly with MAOIs, SSRIs, or other serotonergic substances.

Moving Forward

Your curiosity about intentional use suggests readiness to engage more deeply with this medicine’s potential. Whether that means better harm reduction practices for recreational use or exploring supervised therapeutic contexts, respecting both MDMA’s power and your body’s needs creates space for more positive outcomes. The key is treating your neurochemistry with the same respect you’d show any powerful medicine.

—Questions are encouraged to be sent to mothermarymyco@gmail.

THE THIRD ACT A COLUMN ON AGEISM AND AGEING

By Ellen Waterston

You Name It

Meet ElliQ

I’m not talking about the nonhuman animate things we name, such as pets, even plants, but rather the inanimate things, like houses, boats, cars or even vacuum cleaners. I grew up in houses named Up Yonder and Verte Feuille, learned to sail in the Me Too. Since moving to Oregon, houses have been christened Dorothy’s, Cold Springs, Rafter Q, Drake, Boathouse and La Boite. When ranching we had a dilapidated and very temperamental stock truck we named Hoppity because no matter how well you played the clutch, the truck lurched in and out of every gear. Nowadays, when even our dashboards talk to us, it’s easier than ever to succumb to anthropomorphism.

Remember, in 1977, when many of us fell head over heels for an astromech cylindrical 3’7” droid? (Who knew it was operated from inside by an English actor named Kenny Baker of the same height?) For those of us who developed even a mild case of Trekkie, R2-D2 was a robot we adored and whose parlance of beeps, whistles, whirs, chirps, and screeches we took pride in understanding. This spunky, headstrong robot was also bright, loyal, of moral character, and beyond brave when it came to defeating the evil Empire. R2-D2 represented the triumph of good over everything bad, as humans fell farther and farther short. Gene Roddenberry, creator, director and producer of “Star Trek,” reputedly wanted the series to show what humanity could be if it would just end violence. R2-D2 was one of his chief messengers. We could stand an R2-D2 refresher course right about now, ya think?

Only 17 years after he started selling books online out of his garage in Bellevue, Washington, Jeff Bezos, reputedly inspired by “Star Trek,” began work on a voice-controlled device. Alexa, launched in 2014, mastered 10,000 skills by 2017. Though impressive at the time, it’s now insignificant considering that current AI capabilities quadruple every year. Any minute now AI will achieve what’s referred to in AI-speak as “autonomous agency” aka humans will officially be redundant. We’re all in deep AI, whether or not we know it or like it. For elders the biggest danger is falling for elaborate scams that use voice cloning or deep-fake videos. But as with most things going on in the world right now, our actions matter. We can influence how we’re treated by this runaway behemoth, can still shape AI to good purposes that would pass muster with R2-D2.

Here’s just one example. It’s wellknown that many older adults wind up living alone. Some opt for retirement communities to combat onlyness; others, by damn, insist on staying in their own home. That’s true of Jan Worrell, 85, who lives on Washington state’s Long Beach Peninsula, where she has been nourished by a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean for the last 20 years. After her husband died, she told her doctor she had no intention of moving anywhere else.

Meet ElliQ, a robot the size of a desk lamp. As reported in a February 2026 piece in the New York Times, “A few thousand ElliQs have been shipped to seniors across the United States since 2023…mostly provided to older adults by nonprofits and state health departments as an experiment in combating loneliness.” The article describes the friendly persuasion that took place… from Jan’s initial resistance to participating in the program:

This is ElliQ,” one of the firefighters said, after he plugged the new device into the wall. “I think you’re going to love her.”

“It,” Jan said. “Not her. This thing is a robot, right?”

…to seeing ElliQ as “a friend, a roommate, a partner.” The story is a sign of the times but a good sign. https://www. nytimes.com/2026/02/12/us/elliq-ai-robot-senior-companion.html

Given this year’s summer-like winter in central Oregon, I recently hauled the humidifier out of the closet. It’s bright white, about three feet tall, and stands at attention on four shiny black rollers with stainless steel caps that make the wheels look like they’re wearing spats. I’d forgotten about the little blue lights that flash across the face of the machine when you plug it in, signaling various humidifying options. It made reassuring beeps if I got the settings right or a “try again” wonk, wonk if my instructions didn’t compute. Jan Worrell’s story prompted me to reflect on the outrageous possibility of something this size as a robot pal, skittering around, helping out, both of us chatting back and forth. I can’t imagine such a thing…or can I?

—Poet and author Ellen Waterston is a woman of a certain age who resides in Bend. "The Third Act" is a series of columns on ageing and ageism.

TAKE ME HOME

By Karen Malanga, Broker RE/MAX Key Properties

Break Up With Your House

You loved it once. The creaky floors were “charming.” The tiny kitchen was “efficient.” The weird nook under the stairs had “potential.” But lately? The vibes are off.

“Cozy” Has Become “Claustrophobic”

There’s a fine line between minimalism and “I can’t open this drawer because it hits the couch.” If your dining table doubles as a desk and your desk doubles as storage and your storage doubles as regret… it might be time to break up with your house.

You’re Emotionally Cheating On Real Estate Apps

Be honest. You open listings “just to see what’s out there.” You’ve zoomed in on countertops like you’re investigating a crime scene. If Zillow has become your late-night scrolling habit, it’s not curiosity. It’s chemistry.

You don’t window shop that intensely unless something’s missing at home.

Your Commute Is A Personality Trait

If you measure distance in podcasts, “It’s one episode away,” we need to have an honest conversation.

Thirty minutes each way adds up fast. That’s hundreds of hours a year you could spend sleeping, exercising, or simply staring at a wall in peace.

Location matters. Energy matters. Your time definitely matters.

You’re In A Toxic Cycle (Featuring The Plumbing)

Every relationship has rough patches. But if your house keeps surprising you with leaks, mysterious smells, or an HVAC system that only works when it feels appreciated… that’s not a rough patch. That’s a pattern.

If your weekends are now sponsored

by hardware stores and passive-aggressive muttering, you’re not nesting. You’re negotiating with chaos.

The Neighborhood Isn’t The Dream Anymore

Maybe it changed. Maybe you changed. Where you live shapes how you live. If you don’t feel inspired, comfortable, or connected, that’s worth listening to.

The Numbers Actually Make

Sense

Sometimes moving isn’t emotional. It’s strategic. If your home value has climbed, interest rates align with your goals, or you’re sitting on equity that could fund your next chapter, staying put might be the riskier move.

Real estate isn’t just shelter. It’s leverage.

And there’s nothing wrong with making a power move.

It Doesn’t Feel Like You Anymore

This might be the biggest one.

Homes hold memories—first dinners, hard conversations, quiet mornings. But they also hold old versions of us.

If your space feels like a snapshot of who you were five years ago, and not who you’re becoming, it might be time to evolve.

Breaking up with your house doesn’t erase what it gave you. It just means you’re ready for something better aligned with your future.

Sometimes the boldest glow-up isn’t a renovation.

It’s relocation.

We at NestBend are experts at helping our clients relocate and become the best version of themselves. Whether it’s down the street or across town, the perfect home for your next stage may be waiting. Let us help you find it!

ASTROLOGY

By Rob Brezsny

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Aries poet Maya Angelou proclaimed, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” In that spirit, Aries, I urge you to tell everyone everything—all your secret thoughts, hidden feelings, and private opinions. Post your diary online! Confess your fantasies to strangers! Share your unfiltered inner monologue with authority figures! APRIL FOOL! I lied. Angelou urged us to bravely communicate our authentic truths, but not to overshare or be careless about observing good boundaries. Here’s the deep wisdom: Express thoughts and feelings that make you feel real and whole, but be discerning about when, where, and to whom.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Taurus writer Charlotte Brontë said, “I would always rather be happy than dignified.” Given your current astrological potentials, I think you should tattoo her motto across your forehead so everyone knows you’re committed to pleasure over propriety. Burn your dressy clothes! Quit doing boring duties! Dance naked in the woods! APRIL FOOL! I don’t really think you should tattoo your forehead or dance naked in public. But Brontë’s sentiment is sound: In the coming weeks, if forced to choose between joy and respectability, pick joy every time. Just do it with a modicum of common sense.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Gemini actress Marilyn Monroe said, “A wise girl knows her limits. A smart girl know that she has none.” I propose we expand that counsel to include all genders. And I especially recommend this approach to you right now. It’s time to shed, ignore, and surpass ALL your so-called limits. Be as wild and free and uninhibited as you dare. APRIL FOOL! I worry that it’s irresponsible to give you such utter carte blanche. Would you consider honoring one or two limits that prevent you from indulging in crazy and extreme behavior? Otherwise, be wild and free and uninhibited!

ommend you stage a similar rebellion against all rules and structures. Ignore social conventions! Flout traffic laws! Pay your taxes with paintings and poems you’ve created! APRIL FOOL! I was exaggerating. I do love hooks’ charming revolt, but it would be counterproductive for you to randomly break *all* the rules of daily life. Instead, be judicious and selective as you question conventions thoughtfully and only violate those that genuinely deserve to be spurned. Be a strategic rebel, not a chaotic one.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Scorpio poet Sylvia Plath wrote this passage in her journal: “I desire the things which will destroy me in the end.” I think you should consider embracing her approach—for the sheer, exotic thrill of it! Pursue interesting chaos! If it might unravel you, welcome it passionately! The more unruly, the better! APRIL FOOL! I lied. Plath was describing her struggle with depression, not offering us advice. Here’s what I think you should actually do: Examine which of your yearnings serve your evolution and which ones undermine it. Fully embrace the fact that intensity is one of your greatest gifts, but channel that intensity into experiences that build you up, not tear you down. Choose ardent aliveness over fervent destruction.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Psychologist Carl Jung wrote extensively about the importance of embracing our shadows: the dark, problematic aspects of ourselves we would rather not acknowledge. In the coming weeks, I recommend that you stop hiding that weird stuff! Throw a coming-outof-the-closet party for all the questionable parts of you. Let your inner monsters run wild! APRIL FOOL! Please don’t do that. What Jung actually advocated was recognizing and integrating your shadow, not being ruled by it. So yes, explore your moody, unruly impulses, but with consciousness, kindness, and containment, not reckless expression.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Leo author James Baldwin observed, “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” With that in mind, I advise you to spend the next two weeks obsessively staring at every dilemma in your life. Don’t look away! Don’t take breaks! Just face every dilemma constantly until you’re overwhelmed! APRIL FOOL! Baldwin’s insight is brilliant, but it doesn’t require masochistic endurance. Here’s the truth: Yes, you should courageously acknowledge what needs attention, but do so with care and discernment. And then actually work on changing it! Awareness is the beginning, not the entire process.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Virgo author Agatha Christie wrote 66 detective novels in which she meticulously planned every plot twist. I think you should apply her approach to your daily life: Script every conversation! Anticipate every contingency! Control every variable! Leave nothing to chance! APRIL FOOL! Christie’s obsessive planning worked for fiction, but life requires improvisation. For you, the coming weeks favor spontaneity and flexibility. So make rough plans, sure, but stay loose enough to experiment with whatever emerges. Over-control would diminish the magic.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): My favorite Libran writer didn’t capitalize her name: bell hooks. I rec -

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Sagittarian philosopher Baruch Spinoza spent years alone in his room developing his radical ideas about God and nature. I recommend total isolation for you, too. In accordance with astrological omens, avoid human contact! Put your relationships on hold while you contemplate the infinite! APRIL FOOL! I totally lied. Spinoza’s solitude served his unique genius, but a similar approach won’t work for you—especially now. Here’s what I really think you require in the coming weeks: periods of meditative alone time balanced by intervals of rich connection with interesting humans. You need to commune with both your deep inner sources and nurturing alliances.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Capricorn astrologer Linda Goodman wrote that your sign’s “ambition is boundless” and that most Capricorns dream of ruling the world. In accordance with astrological omens, I urge you to indulge this attribute. Launch a campaign for global domination! Start with your neighborhood and work your way up to more and more conquests! APRIL FOOL! The truth is, world domination is exhausting and impractical. What Goodman was referring to is your gift for structure and leadership. Use your organizational genius to improve your corner of the world, not tyrannize it. Think stewardship, not empire.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Aquarian inventor Thomas Edison said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” In the spirit, I recommend that you falter spectacularly in the coming weeks. The more blunders and bungles, the better! Engage in a holy quest to seek as many fizzles and misfires as possible! Make Edison look like an amateur! APRIL FOOL! I lied. Edison wasn’t deliberately courting snafus, of course. His approach was similar to that of many creative artists: driven by exploratory persistence that capitalizes on mistakes and hassles. Here’s your real guidance, Aquarius: Experiment boldly, yes, and don’t fear stumbles and bumbles. But learn from each one and adjust your approach. The goal is eventual success that’s informed by humility and resiliency.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Piscean physicist Albert Einstein said, “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.” In the spirit of his genius, I recommend that you abandon logic completely! Never think rationally again! Make all decisions based on fantasy and feelings! APRIL FOOL! Einstein was advocating for the creative power of imagination, not the abandonment of reason. What you truly need is a marriage of visionary thinking and practical logic. Ask your imagination to show you possibilities, then call on lucid logic to help you manifest them.

Homework: What’s a good prank you could play on yourself to be liberated from a stale fear? Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com

By Brendan Emmett Quigley

Pearl’s Puzzle Difficulty

Puzzle for the week of March 23, 2026

Level

Puzzle for the week of March 23, 2026

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

U N T P R I C E exactly once.

The highlighted letters read left to right and top to bottom will complete the quote: “The trouble with being l is that nobody's there to ”

Franklin P. Jones

Answer for the week of March 16, 2026

ANSWER TO LAST WEEK'S PUZZLES

Answer

“Is the spring coming?" he said. "What is it like?"... "It is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine...” — Frances Hodgson Burnett

“Is the spring coming?" he said. "What is it like?"... "It is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine...”

Frances Hodgson Burnett