the Source May 7, 2026

the Source

704 NW Georgia Ave., Bend, OR 97703

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On the Cover:

Painting by Sloane

Earl. "Here They Come" is an ode to classical

It's meant to be a reminder of youth and adventure.

This piece was painted in 2026, oil on canvas. The original is 20" x 16" and is currently for sale. You can see Sloane's other work at www.sloaneearl.com or follow her on Instagram @based_in_dreams.

Call for Artists: If you're interested in being a SW featured artist, email: production@bendsource.com.

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Nicole Vulcan–nicole@bendsource.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Nic Moye–editor@bendsource.com

FEATURES AND INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER

Peter Madsen–peter@layitoutfoundation.org

REPORTER

Clayton Franke–clayton@layitoutfoundation.org

REPORTER / CALENDAR EDITOR

Jesse Coronado–calendar@bendsource.com, reporter@bendsource.com

COPY EDITOR Richard Sitts

FREELANCERS

Jared Rasic, Josh Jardine, Burt Gershater, Wally Hofmann, Stephanie Gregory, Dallas Finn Calvert

SYNDICATED CONTENT

Rob Brezsney, Brendan Emmett Quigley, Jen Sorensen, Pearl Stark, Tom Tomorrow, Matt Wuerker

PRODUCTION MANAGER / ART DIRECTOR

Jennifer Galler–production@bendsource.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Adrian Galler–design@bendsource.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Ashley Sarvis

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Ban Tat, Chad Barnes advertise@bendsource.com

TECHNOLOGY OFFICER

Megan Burton–megan@layitoutevents.com

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Sean Switzer

CONTROLLER

Angela Switzer–angela@bendsource.com

PUBLISHER

Aaron Switzer–aaron@bendsource.com

WILD CARD

Paul Butler

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EDITOR’S NOTE:

In the modern world, there are cameras everywhere you go. Bend Police use them as tools to locate suspects. Investigative reporter Peter Madsen looks at what those cameras are recording and who has access. In other news, reporter Clayton Franke details proposed locations for the next landfill, one of which is near a recreation trail system. Plus, a look at how officials are preparing for what could be an early and potentially difficult wildfire season.

Our food section this week is all about the sweet tooth with stories about donuts, waffles and snow cones. If you need a good laugh, three female comedians with Bend ties are taking the stage at Tower Theatre. In sports, girls flag football is rapidly growing in popularity. And how to enjoy the rebirth of TEDxBend as well as a new student literary journal at COCC. —Managing Editor Nic Moye

LIGHTMETER:

A May Day workers’ rights event at Pioneer Park in Bend attracted a crowd of all ages for an afternoon of speakers, then a march to the Peace Corner. We want to share your photo! Email calendar@bendsource.com or tag @sourceweekly on Instagram for a chance to be featured.

PRESENTED BY HARVEST MOON WOODWORKS Ray Randall HARVESTMOONWOODWORKS.COM CUSTOM. CABINE TS

A Library — Any Library — in Bend Couldn’t Come Too Soon

As a third space and a resource center, libraries are a lifeline. Ours shouldn’t have been closed this long.

In just a few short days, the Deschutes Public Library’s new Central Library will open on the east side of Bend. For those who have gone by during the many months it’s stood there under construction, the 100,000-square-foot space is certainly hard to miss.

We are excited about it, but right now we’re also still concerned that Bend has failed to have a library open for the better part of a month. The downtown branch closed April 11 and won’t be open again for a year. The smaller east side branch closed permanently late last year. That’s left Central Oregon’s largest city without a vital resource center for some of the region’s most vulnerable people.

Sure, people have been able to reserve and pick up books. We appreciate the continued access to the media that taxpayers here have paid for. But really, those who love libraries know that they are about much more than books. They are third spaces for families to get out of the house and attend story time. They are meeting spaces. They are computer labs accessed by those without their own machines, who use them for finding jobs or employment or resources.

These are the people we’ve had in mind throughout recent weeks — those for whom walking in the doors of a library means so much more than reading material.

We understand that transitioning to a new, larger space across town is not going to be easy for library staff. We get that shutting down the downtown library entirely was what leaders deemed most appropriate during its renovation. But when this collection of decisions means diminished access to some of modern life’s most basic resources, we know there could have been a better way. Even now, with the new library opening this week, its location on the far east side is going to be more difficult for some to access. It’s certainly better than no library at all, but we still believe more could have been put in place to keep services rolling in downtown Bend during this transition, and the renovation.

When the new library opens to the public on May 11, we’ll delight in the new, brightly lit, energy-efficient space. We’ll marvel at the extensive art collection. We’ll have fun exploring the MakerSpaces and Children’s Discovery Spaces. But we won’t overlook the access to technology that will once again be available to some of the region’s most in need.

The library system did well by adding another gem of a building to its inventory, but in the weeks leading up to it, the community could have been served better.

HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY? Send your thoughts to editor@bendsource.com.

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

Letter of the week receives $5 to Palate!

DESCHUTES DESERVES AMY SABBADINI

Deschutes County needs a commissioner who fights for working people. Amy Sabbadini is that candidate. I had the privilege of being Amy’s student, and what struck me then still holds true today: she approaches every problem with curiosity, fairness and a deep sense of responsibility to others. Those qualities that made her a great teacher will make her an outstanding public servant.

As a teachers’ union leader, Amy helped lobby for Oregon’s Student Success Act, passed in 2019, which delivered historic investment into public schools; funding smaller class sizes, mental health resources, and support for students who need it most. She understood that real change requires showing up in the classroom AND the union hall.

That working-class perspective is something the county commission has been missing. Too many decisions here prioritize growth and profit over the people who live, work, and raise families in Deschutes County. Housing is becoming unaffordable. Wages aren’t keeping up. Working families are being left behind.

Amy Sabbadini has spent her career serving this community. In the classroom, at the bargaining table, and as an advocate for the people of Deschutes County. She knows these neighborhoods, these families, and these struggles firsthand. That’s the kind of grounded leadership our commission needs. Deschutes County deserves a commissioner who works for all of us. Vote Amy Sabbadini.

—Jordan Baxter

AMY SABBADINI FOR COUNTY COMMISSION

We are proud to support Amy Sabbadini for Deschutes County Commission. We taught beside Amy for 20 years at Bend Senior High and have seen her dedication, hard work, integrity and intelligence in all she undertakes. She will be an invaluable asset on the County Commission.

Amy is a teacher and a learner. She studies up on the issues to bring the best information to the table. If she doesn’t have it, she will find the best people to learn from. We witnessed this many times in the classroom where she brought in diverse speakers to share their lived experiences with her students.

Amy is a uniter. She seeks common ground and brings people from a wide range of backgrounds to the common table, where they feel heard and valued.

She is masterful in creating a climate of trust and mutual respect when working with groups from all walks of life. Amy is a leader. She has boundless energy and determination to tackle hard things. Teaching high school students is a bit like herding cats and Amy has proven she has the skill and tenacity to move us toward a common goal.

Amy is honest and rooted in integrity. As our trusted friend and colleague, we know she has our community’s best interests at heart and will work tirelessly to make Deschutes County the best place to live, work and play for us all. Please join us in voting for Amy Sabbadini for position 3!

—Diane

and Doug Brown

COUNTY COMMISSION ELECTION

While we may have little influence with our federal government, locally we can make a huge difference. Deschutes County is having a primary election May 19th to select candidates for our county commission council. These elected officials have an important impact on our everyday lives: adopting our county budget, setting our local laws, providing essential services for our roads, parks, health and emergency services, all while representing our concerns. Your vote has a tremendous impact on your community!

I am supporting Jamie Collins for district 1, Amy Sabbatini for district 3, Rick Russell for district 4, and Morgan Schmidt for district 5. I encourage you to check out their websites, learn about their priorities, read their resumes, and familiarize yourself with each of these special people. We are very fortunate to have each of them eager to make Deschutes County a better place to live. Any candidate that gets more than 50% of the vote will win the seat now and won’t have to run again in November. Please vote and return your ballot early.

— Naomiu Murphy

SUPPORTING MORGAN SCHMIDT!

I wholeheartedly support Morgan Schmidt for Deschutes County Commissioner. Having known Morgan for many years through her community work, I can say without hesitation that she was born to serve her community. Morgan’s record of leadership is remarkable in both its breadth and depth. As Director of the Bend Youth

Collective, Pastor of Bend First Presbyterian, and guest clergy at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon, she has long been a unifying presence across our community. When COVID-19 struck, she didn’t wait for someone else to act. She founded Pandemic Partners Bend to meet her neighbors’ needs. Most recently, as Executive Director of the Red Cross for Central and Eastern Oregon, she has brought executive vision and tireless compassion to one of the region’s most essential organizations.

Perhaps nothing speaks more to Morgan’s character than her selection as Disaster Chaplain during last August’s devastating Lahaina wildfires. Her presence there was no accident. It was the natural result of a lifetime spent honing both her leadership and her deep empathy for people in crisis.

Beyond her impressive resume, Morgan is self-effacingly funny and possesses a rare combination of sharp intellect and genuine emotional intelligence. She listens, she leads, and she cares. We deserve a leader like Morgan.

—Diane Darling

EVERY VOTE COUNTS

Did we ever expect just how extensive the damage would be when this administration took over? Every day, it

goes beyond the pale, how blatant the lawlessness and corruption continue to evolve. This administration doesn’t give a damn about its citizens or our precious planet and all its inhabitants.

The toxicity begins at the top and rains down upon the rest of us like acid rain. We march, we sign petitions, we reach out to our representatives and we vote. None of this should ever be taken lightly. Every vote counts, every action matters.

While we gathered signatures, I found inspiration in those that eagerly signed our petitions to expand the board of commissioners from 3 to 5 members. Our efforts paid off and now we’re voting on who we will trust to make the hard decisions which will affect all of us.

Soon we’ll be receiving ballots to vote for crucial changes to our Deschutes County Commissioners Board. This is not a time for apathy. This local election will affect each and every one of us. Do your research and listen to truth. We cannot put our faith in anyone who supports this current regime at the risk of being sold out to this travesty of recklessness and ruin. Choose wisely when you vote and please consider these worthy candidates: Schmidt, Sabbadini, Russell and Collins. I believe they will do right by us.

—Oakley Taylor

Publisher's Note

For three decades, the Source Weekly has been lovingly distributed every week to almost 400 distribution points throughout Central Oregon. We have seen and written about the monumental changes that have carved this region into what it is today. We’ve witnessed monumental changes, including a new bridge spanning the Deschutes River, a major highway where there was just a four-lane road, and an amphitheater that boasts over 50 internationally recognized acts where once only a grassy knoll attracted free Sunday concertgoers. Central Oregon has demanded a tenacity and a flexibility that now defines its character.

As we approach the 30-year mark of publishing, our media company is no different than the community it serves. Now known as simply the Source, we are embracing a significant advance, thanks to our readers’ support and encouragement: now publishing daily, in addition to our trusted weekly print edition. This new approach allows us to capture the growing volume of news for an increasing number of people in Central Oregon.

When the paper was first published in 1997, websites were rare. Our publication was still pasted up on boards. If you didn’t read about a band or cultural event in our paper, you probably saw it taped up on a poster. I won’t belabor you with the mind-blowing amount of change due to the information dissemination age since that first press run. With the proliferation of the internet age has come a broad decline of journalistic standards and disinformation that challenge community discourse. Readers now, more than ever, crave the news available to them on a daily schedule with professional writers, editors and creatives at the helm.

In the face of the continued metamorphoses in the media landscape and in the community, it is comforting to look at the things that haven’t changed. Reporters and writers still strive to tell meaningful stories about the community where they live. Journalists remain committed to holding those who serve our community accountable. They live the maxim that no one is above the law and they put in long hours to support that standard…and now they don’t have to wait all week for you to read about it.

One of the most important parts of growing to daily reporting is that we continue to strengthen our commitment to broad accessibility. The Source has always been free, and now we are reaching more people digitally, wherever they may consume their news. This, too, is free.

If you listen to legacy media institutions, telling stories about the doom and gloom of journalism as we enter the age of AI, you might think it foolish to double down and expand a local news outlet. If you’re listening to larger news institutions acquired by out-of-area aggregators who are reducing staff, you might be convinced the downward spiral is inevitable. However, as the Source enters its fourth decade, we enjoy our largest newsroom and largest readership yet, with a model for delivering timely news. That feels like the right fit for our growing community! I look forward to walking it with all of you as our paper and Central Oregon continue to evolve. Thank you for your support.

—Aaron Switzer

Deschutes County to Choose New Landfill Site — Again — as Deadline Looms

More than a year after negotiations fell through for the County’s first chosen site, two others are still on the table. Both face opposition.

By Clayton Franke

For the second time since 2024, the committee tasked with choosing a new landfill site for Deschutes County is getting ready to make a final recommendation.

The County’s Solid Waste Advisory Committee went back to the drawing board last summer after property negotiations stalled over a 440-acre gravel mine called the “Moon Pit” 15 miles southeast of Bend. Now, the County is banking on a different site working out. Any further delays could push the project past the current landfill’s projected closing date in 2031.

“It’s a process that hasn’t been done in 30 years in Oregon,” Deschutes County Solid Waste Director Jeff Merwin told the Source, referring to siting a new landfill. “I think we can assume there’s going to be some challenges along the way, but we feel we can still achieve that timeline based on what we know now.”

The most likely delay would be a land-use appeal or litigation, Merwin said. That could result in the County having to ship trash outside the County until the new landfill is built, Merwin said.

The advisory committee reconvened April 21 following a new report with a detailed analysis of two finalist sites completed by Parametrix, the County’s engineering consultant. The committee is expected to make a recommendation in May or June. The Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners will need to give final approval for the site.

The two finalist sites lie 16 to 24 miles southeast of Bend along U.S. Highway 20. One is a partial gravel mine at the base of Horse Ridge, a federal recreation area and trail system. The other, called Roth East, is a swath of undeveloped ranch land a few miles north of 6,500-foot Pine Mountain, home to an observatory and other outdoor opportunities.

Each is large enough for a landfill with 80 million cubic yards of space, the same volume as about 24,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The new landfill is expected to last 125 years.

The County initially expected Knott Landfill, its current dump site in southeast Bend, to fill up by 2029, but a reassessment last year bought an extra two years of life. That’s fortunate for the County, because officials expect land-use permitting and landfill facility design to take until 2028, and construction another several years after that.

The County’s 2019 Solid Waste Management Plan first officially identified the need for a new landfill, along with other new facilities for repurposing yard waste and construction materials. In the 2010s, as Deschutes County’s population grew by 40,000 people, its annual waste stream soared from 354 million pounds to 540 million pounds — about 3,000 pounds of trash per person, per year.

Competing concerns

Named for ranch owners Stephen and Clancy Roth, the Roth East site was the runner-up in 2024, but the County passed due to concerns over Greater sagegrouse habitat, other wildlife and distance from Bend.

Sage-grouse — a chicken-sized bird of conservation concern that relies on a mosaic of High Desert

sagebrush for feeding and nesting, indicating the overall health of the ecosystem— may still be the biggest barrier to building a landfill at the site.

In an August 2025 letter, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife urged the County to avoid Roth East, citing state law that prohibits large-scale development on sage-grouse habitat unless there is no other place that’s “technically or financially feasible.”

The wildlife agency’s survey maps show “low density” sage-grouse on parts of the property. If the County did go ahead with a landfill there, it’s likely to cost between $4 million to $8 million in habitat mitigation.

Members of the selected committee said that rule may not leave the County with much of an option considering the Horse Ridge site doesn’t seem to have technical or financial flaws that would make it unfeasible.

Local environmental groups have also warned against Roth East due to wildlife concerns. When the Moon Pit site fell through, they’d hoped the County would broaden its search to smaller sites closer to cities and away from connected wildlife habitat east of Bend.

The Horse Ridge site has its own concerns from the public — especially the mountain biking community. In a December 2025 letter to the committee, the mountain biking nonprofit, Central Oregon Trail Alliance, wrote that a landfill abutting the popular 45-mile trail system on the slopes of Horse Ridge would mar views and fresh air while potentially interrupting trail access.

Horse Ridge would be more challenging and expensive to excavate. Development costs are pegged at $63 million — nearly twice as much as Roth East. But Roth East would cost the County more over its 125-year lifespan, largely because of extra hauling costs.

And acquiring property at Horse Ridge may be more difficult. The County will have to piece together a sale with three different property owners including the Oregon Department of Transportation and Hooker Creek, the construction company with which negotiations dissolved for the Moon Pit last year.

Dry Forests, Warming Weather Signal Early Start to Central Oregon Wildfire Season

Elected

officials and wildfire managers met for a pre-season briefing on Monday

By Clayton Franke

Snowpack has mostly vanished from mid-elevation forests in Central Oregon, meaning logs, trees and shrubs are drying out earlier — one factor that could result in a boisterous wildfire season.

That was part of the report from a preseason wildfire briefing held Monday morning at the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District station in Sisters. Elected officials from Bend, Redmond and Sisters, along with state and local fire officials from departments in Redmond and the Sisters area, met at a roundtable hosted by U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum (D-OR). They discussed planning efforts, the potential for funding to bolster preparedness and response, and the outlook for the season ahead.

Historically low snowpack doesn’t necessarily mean the region is in for a bad fire year, said Scott Brewer, a fire fuels specialist with the U.S. Forest Service and the Central Oregon Fire Management Service. But he compared snowpack to a battery of moisture to dampen fire activity throughout the summer — and Central Oregon’s is all but depleted.

“Right now, we’re seeing the data that’s telling us, yeah, we’re probably a little bit earlier,” Brewer said. “Yesterday we saw the fire that told us, yep, we should probably be ready.”

On Sunday afternoon, the day before the meeting, a wildfire sparked 3 miles southwest of Sisters and grew to more than 40 acres as temperatures approached 80 degrees. Crews have built a fire line around 60% of the blaze, according to the most recent update.

For the Oregon Department of Forestry and other agencies, some fire restrictions went into effect May 1, about six weeks earlier than normal, said Rob Pentzer, Central Oregon District Forester, during the meeting.

“We had four fires last week. That’s just not normal for us,” Pentzer said. “We’re expecting a busy year.”

Three of the five snow-measuring sites in Central Oregon, which lie between 4,000 and 6,000 feet elevation, have no snow as of this week, measuring at 0% of the median year’s snowpack, according to Brewer.

Despite the mild winter and slim snowpack, fire activity will depend on weather throughout the season, Brewer said.

“There’s so many variables throughout the season,” Brewer said. “We know what conditions are today, but as things increase, or decrease — if we get rain, we might not have fire. If things stay status quo, fire might just get worse.”

According to his analysis, previous years with similar snowpack have produced mixed wildfire results in Central Oregon. In 2015, for example, snowpack was near-record-low levels, but only 23,813 acres burned in the region, which stretches from east of the Cascades across the Ochoco Mountains and north to the Columbia River. However, wildfire devastated the rest of the state that year, burning two-thirds of a million acres, destroying more than 600 homes and structures.

In 2018 there were similar moisture levels to this year, and more than 350,000 acres burned in Central Oregon alone.

And climate forecasts may not bode well for that hope that summer rains will dampen wildfire. After a cool, wet spell in April, forecasters predict a 60% chance El Niño conditions will emerge between May and July, bringing warmer and drier weather than normal.

Ramping up preparedness

Officials with the Central Oregon Fire Management Service said the agency has hired more staff and is ready to take on this year’s fire season. It’s part of the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, which combined federal firefighting agencies like the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management under the Trump Administration.

One upside of the low snowpack is it’s allowed agencies to access terrain for prescribed burns earlier, said Shawn Jaca, fire staff with the Central Oregon Fire Management Service. The managed burns are a tool to make wildfires less destructive by pre-burning overgrown vegetation on fire-adapted landscapes overgrown from decades of suppression. Jaca said agencies have burned 25,000 acres in the region this season.

“That’s just scratching the surface,” James Osborne, unit chief with the regional fire service, said of this year’s treatments. He told Bynum about the need for more funding for prescribed burning, adding that prescribed burning activities need to be mindful of smoke in nearby communities.

“It’s a full-fledged combined effort, but the dollars only go so far,” he said.

“We need to be able to ramp that up to get to those levels when fires were small on the landscape.”

Local fire departments are also hoping federal funding will bolster response and preparedness efforts. Bynum’s most recent funding requests from Congress include $2.4 million for Redmond Fire & Rescue to replace an aerial fire truck and $309,000 for the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District to purchase equipment and fund a program to help people remove vegetation around their homes.

“I’m trying to encourage them to ask for more,” Bynum told the Source, speaking of the fire agencies. “Tell me everything you need. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.”

Meanwhile, local governments in Central Oregon are adopting new codes aimed at making homes prepared to withstand wildfire. New homes in Bend, Sisters and Deschutes County must be built to “home hardening” standards using fire-resistant materials. Sisters was the first city in Central Oregon to adopt a defensible space code, creating mandatory vegetation buffers for new development.

“We’re really excited to be at the forefront, as a small city, protecting our community from wildfire,” Sisters Mayor Jennifer Letz said in a press conference following Monday’s roundtable. “We’re in a wildfire-dependent ecosystem, but keeping wildfires out of our cities, we’re going to do everything we can.”

TRN

REDMOND NEWS

Redmond Targets

Pedal-less e-bikes with Ban on ‘Motorcycles’ in Parks

Park users have urged the City to clamp down on speeding e-bikes

By Clayton Franke

he Redmond City Council took its first stab at curbing unruly e-bikes in parks by passing an ordinance April 28 banning “motorcycles” from City parks.

The new rule, which passed unanimously, defines motorcycles as an electric or motorized two-wheeled vehicle without pedals. Anyone who uses one in a Redmond park will now be subject to a Class B violation and a $250 fine.

City officials hope the ban will deter speeding e-bike riders that have spurred a string of complaints in recent months, particularly in Redmond’s Dry Canyon, a 3-mile natural park with a paved path running through the city. At an April 7 public hearing, a handful of residents testified that some speeding e-bikes were endangering public safety and sensi tive natural landscapes.

Targeting “motorcycles” rather than specific e-bike classifications will make the ordinance easier to enforce without prohibiting e-bikes altogether, officials said.

by pedaling or with a throttle up to 20 miles per hour; and Class 3, bikes where pedaling activates the motor up to 28 miles per hour.

“It’s a starting point we hope will make a significant difference, but if it doesn’t, we have an opportunity to open the code back up and draft something different that might still be enforceable but solve more problems,” Redmond City Attorney Keith Leitz told the Source.

The City launched a poll in March asking the public whether it should ban “throttle-assisted” e-bikes from parks. The results were split, with 1,068 supporting such a ban, according to Leitz.

Redmond police told the Redmond City Council it would be nearly impossible to enforce an ordinance banning certain classifications of e-bikes and not others. A bill passed by the Oregon Legislature in 2024 puts e-bikes into three classifications: Class 1, bikes where an electric motor is activated by pedaling up to 20 miles per hour; Class 2, bikes where the motor is activated either

All three classifications of e-bikes with pedals, even those with throttles, are still legal in Redmond parks. It would, however, outlaw the increasingly popular “dirt e-bikes” that function more like a small motorcycle with electric power than a bicycle. The Bend Police launched an education campaign last year warning about the bikes, which are not street legal.

During deliberations on April 7, Redmond city councilors were hesitant to move forward with banning e-bikes from parks, citing concerns about enforceability and a disproportionate impact on people with disabilities who use e-bikes and other mobility devices to access parks.

Councilor John Nielsen asked if there was a way to clamp down on reckless e-bike behavior without tying it to specific vehicles.

“We seem to be trying to regulate an object versus a behavior,” Nielsen said April 7. “I think the behavior is the problem.”

Because many of the complaints seem to revolve around kids and teenagers, school-based police officers will begin educating students about the new ordinance, and the City is working on adding park signage about e-bikes, Leitz said.

Once the school year ends, school and community officers will be able to increase enforcement in parks, Leitz said.

Councilor Jay Patrick lauded the new policy as the City passed the ordinance April 28.

“We’re strengthening the code ... I really appreciate that,” Patrick said. “The patrols we’re going to have, and the signs and education, it’s all well-handled, I think.”

BEND CREATORS MARKET

NETWORKING EVENT

Central Oregon is home to many amazing entrepreneurs and creators. Meet small business owners, shop and support local entrepreneurs, and snag an amazing swag bag from Market of Choice. Contact: 541-639-5010. info@bendcreatorsmarket.com. 9am-3pm. Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center. 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond.

TUESDAY 5/12

UNDERSTANDING WILDERNESS TRAIL PERMITS

Q&A SESSION

Staff talks about the development and implementation of a limited entry permit system for the Mt. Jefferson, Three Sisters and Mt. Washington wilderness areas, and how one can get a permit for the coming season. 5-6pm. Redmond Public Library, 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond. Contact: 541-312-1032. lizg@deschuteslibrary. org. Free

FEDERAL IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS MADE

279 QUERIES INTO BEND’S FLOCK SAFETY DATA IN ITS FIRST THREE WEEKS

Due to a user error, Bend Police initially left open a back door that ICE, CPB and Homeland Security exploited in June 2025

By Peter Madsen

Community members who applauded Bend City Council for turning off Flock Safety’s AI-powered surveillance cameras at a Jan. 7 business meeting weren’t paranoid.

Reporting by the Oregon Law Center has revealed that federal immigration officials — including those from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations — accessed the Bend Police Department’s Flock camera database 279 times in June 2025, during the first three weeks of what was supposed to be a year-long pilot program with Flock’s Automated License Plate Reader technology.

Bend PD didn’t authorize those queries by federal immigration authorities, and it’s unclear what, if any, data may have been retrieved, police officials said. Instead, a user error by a supervising captain unintentionally left the “Lookup” function in its factory-default “National” setting. Other Lookup options included “State” and “Local.”

Since June 4, 2025, Capt. Brian Beekman oversaw — and made quarterly audits of — the department’s ALPR usage. He told the Source he didn’t notice what National Lookup meant until June ‘25, when he immediately shut it off.

“We started with that feature on believing that it was a tool to inquire at a broader level than just Oregon,” said Beekman, describing new-to-the-department software interface that features toggle setting options for the Lookup function. “What we didn’t know is that National Lookup is a reciprocal sharing feature. In other words, when you turn that on, yes, you can query outside your state, but that actually turns on the ability for other agencies in the country to query information from your agency.”

Bend PD officials say it’s unknown what particular ALPR surveillance data the federal immigration authorities may have accessed, owing to Flock’s then-lack of a digital paper trail that would have shown exactly what data, if any, was retrieved by national searches cast by outside agencies.

That lack of a breadcrumb trail, as it were, had been addressed by Flock in subsequent software updates,

allowing a fuller picture of past activity, Beekman said.

In November 2025, Beekman began conducting a wider audit when the Oregon Law Center submitted a Freedom of Information Act request for Bend PD’s Flock data, as it had for many other agencies in Oregon that used Flock’s ALPR data. (The Source requested that same report from Bend PD on April 30 and had not received it by press time.)

In fulfilling the request, Bend PD provided about 170,000 records, including internal audits, with license plate numbers redacted, to OLC.

“You may receive inquiries from constituents and seek answers from various sources, so this message is intended to provide clarity and consistency.”

— BEND POLICE CHIEF MIKE KRANTZ

Beekman noticed the 118 queries made by CBP during that three-week window in June 2025.

Sifting through the records, OLC analysists noticed that, too, along with the 161 additional instances of third-party, out-of-state law enforcement agencies acting on behalf of ICE, CBP and HSI. Many of those local departments are in southern states. OLC figured that out because the police department making the query had stated the reason for any particular search as “ICE,” “CBP” and “HSI,” the OLC confirmed about the February 2026 report.

Did federal immigration authorities violate Oregon’s Sanctuary Laws by using state resources such as data for immigration enforcement purposes?

A case could be made.

“CLARITY AND CONSISTENCY”

On Dec.15, 2025, around the time Bend PD fulfilled OLC’s record request, Chief Mike Krantz sent an email to Bend city councilors.

“You may receive inquiries from constituents and seek answers from various sources, so this message is intended to provide clarity and consistency,” Krantz wrote. “Initially, National Lookup was active for three weeks by default, but we quickly disabled it. We briefly enabled State Lookup and plan to return to that setting to maximize investigative effectiveness while maintaining appropriate safeguards.”

Krantz also mentioned that Flock was facing national criticism for a short-term pilot program the Atlanta-based company had extended to DHS.

That pilot program allowed DHS agencies, including CBP and ICE and HSI, to access Flock’s data throughout the country between May and August 2025.

Bend PD’s National Lookup snafu came smack in the middle of that timeframe.

“KEEP THE APPLAUSE TO A MINIMUM”

At the Jan. 7 meeting when Bend city councilors announced they were shutting off Flock cameras effectively immediately, citizens’ distrust of police surveillance and immigration enforcement had reached a national crescendo.

Earlier in the day, ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed Renée Good during Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis.

Before that meeting, just before the Flock update, Catalina Sánchez Frank, executive director of the Latino Community Association, presented councilors with a report that detailed more than 1,000 deportations in Oregon since January 2025 — and more than 16 in Central Oregon. (At press time, Sánchez Frank told the Source that 846 deportations have been ordered in Oregon so far this year, compared to 3,161 in 2025.)

Additionally, Sánchez Frank told the City Council about community fears of U.S. Marshals helping with

immigration enforcement, since having been deputized by the Trump Administration in January 2025 to do so, and of concerns about violations of state sanctuary laws and racial profiling.

“The common theme is fear,” Sánchez Frank said, acknowledging that next agenda item was the Flock update. “I’d like to make a verbal request that the City takes into serious consideration the equity impacts and risk of abuse [of Flock data] by ICE and DHS.”

Mayor Melanie Kebler began the Flock update by reiterating the City’s dedication to upholding sanctuary laws that prohibit the use of administrative warrants and barring local law enforcement from cooperating with feds.

Kebler said she’d spoken with colleagues and other city governments regarding privacy concerns and Flock cameras. Accordingly, she and the City Council voted to shut off the Flock cameras effective immediately, allowing the contract to expire on May 1.

The assembly broke out in cheers several times.

“We’ve heard the claps; please keep the applause to a minimum, please,” Kebler said.

Capt. Beekman then presented an update on the seven months with Flock ALPR technology, mentioning how the license plate readers on Highway 97 helped Bend PD recover stolen vehicles and bring a man suspected of sex crimes against a minor, and another of a stabbing, into custody. Beekman didn’t mention that federal immigration authorities had made all those queries during that three-week window.

“I certainly respect the input from the community and the concerns — in my opinion, some very valid concerns — about some of the vendors involved in this technology and some of the functions of this technology,” Beekman said. “But it is also incomplete without explaining some of the public safety benefits.”

“NOT A PRIVACY BREACH”

On May 4, the Source emailed questions to Kebler and City Manager Eric King about the Flock “privacy breach” involving ICE, CBP and HSI during that three-week window last June. Kebler responded promptly. She forwarded the Dec.15 email Chief Krantz sent the City Council, adding that “’privacy breach’ is a term that I take seriously and to me implies the overriding of security systems or someone gaining unauthorized access, and does not describe what was happening with our ALPR system in 2025.”

In a call with City Manager King, Kebler and Krantz, the police chief reiterated that a query by federal immigration officials doesn’t necessarily mean they got a

“That was information that was out in the public. So that’s not something that we were hiding or people didn't know about.”

— BEND MAYOR MELANIE KEBLER

hit. He said Bend PD doesn’t have evidence that any data was extracted from the Flock database.

“It’s actually very unlikely that information was provided,” Krantz said.

When Bend PD noticed the National Lookup was the default factory setting, Krantz said his department contacted Flock and told them that such national-level query access shouldn’t be the default setting.

A key feature of a new Automated License Plate Reader law, which Gov. Tina Kotek signed into law March 31, restricts the ALPR Lookup function to just state and local agencies, he added.

Mayor Kebler spoke up.

“We knew that there was a three-week period where the National Lookup was on; the chief informed us of that last year.”

When the Source reiterated the Oregon Law Center’s findings of inquiries by federal immigration authorities, Chief Krantz said that certainly could be the case.

“It’s important to understand the technology, right? It’s not localized to Bend. When you have National Lookup turned on and a New York detective puts in his computer [license plate] ABC-123, it sends a query to every National Lookup system,” Krantz said. “It’s not localized to Bend. It logs that as a lookup in every single system.”

But those are the queries that showed up in the Oregon Law Center’s findings that demonstrate ICE, CBP and HSI queries went through Bend PD’s National Lookup backdoor 279 times.

The three officials contend that the issue was “reported multiple times.” The Source can find no record of the issue being reported to the public.

“That was information that was out in the public,” Kebler said. “So that’s not something that we were hiding or people didn’t know about.”

SENATE BILL 1516

“I certainly respect the input from the community and the concerns — in my opinion, some very valid concerns — about some of the vendors involved in this technology and some of the functions of this technology.”

— BEND POLICE CAPT. BRIAN BEEKMAN

Such vulnerabilities were exactly what Oregon lawmakers hoped to shore up with Senate Bill 1516, which Gov. Tina Kotek signed into law on March 31. In short, Oregon agencies can only share APLR with other Oregon agencies — full stop.

In speaking about the bill with the Oregon Capital Chronicle earlier this year, Sen. Floyd Prozanski, a Democrat from Eugene who is also the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said: “We have the possibility of multiple law enforcement agencies in the state entering into contracts that may not have those private protections of data.”

Krantz served on Prozanski’s work group that also included representatives from the American Civil Liberties Union, Oregon State Police and Eyes Off Eugene, an advocacy group that successfully campaigned against Flock cameras in Eugene and Springfield.

Prozanski added that there may be the ability for other law enforcement agencies to gain access to that material for purposes that are against Oregon’s sanctuary laws, specifically sharing with the federal government or other states.

The new ALPR law maintains that law enforcement agencies may compare captured license plate data with information contained in records held by the Department of Transportation, databases maintained by the FBI’s National Crime Information Center, the Law Enforcement Data System maintained by the Department of State Police or the equivalent system maintained by another state, FBI records related to kidnappings and missing persons.

But local law enforcement agencies cannot allow sharing to agencies outside of Oregon.

Additionally, SB 1516 shortens the amount of time that law enforcement agencies can hold onto its ALPR data.

That which is not related to a court proceeding or ongoing criminal investigation may be retained for no more than 30 days after the imagery is collected. For captured license plate data related to a court proceeding or ongoing criminal investigation, the captured license plate data may be retained for the same period that evidence is retained in the normal course of the court’s business, according to the bill’s language.

Also, law enforcement agencies must receive audits every 30 days and provide audit reporting to the public.

The Sunriver Police Department, which uses ALPR technology, began publishing monthly audits online.

Krantz said his department is still working out details of how it will comply with SB 1516 as it pertains to the footage collected by Axon-brand ALPR-equipped dash cams mounted in about 70 police cruisers since July 2023, after city councilors approved a five-year, $679,500 contract in June 2022.

“Bend PD is already in line with 90% of what Senate Bill 1516 asks for,” Krantz said, owing that to his involvement on Prozanski’s work group. “I think the changes in the Senate bill will just make [protections] stronger. It provides the public with an understanding that there are pretty serious guardrails around the state and how [ALPR tech] is used and who has access to it.”

Reached by email, Catalina Sánchez Frank, the executive director of the Latino Community Assocation who made the presentation at the Jan. 7 meeting, says she thinks City Council immediately discontinuing the Flock program was a “true example of neighbors supporting neighbors.” Yet LCA was not aware of the data breach, she continued, “which is disappointing despite its open channel of communication with the Bend PD.

“The timing represents a concerning overlap, as June 2025 was an intense period of immigration law enforcement in our area,” Sánchez Frank said. “While it is difficult to definitively link the two, the coincidence is troubling. We are already aware of the intersections of data at the federal and state levels regarding health, income, and taxes; we expect our local government to do a much better job of protecting our private information and ensuring that technology used in our city does not become a tool for targeting vulnerable community members.”

—This story is powered by the Lay It Out Foundation, the nonprofit with a mission of promoting deep reporting and investigative journalism in Central Oregon. Learn more and be part of this important work by visiting layitoutfoundation.org. If you're interested in syndicating Lay It Out Foundation content or purchasing an article for use, you can do so through the website.

SOURCE PICKS

FRIDAY 5/8

FERN SPORES & GUESTS

FEMME-FOLK ROCK BAND

Hailing from Olympia, drawing inspiration from musical giants like Janis Joplin, Alabama Shakes, Susan Tedeschi and The Runaways. 7-8pm. Silver Moon Brewing, 24 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend. $12.24

5/9

MARKET DAY LA PINE

NEW FARMERS MARKET

The first official farmers/makers market serving South Deschutes County. Once a month it brings together 30+ vendors of fresh food, hand-made goods, community partners, and youth entrepreneurs. Its mission is to inspire, promote and showcase micro and small business while fostering connection and growth. 10am-Noon. La Pine Parks & Recreation, 16406 First St., La Pine. Contact: 541-633-6806. marketdaylapine@gmail.com. Free.

SATURDAY 5/9

BEND VS. BOISE

COMEDY SHOWDOWN

Comedy Showdown featuring two of Bend’s hottest comics against two hungry challengers from Boise, Idaho! The crowd will vote for the winning city. Have a drink, have a laugh, support the locals, or cheer on the out-of-towners! 7:30-9:30pm. Upp Liquids. 550 SW Industrial Way #185, Bend. $20.

SATURDAY 5/9

HOT MESS FEST

CELEBRATING AGING WOMEN

An unforgettable evening where the group will honor the beauty, chaos, humor and strength of womanhood. No men or kids. 4-9:30pm. Craft Kitchen and Brewery, 62988 Layton Ave. #103, Bend. $28.29.

SATURDAY 5/9

14TH ANNUAL RUBBISH RENEWED ECO FASHION SHOW!

UPCYCLED STYLE

The 14th Annual Rubbish Renewed Eco Fashion Show Fundraiser is where style meets sustainability! Reimagining waste, inspiring change — the event is an evening of upcycled runway fashion, local art, bites & sips, and a live auction! 5:30am-10pm. The Pavilion, 1001 SW Bradbury Way, Bend. Contact: 541-3823221. rubbishrenewed@gmail.com. $17.85.

SATURDAY 5/9

ATRÉVETE NOCHE LATINA

LATIN DANCE PARTY

DJ SOLO brings nonstop Latin vibes. Dance, drink, y rompe la pista toda la noche. Reggaetón, salsa, bachata & más. 9pm-1am. Los Andes Sports Bar & Café, 384 SW Upper Terrace Dr., Bend. Free.

SATURDAY 5/9

PRINEVILLE MAY MARKET

HOME DECOR, ART AND MORE!

Browse over 60 unique vendors, enjoy delicious food and take in live music throughout the day. It’s the perfect spot to find a thoughtful, last-minute Mother’s Day gift while supporting local businesses. 9am-4pm. Contact: 503-551-3072. onedecisionmanagement@gmail. com. Pioneer Park, 450 N.E. Third St., Prineville. Free.

SATURDAY 5/9

BONEYARD’S 16TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY

SIXTEEN YEARS OF BEERS!

An evening full of live music, flash tats, a killer draft list, anniversary merch, food specials, and the release of Sixteen Deep IPA. 4-10pm. Boneyard Pub, 1955 NE Division St., Bend. Contact: 541-241-7184. Free.

SUNDAY 5/10

MOTHER’S DAY AT DISCOVERY PARK

A FAMILY CELEBRATION FOR MOMS

A special youth-led afternoon celebrating amazing moms! Bring family and community to connect, move and give back together. Bouquet building for moms and optional family-friendly circuit. 1-3:30pm. Discovery Park, 1315 NW Discovery Drive, Bend. Contact: 971219-5146. bemindfulbend@gmail.com. Free.

TUESDAY 5/12

360 ALLSTARS

AN URBAN CIRCUS

A phenomenal physical performance exploring all forms of rotation, 360 Allstars connects the street with the elite to deliver a supercharged urban circus. Boasting a stellar cast of World Champion and World Record-holding artists and athletes, this is a spectacular fusion of the extraordinary artistry that emerges from street culture. 7pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-317-0700. info@towertheatre. org. $39 - $59 (plus $8 Historic Preservation fee).

S SOUND Famed Classical Musicians Return High Desert Chamber Music celebrity recitals

By Stephanie Gregory

The High Desert Chamber Music Celebrity Recital series returns for its 18th season with the announcement of renowned cellist Peter Wiley and pianist Anna Plonsky making their second appearance May 15, their first since the HDCM series began in 2017. HDCM uses live performances to promote and introduce new audiences to classical music. Chamber music, which is generally written for a smaller group of instruments than a full symphony, makes it more accessible to a wider variety of audiences. There is also a unique collaboration between the musicians, as there is only one performer per part.

Founded in 2008 by violinist Isabelle LaForet Senger, HDCM’s mission is to bring classical music to Central Oregon with programs such as the HDCM Concert Series and Music & Friends. Senger has worked with composers in the Motion Picture recording studios, performing regularly on television series like “Family Guy,” “American Dad,” “The Cleveland Show” and “King of the Hill.” She has contributed to the albums of many of today’s top recording artists, including Christina Aguilera, John McLaughlin, James Blunt, Mandy Barnett, Tiffany (produced by Dr. Dre), Evanescense and Kanye West. She has also performed live with Andrea Bocelli, Olivia Newton-John, Donna Summer, Randy Newman, Yanni, John Tesh, Frank Sinatra Jr. and Keely Smith. “We are delighted to welcome Peter Wiley and Anna Polonsky back to Central Oregon,”

says Senger. “Their previous visit left a lasting impression on our audience, and this return — made possible through long-standing artistic relationships — highlights the kind of meaningful connections that continue to shape our concert series and bring extraordinary music to our community.”

Wiley attended the Curtis Institute at just 13 years of age, under the tutelage of David Soyer. He continued his impressive youthful accomplishments with his appointment as principal cellist of the Cincinnati Symphony at age 20, after one year in the Pittsburgh Symphony. He has been awarded an Avery Fisher Career Grant and was nominated with the Beaux Arts Trio for a Grammy Award in 1998. As a member of the Beaux Arts Trio, Wiley performed over 1,000 concerts, including appearances

with many of the world’s greatest orchestras. He continues his association with the Marlboro Music Festival, dating from 1971. He has also been a faculty artist at Caramoor’s “Rising Stars” program and has taught at the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, Mannes College of Music and Manhattan School of Music. He is also on the faculty of the Curtis Institute of Music and a member of the Guarneri String Quartet.

Polonsky has collaborated with the Guarneri, Orion, Juilliard and Shanghai Quartets, as well as with musicians Mitsuko Uchida, Yo-Yo Ma, Richard Goode and Emanuel Ax. She has given concerts in the Amsterdam Concertgebouw, the Vienna Konzerthaus, the Alice Tully Hall and Carnegie Hall’s Stern, Weill and Zankel Halls. She’s toured extensively throughout the United States, Europe

and Asia. A frequent guest at the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, she was a member of the Chamber Music Society Two during 2002-2004. She is a recipient of a Borletti-Buitoni Trust Fellowship and the Andrew Wolf Chamber Music Award. Polonsky made her solo piano debut at the age of seven at the Special Central Music School in Moscow, Russia. She emigrated to the United States in 1990 and attended high school at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan. She received degrees from The Curtis Institute of Music under the tutelage of Peter Serkin and from the Juilliard School, studying with Jerome Lowenthal.

The May 15 program will include Beethoven’s Variations on “The Magic Flute,” Schubert’s “Arpeggione Sonata,” and Rachmaninoff’s “Sonata in G minor, Op. 19.”

High Desert Chamber Music, which has other events in the series happening all summer, is a nonprofit with a variety of opportunities, from volunteer work, hosting an artist or purchasing a flower basket.

High Desert Chamber Music Friday, May 15 7:30-9:30pm Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon 61980 Skyline Ranch Rd. Bend highdesertchambermusic.com Adult $65 Child/Student $15

CALENDAR

6 Wednesday

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

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

The Commonwealth Pub Jackpine Jukebox A Bend-based Americana band playing original songs and carefully chosen covers at the intersection of rockabilly, cowpunk, folk, and the occasional sea shanty. 7:30-9:30pm. Free.

The Coyote Free Line Dance Lessons Learn two fun dances in one hour—no experience needed! 7-8pm. Free.

Craft Kitchen and Brewery Comedy Open Mic Night Come down, eat some BBQ, drink some drinks, and be prepared to laugh. 7:30-9pm. Free.

The Domino Room Silent Theory, Outlier, & Discrepancies Silent Theory is made up of brothers Mitch, Scott, and George Swanger, as well as Robert James and Dakota Jerns. 8pm-Midnight. $25.

Hosmer Bar Trivia Night 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 Trivia with the infamous “physical” challenge (think musical chairs, limbo, paper airplanes, etc.) kicks off at 7pm. 7pm. Free.

Northside Bar & Grill Mellow Wednesday Open Mic Night Hosted by Derek Michael Marc!!! Sign up at 5:30pm to play! 5:30-8pm. Free.

Portello Lounge Music Bingo Hosted by the Rachel Fishman, who keeps the crowd singing and laughing all night! 6:30-8:30pm. Free.

Prost! - Bend Wednesday Trivia Fun at Prost! Useless Knowledge Bowl is a live trivia & more, no AI here. Feed the brain and the belly! 7-9pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Tyler Langham A singer-songwriter whose music explores the interwoven themes of family, death, and love. 7-10pm. $12.24.

7 Thursday

The Astro Lounge Karaoke with Christina Great sound system and brand new wireless mics. Drink specials during the event. 9pm-1am. Free. Bevel Craft Brewing Live Music at Bevel Catch talented local artists on the patio, grab a bite from our 4 on-site food carts, and enjoy award-winning craft beer, wine, cider. 6-8pm. Free.

Bunk+Brew Karaoke Thursdays All voices are welcome. Food carts available. 7-10pm. Free.

The Cellar Live Irish Trad Music with The Ballybogs! Every Thursday at The Cellar. Seats fill up, so get there early! 6-8pm. Free.

The Commonwealth Pub Pre-Kick Off Party for Homegrown Music Festival with Jeshua Marshall & The Flood and The Pickpockets This show officially starts the festival, Music starting early at 6:30pm before the Kick Off Party at the Volcanic Theatre Pub begins. 6:30-9pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

Ticket and promote your events with BendTicket! →

Fluffalove.com

The Commonwealth Pub Homegrown Music Festival Over 30 bands in the Century Center. Kicks off on Thursday May 7 and has music at pub from 4pm on Friday and 1:30pm on Saturday. Music is free at The Commonwealth. 6:30-11:59pm. $80.

Faith, Hope & Charity Vineyards Live at the Vineyard. - Kurt Silva & Cynthia West Cynthia West - long time front person for the band Rukus, and Kurt Silva - long time front person for the band Dry Canyon Stampede, have joined forces to form a dynamic musical duo. 5-8pm. $15.

Hosmer Bar Bingo Night Drinks, good company and a little friendly competition. 7-9pm. Free.

Initiative Brewing - The Hub Karaoke at Initiative! Belt it out or soak in the chaos—this is a weekly excuse to show up and let loose. 5:307:30pm. Free.

The Lot Sydney & Logan A sibling country-pop duo from Oregon blending country, pop, and faith-inspired music into engaging performances. 6-8pm. Free.

Mountain Burger Lilli Worona and Mike Biggers Live at Mountain Burger! Thursday Night Live! Great music, food & company! 6-8pm. Free. Ponch’s Place Trivia Thursdays With QuizHead Games. 6-8pm. Free.

River’s Place Fluffalove Music for the soul, consisting primarily of '70s folk-rock gems. Their Laurel Canyon vibe includes two acoustic guitars (and sometimes a smokin’ electric guitar) and tight harmonies. 6-8pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Charlee Prayers A standout voice in underground RnB, blending vintage soul with modern rhythms. Backed by a tight-knit band steeped in jazz, funk and Latin traditions, he brings smooth grooves and heartfelt storytelling to life. 7-10pm.

The Barrel Room at UPP Roundabouts Improv Show The Roundabouts, Central Oregon’s favorite short-form improv group, will be rolling metaphorical barrels of laughs Show starts at 7:30. 7:30-9:15pm. $20.

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.

8 Friday

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

Bend Cider Co. Arbielle & Katie Fitz Music ranging from poignant, to playful, to the protest styles of Joni Mitchell, the Wailin’ Jennys and more. 6-8pm. Free.

Hardtails Bar & Grill Stage 28 Karaoke What’s your go-to karaoke tune? Head to Hardtails for a fun Friday night and sing your heart out! 8pm-Midnight. Free.

Pangaea Guild Hall Speakeasy Nights An evening of live entertainment and classic cocktails. Something new to discover every week! 6-9pm. Pay what you can.

Silver Moon Brewing Fern Spores & Guests A femme-folk-rock band hailing from Olympia, drawing inspiration from musical giants like Janis Joplin, Alabama Shakes, Susan Tedeschi and The Runaways. 7-8pm.

Silver Moon Brewing Tylor & the Train Robbers For the past decade, Tylor & the Train Robbers have been blazing trails, carving a path through the heartland with their roots in country and Americana music.  7-10pm.

The Haven CoWorking Quiz Me Baby One More Time Test '90s music knowledge with a night of nostalgia, laughter and friendly competition. All proceeds benefit the Wine With Your Gyn Podcast. 6-8pm. $40.

9 Saturday

Alpenglow Park Duality Block Party - Day Festival Vendors, Food Trucks, Tattoos, DJ’s and more! Quality music and quality times with a true community located at Alpenglow Park. Noon9pm. $15.

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

Bridge 99 Brewery Family-Friendly Karaoke Night Hosted by DJ Jackie J and A Fine Note Karaoke Too. Adults, kids and good dogs welcome. 6-9pm. Free.

Craft Kitchen and Brewery Hot Mess Fest: An All-Women’s Event A celebration of womanhood, wisdom and the wild ride of perimenopause, menopause and beyond. An unforgettable evening where the group will honor the beauty, chaos, humor and strength of womanhood. No men or kids. 4-9:30pm.

Deschutes County Fair and Expo

Center Bend Beauty Expo Bend & Redmond’s largest beauty event! Demonstrations & services, food trucks, full bar, live DJ, huge raffle. 9am-3pm. $5.

Los Andes Sports Bar & Cafe ATRÉVETE NOCHE LATINA DJ SOLO bringing nonstop Latin vibes. Dance, drink, y rompe la pista toda la noche. Reggaetón, salsa, bachata & más. 9pm-1am. Free.

McMenamins Father Luke’s Room Cover Story Bend’s own country rock band lights up stages with high-energy shows. 7-10pm. $10. River’s Place Saturday Jazz Sessions The Rhythm Collective featuring Afro-Cuban Jazz And Funk tunes. 6-8pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Bend Moonlight Market: Beltane Fire, florals and a little bit of chaos. Vendors. Food. Live music. Tattoos. Fire performance. Booze. All ages welcome. Free. Tower Theatre Paula Poundstone Comedian Paula Poundstone is known for her smart, observational humor and a spontaneous wit that has become the stuff of legend. 7:30pm. $32 - $52 (plus $8 Historic Preservation fee).

Upp Liquids Bend Vs. Boise Comedy Showdown Featuring 2 of Bend's hottest comics against 2 hungry challengers from Boise, Idaho!The crowd will vote for the winning city. Come have a drink, have a laugh, support the locals, or cheer on the out-of-towners!  7:309:30pm.

10 Sunday

The Commonwealth Pub Shineola SingA-Long Shineola has one main aim: to get the audience singing at the top of their lungs! 4-6pm. Free.

The Commonwealth Pub Double Trouble Trivia 5 rounds per night- sometimes themed, sometimes a variety of themes… always fun. 6:30-8pm. Free.

Dogwood At The Pine Shed Okay Karaoke 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 Not too early, not too late! Team up to win prizes, or for the fun of it. Bring good vibes and a pen if possible. 4-6pm. Free.

Volcanic Theatre Pub Electric Six w/ Moon Rattles Rock/Dance Punk. 7pm.

11 Monday

Bevel Craft Brewing Bingo with Bren Supporting Street Dog Hero Helps rescue and care for street dogs around the world and find them loving homes. $2 Per Card or 6 Cards for $10!

The Commonwealth Pub Musician Open Mic Showcase Backline provided, just bring instruments and chords! 5-9pm. Free.

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

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

12 Tuesday

The Astro Lounge Tuesdays Trivia and Karaoke The longest running trivia show in Central Oregon. Matt and Mark bring the buzz. A bring your own food event. Follows with karaoke with Christina 9pm to close. 7:30-9pm. Free.

Beach Hut Deli Tip of the Tongue Trivia 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! 8pm-1am. Free.

The Cellar Open Mic An intimate night of sharing music in a welcoming environment and supportive community. 6-8pm. Free.

The Commons Cafe & Taproom Open Mic Poetry, comedy and spoken word are welcome, but this is mainly a musical open mic. Signups start at 5pm. 6pm. Free.

The Commonwealth Pub Blue Soul JazzTuesday Night Jazz A soulful night of jazz as part of a Tuesday night jazz series. 7-9pm. Free.

The Domino Room Inoculation, Noxis, & Acidic Decay Since emerging from the Cleveland underground in 2011, Inoculation has evolved into one of the most distinctive voices in modern extreme metal. 7:30-11pm. $12.69.

Elements Public House Trivia (&Taco) Tuesdays Delicious menu favorites, brews, cocktails, plus Taco Tuesday menu! Bring good vibes and a pen. 6:30pm. Free.

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

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

Mountain Burger Trivia Tuesdays Free to play! 7:30-9pm. Free.

River’s Place Wildlife Bingo Win cash prizes and help protect native wildlife through education, conservation, rescue and rehabilitation! 6-8pm. Prices vary.

Silver Moon Brewing Dazzlingkillmen & The Kronk men A quartet from the St. Louis area named after a line in an obscure, grotesque 1963 short story by Lucas Samaras. Should be experienced by fans of everything from Slint to the Dillinger Escape Plan to Rush. 6-9pm.

Silver Moon Brewing Lickety Split The musical partnership of Gabrielle Monia and Jordan Lewis Lee. They perform original music grounded in American roots traditions, including jug band stomps, vaudeville blues, old time, and more. 6:30-9pm.

The Glow Pad Bend Ecstatic Dance A weekly free-form dance and movement space with live Dj’s and setlist curators who craft music journeys which inspire embodied explorations. 7:309:30pm. $20.

The Open Arts Center Comedy Writing for Performance Workshop Always wanted to perform comedy but didn’t know where to start? Seasoned comic? In this event, the group explores core ideas of creating original comedy. 6-8pm. $45.

Volcanic Theatre Pub Karaoke Every Tuesday, 7pm - late 7pm. Free.

13 Wednesday

The Astro Lounge Karaoke with Christina Great sound system and brand new wireless mics. Drink specials during the event. 9pm-1am. Free.

The Capitol Karaoke Drink specials! Air guitars! 8pm-1am. Free.

The Commonwealth Pub Dark & Grey From classic rock anthems of the 60s and 70s to 90s grunge and modern hits, the setlists cover a wide range of eras and styles. 7:30-9:30pm. Free.

The Coyote Free Line Dance Lessons Beginner-friendly lessons with instructor Alex Reininger. 7-8pm. Free.

Craft Kitchen and Brewery Comedy Open Mic Night Eat some BBQ, drink some drinks and be prepared to laugh. 7:30-9pm. Free.

Hosmer Bar Trivia Night Brainy banter and cold drinks! 7-9pm. Free.

Northside Bar & Grill Mellow Wednesday

Open Mic Night Hosted by Derek Michael Marc!!! Sign up at 5:30pm. 5:30-8pm. Free.

Portello Lounge Music Bingo Hosted by the always entertaining Rachel Fishman. Great food, drinks and good company! 6:30-8:30pm. Free.

Prost! - Bend Wednesday Trivia Fun at Prost! Live trivia & more, no AI here. Authentic food favorites, biers and more. 7-9pm. Free.

MUSIC

Portland Cello Project Genre-bending performances that leap from Bach to Radiohead to hip hop—sometimes all in one show. May 8, 7:30pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend. 541-317-0700. info@towertheatre.org. $32 - $52 (plus $8 Historic Preservation fee).

DANCE

La Bon Burlesque Presents: Right Kind Of Wrong We Can’t Fight the Moonlight any longer! La Bon is turning Upp Liquids into a lively playground of denim, leather, and unapologetic attitude. Inspired by the iconic dive-bar chaos of Coyote Ugly. It’s time to grab your boots and get rowdy! May 9, 7-9pm. The Barrel Room at Upp Liquids, 550 SW Industrial Way, Bend. Contact: NA. labonburlesque@gmail.com. $25- $35.

FILM EVENTS

Best Day Ever Documentary Screening The film follows adaptive athletes and trail builders creating a universally accessible mountain biking venue, and highlights the importance of recreation for all. Followed by Q&A. May 9, 7:15-8:30pm. Regal Old Mill & IMAX, 680 SW Powerhouse Dr., Bend. Contact: info@kellybrushfoundation.org. Free/ $30 donation. Climbing Film Tour 2025/26 Back for its 6th season with an awesome selection of short films celebrating the global climbing community. May 6, 6:45-8:45pm. Sisters Movie House, 720 Desperado Court, Sisters. Contact: 541-5498833. inquiries@sistersmoviehouse.com. $17. Sprout Film Festival Films celebrate the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. May 6, 10-11:30am and 7-8:30pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-678-1620. amandah@diversabilityinc.org. $8.

ARTS + CRAFTS

Botanical Dye Workshop w/Vive Textiles Create a wearable piece of art with silk and flowers. May 8, 6-7:30pm. The Peoples Apothecary, 1841 NE Division Street, Bend. Contact: 541-728-2368. classes@thepeoplesapothecary. net. $70.

Charcuterie Pottery Workshop for Mother’s Day at Bledsoe Family Winery Create a handcrafted ceramic charcuterie board in this relaxed, beginner-friendly workshop. Enjoy a glass of wine and light snacks. May 9, 11am-1:30pm. Bledsoe Family Winery, 550 SW Industrial Way, Bend. Contact: 415-308-4538. krista@lalucestudio.com. $160.

Creating Prosthetics for Sea Creatures Dive into the world of Biomedical Engineering as the group designs and builds custom prosthetics for sea creatures in need. May 7, 3-5pm. Redmond Library, 827 SW Deschutes Avenue, Redmond. Contact: 541-312-1032. lizg@ deschuteslibrary.org. Free.

Encountering: Spring Rebirth This event is an immersive encountering, exploring themes of Spring: hope, renewal, and rebirth. Guided, embodied practice exploring the space through the senses, in conversation with the exhibition. May 9, 11:30am-1pm. Scalehouse Gallery, 550 NW Franklin Ave, Bend. Contact: 541-362-1288. info@scalehouse.org. $30.

Framed Pressed Flowers Workshop Learn to handle, arrange, and glue dried florals into a lasting piece. Includes a 10×12 frame, tools, dried flowers, guidance, and an optional Polaroid. Ages 12+ May 7, 5:30-7pm. FREAK’N ART, 1265 NW Wall st., Bend. Contact: 5415087438. HelloFreakNArt@gmail.com. 85.

Lets Paint Flower: Still Life Painting

Ms. Sarah will guide participants through painting what they see. Everyone will paint a beautiful bouquet of flower. (Psst: would make a wonderful Mothers Day Gift) May 6, 6-8pm. Bend Tea and Art Lounge, 1024 NW Bond St, Suite 101, Bend. Contact: info@bendteal.com. $55.

Monoprints with Mom! Celebrate Mother’s Day with a creative bonding class using gelli plates. Learn vibrant monoprint techniques, experiment with color and texture, and take home unique keepsakes. May 10, 2-4pm. FREAK’N ART, 1265 NW Wall st., Bend. Contact: 541-508-7438. HelloFreakNArt@gmail.com. $100.

Mother’s Day - Turn Wine Bottles into Drinking Glasses Participants transform empty bottles into custom drinking glasses—perfect for gifts. May 8, 6-8pm. DIY Cave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 541-3882283. classes@diycave.com. $129.

Mother’s Day - Weld Together! This hands-on metal cutting and welding class is a powerful, confidence-boosting experience—perfect for moms who love learning new skills. May 11, 6-8pm. DIY Cave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 541-388-2283. classes@diycave. com. $99.

Mother’s Day Cutting Board Workshop Participants design and craft their own one-plank cutting board—a timeless piece that’s perfect for everyday use. May 6, 6-8:30pm. DIY Cave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 541-388-2283. classes@diycave.com. $169.

Mother’s Day Flower Bar Sip, snip, and create your own gorgeous bouquet. May 9, 10am2pm. The Grove, 921 NW Mt. Washington Dr., Bend. Contact: 808-652-4721. passionflowersbend@gmail.com. Prices vary.

Mother’s Day Fused Glass Heart Casting Participants design a set of 9 glass hearts using colorful crushed and powdered glass layered into molds. May 7, 6-8pm. DIY Cave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 541-3882283. classes@diycave.com. $149.

Mother’s Day Jewelry Workshop Participants learn the soldering skills while making 3 beautiful sterling silver rings or a heartfelt heart necklace May 9, 10am-Noon. DIY Cave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 541-3882283. classes@diycave.com. $129.

Mother’s Day Metal Clay Jewelry Workshop Participants discover the magic of transforming soft silver clay into real silver jewelry. May 6, 6-9pm and May 7, 6-7:30pm. DIY Cave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 541-388-2283. classes@diycave.com. $219.

Mothers Day Watercolor & High Tea with Victoria Learn how to paint watercolor with Victoria Gobel while enjoying an elegant Mothers Day High Tea assortment. May 10, Noon-2pm. Bend Tea and Art Lounge, 1024 NW Bond St, Suite 101, Bend. Contact: info@bendteal.com. $90.

Paint Your Pet - Mothers Edition Enjoy painting a pre-stenciled version of your pet! May 7, 5-7pm. SCP Redmond Hotel, 521 Southwest 6th Street, Redmond. Contact: 541760-0723. Chelsea.childers95@gmail.com. $45.

Paper Embroidery Learn the art and joy of embroidery on paper with Lindsey Loughry. May 11, 6-8pm. Bend Tea and Art Lounge, 1024 NW Bond St, Suite 101, Bend. Contact: info@ bendteal.com. $45.

Printing in Color: Reduction Printmaking Workshop with Tangled Roots Learn to create prints through the form of reduction printmaking. May 13, 5:30-7:30pm. Two Suns Art Studio + MakerSpace, 70 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: 503-863-4242. tangledroots.connect@ gmail.com. $65.

MAY 16TH, 2026

MT. BACHELOR SPORTS EDUCATION FOUNDATION

The Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation (MBSEF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit that operates out of the Bill Healy Training Center in Bend, Oregon. Our mission is to create opportunities through competitive snow sports programs for athletes to achieve their individual athletic, academic and personal goals. Throughout the year, we host many events and races that are not just for our athletes, but for the whole community. Our programs and events run year round, and foster a culture focused on a lifetime of healthy activity.

LEARN MORE AND GET INVOLVED!

MBSEF offers both developmental and competition programming for youth athletes in Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing, Freeride Skiing and Snowboarding, Big Mountain Skiing and Mountain Biking. Adult Athletes can join our Masters Alpine Ski Team to build skills and participate in local and regional masters races. We also organize local Nordic races focused on youth and community competitors.

We are always looking for partners to support our programs and volunteers for our many events. As a 501(c)3 non-profit, we are happy to accept tax deductible donations toward scholarships, programs and equipment. We invite you to learn more by clicking on “Get Involved” at www.mbsef.org.

SELCO POLE PEDAL PADDLE’S 50TH YEAR

Sometimes called the “Bend Olympics”, the SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle is a multi-sport race involving six legs that typically includes alpine skiing or snowboarding, Nordic skiing, biking, running, paddling and a sprint to the finish. Racers complete the course as individuals, in pairs, or in teams of up to seven. Approximately 2500 people participate as racers or volunteers in the PPP annually.

This year’s SELCO PPP will be held on Saturday, May 16th, 2026. Racers will start at Mt. Bachelor and make their way to the finish party in the Riverbend Park in Bend.

SELCO KIDS’ MINI PPP

The SELCO Kids’ Mini PPP, presented by Sylvan Learning Center, is another long-time community tradition. This year’s event will take place on May 17, 2026, the day after the SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle, at the Seventh Mountain Resort.

In the Mini PPP, teams of six athletes in grades K-5th complete a team challenge followed by a relay race involving an obstacle course and a run. Racers compete against same-aged peers in waves throughout the day. This is a great event for participants and spectators alike and is always a fun day for the whole family! To register visit www.pppbend.com/mini-ppp.

Presented by

The MBSEF Team wants to give a shout-out to our partner, SELCO Community Credit Union, for their support of Pole Pedal Paddle and the Kids’ Mini PPP. Now in their sixth year as Presenting Sponsor of these events, SELCO continues to show its support for our Central Oregon community and beyond.

Whatever a “Good Life” means to you, learn how SELCO can help you reach it by stopping by their booth at the PPP finish line, going to selco.org, or one of their 15 branches throughout the state.

MBSEF Vision

Our Vision is to positively impact the life of every athlete we serve.

MBSEF Mission

Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation creates opportunities through competitive snow sports programs to support athletes in achieving their individual athletic, academic, and personal goals.

MBSEF Values

MOUNTAIN RUN LEG

Sponsored by Mt. Bachelor Property Management

This year’s edition of the SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle will start near the Nordic Center of Mt. Bachelor. Racers will have a short climb up to to the top of Blue Jay’s trail and continue around the parking lot towards the base of Red Chair. Once racers reach the base of Pine Martin they will start their ascent up the Evergreen Trail which includes a series of switchbacks. After about 400ft of of vertical climbing, racers will decend back down and across the mountin using a service road trail until they reach transition one, which will be set-up

RACE DAY SCHEDULE

7:30 A.M.

Inter-Lodge Shuttle starts running from West Village Lodge and Bike Check opens at Sunrise

8:00 A.M.

Live updates start via Instagram. Follow @mbsef_ppp to stay in the loop

9:15 A.M. First wave starts at Mt. Bachelor

11:00 A.M. Finish Expo and Celebration begins in Riverbend Park

2:45 P.M.

Costume Contest starts on stage at Riverbend Park with MBSEF, SELCO and Central Oregon Daily

3:15 P.M. Awards Ceremony begins on stage

4:00 P.M. Beer Garden closes, Finish Celebration closes.

of Farewell Bend Park. Sprinters will run over the bridge that connects Farewell Bend to Riverbend Park and enter a final race chute on the central lawn at Riverbend Park. The distance of the sprint course is 0.4 miles.

FINISH CELEBRATION

Riverbend Park • 11 A.M. – 4 P.M. Awards • Food & Beverages • Expo

The Finish Celebration for SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle’s 50th year will get going around the time the first finisher crosses the line and will continue through the afternoon. Spectators and racers will find fun, refreshing, and delicious offerings from local vendors, businesses and organizations in the Finish Expo, as well as opportunities to connect with PPP’s many sponsors. The atmosphere is sure to be jovial as more and more racers cross the finish line. Like always, the top 3 winners in each division will enjoy selecting their hard-earned mugs from the PPP Mug Station. The Finish Celebration will conclude with a costume contest and an Awards Ceremony, where 50 prize bags will be distributed to racers with the fastest times of the day.

VENDORS & EXPO

Bend Crafters Company

COCC Massage Program

DarkSky Oregon

Deschutes Acupuncture

EF High School Exchange

Cultural Care

F45 Training Bend West

Forage Wellness Collective

Hawthorn Healing Arts Center

High Lakes - Praxis Health

Honeybee Hustle, LLC

Kendall Central Oregon K2 Stone

MADabolic

Neil Kelly Company

Oregon Hot Tub

Oregon’s Wild Harvest Peak Euro

Possum Fox Backyard Goods

Power Performance

Chiropractic

Powder House

SELCO Community Credit Union

Sorren Inc.

Step & Spine

SweatHouz

The NOW Massage

Boutique Bend

Therapeutic Associates

Physical Therapy

Veterinary Referral Center of Central Oregon

Vista Counseling & Wellness Center

Webfoot Home

Improvement

Zipsacks

2026 SELCO KIDS’ MINI PPP

Presented by Sylvan Learning of Bend May 17th, 2025

The SELCO Kids’ Mini PPP is a heart pumping, crowd-pleasing, familyfriendly event that always takes place the day after PPP. This year it will be held on May 17th at the Seventh Mountain Resort. The SELCO Kids’ Mini PPP includes a team challenge, and obstacle course and running race, with prizes up for grabs for the top three teams in each heat! Though registration has already closed for the 2026 edition, all are welcome to come cheer on the racers, check-out interactive vendor booths, and discover some amazing local products and services. Don’t worry about getting hungry - there will be plenty of delicious food and treats available from Outfitter Bar and Kona Ice so you can refuel and keep the fun going.

We hope you can join us on May 17th for the SELCO Kids’ Mini PPP a day full of physical challenges, laughter, and great memories!

Spring Encountering: Rebirth Guided, embodied practice exploring the space through the senses, in conversation with the exhibtion. May 9, 11:30am-1pm. Scalehouse Collaborative for the Arts, 550 NW Franklin Ave, Bend. Contact: 541-362-1288. info@scalehouse.org. $30.

Stained Glass 101: Poppy Suncatcher2 Week Workshop IParticipants create a medium-sized stained glass poppy suncatcher. Mon, May 11, 6-8pm and Mon, May 18, 6-8pm. DIY Cave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 541-388-2283. classes@diycave.com. $219.

Suncatcher Class A relaxed, beginner-friendly stained glass class where participants will create their own flower suncatcher (6pm class) or mountain suncatcher (3pm class) May 7. Bend Tea and Art Lounge, 1024 NW Bond St, Suite 101, Bend. Contact: info@bendteal.com. $139.

Stamp Making Learn the art of lineocut with Rachel and make handmade stamps to take home! May 13, 6-8pm. Bend Tea and Art Lounge, 1024 NW Bond St, Suite 101, Bend. Contact: info@bendteal.com. $50.

Tipsy Terrariums for Mum! This event will have the ever-popular mimosas and terrariums at Bend’s #1 plant store! Each ticket includes 2 mimosas and a glassware spot (and everything that goes with it!) May 9, 9-10:30am. The Greenhouse Cabaret, 1017 NE 2nd St., Bend. Contact: 541330-4086. help@somewheregreen.com. $135.

Watercolor Pencil Demo Night Learn to blend drawing and painting techniques to create an expressive artwork. May 8, 5:30-7pm. FREAK’N ART, 1265 NW Wall st., Bend. Contact: 5415087438. HelloFreakNArt@gmail.com. 30.

Watercolor with Victoria Learn how to paint watercolor with Victoria Gobel! May 12, 6-8pm. Bend Tea and Art Lounge, 1024 NW Bond St, Suite 101, Bend. Contact: info@bendteal. com. $50.

PRESENTATIONS

+ EXHIBITS

Indigenous Speakers Series: Virtual Sovereignty Artist Frank Buffalo Hyde (Onondaga/Niimíipuu) combines modern culture and technology with Indigenous themes and tradition. May 7, 6-8pm. High Desert Museum, 59800 S. Highway 97, Bend. Contact: 541-3824754. info@highdesertmuseum.org. $8.

Is Bend a “Happy City”? Isolation and loneliness are epidemics in America. Can great public plazas, festival streets and signature parks be an antidote to loneliness and actually build community? May 7, 6-7:30pm. OSU Cascades Ray Hall Atrium, 1500 SW Chandler Ave, Bend. Contact: buildingabetterbend@gmail.com. $10. Studio Tours at Pine Meadow Ranch

Guests will be guided on a tour of the studios, where resident artists are experimenting, conducting research, and developing new work. register at: roundhousefoundation.org/events/ May 7, 5-6:30pm. Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture, 68467 Three Creek Rd., Sisters. Contact: 541-904-0700. moriah@roundhousefoundation.org. Free.

Understanding Wilderness Trail Permits Staff talks about the development and implementation of a limited entry permit system for the Mt Jefferson, Three Sisters and Mt Washington wilderness areas, and how one can get a permit for the coming season. May 12, 5-6pm. Redmond Public Library, 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond. Contact: 541-312-1032. lizg@ deschuteslibrary.org. Free.

Wild Food & Self-Sufficiency: Modern Practical Foundations Explore the foundations of wild food foraging and everyday self-sufficiency, with a focus on local plants, seasonal awareness, and practical skills that support resilience and independence. May 6, 6-7pm. Hanai Foundation, 62430 Eagle Road, Bend. Contact: 5413121029. laurelh@deschuteslibrary.org. Free. / May 7, 11am-Noon. Sisters Library, 110 North Cedar St., Sisters. Contact: 541-312-1029. laurelh@deschuteslibrary.org. Free.

THEATER

American Buffalo An electrifying presentation of David Mamet’s “American Buffalo”, a raw and riveting exploration of loyalty, greed and The American Dream. Thu, May 7, 7:30pm, Fri, May 8, 7:30pm, Sat, May 9, 7:30pm and Sun, May 10, 2pm. Cascades Theatrical Co, 148 NW Greenwood Ave,, Bend. $27-$32.

Caldera High School Theatre Presents Newsies, the Hit Broadway Musical A high-energy musical filled with unforgettable songs and dynamic, show-stopping choreography. Thu, May 7, 7pm, Sat, May 9, 2 and 7pm, Fri, May 15, 7pm and Sat, May 16, 2 and 7pm. Caldera High School, 60925 SE 15th St, Bend. Contact: 541-355-5177. lindsay.nickerson@bend.k12. or.us. $10 Students,Seniors/$15 Adults.

WORDS

Discussion with Author Peter Richardson Peter Richardson, a journalist and author, will speak at Oregon State University – Cascades about his latest book, “Brand New Beat: The Wild Rise of Rolling Stone Magazine.” Book signing after. Registration required. May 13, 6-7:30pm. Edward J. Ray Hall, Charles McGrath Family Atrium, 1500 SW Chandler Ave, Bend. Free.

OUTDOOR EVENTS

2026 Happy Girls Bend Run Grab your bestie and take in the beauty of Central Oregon as you embark on your scenic journey. May 9, 9am. Riverbend Park, 799 SW Columbia St., Bend. $45-$80.

30th Annual Jungle Run This run features a 4-mile or 2-mile trail course with single-track trails, mud bogs, steep climbs and obstacles. May 7, 5:30-7pm. Central Oregon Community College, 2600 NW College Way, Bend. Contact: 541-383-7794. sports@cocc.edu. $15.

Birding for Breakfast A celebration of World Migratory Bird Day, joining Museum staff and volunteers to explore the Museum grounds looking for warblers, raptors and other birds. May 9, 7-9am. High Desert Museum, 59800 S. Highway 97, Bend. Contact: 5413824754. info@ highdesertmuseum.org. $25.

May Passholder Party Both 25/26 and 26/27 winter season passholders are invited to connect with fellow passholders and enjoy their first drink free. This all-ages event is open to the first 300 passholders, who will receive a free alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage. May 12, 5-7pm. Lifty’s, 1787 SW Chandler Ave., Bend. Free.

Think Wild’s 6th Annual Wildlife Baby Shower Helping local wildlife hospitals raise funds & supplies to care for injured and orphaned native wildlife in need this baby season! This event is free to attend and family friendly! RSVP appreciated. May 9, 3-6pm. Oregon Spirit Distillers, 740 NE First St., Bend. Contact: molly@thinkwildco.org. Free.

GROUPS + MEETUPS

BEND 101: How Tourism Shapes our Community Focused on tourism and how the impact of visitors is measured on our community. Includes an overview of the transient room tax and how tourism dollars support key initiatives. May 7, 5-7:30pm. UUFCO, 61980 Skyline Ranch Road, Bend. $40.

Bend Chess and Go Club Casual gathering for players of Chess and Go/Baduk/Weiqi. Informal and welcoming to players of all skill levels. We love teaching new people! Thursdays, 6-9pm. Crux Fermentation Project, 50 SW Division St., Bend. Contact: 425-354-8867. leifawiebe@ gmail.com. Free.

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

Commerce & Coffee at Mosaic Attendees will enjoy coffee from Thump Coffee and morning bites courtesy of Black Diamond Financial! The best part? It is free to attend for members! May 12, 8-9:30am. Mosaic Community Health, 2084 NE Professional Ct., Bend. $10/ Free for members.

Connect W’s Munch & Mingle in Redmond A monthly noon gathering where professional women of Central Oregon connect over meaningful conversations. This exclusive event fosters business growth, social networking, and genuine friendships. Registration required. May 7, 11:45am-1pm. Feast Food Co, 546 NW 7th St, Redmond. Contact: 541-410-1894. info@ connectw.org. Prices vary.

Creating Connections Book Group Do you want more people in your life? Or stronger bonds with people you know? Join this book group to explore emotions, deep learning, and meaningful conversations. We’ll meet every other Sunday at Teal Art & Tea Lounge in downtown Bend. Look for us on Meetup.com. Every other Sunday, 11am-1pm. Through March 29. Contact: 541-668-7670. Free.

ECKANKAR Booth at the Bend Health Fair in Redmond Stop by the ECKANKAR booth (T17) and spin the Wisdom Wheel for a free book, learn about spiritual exercises, or just say “hi.” Explore spirituality from a new perspective. May 9, 9am-3pm. Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond, Redmond. $5.

Let’s Talk Fertility with Dr. Tom Fisher Join Spring Fertility Portland at Stoller Wine Bar in Bend for drinks, light bites, and an inclusive fertility conversation with Fertility Specialist, Dr. Tom Fisher! We’d love for you to bring a partner, friend, or loved one—this is a space for community, connection, and support. May 6, 6-8pm. Stoller Wine Bar Bend, 555 NW Arizona Ave., Bend. Contact: 650-906-2243. janet.westphal@ springfertility.com. Free.

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

Monthly Community Drum Circle An inclusive, accessible community drum circle designed for ages 8+ (with parent) & up. This is a guided drum circle, welcoming to both beginners and experienced drummers alike. Drums & other percussion are provided (or bring your own).

Second Saturday of every month, 10:30am-Noon Through Aug. 8. Unity Community of Central Oregon, 63645 Scenic Drive, Bend. Contact: 6505757673. hhdrumcircles@gmail.com. $10-20 suggested donation (no one turned away for lack of funds).

Rally League Night This event features ping-pong and foosball leagues! At the first few meetings, the group will have round robin play, gauge interest and determine league formats. Wednesdays, 5-8pm. Rally Recreation, 549 NW York Dr, Bend. Contact: 541-241-8581. info@ rallyrecreation.com. $8-$10.

Scrabble Club Meet upstairs. Club uses the 7th edition of the Scrabble Players Dictionary. All levels welcome. Wednesdays, 6-8:30pm. Market of Choice, 115 NW Sisemore St, Bend. Contact: 828-707-4390. testudine2002@yahoo.com. Free. Silent Book Club Silent Book Club at The Cellar. Here’s how it works: 6:00-6:30pm: Get cozy with food / beverages and your book of choice. 6:30-7:30pm: Personal reading time. 7:30-8:00pm: Mingle with fellow book lovers, keep reading, or head home to rest. Second Sunday of every month, 6-8pm. The Cellar, 206 NW Oregon Ave., Bend. Contact: 5413821645. info@ porterbrewingco.com. Free.

Singles Speed Dating at Stoller (Ages 25-49ish) Get ready to meet potential matches at this Speed Dating event (ages 25ish-50ish)One never knows if this is the chance to meet the one! May 11, 6-8pm. Stoller Wine Bar Bend, 555 NW Arizona Ave., Bend. Contact: 406-672-3861. info@epiphanymatch.com. $10.

Speed Dating for Singles (Ages 40+)

Speed Dating: Meet fun, like-minded singles in a relaxed, welcoming setting! Enjoy laughter, great conversations & real connections. May 13, 6-8pm. Speed Dating: Meet fun, like-minded singles in a relaxed, welcoming setting! Enjoy laughter, great conversations & real connections. May 13, 6-8pm. Testimony Wine Bar, 307 NW Sixth St., Redmond. Contact: 406-672-3861. info@epiphanymatch.com. $10.

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

Yoga Wall 6-Week Series Yoga Wall provides gentle support that to feel open, balanced, and strong. This welcoming series realigns the spine and pelvis, eases tension and more. All levels encouraged. Thursdays, 6:30-7:45pm and Thursdays, 6:30-7:45pm. Through May 14. Free Spirit Yoga + Ninja + Play, 320 SW Powerhouse Drive, Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 541-241-3919. info@freespiritbend.com. $144.

FUNDRAISING

14th Annual Rubbish Renewed Eco Fashion Show! The 14th Annual Rubbish Renewed Eco Fashion Show Fundraiser is where style meets sustainability! Reimagining waste, inspiring change — the event is an evening of upcycled runway fashion, local art, bites & sips, and a live auction! May 9, 5:30am-10pm. The Pavilion, 1001 SW Bradbury Way, Bend. Contact: 5413823221. rubbishrenewed@gmail. com. $17.85.

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.

Central Oregon Youth Orchestra

Giveback Day 10% of all sales back to Central Oregon Youth Orchestra all day! Come grab some delicious food and help support! May 11, 11:30am-8pm. Mountain Burger, 2747 NW Crossing Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-668-7177. info@ mountainburgerbend.com. Free.

Dream BIG Dream Big 2026—an unforgettable fundraiser supporting individuals with neurologic conditions. Every dollar fuels life-changing programs and scholarships at Destination Rehab. Enjoy a lively evening of connection, music, and impact, knowing your support makes a real difference in Central Oregon. May 8, 5:30pm. UUFCO, 61980 Skyline Ranch Road, Bend. Contact: 541241-6837. carolann@destinationrehab.org. $150.

High Tea for Horses This event, Tea For Horses, features sandwiches, sweet treats, makers market and a spring fashion show along with beautiful flower baskets ready to take home for Spring! May 9, 11am-3pm. Miracle Barn, 65599 Tweed Rd., Bend. Contact: 503-332-0624. margie@russauto.com. $75.

Mindful Bend Giveback Day! 10% of all sales go back to Mindful Bend all day from Mountain Burger! Come grab some delicious food and help support! May 6, 11:30am-8pm. Mountain Burger, 2747 NW Crossing Dr., Bend. Contact: 541668-7177. info@mountainburgerbend.com. Free.

Mother’s Day at Discovery Park

This is a special youth-led afternoon celebrating the amazing moms! Bring family and community to connect, move, and give back together. Bouquet building for moms and optional family-friendly circuit. May 10, 1-3:30pm. Discovery Park, 1315 NW Discovery Drive, Bend. Contact: 971-219-5146. bemindfulbend@gmail.com. Free.

Mothers Day Celebration $5 mimosas all day on Mother’s Day! Plus enter to win a $25 giftcard! May 10, 11:30am-8pm. Mountain Burger, 2747 NW Crossing Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-6687177. info@mountainburgerbend.com. Free.

Oregon Veterans Honor Moms at Special Event OVMA 23rd Annual Mother’s Day. Poker Run and event to benefit a Veteran Mom Starts in Bend at Timbers East, 2570 NE Twin Knolls Dr. at 8:30am. Last purchase 10am. Celebration in Redmond at General Duffy’s 404 SW Forest Ave. Starts 11:30am May 9, 8:30am4:30pm. Timbers East, 2570 NE Twin Knolls Dr, Bend. Contact: 541-923-7317. ovmabrigham@ gmail.com. Prices vary.

Venture Crew 541 Giveback Day 10% of all sales back to Venture Crew 541 all day! Come grab some delicious food and help support! May 13, 11:30am-8pm. Mountain Burger, 2747 NW Crossing Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-668-7177. info@mountainburgerbend.com. Free.

EVENTS

+ MARKETS

Bend Creators Market Central Oregon is home to many amazing entrepreneurs and creators. Meet small business owners, shop and support local entrepreneurs and snag an amazing swag bag from Market of Choice. May 9, 9am3pm. Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center, 3800 SW Airport Wy,, Redmond. Contact: 541639-5010. info@bendcreatorsmarket.com. $5.

Mother’s Day Brunch Mother’s Day gathering at Tetherow. Savor made-to-order omelets and locally inspired entrées. Featuring an abundant buffet with savory sides and a decadent dessert bar. Reserve on OpenTable. May 10, 9am1pm. Tetherow Pavilion, 61240 Skyline Ranch Rd., Bend. Contact: 541-550-3484. hclark@ tetherow.com. $95/Ages 5-14, $45.

Mothers Day Brunch at Juniper Preserve A celebration of Mother’s Day at Iris Restaurant with a warm, elevated brunch that brings everyone to the table. Slow down and savor a thoughtfully curated menu, shared among loved ones. May 10, 10am-2pm. Juniper Preserve, 65600 Pronghorn Club Dr., Bend. Contact: 866.320.5024. info@juniperpreserve. com. $35-$99.

Second Sunday Vintage Market at Gathered Wares This event features the cutest vintage markets in town! Live DJ, local, rotating, vintage vendors and new finds in the shop. Second Sunday of every month, 10am2pm. Through Sept. 13. Gathered Wares, 50 SE Scott St. Unit 2, Bend. Free.

Spring Plant Sale Peruse the Worthy greenhouse to find organically grown, edible garden starts to hit the growing season running: greens, tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans, peas, onions, herbs and flowers. Sun, May 10, 10am-2pm. Worthy Brewing - Main Pub and Brewery, 495 NE Bellevue Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-316-0080. $3-$15.

Vintage Rendezvous Clothing Popup Discover unique vintage to modern pieces while soaking in an incredible live atmosphere featuring beats from DJ SEE ALICE. Grab a drink, browse the racks, and enjoy an evening of music, community, and timeless fashion. May 8, 4-8pm. Crux Fermentation Project, 50 SW Division St., Bend. Contact: 541-325-6676. vintagehouse81@ gmail.com. Free.

FAMILY + KIDS

360 Allstars This is a phenomenal physical performance exploring all forms of rotation, 360 Allstars connects the street with the elite to deliver a supercharged urban circus. Boasting a stellar cast of World Champion and World Record-holding artists and athletes, this is a spectacular fusion of the extraordinary artistry that emerges from street culture. May 12, 7pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-317-0700. info@towertheatre.org. $39 - $59 (plus $8 Historic Preservation fee).

Hello! Storytime Participants can share stories, enjoy movement and a touch of music with 0-5 year olds, geared toward those younger ages. There will be a heavy emphasis on fun. May 13, 10:30-11am. Roundabout Books, 900 NW Mount Washington Dr., #110, Bend. Contact: 541-306-6564. events@roundaboutbookshop. com. Free.

Mothers Day Celebration Free gifts for mommas, farm-made refreshments, and the opportunity to shop our handmade products. May 9, 10am-4pm. Tumalo Lavender, 19825 Connarn Road, Bend. Contact: 541-383-2441. tamar@ tumalolavender.com. Free.

SUMMER PHOTO CONTEST

By Wally Hofmann

Three Comedians with Bend Ties Reunite: Helen Keaney, Shanan Kelley & Chelsea Woodmansee

Central Oregon audiences will get a three-for-one comedy lineup May 16 when Helen Keaney, Shanan Kelley and special guest Chelsea Woodmansee take the stage at the Tower Theatre. The show blends a national touring comic, a longtime Bend performer and a hometown favorite returning from Chicago. Think of it less like a traditional standup show and more like a family dinner where everyone brought punchlines instead of potato salad.

Kelley, who has lived in Bend for nearly 17 years, said the night feels equal parts reunion and celebration. After leaving the spa industry in 2013, she pivoted to comedy alongside a group of friends — including Woodmansee — launching “The Night Light Show with Shanan Kelley & Magnificent Guests.” Since then, Kelley has built her onstage career as an emcee, auctioneer, writer and full-time entertainer.

moving. I grew up in a witty family, and comedy was currency. It could get you both in and out of trouble. I always look forward to coming back to Bend for a little romp in the comedy hay!”

Headliner Helen Keaney brings decades of experience and a résumé that includes appearances on “An Evening at the Improv,” “Stand Up Spotlight,” Comedy Central’s “Make Me Laugh,” NBC’s “Friday Night” and “Comics Unleashed.” This marks her first Central Oregon appearance — arranged, in part, by a very motivated family member.

“My connection to Bend is that my in-laws live here,” Keaney said. “My mother-in-law spearheaded introducing me to Shanan in an attempt to get me to town, so all her friends could come to the show — and it worked! I’m super excited to be a part of this show and hope it sells out so I can impress my mother-in-law.”

“I come from a very quirky and comical family,” Kelley said. “Laughter is the single best tool we have to help us move forward together.”

The show doubles as a reunion between Kelley and Woodmansee, who grew up in Bend before moving to Chicago and expanding her comedy career.

Impressing a mother-in-law is already a high-stakes performance. Doing it live, on stage, with a microphone and a room full of her friends? That’s less stand-up comedy and more extreme sports.

“I think many people in Bend will consider this a reunion show for Chelsea and me; she is my number one, hands-down, first-choice comedy partner,” Kelley said. “I can’t think of anyone I’d want to be a part of this show more than Chelsea. And with Helen’s larger-than-life stage presence, we really can’t go wrong.”

Woodmansee said returning to Bend always feels like stepping back into the place where her comedy voice first took shape.

“I grew up in Bend before departing for Chicago in 2017,” she said. “In my late twenties, I discovered that standup was an option for creative output.

I had various comedy offerings locally, including regular emceeing for nonprofits, cast member of the “Night Light Show,” and running a standup showcase at the Capitol (before it was an arcade!?) for a couple of years before

The trio’s chemistry is expected to be loose with material covering relationships, aging, dogs, friendship, church, pop culture — and more.

“Between Chelsea, Helen, and me, you just never know where it’s going to go,” Kelley said. “But it’s pretty likely we’ll touch on relationships, aging, dogs, friendship, church, “The Golden Girls,” current events — and probably more cheese on those dinner rolls than expected.”

If nothing else, it’s a rare chance to watch three comedians share one stage — while at least one of them tries very carefully not to bomb in front of her mother-in-law. Pass the gravy.

Helen Keaney with Shanan Kelley and Chelsea Woodmansee Sat, May 16 7:30pm

Prineville May Market Browse over 60 unique vendors, enjoy delicious food, and take in live music throughout the day. It’s the perfect spot to find a thoughtful, last-minute Mother’s Day gift while supporting local businesses. May 9, 9am-4pm. Pioneer Park, Prineville, 450 N.E. Third St., Prineville. Contact: 503-551-3072. onedecisionmanagement@gmail.com. Free.

Recycle a T-shirt into a Camp Pillow Learn to recycle tees into a cute pillow perfect to take camping. May 8, 3-5pm. Redmond Public Library, 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond. Contact: 541-312-3395. emilyc@deschuteslibrary. Free.

FOOD + DRINK

Market Day La Pine Market Day La Pine is the first official farmers/makers market serving South Deschutes County. 30+ vendors of fresh food, hand-made goods, community partners, and youth entrepreneurs. Sat, May 9, 10am-Noon-Sat,. La Pine Parks & Recreation, 16406 First St., La Pine. Contact: 541-633-6806. marketdaylapine@gmail.com. Free.

Mother’s Day Brunch Award-winning Top Chef Alex Martin and his Sous Chef, Alejandra, worked with a winemaker to create a multifaceted sensation for one’s palate. May 10, 11:30am5pm. Maragas Winery, 15523 SW Hwy 97, Culver. Contact: 541-546-5464. info@maragaswinery. com. $30-$55.

Mother’s Day Brunch at FivePine A lavish brunch featuring local provisions and complimentary mimosa. May 10, 10:30am-Noon. FivePine Lodge Event Center, 1021 Desperado Trail, Sisters. Contact: 541-549-5900. info@ fivepine.com. $69.

Worthy Farmers Market Farm Fresh Produce – Straight from local growers! One-ofa-kind products. Live music, food, cocktails & beer – Because Sundays should be fun! Sundays, 10am-2pm. Through June 14. Worthy Brewing - Main Pub and Brewery, 495 NE Bellevue Dr., Bend. Free.

BEER + DRINK

Boneyard’s 16th Anniversary Party SIXTEEN YEARS OF BEERS! An evening full of live music, flash tats, a killer draft list, anniversary merch, food specials, and the release of Sixteen Deep IPA. May 9, 4-10pm. Boneyard Pub, 1955 NE Division St., Bend. Contact: 541241-7184. https://boneyardbeer.com/pages/ master-event-calendar. Free.

Mother’s Day Brunch at Amaterra Kitchen + Social Club An assortment of sweet and savory goodies will be available alongside award-winning wines and delicious seasonal brunch cocktails. May 10, 10am-4pm. Amaterra Kitchen + Social Club, 909 Northwest Bond Street, Bend. Prices vary.

Mother’s Day Dinner with Chef Adrien Bend native Adrien Calmels who returns from stints at several Michelin-starred restaurants to celebrate hyper-seasonal, elevated dining in his hometown. Contact info@viaggiowine.com May 10, 5-8pm. Viaggio Wine Merchant, 210 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-299-5060. info@ viaggiowine.com. $150.

Spring Walk-Around Wine Tasting Complimentary tasting event featuring 3 local distributors pouring more than 30 different wines from all over the globe. May 6, 4:30-7pm. Viaggio Wine Merchant, 210 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-299-5060. info@viaggiowine.com. Free.

Treat Yo’ Mama! 8th annual pre-Mother’s Day extravaganza. Shopping with local vendors 12pm-5pm, Live Music by Mark Creech 2pm4pm, Free Rosé Wine Tasting 3pm-5pm. Bring Mom, bring the sister, bring friends! May 9, Noon-5pm. River’s Place, 787 NE Purcell Blvd., Bend. Free.

HEALTH + WELLNESS

Bachata Dance Classes - Beginner & Intermediate Experienced instructors will guide dancers through the steps and movements in a fun and welcoming environment. Tuesdays, 7-8:30pm/Beginner - 8:45-9:45pm Intermediate. Through May 26. Foundation Health & Fitness, 1105 SE Centennial St., Bend. Contact: 541-3256676. latindancebend@gmail.com. $15.

Belly Dance Classes, all levels welcome Expand your movement language by learning a variety of Belly Dance styles + build strength, grace, confidence, & community. Mondays, 5-6:15pm. Private Studio, ., Bend. Contact: https://www.templetribalfusion.com/ contact/. $20.

Bend Health Fair | 5th Annual | Bend & Redmond’s Largest Health Event! Local practitioners & health related businesses. Family friendly, food trucks, full bar, live DJ, speakers & presentations, huge raffle. May 9, 9am-3pm. Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center, 3800 SW Airport Wy,, Redmond. Contact: 541-639-5010. info@bendhealthfair.com. 5.00.

Candle-lit Sound Bath & Gentle Yoga

Candle-lit gentle flow Yoga and Sound Bath at the Hanai Center. May 7, 6:30-7:45pm. Hanai Center, 62430 Eagle Road, Bend. Contact: 541905-2949. soundbathstillness@gmail.com. $22.

Healing Flow Yoga + Guided Sound

Meditation Healing Flow Yoga followed by a 15 min Guided Sound Meditation featuring crystal signing bowls and other instruments. Sliding Scale Community Class- Sign up online or just drop in! Fridays, 9:30-10:30am. Through May 15. Hanai Center, 62430 Eagle Road, Bend. Contact: 541-668-6494. soundbathstillness@gmail.com. $12- $17 Sliding Scale.

Ladies AllRide Mountain Bike Skills Camp for Women This empowering mountain bike skills clinic is exclusively for women. All skill levels welcome! May 9, 9am-5pm and May 10, 9am-5pm. Seventh Mountain Resort, 18575 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: 5416470935. info@ladiesallride.com. $565.

Latin Dance Partnering Lab - Improving Leading and Following Improve holding frame, hand and pressure cues, add extra style with the arms and legs, and shine breaks. Also covering social dancing etiquette and culture. Thursdays, 7:45-8:45pm. Through May 28. Foundation Health & Fitness, 1105 SE Centennial St., Bend. Contact: 510-866-7434. latindancebend@gmail.com. $15.

Men’s Connection Group This is the perfect event for men struggling with life challenges and looking for support. This event is a circle for an evening of support, sharing, and connection.

Mondays, 6:30-8:30pm. Living Undone, 33 NW Louisiana Ave, Bend. Contact: 541-410-5572. centraloregonmen@gmail.com. Free/ Donations accepted.

Mother’s Day Meditation: The Heart of the Mother This session creates a sentimental sanctuary to celebrate the universal essence of unconditional love and nurturing. May 9, 12-1:30pm. Juniper Preserve, 65600 Pronghorn Club Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-693-5388. info@ juniperpreserve.com. $25.

Mother’s Day Wellness Experience: Temple of the Mother Honor the spirit of Mother’s Day with an evening devoted to rest, care, and quiet restoration. This nurturing experience invites one to soften into the body through guided meditation, breathwork, sound, and slow, mindful movement. May 9, 6-7:30pm. Juniper Preserve, 65600 Pronghorn Club Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-693-5388. info@juniperpreserve. com. $65.

NAMI Central Oregon Bend In-Person Adult Mental Health Peer Support Group NAMI’s Peer Connection Support Group is a free, peer-led support group for adults living with mental health challenges. Attendees will gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others, and the groups are led by NAMI-trained facilitators who’ve been there. Fourth and Second Sunday of every month, 3-4:30pm. NAMI Bend In-Person Peer Support Group, 62030 Dean Swift Rd, Bend. Contact: 541-316-0888. organize@namicentraloregon. org. Free.

NAMI Family Support Group: Bend NAMI Family Support Group is for family members, caregivers, and loved ones of individuals living with mental illness. Family members can talk frankly about their challenges and help one another through their learned wisdom. Second and Fourth Wednesday of every month, 5:306:30pm. Embark Coworking Community, 2843 NW Lolo Drive, Bend. Contact: 541-316-0167. info@namicentraloregon.org. Free.

NAMI Mental Health Peer Support Group: Bend NAMI’s Peer Connection Support Group is a free, peer-led support group for adults living with mental health challenges. You will gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others, and the groups are led by NAMI-trained facilitators who’ve been there. Held the 2nd & 4th Sunday monthly. Second Sunday of every month, 3-4pm. The Taylor Center (Best Care), 358 NE Marshall Ave, Bend. Contact: 541-316-0167. programs@namicentraloregon.org. Free.

Pain Free Posture - Celebrating More than 50 Years of The Vance Stance Tired of being in pain? Get to the root of why you are tight & suffering. Wednesdays, 12-1:30pm. EastSide Home Studio, 21173, Bend. Contact: 541-330-9070. vancebonner@juno.com. $175 for 5 class series.

Prineville In-Person Group NAMI Connection Peer Support Group is a free, peer-led support group for any adult who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. You will gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others, and the groups are led by trained leaders who’ve been there. First and Third Wednesday of every month, 3pm. Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 695 N.W. Third St., Prineville. Contact: organize@namicentraloregon.org. Free.

Rewire & Regulate with Somatic B.R.A.I.N.S This is a highly Concentrated Course that includes 3 full sessions in the Energy room at a third of the price. There is no better way to re-energize your system for Summer! The events are on May 1st, 8th ,and 15th from 10am-12pm. Fri, March 20, 10am-Noon-Fridays, 10am-Noon and Fri, May 8, 10am-Noon Through May 21. Epic Energy Centers, 205 NW Franklin Ave, Bend. Contact: 541-449-9829. support@ epicenergycenters.com. $189.

Science Pub: Youth Sports and Mental Health This OSU-Cascades Science Pub explores the mental health impacts of today’s youth sports systems. Hear new research on competition and how youth sports can better support healthy development for children and teens. May 12, 5:30-7pm. OSU Cascades Ray Hall Atrium, 1500 SW Chandler Ave, Bend. $22.

Sister Circle Community Gathering

Step into a space of warmth, support, and celebration at our Monthly Sister Circle Gathering! Come together with a circle of incredible women to honor and uplift each other while embracing the beauty of the changing seasons. This gathering is a haven where you can nourish your soul. Second Monday of every month, 6:30-8:45pm. Hanai Center, 62430 Eagle Road, Bend. Contact: 650-862-9336. willow@emergingheartscollective.com. $35-$55.

Soulful Sundays Conscious Dance Sunday is a perfect time to step on to the dance floor...being in the temple of our bodies, moving as prayer. At the altar...all that is present and alive...within us, between us, in the world. This will be a facilitated and supported Soul Motion practice....of being with self, other, world. Sun, May 10, 10-11:30am. Continuum, A School of Shadow Yoga, 155 SW Century Drive, Suite 112, Bend. Contact: 5419487015. soulinmotionbend@ gmail.com. $25, pay what you can.

Taizé Choir of Central Oregon This event features an hour of meditative Taizé music, prayer and silence at our monthly interfaith service. All are welcome. Come early to participate in our rehearsal at 6:15 pm. First Thursday of every month, 7-8pm. Through May 7. Trinity Episcopal Church - St. Helens Hall, 231 NW Idaho St., Bend. Contact: 541-8155574. taizebend@ gmail.com. Free - donations accepted.

Taize Meditation Service The Taize Choir of Central Oregon invites you to participate in an hour of meditative Taize music, prayer, and silence at our monthly interfaith service, 7pm, first Thu., of Oct. through June at St. Helens Hall. We welcome new musicians and singers. We also encourage families to attend. First Thursday of every month, 7pm. Trinity Episcopal Church - St. Helens Hall, 231 NW Idaho St., Bend. Contact: 541-815-5574. taizebend@gmail.com. Free.

The Peace Field A two-month community gathering for nervous system care, stillness, and human connection. Through guided meditation, Kundalini Yoga, and facilitated conversation, participants tend their state of being. Wednesdays, 6:30-7:45pm, Mondays, 7-8:15am and Every other Sunday, 8-9:30am. Through May 31. Aowyn Jones Healing, 354 NE Greenwood Ave, Bend. $108-$150.

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

CHOW C Sweet Starts and Small Joys: Pacific Roots Donuts Lands in Bend

Making life a little tastier, one small donut at a time

By Wally Hofmann

Some mornings need a little something extra.

Maybe it’s a hot cup of coffee, maybe it’s a warm donut—or, if you’re lucky, both at once. That’s exactly what Kyle and Breanna Uptegrove had in mind when they launched Pacific Roots Donuts and Coffee, a mini-donut cart now serving up freshly made treats here in Bend. What started as a shared love of coffee and sweets has turned into a full-on family venture — complete with two very enthusiastic taste-testers, their kids, Jamie, 5, and Owen, 2.

“We just love those small celebratory moments,” Kyle said. “A good cup of coffee, a fresh donut—it can turn an ordinary day into something a little more special.”

Breanna, the self-described culinary mind behind the operation, is the one tinkering with flavors and chasing down just the right recipes. That might mean working seasonal ingredients into the mix or even borrowing a friend’s old family recipe to perfect something like a coconut custard donut.

“We’re always trying to get that balance just right,” she said. “Flavor, sweetness, texture—it all matters.” At their cart, donuts aren’t sitting around waiting for you. They’re made fresh, right when you order, thanks to what Breana jokingly calls their “fancy little donut robot fryer.” The result is a hot, consistent batch every time — simple but done well.

And simple is kind of the point.

“These are straightforward, honest treats,” she said. “But we care a lot about doing them right.” The idea for the business had been simmering for years before finally taking shape in 2020, when the couple decided to go all in. Inspired in part by trips to Portland and a noticeable lack, of good donut options on the Oregon Coast — where they were living at the time — they figured, why not build something of their own?

After years on the coast, the Uptegroves recently returned to Bend, drawn back by familiar surroundings and a community that values both quality and connection. The couple wanted to add a product to pair with coffee, so they took inspiration from one of their favorite spots in Portland, Pip’s Coffee. “Donuts were one of our favorite celebratory outings,” added Breanna, “and we noticed there were no good donut shops on the Coast.”

“Why not fill the void for ourselves and others,” said Kyle with a trademark grin. His casual style with customers is as warm as their fresh delights. Now, they’ve brought that idea inland. “There’s something about Bend,” Breanna said. “People care about where their food comes from. They care about the people behind it. That really matters to us.”

That mindset shows up in their ingredients, too. Pacific Roots leans heavily on what Oregon has to offer — local honey, sea salt and seasonal fruit whenever they can get it. They’ve built relationships with small producers along the way, from salt makers on the coast to farmers they’ve met at markets.

“It’s those connections that make a sweet little treat feel like something we can be proud of. We’re excited to make new partnerships here in Bend and discover all the goodness Central Oregon has to offer.”

Their latest culinary creations are partnering with local producers and farmers to utilize the gorgeous

ingredients this state has to offer, such as salt from Jacobsen Salt Co. in Netarts Bay and honey from Peace Crops Honey, a small-scale producer in Nehalem Valley.

“Our fresh blueberries come from a young farming family we befriended at a farmers market,” added Breanna. Other sources include Marigold Coffee, Metolius Artisan Tea, Eberhard’s hot chocolate and Lionheart Kombucha.

“It makes it feel more meaningful,” Kyle said. “You’re not just grabbing a donut—you’re getting a piece of all those connections.” A batch of donuts can be prepared, custom-made to order, for special occasions.

Customers seem to notice. One recent visitor from Santorini, Greece, compared the donuts to Loukoumades, a traditional fried treat from back home, and didn’t hold back his praise. “You will be very happy,” he said with a grin. “And the kids will be ecstatic.”

You’ll find Pacific Roots at Ponch’s Place in northeast Bend, where they’ve become part of a growing

cluster of food trucks. Their hours are straightforward—Thursday through Monday, 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.— because, as Kyle puts it, “people should be able to count on when you’re open.”

Current mini cake donut toppings include cinnamon sugar, honey + sea salt, brown butter maple, Nutella + sea salt, Dirty Shirley (CS + BBM), plus seasonal fruit and preserve specials. In the end, their approach is pretty simple: good ingredients, made fresh, served with care. Or, as Breanna summed it up, “We just want to make something people can feel good about—and maybe brighten their day a little, too.”

Pacific Roots Coffee & Mini Donuts Thu-Mon 7:30am-1pm Ponch’s Place 62889 NE Oxford Ct, Bend pacificrootsdonuts.com/

LITTLE BITES

By Nic Moye

Indulging in Tasty Treats

The Secret Waffle Society relocates and Sno Ball Express opens

The Secret Waffle Society has reopened at a new location

Jared Rasic reviewed the food truck back in November, calling it a delicious study in dichotomies. You may have seen it when it was parked downtown at the corner of Greenwood and Bond, but their lease was up at the end of November. They’re now at the east end of Bend on Brosterhous Road at Sun Outdoors RV Resort. Owned by two veterans who love to feed people, the truck specializes in stuffed Belgian waffles. To satisfy the sweet tooth, flavors include strawberry, apple pie or Nutella filled. For those seeking savory, you have a choice of spicy chicken & cheddar, maple sausage & cheddar or smoked bacon & cheddar. They also serve a street pickle dressed like Mexican street corn.

Co-owner Zeus previously told the Source he received his first waffle maker at age 14 and learned to make Belgian waffles. That skill served him

well as a chef in the military. He says the new location is doing well and he’s been able to hire employees. He also caters parties.

An important part of the Secret Waffle Society’s mission has been to provide a meal and water to anyone in need, calling hot food a human right, but Zeus says, “Since moving we haven’t been able to pass out meals quite the same so we’re looking for a charity to make donations to or groups that could benefit from our food. something like hungry families in Bend or a halfway house. We’d love crowd suggestions!”

Secret Waffle Society Daily 9am-1pm Sun Outdoors RV Resort 60801 Brosterhous Rd, Bend instagram.com/swsbend/

Colorful snowballs that melt in your mouth

Anew food cart specializing in authentic New Orleans sno balls has opened at On Tap. The owners of Sno Ball Express describe their product as a snow cone with fluffy, melt-inyour mouth ice that holds all the flavor. They offer 38 flavors, 18 combinations and four different toppings.

One of the owners grew up in New Orleans and had a yearning for the nostalgic treat so he decided to buy a trailer and open up shop in Bend. Right now, Sno Ball Express is open Thursdays-Sundays but will expand to Tuesdays-Sundays starting June 11.

Sno Ball Express Thu-Sun Noon-8pm On Tap 1424 NE Cushing Dr, Bend snoballexpress.com/

CULTURE

C Pages of Possibility: A Student Writing Showcase

The second edition of The Thread literary journal at COCC is out at the end

of May

Students at Central Oregon Community College have revived a literary tradition that hasn’t been around for nearly four decades. The Thread, featuring student poetry, prose and art is an online journal curated and edited by students in the Advanced Creative Writing: Publishing class.

Associate Professor Eileen Sather, who teaches the class, says COCC had similar journals back in the 1960s through the late 1980s with different names. “The version of the literary journal that we call The Thread started last spring, after a few years of discussion, research and sort of false starts,” she told the Source. “My colleagues and I in the Humanities Department knew we had a lot of creative talent on campus, and we really wanted to create an opportunity to showcase that talent.”

Stanley Souza, a second-year student at COCC, is in the class and part of the editorial team. “I write poetry, so I’m learning the back of house publication process, you know, learning the steps about what it takes to put out a journal.”

“My hope for the students that take this class is that they get experience with the full life cycle of a publication, and for some of them, that the experience translates to professional opportunities in the future,” Sather says.

The students who created the first Thread publication last year came up with the name, logo and mission statement

By Nic Moye

which this year’s students slightly modified to read: “We believe there is strength in variety of perspectives, and revere the honest, inspired writing of the intrepid literary adventurer. Through the mediums of creative nonfiction, fiction and poetry, we provide opportunities for students to connect and inspire others with voices sui generis [“Of its own kind”].

Whether it’s a journal sewn by time or a confession crocheted at 2am, we believe the strands of our diverse voices stitch a unifying thread.”

Souza says the journal’s name represents its overall goal. “The Thread was chosen to fit the theme of different voices coming together to weave one whole. So, the thread is just like a piece of that whole.”

Souza is one of the students working on the journal. “They’re reading all the submissions and writing feedback to writers. They’re working with graphic design students at COCC to collaborate on layout and art that goes in the journal,” Sather explains.

This year the class received 34 submissions which Sather says is more than double what they received last year. The students must now decide which ones to include. Sather anticipates about 15 to 20 will be accepted. “We want to be as inclusive and encouraging as possible since we’re publishing student and emerging writers, but we also want the journal to feel somewhat thematically coherent and

not get too unwieldy to read,” she says.

The Thread comes out annually at the end of spring term, with this year’s issue expected online by the end of May. Sather says the school’s Humanities budget provides around $500 per year that is mainly used for its Wordpress website and to print a limited number of hard copies. She hopes to eventually find more sustainable funding opportunities and increase the number of editions each year.

“I really hope that in the future, more people get involved with submitting to this publication,” Souza says. “And that readers who aren’t involved with the school can get access to a bunch of student talent that we have and hopefully

either be inspired or get involved more directly with the school or just bolster the literature community in Bend.”

The class is holding a public reading and launch party June 5 which will also celebrate the winning selections for an annual student writing contest. “It’s a super fun and energetic way to wrap up the school year and hear creative work from different voices on campus,” Sather says.

Public Student Story/Prose Reading Fri, June 5 12:30-2pm Hitchcock Auditorium, COCC 2600 NW College Way, Bend thethreadmag.org/ Free

Riverbend Park

Riverbend Park Half Marathon – 9am 10K – 9:15am 5K – 9:30am

Half Marathon – 9am 10K – 9:15am 5K – 9:30am MAY 9

SC SCREEN Streep, Hathaway, Blunt and Tucci: Still a Perfect Combo

The “Devil

Wears Prada

2” is a welcome return to a different world

As someone who has dressed like a color blind retiree since childhood,

I know next to nothing about couture, modern fashion, or why one designer brand outranks another. Watching “The Devil Wears Prada” all the way back in the year of our lord 2006, I knew the film really wasn’t “for me,” yet I still enjoyed it as a rare glimpse into a world I will never know. Rewatching it ahead of “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” I still found a lot to like, but also a healthy dose of annoyance.

The original story is familiar: Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway), a “serious” journalist, lands a job at Runway Magazine, a glossy, high-fashion monthly focused on the latest designers and couture. She becomes the second assistant to Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), the cruel and cold editor-in-chief. Along the way, she falls for the fashion world, navigates a complicated frenemy relationship with first assistant, Emily (Emily Blunt) and finds a true mentor in Nigel Kipling (Stanley Tucci).

Twenty years later, the four central performances shine. Streep disappears into Miranda—the hushed cadence of her voice, the chilly delivery—even if her relentless monstrousness is exhausting by the end. Despite the film’s attempts to humanize her, she remains objectively a terrible person; the way she treats the people around her (especially Nigel) makes it hard to sympathize with her, even when we do get those flashes of humanity.

But the real era-specific frustration lies in Andy’s personal life. The 2006 script treats her intelligence as a journalist and her emotional maturity as secondary to her mediocre boyfriend, Nate. Played by the pretty charisma vacuum Adrian Grenier, Nate is a mopey chef who constantly runs the gamut between annoyed, jealous and confused by Andy’s success, yet the script treats him sympathetically. He genuinely, profoundly sucks as a partner, yet the movie treats

By Jared Rasic

I hate to say it, but I think I liked “The Devil Wears Prada 2” more than the original. It’s smarter, goofier and has more on its mind than just Fashion Week.

him like a moral compass. When Andy contemplates moving to Boston with him at the end, I found myself silently screaming for her to run away from the handsome boy with the slow, cow eyes.

Don’t even get me started on Christian (Simon Baker), the blonde, welldressed, slimy-chic journalist she’s immediately attracted to in Paris. He’s startlingly misogynistic, most assuredly a f*** boi, but Andy seems all in. After an ill-advised tryst, Andy acts surprised that he’s a scumbag in the light of day. She’s smarter than that and if the movie had been made today, she would have seen him coming from a mile away.

Luckily, here we are two decades later with “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” a film that not only fixes the original’s flaws, but also tells a thoughtful story about the death of print media and the internal rot of populist journalism.

Andy returns to Runway after two decades to serve as the features editor after the magazine fails to vet a puffpiece on a brand using sweatshop labor. Miranda is still the tyrant-in-chief, but she’s now struggling to keep Runway relevant in an era of TikTok influencers, where glamour has been replaced by algorithms. Nigel remains her long-suffering-in-silence right-hand man and Emily is now a senior executive at Dior.

Every character has lived decades of life since the last film and returning writer Aline Brosh McKenna’s script is intelligent and human enough to treat

Saturday, May 9th

3:00 - 6:00 PM

them like complicated people. Along with returning director David Frankel, “The Devil Wears Prada 2” feels less like a legacy sequel designed to pick your pocketbook and more like a reckoning with the state of modern pop media. It’s still catty and filled with more costume changes than a Taylor Swift show, but it truly shines through those same four characters.

The script treats these characters as people who have actually lived a life since the last movie. Hathaway brings an effortless, weary intelligence to Andy. Blunt finds a softness in Emily, now a mother, that makes her desperation for genuine friendship truly endearing. Tucci remains the “fairy godmother” of our dreams, radiating a winking warmth. But again, it’s Streep who steals the show. She makes Miranda three-dimensional in a way the first film didn’t have time for, showing us the loneliness and drive beneath the ice. She’s still awful, but we finally understand why. There is more to the Devil than just horns and a pitchfork.

I hate to say it, but I think I liked “The Devil Wears Prada 2” more than

the original. It’s smarter, goofier and has more on its mind than just Fashion Week. The film abandons some of the glitz that made the original so beloved, which might be a dealbreaker for those looking for glamor rather than a movie that spends much of its runtime on modern job insecurity for writers.

While the film still suffers when it focuses on Andy’s personal life (at least there’s no Nate!)

“The Devil Wears Prada 2” is one of the few sequels that seems to understand its own legacy. It doesn’t try to recreate the early aughts; instead— the moment we see Miranda realizing she can’t be her typical draconian self because of HR— it mourns those years while looking directly into the cold, glowing screen of the future.

“The Devil Wears Prada 2” Dir. David Frankel B+

Now Playing at Regal Old Mill, McMenamins Old St. Francis, Sisters Movie House, Redmond Cinema, Madras Cinema 5

PRESENTED BY:

Flag Football Offers Sports Pathway for Young Women Across Central Oregon

Six Central Oregon high schools are fielding flag football teams, while a local soccer club is offering programs for elementary-age players

By Dallas Finn Calvert

It’s a perfect night for football. The air is crisp and cool as the sun sets and the lights come on at Mountain View High School’s varsity football field. There’s a cross-town rivalry being battled out as the Cougars face off against the Summit High School Storm. However, this isn’t your typical football game.

There aren’t hordes of fans packing the stadium, but there’s a large group of enthusiastic parents and friends cheering on the players, and a posse of very vocal Mountain View students chanting and yelling. However, the biggest difference is the players. There aren’t any hulking young men, pounding each other to the ground. Instead, there are 14 young women facing off, seven per side, bobbing and weaving while running routes and jumping into the air to catch balls. All the while, they’re trying to evade having any of the three flags attached to a belt at their waist pulled off by an opposing player.

“If you’re thinking it’s going to look like tackle football, it’s not,” said Joe Kennedy, 50, head flag football coach for Mountain View, which beat Summit 36-20. “There’s a lot more passing and no real blocking. You can screen somebody. It’s kind of like basketball. You can stand in somebody’s way, but contact isn’t allowed. If anybody forces contact, there’s a penalty for that. It’s a different game than tackle football. It’s a little more exciting, a little faster, and there’s more of an emphasis on passing as opposed to running. People who like to watch the air attack will probably like to watch this.”

Andy High, 47, head flag football coach at Summit, agrees. “Football is such a big part of American culture, so it’s really cool that people are learning about it,” High said. “It’s a lot quicker. They’re passing 80 percent of the time versus running. But these young women are still really physical, even with no tackling.”

The Oregon School Activities Association designated Girls Flag Football as an emerging activity in 2025, and it’s on its way to being named an official sport in 2027. Across the state, there are now more than 60 teams, said Kelly Foster, assistant executive director of the OSAA.There are six teams in the area, including Bend, Mountain View, and Redmond. Additionally, The Dalles plays against Central Oregon teams. Flag football is similar to boys’ football in so much as there are plays and routes run, and you must get the ball to your opponent’s end zone to score. However, that’s where the similarities end. Flag football is played on a field that’s 80 yards by 40 yards, with no hashes. To score, a team has four downs to cross the midfield line and then another four downs to score. There’s no contact allowed, although when a player’s flag gets pulled off their belt, it’s called a “tackle.” And while you won’t see anyone intentionally taken to the ground, don’t be fooled. It’s still very physical.

“Honestly, it’s a little more tough than I thought it would be for a tackle-free sport,” said Abby High, 18, Andy High’s daughter and a senior at Summit. She’s headed to the east coast this fall, where she’ll play college flag football for the University of Connecticut. “You do get harassed a little bit when you’re out there, like, you have girls pulling everything that they possibly can, and the girls with nails, they always

scratch you. It’s really hard not to tackle when everybody’s running at you. Even though it’s a no-contact sport, there’s a lot of contact. That part was a little unexpected.”

In October, the OSAA delegate assembly will vote on whether to designate flag football as an official OSAA sport. At the collegiate level, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) first offered flag football in 2021, while the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in January officially recognized flag football as part of its Emerging Sports for Women program. Additionally, it’ll debut as an Olympic sport for men and women at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. And just last month, the National Football League and TMRW Sports announced earlier this year that they’re planning to launch a professional league for men and women.

Locally, the sport is growing fast among even younger athletes, too. The Bend FC youth soccer club, which has approximately 3,500 competitive and recreational players, expanded its offerings last September to include flag football for first through fifth graders, said Jessica Passage, Bend FC business manager. The club just started its third sixweek, sold-out session.

“It’s a newer program to us, but we see the importance of having another avenue for girls to play sports, and this is obviously a big component of that right now in the world, with it being a rapidly growing sport,” said Passage, whose daughters, Hayden, 10, and Malia, 8, are both participating in flag football. Passage said Bend FC plans to offer flag football camps this summer and offer sessions for middle schoolers.

Foster, of the OSAA, said one of the greatest things about flag football is that everyone involved is learning and growing the sport together, and are having a ball while doing so. “Girls flag has been such a joyful addition,” he said. “That’s the word that comes to mind. The kids out there playing are having so much fun. They’re being included in a sport that they’ve traditionally been left out of. And there are very few girls who are going into it with any previous experience in the sport. They’re all learning this sport for the first time and so there’s just this exponential growth that happens at every practice. It’s a universal story that I’ve heard from everyone who’s participating.”

You can read a longer version of this story at bendsource.com

By Nic Moye

TEDxBend Rebirth

After

a lengthy hiatus, the day-long event is back and as popular as ever

After a seven-year hiatus, TEDxBend returns May 30. Eight speakers are scheduled. The theme is “Rebirth” focusing on personal transformation, new ideas and fresh perspectives. Organizers say the theme comes to life through bold ideas and diverse voices exploring renewal in all its forms including personal, cultural, environmental and collective.

“Rather than fully announcing each speaker in advance, TEDxBend is intentionally leading with the ideas and themes that will be explored throughout the day. The goal is to keep the focus on the substance of the talks and create a more immersive, in-the-room experience for attendees,” Marketing Consultant Dominic DeMaria told the Source. He says it’ll be a mix of local and national voices.

Inspired by the worldwide TED conferences, TEDxBend launched locally featuring short talks and performances exploring emergent ideas and bringing people together to inspire change. Before Covid, TEDxBend drew sold-out crowds of more than 1,200. An all-volunteer group brought the event back. “There was a clear sense that the community was ready for its return,” DeMaria says. In fact, tickets are sold out for the live stage experience, but are still available for a big screen, streaming watch party. That will also include music, entertainment, giveaways and an opportunity to meet with speakers afterward.

DeMaria says whether the event will return in coming years depends on local partnerships and sponsorship support. “This year is about rebuilding that foundation in a way that feels both meaningful and sustainable long-term.”

TEDxBend Streaming Watch Party Sat, May 30, 9am-4pm First Presbyterian Church 230 NE 9th St, Bend tedxbend.org/ $60.40

By Josh Jardine

Big Moves for Plant Medicines Cannabis rescheduling has begun

Iwrote about this last December, but now that (some) can nabis has actually been rescheduled, from Schedule I to Schedule III, let’s revisit.

President Biden started the ball rolling in 2022 and in 2024; the Justice Department formalized the process of moving cannabis from Schedule I to III. Last year, President Trump directed the DOJ to act on his Executive Order on rescheduling. In late April of this year, the acting Attorney General announced they had begun acting upon the executive order.

While this is the biggest move in cannabis policy in decades, it bears repeating that rescheduling is very different from descheduling. And the manner in which it’s happening is important to know as well, as this looks to be somewhat different from what many of us expected.

First, this will happen in phases, not all at once. For now, only medical marijuana products in states with regulated programs will move from I to III. On June 29, per Marijuana Moment “. . . there will be a new expedited administrative hearing process to consider the broader rescheduling of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III” and “will conclude not later than July 15.”

Nothing will change for Adult Use/ Recreational cannabis right away, including the much sought after tax relief from 280E. Arguably the biggest winner will be cannabis research, as researchers will now be able to purchase high quality cannabis from licensed producers. This is huge, as previously, only the infamously bad trash weed produced by the University of Mississippi was allowed to be used by researchers receiving federal money.

Accelerating access to psychedelics

In April, Trump signed an Executive Order for the research of psychedelics, with a goal of developing treatments for numerous mental health conditions, as well as traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

As someone who has relied heavily upon microdosing psilocybin to get through this administration, I applaud this move.

As Time explains, the order directs the FDA to “. . . direct their attention to determining what psychedelics might be given vouchers for accelerated consideration on the path to

approval. The manufacturers of these substances would have the option of having their dossiers of supporting evidence examined by regulators within 1 or 2 months, rather than 6 to 12 months more typical of the FDA approval process.”

Psychedelics such as LSD, Psilocibin, MDMA, and ibogaine will be studied with the goal of addressing treatment resistant depression, PTSD, and Traumatic Brain Injuries. The Executive Order is also, per Marijuana Moment “. . . making $50 million available to support state-level research on ibogaine and is “opening a pathway for the substance to be administered to desperately ill patients under the Right to Try law.” This is a major move for a sitting President to discuss and support psychedelics, albeit in the scope of medical treatments, and not a weekend at the Sphere. Anything furthering the discussion is welcome, and it was none other than podcaster Joe Rogan who took credit for Trump’s actions.

Rogan has long been a proponent of ibogaine, a South African shrub used to treat Depression, PTSD and TBI. He recounts texting Trump the potential for treating addiction with ibogaine, and getting a rapid reply from Trump reading, “Sounds great. Do you want FDA approval? Let’s do it.”

Rogan stated that studies show those with opiate addictions were seeing success of up to 90% with just two doses. Although as Time writes “...Ibogaine can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias, however, and research on it was halted in the U.S. in the 1990s. Studies elsewhere in the world, including in Mexico, where ibogaine clinics operate, have been relatively small.”

The levels of suicide, PTSD and addiction issues for military veterans is cited as a motivating factor for Trump as well. In a White House fact sheet, they write “. . . For over 20 years, there have been more than 6,000 veteran suicides per year” and “. . . The suicide rate among veterans is more than twice as high as that of the non-veteran adult population … .”

Of course, any time plant medicine is legitimized, there’s an inherent risk that it will be patented, controlled, and monetized as a commodity by billion dollar pharmaceutical companies. But for now, recognize that some true good will happen as well.

AWAKENING YOUR INNER HERO A

COLUMN TO HELP LOCALS LIVE A KINDER AND MORE COURAGEOUS LIFE

By Burt Gershater

Bad Moods, Self-Criticism and Love

I’ve been on a love roll… Last month’s Inner Heroes message was entitled “Democracy & Love. “

A few of my earlier titles were: “Love Your Demons,” “Love Wisdoms from Heaven” and “A Few Random Love Stories.” Another one was “How to Make Love,” not the erotic kind, but the dayto-day kind of love. Let’s all keep getting better and better at making it. There are folks who are counting on us.

For obvious and not-so-obvious reasons, love is what all of us want and need. Without it, we’re robots, going from here to there and back again. We’re jogging along on the treadmill of life. Sure, we might be successful in our work lives, star athletes, good lawyers, or skilled fry-cooks. Anything!

But we need each other. Every one of us plays a role. We’re each important in our interdependent world. How does love fit into this infinitely complex web of humanity?

And how do we protect our precious love from being damaged by two of its most tireless enemies: bad moods and self-criticism? Let’s add worrying to this list.

Love is glue. Fuel.

Our reason for being.

And I am not talking about romantic love, although it certainly can be a wonderful part of life. It’s just that romantic love rarely sustains its initial full-throttle energy for more than a few years.

The love we’re discussing today is about warmth, tenderness, appreciation, steadiness and selflessness. We can have this special love with our partners, parents, children, grandchildren, friends, even strangers. Anyone. Everyone. Love is an experience of one-ness that brings out the best in both its recipients and providers. Every love is different. And love needs sturdy boundaries in order to thrive.

True love is strong and determined. It is also tender and fragile. What a seemingly incongruous combination.

I love, love. It is a skill we never fully master. And love needs us to live it. Day-in and day-out! From getting up in the morning to putting our heads down at night.

We need love and love needs us, too!

BURT GERSHATER

And just as there are many skilled robbers of our precious diamonds, there are also many skilled lovethieves, too. Most of these sneaky little devils reside inside of us. Bad moods, worry and self-criticism are simply part of every person’s life. No one escapes love devils.

What we can and need to do in order to minimize their toxic impact is: notice them when they arrive, and call them out for what they truly are, toxic. Even if they are true, hammering ourselves with them only serves their destructive purpose.

We have negative thoughts for a very good reason. When they show up, they remind us to turn toward light! Light might also have a capital L, meaning for you whatever that capital L might mean. A Light that knows the truth. That no one is perfect but at our core, we want to live an honest, loving life. For most, this Light gets somewhat dulled. It’s a lifelong discipline to consciously move closer to the Light and let our own Light shine. From my perspective, that is the main reason we’re here. Everyone is a beneficiary of our efforts. Do I wish there was an easier pathway to the Light? I do. I can accept that upward movement usually requires thoughtful effort.

Our loving life decisions are often the fruits of our poorer, hurtful ones.

It’s a challenge to defeat our bad moods, worry, and self-criticism, but we do not have to be defeated by them either. Go to the love you have in your life. Breathe into your belly. Go to gratitude for life’s endless miracles which we often take for granted. Thank your thousands of food providers. Your thousands of shoe providers. The roof over your head. Teachers. Friends. Role models . . . .

I recently met two fellas at Larkspur Community Center where I work out. Both of them are 95 years old and keep moving their bodies regularly. They are candles.

Let’s keep heading toward the Light.

—Burt Gershater is a local counselor, leadership trainer, speaker and writer. He can be reached at info@burtgershater. com.

By Veronica Theriot, Broker RE/MAX Key Properties

How Bend Homes Age Differently Than You’d Expect

You may have moved to Bend for the sunshine. But that same sun and those cold, high-desert nights have been quietly working on your home since the day you bought it.

Bend’s climate is one of the most appealing in the Pacific Northwest, but it’s also more demanding on homes than many people realize. As with most things in home ownership, knowing is the first battle. Here’s what tends to surprise homeowners most, and what you should be paying attention to.

1. The Sun Is Both a Gift and a Challenge

Bend averages far more sunshine than most of Oregon, and at 3,600 feet of elevation, UV exposure is roughly 15% more intense than at sea level. That extra exposure adds up.

Asphalt shingles dry out, oxidize, and lose granules faster here than in cloudier climates like Portland or Eugene. Exterior paint fades, chalks, and peels more quickly especially on south- and west-facing walls. Deck stain often needs refreshing sooner than expected, and siding can lose color unevenly.

When evaluating a Bend property, the sun-facing side often tells the most honest maintenance story. If that wall has been well cared for, chances are the rest of the house has been too.

2. Freeze-Thaw: Winter’s Slow Wear

Unlike the Willamette Valley’s wetbut-mild winters, Bend sees dramatic temperature swings, dropping well below freezing overnight, then warming significantly during the day.

During winter, ice dams are one of the most common results. Heat escaping through the roof melts snow higher up, which refreezes at the eaves and can back water up under shingles and into the home. Proper attic ventilation helps keep the roof surface colder in winter, reducing snowmelt and lowering the risk of ice buildup.

3. The Dryness Paradox

Many buyers assume Bend’s dry climate protects homes. In reality, it creates a different set of challenges.

Caulking around windows, doors, and exterior fixtures dries out and shrinks faster than in humid areas, creating pathways for air infiltration and eventually water. Wood framing can slowly shift as it adjusts to the dry conditions, sometimes causing doors or windows to stick or fall out of alignment.

HVAC systems also work harder here, managing both heating and cooling extremes while dealing with dusty air and, increasingly, wildfire smoke. Filters need more frequent changes, and systems often benefit from more regular servicing than standard schedules suggest.

4. What Ages Well

There’s good news, too.

Bend’s dry climate means basements and crawlspaces typically see far less moisture intrusion and mold than homes west of the Cascades. Concrete, masonry, patios, and hardscaping stay cleaner and resist the moss and algae common in wetter regions. Fiber cement and composite siding perform especially well here.

For sellers, a well-maintained Bend home tells a clear story. A newer roof, fresh caulking, good attic ventilation, defensible landscaping, and UV-conscious upgrades signal to informed buyers that the home has been cared for with the local climate in mind.

For buyers, understanding how Bend homes age means knowing where to look: the sun-facing walls, roof age and material, window and trim caulking, and HVAC service history. These details reveal far more about a home than the view. Something that’s worth paying attention to before you fall in love.

By Rob Brezsny

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): When lightning from a cloud hits sand or soil, the current travels down into the ground. It melts material along its path and forms tubular, branching glass structures that can penetrate deep below the surface. I believe that metaphorically similar phenomena will soon happen in your life, Taurus. Sudden insights or electrifying feelings will leave permanent traces in your psyche, creating new pathways for energy and information to flow. These disruptive inspirations and inspiring disruptions will rewire your internal circuitry, creating channels that will enhance your receptivity to future revelations. You’ll be able to absorb clues and hints from life that you weren’t tuned into before.

at preservation required active intervention rather than mere reproduction. In the coming weeks, Scorpio, I think it will be fun and transformative for you to make similar adjustments to your own life story. How might your memories of the past need to be corrected and refined? How could you make your personal mythology more accurate and liberating? I invite you to revise and revivify the tales you tell yourself about your magnificent journey from the moment you were born until now.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): I invite you to ruminate on death not as the conclusion of physical life, but as a metaphor for discarding what's stale and outmoded. In that light, what would be the best deaths you could generate during the coming weeks? Use your imagination with verve and vigor as you dream up scenarios in which you purge parts of your life that are not serving your strongest, most vital yearnings. Visualize how much fresh potency that will liberate. (PS: To reiterate: You are NOT in physical danger.)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The speed of light is how fast it travels through a vacuum. When moving through water and other media, though, light’s swiftness decreases. The fastest possible speed in the universe only applies in emptiness. If you put anything in light’s way, it slows down. Let’s use this as a metaphor for your life. I suspect you may be frustrated by how incrementally things are moving. But you're not in a vacuum. Your bright intelligence is traveling through the complex situations that life has brought you. So of course you're not zipping along with maximum haste. My advice: Be grateful for the slowdowns. Learn all you can about how they are educating and transforming your brilliance.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): What part of you is too tame? Maybe your imagination is politely well-behaved, or maybe your voice edits itself before it dares to say what it really thinks. Can you inspire it to be wilder and freer? Not reckless or destructive, but more honest and experimental? Here’s a suggestion: Go on regular excursions with your wild side, maybe once every two weeks. Follow it as it chooses what to explore and create. This might ultimately teach your tamed self that it’s safe to let primal wisdom help steer you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): According to quantum physics, particles can become “entangled,” which means they share a single connected quantum state. Observing and measuring one particle reveals information about the other, even if they’re not in close proximity. Einstein called this “spooky action at a distance.” I predict that different parts of your life will also interweave in unlikely ways during the coming weeks, Leo. Moves you make in one area will seem to produce mysterious effects in other domains. For example, adjusting your morning routine may boost your creative output. Healing an old alliance could unlock a professional opportunity. Everything will be more intermingled than the visible evidence suggests.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Your key power word for now is stretch. Speak it aloud multiple times every day, and write it on a card that you put in a place where you will keep seeing it. Also, make a point of physically and spiritually living out these three senses of stretch: 1. to lengthen, widen, or expand without snapping or tearing; 2. to unfurl your body to its full reach, boosting circulation and warding off stiffness or cramps; 3. to take on challenging tasks that push you to amplify your abilities and move beyond what you previously believed you could do.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Four oracles for you, Libra: 1. You’re in possession of keys to doors that haven’t been built yet. Tuck those keys away somewhere safe. 2. You’re ready to dream up titles for stories your life hasn’t lived through yet. Write those titles down. 3. You are being granted sneak previews of your future, even though you can’t yet see the bridge that will carry you there. Imprint these glimpses on your memory. 4. You have everything required to grow a more muscular faith that’s grounded in real evidence, not in vague hopes and wishful thinking. Take advantage.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): At the ancient Library of Alexandria, editors did far more than copy manuscripts. They compared multiple versions of important works and produced editions that aimed at definitively reliable texts. Their efforts

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19): Cryptographer Claude Shannon (1916–2001) was the father of information theory. His achievements were comparable to those of Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, and Charles Darwin. Here’s one of his secrets: He kept his office filled with juggling equipment, unicycles, and mechanical toys, which inspired him to solve abstract problems. His playful tinkering helped inspire breakthroughs that ultimately created the digital age. For him, recreation and innovation happened at the same time. I invite you to try a similar approach in the coming weeks, Capricorn. Blend "serious work" with "just messing around." Be alert for key insights that emerge from improvisation and experimentation. Your diversions won’t be distractions from your purpose but rather pathways toward it.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Master calligrapher Yukimi Annand is an Aquarius. She teaches that beautiful letters emerge not just from the hand that holds the brush, but from the entire body and relaxed awareness. Breath, posture, centered weight, and quiet mind all flow through the arm to create each stroke. Trying to control the outcome with arduous effort produces rigid, lifeless art. This is an excellent teaching for you right now, Aquarius. Whatever you're striving to accomplish, I beg you to refrain from forcing results through grueling, overly laborious exertion. Instead, align your whole being so that graceful outcomes flow naturally from your soulful coherence.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): The placebo effect is getting stronger over time. Placebos in drug trials are becoming increasingly effective, to the point where it's sometimes becoming harder to prove that actual drugs work better than sugar pills. Are we getting better at healing ourselves through belief? That would be a problem for pharmaceutical companies but interesting for the rest of us. Dear Pisces, I believe your placebo response is exceptionally strong right now. In the coming weeks, use it deliberately. Be daring and exuberant in your efforts to heal yourself.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Astronomers depend on instruments to collect the observations that fuel their work, but they don’t spend every night glued to the stars. On overcast nights, they turn to what they have already gathered, digging into past measurements and reworking the data. You’re in a comparable phase, Aries. For now, looking farther out into the glittering world won’t give you anything essential. The guidance you need is folded into what you’ve previously seen, felt, and taken in. It's waiting for you to sort through and understand it on a deeper level.

Crossword

21 Second word in a Shakespeare title 22 "Don't tell anybody" doc.

23 ___ Moss (Josh Brolin's "No Country For Old Men" character) 25 Relating to the kidney

Rejection of Zelenskyy

Salty agreement 30 French-speaking vampire 32 Chic clubs?

35 Something up your sleeve 38 Concerning, initially

Climbing

By Brendan Emmett Quigley

Pearl’s Puzzle Difficulty

Puzzle for the week of May 04, 2026

Level

Puzzle

Local! Questions, comments or suggestions for our local puzzle guru? Email Pearl Stark at pearl@bendsource.com

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

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

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

U T O P S Y E H exactly once.

The highlighted letters read left to right and top to bottom will complete the quote: "When your children are teenagers, it's important to have a dog so that someone in the house is _________."

The highlighted letters read left to right and top to bottom will complete the quote: "When your children are teenagers, it's important to have a dog so that someone in the house is ."

Nora Ephron

Answer for the week of April 27, 2026

ANSWER TO LAST WEEK'S PUZZLES

Nora Ephron

The highlighted letters read left to right and top to bottom will "When your children are teenagers, it's important to have a house is ."

Nora Ephron

Answer for the week of April 27, 2026

“Bitter rhubarb made sunny-day strawberry face the realities of life- and taste all the better for it.” — Judith Fertig

“Bitter rhubarb made sunny-day strawberry face the realities of

and taste all the better for it.” - Judith Fertig