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Not so long ago, this was the view from the top of Pilot Butte, looking to the northeast of Central Oregon. Tiffany Johansen of Bend shared this photo her dad, John, took of her in 1985. She’s standing on the top of Pilot Butte next to her dad’s Nissan Z. Want to share your photo with Central Oregon? Email calendar@bendsource.com or share and tag @sourceweekly on Instagram for a chance to have your photo featured.

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VOLUME 30 ISSUE 38 / SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 / THE SOURCE

On the Cover: Cover design and craft by Jennifer Galler. Inspired by the adult stop-motion claymation series, Celebrity Deathmatch.

Election season is upon us, and we here at the Source are not going to endure the slings and arrows without having a little fun! Art Director Jennifer Galler put in countless hours to create clay figures for our Congressional Matchup cover. That’s not AI, people — we actually played with clay! In addition to going above and beyond with the art, Peter Madsen dives into the matchup between our Deschutes County Commissioner and the incumbent in the race for Congressional District 5. He also brings you the story of the intrigue around endorsements at the Deschutes Democrats’ recent meeting, while Clayton Franke breaks the news of the bargain building the City of Bend is eyeing for its administrative offices. In Outside, Dallas Finn Calvert talks with rising free riding star Arlie Connolly, and in Sound, we talk about the value of folk music with Sisters Folk’s new director. Thanks for reading! —Editor in Chief, Nicole Vulcan

OPINION Vote Emerson Levy for House District 53

4 SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE - NOW DAILY AT WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM

Vying for her third term, the Bend-Redmond state representative has advocated for meaningful change for the people of her district

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epresenting a “purple” district like House District 53 is no easy task. With Democrats currently holding the majority in both chambers of the state legislature as well as the governor’s office, it could be easy for a Democrat like Emerson Levy to simply fade into the blue and go along for the partisan ride. But with 17,832 registered Democrats and 15,991 registered Republicans in her district as of February (along with 20,655 non-affiliated voters), Levy seems to understand that a more holistic, kitchen-table approach is needed. You can see that in the community-centered priorities she told us she’s setting for her next term in the Oregon State Legislative Assembly, which include reducing the cost of prescription drugs, preventing and mitigating wildfire, regulating e-bikes and protecting kids online. In addition, she’s committed to keeping Oregon kids covered by health insurance as the state navigates a billion-dollar deficit in the coming session. These are common sense priorities that cross party lines, and that show Levy to be a common-sense legislator who understands the needs of the district. Levy is now running for her third term in office, and in this round of endorsement interviews, her experience really shone through. Whether you’re from the Portland area or from a farflung part of eastern Oregon, entering state politics can be a challenging ride. There’s a steep learning curve about how funding and influence really work. There are the players who have been there a long time, who may be ready to take you under their wing or to show you just how little you know — or both. And then there are the myriad challenges of navigating partisan politics. If you’re representing a purple district with a healthy dose of both Republican and Democratic voters — not to mention the juggernaut that is the non-affiliated bloc — all of that could result in ineffective representation in the state House. Levy has seemingly navigated all of that through her years in office and has brought some important investments home as a result. We can credit Levy for helping to fund the first and only youth psychiatric hospital bed in our region, and for championing a youth e-bike safety bill that brought some clarity to what adolescents should and shouldn’t be able

to do. She also supported legislation that would have banned cell phones in schools (though that was ultimately achieved through Gov. Tina Kotek’s executive order). Levy’s experience tackling the complicated business of preventing and battling wildfires gave her a noted leg up on her challenger in this race, Michael Summers, who spoke in broad terms about things like incentivizing forest clearing and thoughtful logging, but who didn’t possess the nitty-gritty knowledge about recent legislation aimed at mitigation, past-due federal emergency funds and other details that Levy did. Summers, who currently serves as vice chair of the Redmond School Board, certainly had valuable things to say about the struggles of educators, and how they experience death by a thousand cuts due to what he described as onerous state regulations and guidelines that he says hold them back from focusing on the fundamentals of reading, writing and math. His experience as a public servant on the Redmond School Board has given him a broader knowledge of community issues and that is serving him well in his aspiration for higher office. His perspective on Oregon’s tendency to gravitate toward the “shiny new thing” — in education or other sectors of government — rather than focusing on the fundamentals did resonate with us. But as the conversation about education continued, we were unclear how Summers aimed to fix it. Levy, on the other hand, offered some concrete suggestions for improving educational outcomes, including engaging with the unions to add more days back to the school year. With his connections and charisma, Summers could be a good legislator. But in this moment, Levy’s hard work over the last several years is too valuable to toss away. She simply has more experience and know-how. Vote to re-elect Emerson Levy to House District 53. See the video of our interview with Levy and Summers at our Elections page —>

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Letters

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GUEST OPINION: HOPE FOR THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE

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Board of County Commissioners. Independent investigators are thoroughly vetted and selected in consultation with other key County staff. Fiscal managers for DCSO now have strong working relationships with the County Finance department. We can see progress even in the embarrassing chapter of Sheriff Kent Vander Kamp. While the timing could have been better, the system worked in this case. Vander Kamp’s dishonesty about his education was uncovered by the DA’s Office, DPSST took away his license, and he was forced to resign. No Sheriff’s Office Legal Counsel or external ‘independent’ investigators tried to protect him and no massive taxpayer payout was needed to make things right. And while lying about your education under oath is foolish and sad, I don’t believe it’s as harmful as firing an employee for running against you for office. I expect the same from any investigations of candidates McLaughlin and Rupert. If there are legitimate reasons to investigate either of them, appropriate authorities will arrange for fair and impartial inquiries. The Oregon Government Ethics Commission, DPSST, Secretary of State, and Deschutes County will do their jobs and appropriate actions will follow. The re-integration of the Sheriff’s Office into the County and the late 2024 structural changes will help right the ship. Seeing the best from our Sheriff’s candidates and effective legal and fiscal oversight by county commissioners will also help us get to a better place. —Phil Chang, Deschutes County commissioner

MEASURE 9-185

A Source editorial recommends voting against Measure 9-185. If passed, the measure would create five districts, two urban and three rural areas, with voters

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in each district electing their own commissioner. If the measure is defeated, elections will likely revert to at-large contests. By opposing the measure, the Source advocates giving Bend’s leftists control of the county administration and its taxing authority. That is a bad idea and here is why. Bend leftists have a fitness fetish. It was apparent in 2003 when Garrison Kiellor’s NPR Prairie Home Companion show in Bend noted the audience was full of handsome slender people. That comment reinforced the city’s ideological policy of community fitness through walking and biking. Cascade Business News recently compared the planned and actual distribution of transportation funds. Planned funding for bike and pedestrian work was 26.4%; actual bike-pedestrian spending is 47%. This is serious over-spending and is not warranted. St. Charles Hospital is the county’s largest employer with about 5,500 employees. During recent hospital visits over several days, parked bikes were counted. Daily, around 14 bikes were observed at the main entrance and about eight more at the Cardiac and Oncology entrance. Deducting night shift workers and Redmond staff, the Bend hospital is estimated to have about 4,000 dayshift workers. Of that workforce, just 22 or 0.55% ride bikes. Extrapolating that bike ride rate city wide means the bikeway expenditure is a massive waste. This is an example of the Bend electorate’s ideological decision making and is why the rural citizens need the protection offered by Measure 9-185. —Jared Black

A THANK YOU TO JUNIPER SWIM & FITNESS CENTER

I’m long past guppyhood, a goldfish now, circling the bowl. Larkspur pool is closed for a scraping and sealing of the sides. A school of us slithered ourselves, against our DNA, to Juniper. “We warmed it up just for you,” the greeter said, for bones that creak and curve. Pools and dry decks, slides, diving boards, a shallow pool for littles, a rope swing. Juniper has it all. The fry’s flippers dangle off the board, they leap, spread out like a starfish, the skin slaps the water. The crackling echoes; we shudder, eyes clamp shut. A middle-aged swinger went out with their glasses on. We made bets — stay on or off. He looked to the lifeguard; all of us waited while the swinger dove into the deep. Next turn, glasses stayed poolside. An octogenarian friend, who walks two hours a day and rarely misses one, bought a wetsuit top and dove back in. Next time they drain Larkspur, I might be the one circling the drain. —Laurie Clark

Letter of the Week:

Cute tale, Laurie! Come on by for your Letter of the Week gift card. —Nicole Vulcan, Editor in Chief

5 VOLUME 30 ISSUE 38 / SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 / THE SOURCE

Headlines describe the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office as troubled, scandal-ridden, and drowning in costly litigation. Concerned citizens are asking me when it will end and how we can fix it. Both candidates for Sheriff in November have been accused of bad conduct on duty or on the campaign trail. But it’s important to remember that the County has come a long way already and that key structural changes from late 2024 will help us navigate the current drama. During Shane Nelson’s tenure as Sheriff (2015-2024), he launched investigations into multiple employees and took disciplinary actions that led to allegations of civil rights violations. Deputy Eric Kozowski, Sargent Crystal Jansen, and Captain Deron McMaster responded with litigation that resulted in judgments, settlements and attorney fees of over $3 million of taxpayer dollars. Nelson seemingly believed that the Sheriff’s Office was independent from the County. He maintained his own Sheriff’s Office Legal Counsel and avoided consultation and coordination with County Legal Counsel. He retained external investigators to perform ‘independent’ investigations. He relied on Sheriff’s Office finance staff more than the County Finance department, supporting the belief that the Sheriff’s Office was in a better fiscal position than it was. While operating with his own legal counsel, utilizing external ‘independent’ investigators, and cultivating a fiscal picture untethered from reality, it’s easy to understand how the Sheriff’s Office became such a mess. At the end of Sheriff Nelson’s tenure in late 2024 the County eliminated the position of Sheriff’s Office Legal Counsel. Now, the sole source of legal advice for the Sheriff’s Office is County Legal Counsel, under the oversight of the

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!

NEWS

Deschutes Democrats Walk Back Endorsement of Sheriff Candidate... Again SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE - NOW DAILY AT WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM

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Embattled Deschutes County sheriff candidate James McLaughlin says it’s a “setback,” and also a symptom of the sheriff’s office By Peter Madsen

Peter Madsen

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espite the vote by Deschutes Democrats’ rankand-file membership to endorse James “Mac” McLaughlin for sheriff in late August, the party’s top brass later revoked that endorsement. On Aug. 24, members of the executive committee wrote in a letter to party members that the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office’s ongoing internal investigation into McLaughlin for alleged harassment and misconduct forced their decision to withdraw the endorsement. In the letter, the executive board, which includes Chair Jason Burge, Vice Chairs Megan Perkins and Jake Jenkins and Secretary Dianne Berry, said the party’s reputation may be sullied if it endorses a candidate with misconduct on his record. “We have to consider potential damage to the party and our endorsed candidates,” the letter said. The precinct committee persons had previously voted 50.2% (136) in favor of endorsing McLaughlin, with 49.8% (135) voting not to endorse him. (Some 51 voters abstained.) The Deschutes Dems officers had met with McLaughlin prior to the endorsement vote to address concerns regarding alleged workplace misconduct, they said in the letter. “We decided to allow the PCPs to vote even though there were serious concerns about the ongoing investigation,” the letter indicated. The issue became a major focus at a raucous Sept. 10 meeting of the Deschutes Democrats at the Trinity Episcopal Church in downtown Bend, where precinct committee persons, local political candidates and members of the media and public waited to hear one juicy agenda item: the Central Committee Approval of Emergency Action of the Executive Committee. After hearing heated testimony both for and against the endorsement, the Deschutes Democrats rank-andfile voted to confirm the executive committee’s decision to overturn its endorsement of McLaughlin. Jason Burge, the chair of the Deschutes Democrats read the results: PCPs voted 77 to 60 in approval of the executive committee’s decision to revoke McLaughlin’s endorsement. Peter Madsen

Jason Burge, chair of the Deschutes Democrats, announced on Sept. 10 that the rank-and-file members had voted to sustain the top brass’ revocation of its endorsement of sheriff candidate James McLaughlin

At a Deschutes Democrats meeting on Sept. 10, precinct committee persons, local political candidates and members of the media and public waited to hear whether top brass would uphold its revocation of its endorsement of sheriff candidate James “Mac” McLaughlin.

Endorsements from a party can be a major boon for a candidate. Electoral hopefuls who are endorsed by the Deschutes Democrats are included in campaign mailers that get sent to area voters, helping to raise their profiles along with other candidates on the Democratic slate. While the room fell silent after the vote reading, it was anything but during the lead up to that announcement. About 20 precinct committee persons gave 2-minute testimonies, either for or against the executive committee’s decision. Jim Porter, the former chief of the Bend Police Department, voiced his support for the party leaders’ decision. A longtime Democrat and PCP, Porter said he was a “unicorn in the room.” “You don’t see many Democrats as chiefs of police or sheriffs; it just doesn’t happen,” Porter said. He said members of the Deschutes Democratic Party should “be easy on the board” regarding its decision to rescind the endorsement, adding that more information regarding the internal investigation into McLaughlin was coming in by the day. He pointed out that former Sheriff Kent van der Kamp, who was also internally investigated during the last election, resigned seven months into the job for dishonesty. “If we put our endorsement on somebody who’s under investigation, we’re endorsing somebody who could potentially end in that same spot.” The subsequent speaker, Chris Barringer, a current Bend PD Officer and former DCSO sergeant, outed himself as the “second unicorn in the room — a proud, unapologetic liberal Democrat cop.” Barringer, clarifying that he spoke only in his capacity as a citizen, asked the crowd: “Where is the presumption of innocence?” Paul Akehurst, the subject of the Feb. 25 SWAT arrest, was wanted for using a stolen gasoline credit card, eluding officers and driving without a license. He also brought Porter’s testimony into question, noting that the former police chief’s support for McLaughlin’s opponent, candidate and current Sheriff Ty Rupert, is listed on Rupert’s campaign website. David Welton offered testimony that focused on the Deschutes Democrats’ refining its endorsement

process. Fellow PCP Connie Peterson spoke similarly, saying she supports the executive committee’s decision to rescind the endorsement, yet said the endorsement process should be more dynamic than listening to a candidate’s five-minute speech and reading their written statement. “We’re not allowed to ask questions of a candidate where everyone can hear the answer,” Peterson said. David Baker-Yuill, the founder of 5051 Central Oregon, which is known for its weekly protests at the downtown Bend Peace Corner, had argued for PCPs to overturn the revoking of the sheriff endorsement and uphold the initial endorsement, citing what he says are transparency concerns regarding Rupert’s administration. During the meeting, McLaughlin hung in the rear of the room. In speaking with the Source after the PCP vote, McLaughlin said he sees the revocation as a “small setback.” “I appreciate the passion in that room,” McLaughlin said. “I’m a little overwhelmed, even a little emotional by the support that I did get.” A longtime registered Republican, McLaughlin joined the Democratic Party in July. McLaughlin says he understands folks’ skepticism. He attributes that, in part, to a lack of information regarding the ongoing third-party investigation of his alleged misconduct. Rupert handed that internal investigation off to Jim Band, an investigator and retired chief of the Oregon City Police Department, in early June. It’s still not clear when the investigation will wrap up. McLaughlin says, considering this opacity, he understands some folks’ skepticism, “given how polarizing the sheriff’s office race has historically become,” he said. “I have a tremendous amount of respect specifically for the PCPs. They activate, they mobilize, they care,” he added. The period after the November election, McLaughlin said, “is an opportunity for me to continue to show people inside this community what we can actually do at the office.”

NEWS

Bend Could Buy PacificSource Building as New Headquarters By Clayton Franke

Clayton Franke

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he City of Bend is preparing to buy one of the largest office buildings in town from a downsizing health insurance provider to serve as a new administrative headquarters — a sudden pivot in long-term plans to accommodate a growing number of staff. At an upcoming meeting on Sept. 16, the Bend City Council could give staff the go-ahead to close on the $18 million sale, according to a summary posted to agenda materials for the meeting on Thursday. That would include a four-story building with 70,000 square feet of office space and a 300-space parking lot on Conners Avenue in east Bend, near St. Charles Medical Center. That could obviate the need for a massive 85,000-square-foot, $150 million City Hall construction project the City had been contemplating. But the City is still holding on to the vision for a new City Hall and City Council chambers to help spur economic development in the Bend Central District, although at a smaller scale. The potential purchase would come more than a decade after Bend first identified the need for a new City Hall, and after multiple studies evaluating potential sites — none of which were the property at hand. At a work session in June, staff and consultants presented analysis of potential properties, and the City Council narrowed its search to two locations. That’s when Springfield-based Pacific Health Associates, the nonprofit that owns PacificSource health plans, approached the City about purchasing its property on Conners Avenue. The provider has been cutting jobs across the state as it retreats from local insurance markets. It was an opportunity the City couldn’t pass up. “This was not in my cards,” Bend Real Estate Director Matt Stuart told the Source. “It was not what we were leaning towards. But the uniqueness and the rarity of this opportunity caused us to go, ‘hey, how does this fit into the bigger picture and is there a strong economic and community benefit to doing this?’” According to Deschutes County property records, the property with the office building has a market value of $33 million and an assessed value of $12 million. Pacific Health Associates did not respond to a request for comment. Earlier this summer, PacificSource notified members it would be pulling out of

The four-story, 70,000-square-foot PacificSource building is located at 2965 Conners Ave. in east Bend, near St. Charles Medical Center.

individual markets across the Northwest. Last fall it laid off about 300 employees, including some in Bend. According to Stuart, the Conners Avenue building is one of only a few office buildings in Bend large enough for the City’s administrative needs. The City believes it could accommodate more than 20 years of workforce growth. The City first identified the need for a new City Hall more than a decade ago. If the purchase goes through, City employees working downtown would move over likely sometime in 2029, Stuart said. It’s where the public would go to talk to staff for services like permitting and paying bills, he said. “It puts everyone under one roof, which we’ve never had,” Stuart said. Currently, there are 260 City employees working across 50,000 of office space downtown, spread between City Hall, a building next door and an annex office across the street. But the new building wouldn’t address the need for a Council chambers, Stuart said. Bend City Hall was built in 1990 and is 25,000 square feet. Sometimes, during popular meetings, attendees spill out of the Council chambers into the hallway. Still, Bend’s growth has slowed, and the City recently opened a $130 million public works campus in northeast Bend to satisfy some staffing space needs. An analysis in June said a new City Hall and administrative headquarters would not be needed until 2038. “We’re OK in the facilities we’re at,” Stuart told the Council during a June 10 meeting. “There’s no rush for us to pull this trigger, because we can live within our means today.” To stay within its current space, the City would have to spend between $4 and $5 million to buy or continue leasing the downtown office annex after the current lease ends in 2029. Or, it could renovate a transportation building on 15th Street near

Pilot Butte for $6 to $8 million. That property was identified as the most feasible site for a new City Hall in a recent analysis. Bend City Councilor Gina Franzosa told the Source’s she’s not in support of buying the new building because it’s inconsistent with the City Council’s previous direction, and because the matter was kept out of public conversations until now. “If Council or staff want to change direction, then at the very least I’d want to see this proposal including the bond funding put out for public comment,” Franzosa said in a text message on Friday. “To date, all conversations have been held in executive session and the public has a week to comment before we are being asked to vote.” Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler didn’t return a phone call on Thursday. The City plans to issue $25 million in credit bonds to pay for the $18 million building purchase. The extra funds will cover remodeling, estimated at about $2 million, and any other costs, such as furniture, Stuart said. It’s far less debt than the City planned to issue to build a large new City Hall, Stuart said, which frees up funding for other projects. For City properties downtown and in the Bend Central District, it could mean redevelopment happening sooner than recently thought. Since 2020, the City has bought up several acres between Franklin Avenue and Greenwood Avenue in the Central District with a new City Hall in mind. That includes about 1.2 acres along 1st Street, adjacent to what will be the landing for the pedestrian and bicycle footbridge spanning the Bend Parkway along Hawthorne Avenue. The City has floated ideas of getting a private developer on board to create a project that could incorporate a new City Hall, public plaza or housing. “I think we have a good opportunity by this time next year to be in serious talks with a developer about what that might look like,” Stuart said. —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.

Deschutes County picks new landfill site

The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners finalized its top choice for a new landfill site: a partial gravel mine at the base of Horse Ridge, a federal recreation area and trail system about 16 miles east of Bend along U.S. Highway 20. That gives County staff the go-ahead to negotiate a purchase of the property — a step that tripped up the County two years ago in the search for its next dump site. The County is banking on negotiations for the Horse Ridge site working out, because Knott Landfill, the current dump site, is expected to fill up by 2031. If the timeline is delayed any further, it could force the County to export trash to other landfills until a local one is developed, County officials have said. And negotiations could be complicated. 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 last year for the Moon Pit site on the other side of U.S. Highway 20. County Commissioners’ vote follows the recommendation of the Solid Waste Advisory Committee, which reevaluated several potential landfill sites after negotiations fell through last year. The other finalist was a site called Roth East near Pine Mountain, about 24 miles east of Bend. The County passed on that site after state wildlife officials warned that it overlapped with sage grouse habitat. Meanwhile, the mountain biking community expressed concern that a landfill at Horse Ridge would spoil popular trails. Studies project Horse Ridge will 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.

7 VOLUME 30 ISSUE 38 / SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 / THE SOURCE

The move is a sudden pivot in the City’s long-term strategy to accommodate a growing workforce after years of discussions about building a large new City Hall

IN OTHER NEWS...

SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE - NOW DAILY AT WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM

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Facility managers said they’re seeing far more customers than projected By Clayton Franke

WEDNESDAY

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endra Vipperman and Cara Lanier used to work together at Dollar General. But in the past few weeks they both took jobs assembling and staging packages at the new Amazon shipping facility in Redmond. They were drawn by better pay and benefits, and the ability to choose their own shifts, they said. That’s especially helpful for Vipperman, who has four kids, including one who has special needs. “It’s nice to have a lot of jobs available,” Vipperman told the Source on Tuesday, with a corporate public relations person from Amazon hovering during the interview. “It’s been a while.” The tech and online shopping giant’s new Redmond delivery hub — the company’s first in Oregon east of the Cascade Mountains — has been hiring new package handlers each week since it opened in July, and it isn’t slowing down, facility manager Will Pond said during a tour with media and elected officials Tuesday morning. During a ribbon-cutting ceremony, City leaders, economic development officials and company representatives touted the jobs, economic impact and faster shipping times for the region. The hiring spree is meant to keep up with screaming demand. Going into the holiday season, Pond said he expects to be sending upward of 300,000 packages a week out of the Redmond facility. “Our initial projections for customer demand have been exceeded in every sense of the word here these last few months,” Pond said. Last year, company announcements said the facility was expected to create 170 jobs. “I was told they’re already at 300 jobs this morning,” Redmond

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9/16 – 9/20 9/16

Clayton Franke

Kendra Vipperman, a warehouse employee at the new Amazon distribution center in Redmond, loads a package onto a cart Sept. 15.

Economic Development Inc. Director Steve Curley said in an address at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday. “Those numbers represent opportunity for people, families and businesses here in Central Oregon.” The jobs start at $23.25 an hour, according to the economic development agency. The average wage for the Bend-Redmond area is $33.30, according to May 2025 statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Curley said the facility represents $25 million in private investment. According to Curley, Amazon was eligible to receive property tax incentives for locating in Redmond, but declined to take them. The 80,000-square-foot warehouse is located in an industrial park off of Antler Avenue east of U.S. Highway 97. Inside, workers pack online orders into boxes and load them into delivery vans. The facility is unique, Pond explained, because it functions as both a fulfillment center, where packages are assembled, and a distribution center, which ships

packages. The center has drastically slashed delivery times for people in Central Oregon, Pond said. About 90% of orders are “everyday essentials” like toilet paper, soap, diapers and paper towels, Pond said. “Let’s say you’re at home, you need an everyday essential,” Pond said. “It’s 8pm at night — ‘hey I need some toilet paper, I need diapers.’ We can order that and have it at your house by 4 am the next day.” It’s relatively small compared to some other Amazon facilities, which sometimes span millions of square feet. Recently, the company has sought to build more smaller warehouses near smaller cities as it expands reach into rural parts of the state. In some places, like Eugene, projects have been met with fierce pushback and concerns over traffic, environmental impacts and Amazon’s business practices, according to reporting from The Oregonian. There hasn’t been the same type of local pushback in Redmond.

SPEED DATING FOR SINGLES AGES 40+, COME READY TO MEET LIKEMINDED SINGLES

Ready to meet fun people in a relaxed, welcoming setting? Enjoy laughter, great conversations and real connections at Speed Dating for Singles, hosted by professional matchmakers from Epiphany Match. 6-8pm, Testimony Wine Bar, 307 NW Sixth St., Redmond. $10.

THURSDAY

9/17

THIRD THURSDAY SPOKEN WORD NIGHT GET READY TO STEP UP TO THE MIC

Check out the open-mic night for writers, readers and word lovers. Open to all poets, storytellers and songwriters. Participants should arrive early to sign up, and each participant gets seven minutes at the mic. Held the third Thursday of every month. 6-7pm, Redmond Library’s Community 2 Room, 827 Southwest Deschutes Ave., Redmond. Free.

SUNDAY

9/20

TRIVIA SUNDAYS AT INITIATIVE THIS AIN’T NO ORDINARY TRIVIA GAME

Initiative Brewing and & Useless Knowledge Bowl present Trivia Sundays, where participants can team up to win prizes or just participate for the fun of it. Don’t expect a typical trivia game. It’s a Useless Knowledge Bowl. Food and brews available for purchase. Every Sunday, 4-6pm at Initiative Brewing – The Hub, 424 NW Fifth St., Redmond. Free.

VOLUME 30 ISSUE 38 / SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 / THE SOURCE

REDMOND NEWS

REDMOND PICKS Unsplash-Roberto Nickson

RN

Demand Soars at Amazon’s New Redmond Delivery Hub

SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE - NOW DAILY AT WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM 10

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FEATURE

JANELLE VS BYNUM

PATTI ADAIR

A CENTRAL OREGON COUNTY COMMISSIONER IS BATTLING A PORTLAND-AREA INCUMBENT FOR OREGON’S CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 5. WHAT ARE THE ODDS? By Peter Madsen

L

adies and gentlemen…boys and girls… and debate fans from around Congressional District 5 and throughout the land! The moment you’ve been waiting for the entire election cycle is almost here. On Oct. 14, U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum, a first-term member of Congress, will show up and throw down against Deschutes County Commissioner Patti Adair for the honor of representing our vast and diverse Congressional District 5 on Caaaaaapitol Hill. This verbal cage match will be broadcast live from the KTVZ news station. In the meantime, let’s introduce our fighters. In the northwest corner of Congressional District 5, hailing from Oregon City (although originally from Washington, D.C.), Bynum is known for legislation and policy centered on affordable housing and reducing costs related to health care and education. Bynum orates in a direct, rat-a-tat, East-Coast style. A former

Oregon Democrat lawmaker, Bynum, 51, said in her first 30-second campaign spot that’s she’s “ripping up the bad” on Capitol Hill, including a rigged system that cuts taxes on billionaires and funds endless wars. “Give ‘em hell, Janelle!” an off-camera actor hollers to Bynum. “I always do,” she says, fixing the viewer with a stern grin. She doesn’t bother mentioning Adair. And in this southeast corner of CD-5, beloved for juniper-dotted ranchland and the Southern Cascade Range, Adair is known for veteran advocacy, backing law enforcement and wildfire preparedness. Adair, who’s originally from Pendleton and traces her Oregon lineage to 1884, spars in the bob-and-weave, circular style made famous by Sarah Palin, one-time vice-presidential candidate and former governor of Alaska. A Republican and 75, Adair says a key congressional goal is rooting out Democrats’ insider trading on Capitol Hill.

Both opponents told the Source they’ve been tirelessly training and campaigning in anticipation of at least one debate before the Nov. 3 election. To visit the fighters on their road to victory, the Source popped in on Adair at her horse stable outside Sisters. We also visited Bynum during a ribbon cutting for a new, 45-unit affordable housing complex in Bend’s Medical District. Leeeeeet’s get down and dirty at the greatest showdown in the land — the race for Oregon Congressional District 5!

“OUT HERE A LOT”

On a sunny, brisk Labor Day afternoon, Patti Adair strode toward her horse stable, driveway gravel crunching under square-toed boots. “You’re early,” Adair said, greeting this reporter. “I’m always early, too.” cont. pg 12

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CONGRESSIONAL CAGE MATCH

FEATURE

SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE - NOW DAILY AT WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM

12

We intended to discuss the race and Adair’s preparation for the Oct. 14 debate, yet our attention to the matter was scuttled by Pierre, a cream-colored long-hair cat who danced around our ankles, mewling for caresses. Inside the stable, quarter horses, all a ruddy chestnut color, peeked out of their stall windows, ears atwitch. One by one, Adair greeted the mares, including a timid foal she’d situated within nuzzling distance of her mother’s stall. “I come out to be with the horses to ground myself,” Adair said, explaining the provenance of each horse’s show name. “I’m out here a lot.” Adair secured Bobbi Lou, an 8-year-old mare she rode in the Fourth of July Parade, to the crossties. Traces of glitter still clung to Bobbi Lou’s hooves. The mare stomped whenever Adair, engrossed in election talk, paused the grooming session. We quickly arrived at Bynum’s stance on socialism. Despite recent headlines, Adair told me she’s still confused about the incumbent’s position. In June, Bynum signed the “Promise to America,” a pledge that renounced socialism in favor of capitalism, angering the more-progressive members of the Multnomah Democrats, the Oregon Journalism Project reported. That faction called for Bynum’s resignation, noting that she’d also voted for the Laken Riley Act in January 2025, which broadened federal immigration authorities’ power. President Trump signed the bill into law later that month. Concerning for Adair, however, is that Bynum declined to add her name to House Resolution 1490, a Republican-authored diatribe introduced in late August, aimed at the Democratic Socialist of America’s platform. The text includes several inaccuracies and conflates socialism with communism. HR 1490 passed the House on Sept. 1, largely along party lines. In sharing her concern about Bynum, Adair made the same conflation. “I know people who moved here from Cuba — I actually had a lot of friends in L.A. who were from communist countries,” Adair said, referring to her years in Calabasas and Malibu, California. “And they don’t want to bring communism back.

“Go to Cuba and the power is shut off a lot. They have old cars. They don’t have the parts. Yes, socialism is different, but there are still problems with socialism. In America, we still have people who can make the American Dream.” She mentioned the creator of Jonny Pops, a popsicle upstart, as a capitalistic exemplar. “They developed these popsicles that are amazing and now they’re millionaires,” she said. Asked whether some socialist ideas might be similar to those in the New Deal, which President Franklin D. Roosevelt introduced to rescue the workforce from the Great Depression, Adair paused. She pivoted to Oregon’s spending $1.4 billion on affordable housing in the past five years, and the attempt at construction of affordable housing on county land, greenlit by Deschutes County Commissioners, now stalled because the projected material and building costs were prohibitively expensive. “Somebody was telling me there was an affordable housing project somewhere, and they were putting in air conditioning units that were $24,000,” Adair said. “If you and I were building something, we wouldn’t put in a $24,000 unit.” How about an entry-level $7,000 heat pump, I asked her. (Heat pumps are electric and offer a reverse-cycle air-condition function, as well.) “Yeah, well. Anyway,” Adair said. “I just really worry about how much money we spend.”

A NEWISH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

Congressional District 5 covers a sweeping, diverse region. It stretches from southeast Multnomah County, south through the counties of Clackamas, Marion and Linn, and finally a slice of Jefferson and much of Deschutes. The district, now entering only its third term after its 2020 re-drafting, is notably purple. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Happy Valley) won the 2022 election with 51.9% of votes, yet lost to Bynum in 2024. (Later tapped by the second Trump Administration

as Secretary of Labor, Chavez-DeRemer resigned amid scandal in April.) According to Vote Hub, Bynum is expected to win this time by a wide margin, carrying an estimated 58.5% of votes. And according to campaign records, Bynum has raised nearly $3.8 million; Adair has raised about $424,000, according to the last reporting period in June. But in the battle for which party will rule in Congress, every seat counts in this year’s tight midterms. Democrats need to net three seats to take control of the House. I asked Adair how she can better address constituents’ concerns over Bynum. Adair rattled through a few points. First, she says, cutting federal taxes, particularly scrapping taxes on Social Security disbursements — but only people “who have worked” should be entitled to the safety net, she said. Additionally, during government shutdowns, lawmakers shouldn’t get paid. And then there’s the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System, Adair added, which she calls a mess. She opted out of the program in 2018 when she was elected county commissioner, saving county taxpayers $200,000, she said. (Adair’s not wrong that PERS is a mess. According to the Oregon Capital Chronicle, public agencies are struggling to figure out how to cover $4 billion in added PERS costs by 2029, for example.) Then Adair brought up, again, insider trading on Capitol Hill. To be sure, it’s a problem. It’s been estimated that lawmakers, who often review information before it’s made public, have traded $365 million in 2025, according to Common Cause. (Bynum isn’t listed as having traded while in Congress. By January of that year, she divested her interests in the McDonald’s franchises she co-owned before joining Congress.) “This is not the kind of government our country was formed on,” Adair said. “You’re supposed to be dedicated, devoted, public servants.” Adair had previously mentioned that this was a symptom of the Democratic Party, yet when prodded,

Peter Madsen

"I talk to the people. I try to make sure I’m grounded in their issues because, as I’ve mentioned before, I’m their fighter. They send me into the fight full of information, full with things that they love about their community, things that need improvements."

— Janelle Bynum

U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum spoke at the opening reception of new affordable housing complex in Bend on Sept. 9. Three of Bynum’s housing bills were passed into law in July.

FEATURE

“YOU SENT ME TO BE YOUR FIGHTER”

On Sept. 9, U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum was visiting the farthest, southeastern corner of Congressional District 5: Bend’s Medical District. There, Bynum, along with federal, state and local officials, including Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler and Housing Works Director Lynne McConnell, cut ribbon on the 45-unit affordable housing complex, Nine Peaks. Bynum spoke as well. “My mom always says, ‘Are y’all on vacation?’” Bynum told the crowd of several dozen people. “I’m like, ‘No, mom, we’re in district.” Bynum spent August in the Central Oregon corner of CD-5, hearing from families, seniors and recent graduates, she said, who told her the same thing: “We need more homes. We need them for less and we need them now.” Speaking above the din of the nearby construction of Mosaic Medical’s east side expansion, Bynum cast an arm toward Nine Peaks. “And so today, I am proud to stand here and confidently say that we are doing the work and answering the call.”

Peter Madsen

“I know people who moved here from Cuba — I actually had a lot of friends in L.A. who were from communist countries. And they don’t want to bring communism back."

13 VOLUME 30 ISSUE 38 / SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 / THE SOURCE

she said that some Republicans are guilty, too. I asked her about reports detailing the estimated $1.2 billion with which the Trump family has enriched itself since the beginning of the second administration. Adair took a beat. “Honestly, I don’t know about those specific examples,” she said. “I just know that insider trading is wrong....” Bobbi Lou interrupted with a sneeze, coating my arm in sooty snot. Adair then brought the conversation to wildfire mitigation, a topic in which she’s arguably more versed than Bynum. Adair knows the reality of wildfire well. In 2025, the Flat Fire burned within less than a mile of her Sisters ranch home while she and her family responded to a Level 3 evacuation order. Previously, on Aug. 12, Adair told Central Oregon Daily News that preemption is the best way to mitigate wildfire, and federal funding is critical. On the broadcast, Adair talked about HR 9827, the bipartisan, bicameral Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act introduced in July. The bill would broaden the allowance for commercial harvesting of trees and underbrush under the Clean Air Act. Sponsoring lawmakers include Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-OR-2) and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR). Adair noted that Bynum didn’t sign on to that legislation. “This legislation will really help reduce that biomass in our forests that have been building up for decades,” Adair said, mentioning how 300 mills have closed throughout the state since 1980. “We actually need to do more logging. Trees grow every year.” Back in her stable, Adair mentioned how more cattle grazing in CD-5 would help winnow ignitable grasses. According to the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association, Deschutes County ranks 24th in its 2025 ranking of cattle head per county; Clackamas County is 22nd, Linn County is 16th and Marion County is 13th out of 36 counties. “Cattle are good for taking care of underbrush,” Adair said, segueing to one of her pet projects. “And then there is the matter of juniper. They’re fireworks in their own right.” I try to keep up with Adair’s rapid leaps in topic, from the drought-inducing qualities of juniper and then back to wildfire. “If we know we’re going to have lightning strikes in a couple days, you bring in the reinforcements,” Adair said. “If you have to pay for them a day or two to be there — we need them on the scene immediately so our fires don’t keep growing.”

— Patti Adair

Patti Adair, an exiting Deschutes County Commissioner, has thrown her hat in the ring for representative of Oregon U.S. District 5. Incumbent U.S. Rep Janelle Bynum has filled the seat since January 2025.

She mentioned the cranes, the workers, the hammers, nails and wood. “That is the dignity that I believe all residents of CD-5 and all residents of this entire country deserve,” Bynum said. “These homes today — beautiful, proud, warm, comforting, light-filling homes — they’re homes that will provide people with a sense of community, belonging, security and a place where they can put down roots. They can make memories.” In July, three of Bynum’s bipartisan housing bills were signed into law: the Accelerating Home Building Act, the Appraisal Industry Improvement Act and the Incentivizing Local Solutions to Homelessness Act. Despite the bicameral collaboration between Republicans and Democrats, President Trump refused to sign the bills; they were automatically passed into law on July 11 under Article I of the Constitution. Housing bills like those have a direct impact on affordable housing in CD-5. Housing Works, the region’s housing authority that builds much of the area’s affordable housing, gets about 43% of its dollars from federal funds. “The House and the Senate came together to finally recognize that the United States housing laws — the money, the land, the infrastructure — all needed an update and Americans deserve that. These laws are going to cut a lot of red tape,” she said. After the event’s speaking portion, Bynum huddled in a stairwell to discuss her Oct. 14 debate with Adair. She wasn’t fazed by the notion of sparring with the outgoing Deschutes County commissioner. Her debate preparation, she told the Source, centers on her conversations with constituents. “I talk to the people,” Bynum said. “I try to make sure I’m grounded in their issues because, as I’ve mentioned before, I’m their fighter. They send me into the fight full of information, full with things that they love about their community, things that need improvements. I

think given the current political climate, you have to be succinct, because people are not here for the B.S.” I mentioned Adair’s accusation of rampant insider-trading among Democrat lawmakers. “If there’s anybody who has a front-row seat to corruption, it would be my Republican colleagues that haven’t checked Donald Trump and his family and the oligarchs who run within his orbit,” Bynum said. “And that’s something else people have been saying: ‘Corruption is an issue and we need to stand up against it.’” Bynum added that her work isn’t partisan: “It’s about working families and it’s about creating a fair shot for every last one of them, regardless of their political affiliation or even mine.” With that, Bynum’s aides whisked her to the next planned event. There were more media interviews to field, more constituents to meet. The Source had more questions, particularly Bynum’s views on wildfire mitigation. Yet several subsequent emails to her campaign went unanswered by press time. While Bynum didn’t directly discuss Adair in our brief conversation, something with which she closed her Nine Peaks speaking engagement may offer a clue. “You sent me to Congress to be your fighter,” Bynum told the Sept. 9 crowd. “You don’t send a skinny fighter into the fight. You send them fattened up,” she said, clapping her cheeks while grinning broadly. The crowd broke out in laughter and applause. “Keep doing more projects like [Nine Peaks], and I will brag on you in the halls of Congress because Bend and C-D 5 are doing it right.” —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.

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10 ACRE LOT SEPARATE FURNISHED GUEST HOUSE 6 BEDROOMS 7.5 BATHROOMS TROUT STOCKED COMMUNITY POND KOI POND WITH KOI JACUZZI HEATED GARAGES FOR 8 CARS DIESEL BACKUP GENERATOR WALKING DISTANCE TO SUMMIT HS RADIANT FLOOR HEATING TWO HIDDEN ACCESS ROOMS FOUR WOOD BURNING FIREPLACES OUTDOOR FENCED AREA FOR GARDEN TWO SPACIOUS CLOSETS MOVIE ROOM WITH SEATING FOR 8 PEOPLE STEAM SHOWER FULL SIZE SAFE TWO AMAZING WATER FEATURES CLOSE PROXIMITY TO MT. BACHELOR PRIVATE PAVED WALKING PATHS PET FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD STORAGE CABINETS GALORE TESLA CHARGER

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SOURCE PICKS WEDNESDAY

9/16

SATURDAY

9/16 – 9/22

9/19

CENTRAL OREGON RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION CAREER DAY INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN SUSTAINABLE TRADES?

A live podcast taping featuring Bend’s favorite local comedians in a full show determined by topics the audience suggests. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to contribute to the fun and maybe even be heard on the podcast. 7-9pm at Silver Moon Brewing, 24 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend. $5.

FRIDAY

A free, in-person workforce event where attendees will learn about high-demand pathways in new home construction, HVAC, heat pumps, building performance and energy management through interactive sessions with builders, trainers and industry leaders. Coffee and lunch are provided. Register at residentialcareerhub.org. 8:30am-1pm at Central Oregon Community College, 2600 NW College Way, Bend. Free.

9/18

THERAPEUTIC CHAKRA JOURNEY WITH HORSES; ROOT CHAKRA CREATE A FOUNDATION FOR GROWTH, LEARNING AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Partner with horses and work through emotional and/ or physical challenges related to the root chakra. This session helps participants address and learn how to establish and maintain groundedness, a sense of safety and security, and develop a strong foundation for healing. 6-8pm at Mustang Magic Equine Therapy Services, 62239 Powell Butte Highway, Bend. $100.

FRIDAY

9/18

RAB “THE FEATHERS” FILM TOUR BENEFITS SMITH ROCK GROUP

Rab's "The Feathers" film night will feature epic short outdoor films. Proceeds benefit Smith Rock Group. Cost includes a beverage voucher and be sure to bring your own chair. Screenings to include "Here & There," "Continuum" and "A Guide's Book." There’ll be giveaways, too, including a Rab Ascendor 27 backpack and more. 6-8pm at Mountain Supply, 834 NW Colorado Ave., Bend. $5.

FRIDAY

9/19

SATURDAY

9/19

SUICIDE PREVENTION

“PAWS & PURPOSE” FUNDRAISING DINNER AND COMEDY NIGHT LAUGHS AND LOVE BENEFITTING

SATURDAY

It’ll be a night of stand-up comedy featuring Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald, gourmet dining and a celebration of pets and families at the “Paws & Purpose” fundraiser to benefit PetsForward. There’ll be a sit-down dinner, a raffle and a paddle raise. Individual and table tickets available. Wear your best western-chic attire. 5:308:30pm, Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge, 225 SW Century Dr., Bend. $200 for individual tickets and $1,600 for a table for eight.

Emma Gibbon

KEEP YOUR HEAD UP, BEND BENEFITS THE AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR Check out the musical festival fundraiser featuring a free concert, community gathering and raffle to help support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Live performances by Will Groves, Atillion, Elle Jay, Sisu, Robot Mushroom, Joel Chadd, Jeshua Marshal & The Flood, Maria Jackson and Punk Wife. 3-11pm at Bunk+Brew, 42 NW Hawthorne Ave., Bend. Free.

9/19

PETSFORWARD

TUESDAY

9/22

9/18

THE HASBENS AND SAKOYANA FRESH, JAZZY JAMS AND FUN, FUNKY GROOVES Bend’s own The Hasbens and Sakoyana, an experimental jazz-freak-funk band from Sonoma County, California, will share the stage for an awesome night of fun, energetic jams. 8pm-midnight at Commonwealth Pub, 30 SW Century Dr., Bend. $17.59 advance, $20 at the door.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY

9/18-9/19

OREGON WHISKEY FESTIVAL CELEBRATE THE WHISKEYS AND DISTILLERS OF OREGON

Taste a variety of whiskeys produced in Oregon and check out the distillers committed to the art and craft of whiskey making. Food trucks, live music, whiskey cocktails and more. VIP experience available. Friday, Sept. 18 from 5:30-7pm and Saturday, Sept. 19 from 3-7pm at Oregon Spirit Distillers, 740 NE First St., Bend. $44.52-$161.90.

towertheatre.org

Edna Vazquez

Playful Paws Cat Cafe

3RD ANNUAL PARKING LOT “PAWTY” CELEBRATING 450+ ADOPTIONS

ASSOCIATION

Playful Paws Cat Café is celebrating three years and hundreds of cat adoptions with a “pawsome pawty” that’s free and family friendly. Meet adoptable cats, enjoy lounge sessions, shop vendors, eat good food and win prizes. 10am-2pm, Playful Paws Cat Café, 1465 SW Knolls Ave., Bend. Free.

Wednesday, October 21

TAIKOPROJECT

AMIGOS CONCERT FEATURING EDNA VAZQUEZ A BENEFIT FOR THE LATINO COMMUNITY Expect an unforgettable evening of music, community and purpose as renowned vocalist and guitarist Edna Vazquez showcases her blend of mariachi, folk, rock and pop that melds into a powerful expression of culture and soul. All proceeds from this event directly benefit the Latino Community Association, a local nonprofit organization. 7-9pm, Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend. $43.70-$66.70. Ticket price includes $8 Historic Preservation fee.

Sunday, October 25

STELLA HEATH:

THE BILLIE HOLIDAY PROJECT

Wednesday, November 4

JOHN SCOFIELD’S ELECTROSPECTIVE FEAT. OTEIL BURBRIDGE, LARRY GOLDINGS, & ADAM DEITCH

15 VOLUME 30 ISSUE 38 / SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 / THE SOURCE

NIGHTTIME BENDERS LIVE COMEDY PODCAST TAPING BE PART OF THE SHOW!

SATURDAY

SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE - NOW DAILY AT WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM 16

S

December Carson talks folk music, performing arts and her hopes for the Sisters Folk Festival, ahead of her first fest at the helm By Teafly Peterson Photos courrtesy of SFF Presents Facebook

One of the unique things about Sisters Folk Fest is its presence throughout the town, rather than being in a far-off field somewhere, new ED December Carson says.

D

ecember Carson arrived in Sisters earlier this summer to take over at SFF Presents as its executive director, and immediately experienced life as a Central Oregonian when she was evacuated for the Akawa Butte fire. She didn’t let that slow her down, jumping right into all things Sisters and Folk Festival. She hopes to help continue the ongoing legacy of building and supporting the arts in Sisters, right alongside a community whose resilience she finds inspiring. the Source: What was it about the Sisters Folk Festival that inspired you to move here? December Carson: For me, I have worked my entire career in the performance arts arena. I started right out of college with my own marketing and booking agency that I co-founded. That agency started out in the jam band world and ended with alt-country and Irish music and old-time American music. I just have such a love of those genres, which is why I have been attending this folk festival for many years. For me, having the combination of a career in the performing arts and a background specifically focused in folk music, when this job came up, so many people shared it with me. They just know that I am a lover of traditional music and I have been working in that space for a long time. It felt like all of my skills came together when I saw this job posting. tS: How would you define what folk music is in 2026? DC: For me, it is music that is rooted in people’s cultures and musical traditions. I think folk music is also world music and falls in that category. It is a music that is really rooted in the traditions of every different culture — Irish music, African music, American music — it’s really music of the people by the people. It’s those deep-rooted traditions that are passed down from person to person to person. I am a big Dolly Parton fan. I put on a Dolly Parton hoot night for 20 years in Portland. What resonated with me about Dolly was her interpretations of these family legacy songs that were taught to her by her parents and grandparents that she would continue to sing throughout her career. You can hear those songs

Justine Vanderpool

woven into the fabric of her own songwriting. I think people resonated with her because she sang these songs that reflected the human experience around her. They just flocked to her because they knew she was singing about their lived experience and was really genuine. I come back to that — the folk music tradition is really around people’s lived experience and culture. tS: What do you think makes the Sisters Folk Festival unique—not just for Central Oregon, but for folk festivals in general? DC: I love that it takes place throughout the whole town. You are experiencing Sisters as much as you are experiencing the folk fest. It’s one of the most unique festivals I’ve experienced in that aspect. It’s not like you are going to a field in the middle of nowhere —you are going into businesses and restaurants. You’re walking past people’s houses and you might see deer or elk. It’s a nice little snapshot of Central Oregon. It’s a big part of why I took this job. I want to make sure this festival and the organization continue because it is a really unique experience for people to have, and I want to make sure that tradition keeps going. tS: What do you think needs to happen to ensure that those traditions keep going? This organization has faced many challenges, from COVID to wildfires — this community is so resilient. They really believe in this community and this organization. It is our staff, our volunteers, our donors and the community of Sisters that keep it going. They pour so much love and energy and time into bringing something so joyful to the community. tS: What do you hope people will experience and what do you hope they leave with? DC: Making sure our programming really reflects what is happening in the world — really reflects what people are needing, even if they don’t know they need it. The kind of nurturing that happens through listening to music. I think Brad Tisdel — who does our booking — does a really great job of curating artists that reflect what’s going on in the world around us. The festival is this mini reflection of that, and he does this great job of mixing genres under the folk music banner.

SFF Presents announced the addition of December Carson as executive director in June.

DC: My hope is that people would be surprised by the breadth of the musical talent that is offered. They may come for one or two artists they know, but by staying the weekend and walking around, they would be surprised and delighted and excited by the artists they don’t know. My hope is that people who come here leave with a Rolodex of new artists that they can go home and listen to for the rest of the year. Sisters Folk Festival

Fri., Sept. 25-Sun Sept. 27 Various venues in Sisters, Oregon sistersfolkfest.org

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SOUND

A Chat with the New Executive Director of SFF Presents

SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE - NOW DAILY AT WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM 18

LIVE MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

CALENDAR

Ticket and promote your events with BendTicket! Ticketmaster

16 Wednesday

for a Cause - Support Sparrow Clubs! Rachel, a crowd-favorite weekly music bingo host, brings a fun Friday night of Music Bingo supporting Dancing with the Central Oregon Stars and Sparrow Clubs. $5 to play bingo, raffle tickets and prizes, all for a great cause helping local families in need. Reservations encouraged - walk-ins welcome! 6-9pm. $5.

Silver Moon Brewing American Aquarium

Crosscut Warming Hut No 5 Ghost of Brian Craig Relax with a pint and enjoy great local music in the garden from 6-8pm. 6-8pm. Free.

Frankie’s – formerly Sisters Depot

Handpicked Series by Tom Nechville & Linda Leavitt An intimate music series featuring handpicked performers by Tom Nechville & Linda Leavitt. No cover, but do suggest donations to support CoreSisters.org or the Latin Community Association. 6-8pm. Free.

M&J Tavern Musicians Open Mic All Musicians

welcome to the downtown living room! Sign-ups start at 6pm. Set up and ready to go by 6:30pm. You bring instrument, your band and your friends. Goes until last call or last musician, which ever happens first. 21 and over. 6:30pm. Free.

Northside Bar & Grill Mellow Wednesday

Open Mic Night Open mic night hosted by Derek Michael Marc! 5:30-8pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Night-

time Benders: Live Comedy Podcast Taping With a rotating crew of Bend’s favorite local comedians, we’ll dive into a full show driven by audience-suggested topics. This is your chance to be part of the show! Spend your night with Bend’s most entertaining personalities, and you might even hear yourself on the episode. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to see your favorite comedians in action and contribute to the fun. 7-9pm. $5.

17 Thursday

Riley Green stops at Hayden Homes Amphitheater on Friday, Sept. 18 with his Cowboy As It Gets Tour 2026.

The Domino Room The Domino Room & Soul’d Out Present: Vieux Farka Touré Often referred to as “The Hendrix of the Sahara”, Vieux Farka Touré was born in Niafunké, Mali in 1981. He is the son of legendary Malian guitar player Ali Farka Touré, who died in 2006. Ali Farka Touré came from a historical tribe of soldiers. 8-11pm. $38.11. Eastside Worthy Brewing Comedy Mics Treat yourself to free entertainment on select Thursday nights. Hear fresh jokes from established comedians, cheer on first timers and drink tasty brews. 7-9pm. Free. Frankie’s – formerly Sisters Depot

Open Mic Free entry into our monthly open mic gives Sisters Country musicians a place to hear each other, cross-pollinate and build musical community. For music lovers, it’s a chance to see a variety of local talent, in a lively atmosphere. Food and shareables available. 6-8pm. Free.

The Lot Draven Lush solo saxophone ballads, smooth R&B style. 6-8pm. Free. Monkless Belgian Ales - The Abbey

Game of Thrones Trivia! At The Abbey Join us at The Abbey Taproom at Monkless Belgian Ales for a night of Game of Thrones Trivia, where only the most cunning houses will claim victory. Seating is first come, first served, so arrive early to secure a place in the great hall. Teams of 2-4 players! 6-8pm. Free.

River’s Place Sakoyana Jazz-funk band from Sonoma County. 6-8pm. Free. Silver Moon Brewing Whipsaw &

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 and more. Bring friends, relax and make it a weekly tradition. 6-8pm. Free. The Cellar Live Irish Trad Music with The

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

The Commonwealth Pub Doc Ryan and The Rowdy Boys Doc Ryan and The Rowdy Boys continue to rock Americana and Roots music in Central Oregon and beyond! 8:30-10:30pm.

Guests This is Blues, this is Folk punk, this is dance music, this is Appalachian devil tunes. It’s all of those and it’s none of them. 7-10pm. $14.92.

The Winery at Manzanita- Bend Ukulele

with Taya An electrifying evening of local music with Taya and her ukulele. 5pm.

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. Volcanic Theatre Pub Bobby Bare Jr. of Guided By Voices w/ Hoist The King at Volcanic Theatre Volcanic Theatre & 1988 Entertainment presents Bobby Bare Jr. of Guided By Voices w/ Hoist The King. Genre is Americana and alt-country. Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8pm. 8-11pm. Presale: $20/Door: $30.

18 Friday The Astro Lounge Live local sounds with

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

Bend Cider Co. Bill Powers Come out and lis-

ten to Bill Powers play Americana, folk, country and blues in his southern storytelling style. Enjoy award-winning ciders, beer, wine and nonalcoholic beverages in our backyard by the fire. Light appetizers available, outside food welcome. Kid and dog-friendly. Free! 6-8pm. Free.

The Commonwealth Pub

The Hasbens and Sakoyana The Hasbens and Sakoyana are bringing the jams to your favorite local pub on Friday, September 18th! Originally from NY, The Hasbens have been based in Bend, OR since 2020 and play a mix of jazz, blues, funk and more. Sakoyana is a jazz-freak-funk band from Sonoma County, CA. 8pm-Midnight. $17.59ADV/$20 door.

Eurosports Sisters Food Cart Garden

Mortal Soulstice Live! Mortal Soulstice is absolutely the best boomer duo you’ve never heard of! Chris and Kevin bring high energy to memorable rock, blues and folk tunes you rarely hear in a live performance. With combined stage experience of over 50 years, their music has been described as “nuanced, tasteful and tight.” 5-7pm. Free.

Eurosports Sisters Food Cart Garden

NTT the Duo Free live music every Friday night from 5-7pm at Eurosports. This week it’s NTT the Duo. Please feel free to bring your own chairs as sometimes we run out. 5-7pm. Free.

Frankie’s – formerly Sisters Depot Friday Nights with Tony Lompa Tony Lompa brings the vibe to Frankie’s most Fridays, when no other events are scheduled. If the weather’s nice, he’ll play outside in the courtyard. If not, he plays upstairs at Frankie’s. No cover. Just order food, shareables and/or drinks and enjoy! 6-8pm. No cover. Hayden Homes Amphitheater Riley Green: Cowboy As It Gets Tour 2026 Country singer Riley Green is just about as Southern as Southern gets, and the Alabama boy lets it all come through every time he hits the stage. He’s a storyteller at heart, and when he settles himself in front of a microphone and starts strumming his guitar, he knows how to get his stories across to an audience. 6pm.

Submitting an event is free and easy.

20 years. 20 records. Over 4,000 shows. And somehow, American Aquarium are still finding new ways to surprise. On New Ways to Lose, frontman BJ Barham and his band of road warriors turn two decades of survival into a driving, deeply-felt rock & roll statement — one built on resilience, reinvention, and the hard-earned clarity that only comes with time. 8pm. TBD.

Volcanic Theatre Pub Heaven Zest Album Release Party​W​/ Emily Turner Of Free Creatures and Skip Wicked Of Indubious Presale $20 Day Of Show $30. Doors​@ 6pm​Show Starts @ 7pm. Heaven Zest is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, live looper, and vocalist, renowned for​ his spirit-infused messages of magic and love. 7-10pm. $26.77.

19 Saturday The Astro Lounge Live local sounds with

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

The Belfry Elektrapod at the Belfry! Join Central Oregon LandWatch at The Belfry for a free anniversary concert featuring Elektrapod! We’re celebrating 40 years of local conservation and advocacy. Featuring members of Watkins Glen, MFG, TEB, Quattlebaum, Sonic Benders, etc. Come groove with us. Show starts at 7:30pm. 7:30-9pm. Free. Bunk+Brew Keep Your Head Up, Bend Keep Your Head Up, Bend, a free concert, community gathering and fundraising raffle to benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, will feature live performances by Will Groves, Atillion, Elle Jay, Sisu, Robot Mushroom, Joel Chadd, Jeshua Marshal & The Flood, Maria Jackson and Punk Wife. 3-11pm. Free. The Commonwealth Pub The Rumpeppers The Rumpeppers are a dynamic rock band hailing from Central Oregon, known for their high-energy performances and engaging presence in the local music scene. Their live shows are celebrated for their electrifying atmosphere, earning them recognition as one of Bend’s favorite party bands. 8-10pm. The Commonwealth Pub FAFO (Funk Around and Find Out) Funk Around & Find Out is a six-piece built around a deep pocket rhythm section, commanding vocals and a production setup that most bands at this level simply don’t carry. The sound bends to fit the song: funk, blues-rock, soul, whatever makes the arrangement hit hardest. 8-10pm.

Add your event to our calendar at bendsource.com

→

19 VOLUME 30 ISSUE 38 / SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 / THE SOURCE

Portello Lounge Special Music Bingo Night

The Commonwealth Pub Musician’s Open Showcase Hosted by The Session Calling all musicians! Come by Monday nights for a special opportunity to share your talent, connect with other artists and perform in a welcoming, collaborative and music-loving atmosphere. Hosted by The Session. Full backline provided, just bring instruments and chords. Signups at 5pm, music starts at 6pm. 5-9pm. Free.

a little gathering with local businesses focused on health, wellness, and good vibes. Join with your friends and family for a chill Sunday afternoon of music and to sample some tasty treats. Third Wednesday of every month, 3pm. Free.

M&J Tavern SuckerPunch w/ Street Teeth &

Burn the Wolf The Grants Pass punk band is back to smash the night with locals Street Teeth and Burn The Wolf. School Is back in session, schedules are set. There’s nothing left to do but blow off some angst and sweat like it is mid-summer! 21+ only, and please don’t forget to tip the bands. 9pm. Free.

The Belfry Tommy Castro and the Painkillers Multiple award-winning guitarist, vocalist, and bandleader Tommy Castro is a California-based blues and rock powerhouse. For over four decades, he’s captivated audiences with his soul-drenched vocals, searing guitar work, and high-energy live shows! 7-10pm. $33.65.

Flux Thermal Lounge Flux Block Party Just

→

Art by @conn leyyy

SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE - NOW DAILY AT WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM

20

ART MUSIC AUTUMN DOWNTOWN BEND

OCT 2-4 BENDFALLFESTIVAL.COM PRESENTING SPONSOR

EVENTS

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT

Craft Kitchen & Brewery La Bon Burlesque

Presents: Gaga La Bon Burlesque is serving full Lady Gaga realness as we step into the Haus of Gaga for a campy, chaotic celebration of pop’s ultimate Mother Monster. Expect iconic looks, filthy fun, dramatic reveals and enough glitter to cause a small electrical fire. 6-9pm. $15- $35.

Frankie’s – formerly Sisters Depot

Hanai Kolovita Presents: Stories We Share

Come for the food. Stay for the community. Join Kolovita for an unforgettable evening celebrating the people, cultures and traditions that make Central Oregon a welcoming place to call home. Prices: Community Ticket: USD 0.00, Friend of Kolovita: USD 21.00, Community Builder: USD 35.00, Circle of Welcome: USD 49.00 5-7pm. Free.

Midtown Ballroom Thievery Corporation

30th Anniversary Tour Thievery Corporation is an internationally acclaimed electronic music duo formed in Washington, D.C., by Rob Garza and Eric Hilton. Known for their genre-defying sound, Thievery Corporation seamlessly blend downtempo, trip-hop, dub, bossa nova, reggae, soul, jazz, Middle Eastern, and Indian influences into a globally inspired sonic experience. 9pm-Midnight. $49.78.

Northside Bar & Grill The Jugulars live at Northside Bar & Grill! The Jugulars are excited to come back to Northside Bar & Grill! This fourpiece band from South County plays your favorite classics and fresh new originals. Bring a friend and your dancing shoes! 8-11pm. Free. Portello Lounge Kurt Silva & Cynthia West

- Live music @ Portello Lounge Kurt Silva and Cynthia West bring the genuine country charm to Portello with heartfelt ballads, harmony-driven duets and foot-stomping classics that audience members love to sing along with. Their stage connection and country roots make this a night of cozy authentic and timeless songs. Reservations and walk-ins welcome! 6:30-8:30pm. Free for customers.

Silver Moon Brewing That 90’s Band @ Silver Moon That 90’s Band, which hails from Bend, formed to give listeners the raw unfiltered sound of the 90s and will take you right back there with some of the best and boldest nostalgic hits. These rockers bring a high level of dedication and musicianship to their shows! 7-10pm. $17.59 presale (including fees)/$20 door. Tower Theatre Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic

Are you ready to rock? Direct from Australia comes Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic. They’re bigger, better and louder than ever! Check out the rock spectacular that Queen fans worldwide flock to every year, bringing big sound, big screens, crazy lighting and outlandish costumes for a night of nonstop rock anthems. 7:30pm.

Volcanic Theatre Pub Bass in Bend featuring Sylk, Romz, Panda, Beam & Zynth at Volcanic Theatre Bass in Bend featuring Sylk, Romz, Panda, Beam & Zynth. Doors open at 8pm. 21+. The frequency is calling. One night. Five artists. Real community. 8pm-1am. $8.

Thievery Corporation

20 Sunday The Domino Room The Lone Bellow “What A Time To Be Alive” Tour 2026 With their upcoming sixth studio album, “What A Time To Be Alive” , The Lone Bellow embarks on a bold new chapter while honoring the deep bonds that have defined their journey. Written collaboratively for the first time with their full touring band. 8-11pm. $38.19.

21

GoodLife Brewing Live Music in the GoodLife Beer Garden Free Live Music in GoodLife’s Beergarden every Sunday 4-6 and Tuesday 6-8. Full Kitchen, Full Bar, Food Trucks, Playground, Kids Menu, GOOD VIBES! 4-6pm. Free. Hayden Homes Amphitheater Bleachers Forever Indie pop outfit Bleachers is the latest project from Jack Antonoff, the talented singer and songwriter best known for his work with the band Fun. With Bleachers, Antonoff builds on the anthemic pop sound that elevated Fun to superstar status by expanding his palette to include more electronic textures and cutting-edge production techniques. Fun is known for performances that live up to their name, and Antonoff’s live show with Bleachers is no different. Ticket buyers will see fan favorites like “I Wanna Get Better” and “Like a River Runs” get the full live treatment as Bleachers hits the road in 2014 for a string of highly anticipated festival appearances. 6:30pm. $74.50. Initiative Brewing - The Hub Trivia Sunday with UKB Trivia at Initiative Brewing/ The Hub in Redmond Not too early, not too late! Team up to win prizes, or for the fun of it. No fee to play! This is no ordinary trivia quiz, it’s Useless Knowledge Bowl! Enjoy fantastic food and brews. Bring good vibes and a pen if possible. 4-6pm. Free. River’s Place Swing & Line Dancing on the Patio Free swing lesson, two line dances and open dance means something for everyone. No experience necessary. No partner necessary. An evening of dancing on the patio lead by FireLine Dancing. 6-8pm. Free.

21 Monday Bevel Craft Brewing Bingo with Bren Supporting Think Wild Bingo with Bren is supporting Think Wild- Central Oregon’s Only Wildlife Hospital & Conservation Center! Half of proceeds go to cash prizes, while the other half helps rescue, rehabilitate, and protect native wildlife in Central Oregon. $2 per card or 6 cards for $10! This is a family-friendly event. 6-8pm. $2. The Commonwealth Pub Beaver Block Party After Party with Mr. Vale’s Math Class Come for Oregon State Beaver Block Party After Party with Portland band Mr. Vale’s Math Class, which is more than the sum of its parts. The six-piece funk band brings rollicking dance-party vibes backed by zippy horns, wink-and-a-nod lyrics and an energizing stage performance to the Pacific Northwest. 9:30-11:30pm. M&J Tavern Vinyl Night Monday Night just got

better!!! 9pm to Midnight. SupaFly will be your Dj. Bring your own vinyl and sign up to add it to the Playlist or pick from hers. 9pm. Free.

Thievery Corporation brings their electronic music collective to Midtown Ballroom as part of their 30th anniversary tour on Saturday, Sept. 19. Special guest is DJ Mystic.

River’s Place $4 Pints ~ Monday Night Football Fall, football, food-truck deals, $4 pints and brewery swag giveaways. Every Monday, we bring the enthusiasm. Six big-screen TVs and game sound ON! Also enjoy $4 Ciders and $1 off wine. This week, Ft. George Brewing and Tumalo Cider are in the house! 4:30-8pm.

Hayden Homes Amphitheater GODSMACK - The Rise of Rock World Tour 2026 6pm.

22 Tuesday

23 Wednesday

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

Alpenglow Park Hype for Housing Free silent disco dance party with RiseUpandGroove. Celebrate Thrive’s 10th anniversary with a dance party - an hour of dancing in the great outdoors. Dance with your neighbors, support housing in our community. Participants must reserve a headset (quantity limited!) at https://givebutter. com/hype-for-housing. 7:30-8:30am. Free.

The Cellar Open Mic Open Mic is hosted by Mari of the band, Mari & The Dream! This is an intimate night of sharing music in a welcoming environment and supportive community. 6-8pm. Free.

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

The Commonwealth Pub Adam Carlson Tuesday Night Jazz Adam Carlson, Bend native, returns to his home town to lead his own quartet! He’ll be teaming up with Bend locals Jim Tennant on trumpet, Seth Burrows on guitar and Andrew Lion on bass to present a night of energetic jazz! 7-9pm. GoodLife Brewing Live Music in the GoodLife Beer Garden Free Live Music in GoodLife’s Beergarden every Sunday 4-6 and Tuesday 6-8. Full Kitchen, Full Bar, Food Trucks, Playground, Kids Menu, GOOD VIBES! 6-8pm. Free. GoodLife Brewing Joe Schulte’s Bluegrass Circus Open format Bluegrass Jam hosted by long time local musician Joe Schulte from the Moon Mountain Ramblers and Skillethead. 6-8pm. Free.

Volcanic Theatre Pub Spafford VTP & 1988 Entertainment Presents: Spafford. Outside in the Volcanic Theatre Courtyard. Genre - Jam Band. Doors @ 5PM - Show Starts @ 6PM 6pm. $27.

The Commonwealth Pub Musician’s Open Showcase Hosted by The Session Calling all musicians! Come by Monday nights for a special opportunity to share your talent, connect with other artists and perform in a welcoming, collaborative and music-loving atmosphere. Hosted by The Session. Full backline provided, just bring instruments and chords. Signups at 5pm, music starts at 6pm. 5-9pm. Free. Craft Kitchen and Brewery Comedy Open Mic Night Open mic comedy on Bend’s NE side. Come down, eat some BBQ, drink some drinks and be prepared to laugh. 7:30-9pm. Free. Crosscut Warming Hut No 5 Megan Alder Relax with a pint and enjoy great local music in the garden from 6-8pm. 6-8pm. Free. Frankie’s – formerly Sisters Depot

Handpicked Series by Tom Nechville & Linda Leavitt An intimate music series featuring handpicked performers by Tom Nechville & Linda Leavitt. No cover, but do suggest donations to support CoreSisters.org or the Latin Community Association. 6-8pm. Free.

VOLUME 30 ISSUE 38 / SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 / THE SOURCE

Bob Baker and Brian Odell Brian Odell and Bob Baker first teamed up when Bob joined the Brian Odell Band, and they’ve been making music together ever since. Brian is a Portland-based singer-songwriter known for his heartfelt lyrics, while Bob adds electric violin to create a distinctive sound. 6-8pm. $10.

CALENDAR

RENT THE TIME MACHINE www.BackInTime88.com 541-640-3282

SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE - NOW DAILY AT WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM

22

Waste less, Serve more: A food waste prevention workshop for restaurants Oct. 7 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Birthdays * Photo Shoots * 80s Parties Fundraisers * Grand Entrances * Just Because!

Cascade Culinary Institute 2555 NW Campus Village Way, Bend Early bird: $10 through Sept. 25 Regular: $15

Get tickets! NEST BOXES, HAWK PERCHES, HUMANE EXCLUSION AND MORE CONTACT US

(541) 933-0182 www.thinkwildco.org wildlifeservices@thinkwildco.org

To request information in an alternative format, please call 541.317.3163 or send an email to solidwaste@deschutes.org

EVENTS

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT

M&J Tavern Musicians Open Mic All Musicians

welcome to the downtown living room! Sign-ups start at 6pm. Set up and ready to go by 6:30pm. You bring instrument, your band and your friends. Goes until last call or last musician, which ever happens first. 21 and over. 6:30pm. Free.

Shades of Brew Never Tony, Please

Anthony Poponi brings “Never Tony Please” to the stage in a hilarious, honest night of stand-up and storytelling about family, relationships, bad decisions and being wonderfully human. 7-9pm. $20.80.

MUSIC

Amigos Concert featuring Edna Vazquez | A Benefit for the Latino Community Association Join us for an

unforgettable evening of music, community, and purpose. Renowned as a featured vocalist and guitarist for the world-famous band Pink Martini, Edna Vazquez is a fearless performer whose songs blend mariachi, folk, rock, and pop into a powerful expression of culture and soul. All proceeds from this event directly benefit the Latino Community Association, a local nonprofit organization. Ticket price includes $8 Historic Preservation fee. Sept. 22, 7-9pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend. $43.70-$66.70.

SAL Bend! A Blend of Cultures en Ingles y Español Celebrating Bend’s cultural diversity

through art, world music and food. Welcoming immigrants, refugees and neighbors of all backgrounds to connect and celebrate together. Brought to you by Benditas, the Tower Theatre Foundation and The Commons Cafe. Damos la bienvenida a inmigrantes, refugiados y vecinos de todos los orígenes para que. Sept. 18, 6-9pm. The Commons Cafe & Taproom, 875 NW Brooks St., Bend. Contact: jennym@deschuteslibrary.org. Free.

Shemekia Copeland “Shemekia Copeland

is the greatest blues singer of her generation.” –The Washington Post “Shemekia Copeland has established herself as one of the leading blues artists of our time. Profound and truly powerful... inviting you to think and to party.” –NPR Music “Shemekia Copeland gets her message across loud and clear. Sept. 20, 7:30pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-317-0700. info@towertheatre.org. $22-$42 (plus $8 Historic Preservation Fee).

Texas Headhunters feat. Ian Moore, Jesse Dayton & Johnny Moeller If Texas

guitar playing had a definitive DNA strand, it would look a lot like the collective resume of Ian Moore, Johnny Moeller and Jesse Dayton. For the past three decades, these virtuosic titans have operated on the cutting edge of roots music. Sept. 23, 7:30pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-317-0700. info@towertheatre.org. $17-27 (plus $8 Historic Preservation fee).

DANCE

Argentine Tango Milonga Join Tango in

Bend for our monthly Milonga (dance party) and enjoy the music, the welcoming community and the genuine social connection of Argentine Tango. No partner needed! Sept. 19, 7-9:30pm. Sons of Norway Hall, 549 NW Harmon Blvd., Bend. Contact: 818-207-1363. info@tangoinbend.com. $10.

evening of Salsa music, dancing, great food, and good vibes at River’s Place Tap House + Food Carts! Whether you’re brand new to Salsa or have been dancing for years, everyone is welcome. We’ll kick things off with a beginner-friendly Salsa dance lesson. Sat, Sept. 19, 6pm. River’s Place, 787 NE Purcell Blvd., Bend. Contact: 5413256676. latindancebend@gmail.com. Free.

Tango in Bend Learn and dance Argentine

Tango. Tango in Bend welcomes you to connect through this elegant and passionate dance form. Beginner and Intermediate classes followed by practice. No partner needed. Check tangoinbend. com for the week’s schedule. Wednesdays, 6:309:30pm. Sons of Norway Hall, 549 NW Harmon Blvd., Bend. Contact: 818-207-1363. info@ tangoinbend.com. $5-$15.

FILM EVENTS

Exhibition on Screen: James McNeill Whistler Considered by some to be one of

the great innovators of 19th century art, James McNeill Whistler was a contemporary of the Impressionists, admired by Van Gogh and Manet. Experimental and famously witty, Whistler disrupted the strict conventions of Victorian society, earning himself a place in history of great art. Sept. 16, 6:30-8:15pm. Sisters Movie House, 720 Desperado Court, Sisters. Contact: 5415498833. inquiries@sistersmoviehouse.com. $17.

Gizzy Nights - The Official Central Oregon KGLW Meetup at Volcanic Theatre

Do you like King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard and see reminders of them everywhere? Or maybe you’re King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard curious? Introducing Gizzy Nights! Join our fan-based nights where we’ll watch each prerecorded livestream of “Field of Vision.” Wed, Sept. 23, 6-11pm and Wed, Sept. 30, 6-11pm. Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: (541) 3231881. jenniferbreakingfree@gmail.com. Free.

Rab “The Feathers” Film Tour - Benefiting Smith Rock Group

Rab’s “The Feathers” film night at Mountain Supply. Tickets are $5 with proceeds benefiting Smith Rock Group. Beverage voucher included. Bring your own chair! We’ll be screening “Here & There,” “Continuum” and “A Guide’s Book.” We’ll also have giveaways, including a Rab Ascendor 27 backpack and more. Sept. 18, 6-8pm. Mountain Supply, 834 NW Colorado Ave, Bend. Contact: 5413880688. mtnsupply@gmail.com. $5.

Teton Gravity Research presents ‘Actually, It Is Rocket Science’ Experience the

newest TGR film on the big screen with a night celebrating the ski and snowboard community. Actually, It Is Rocket Science brings together the world’s best athletes, terrain and stories from the mountains. Enjoy the film, connect with fellow fans and stick around for giveaways, prizes and more. Sept. 21, 6-8 and 8-10pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: filmtour@tetongravity.com. $22 Adult, $12 Youth.

You Got Gold: A Celebration of John Prine A star-studded tribute concert film,

captured in October 2022 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, honoring the legendary songwriter’s enduring legacy. Featuring heartfelt performances and behind-the-scenes stories, the event brought together family, friends and acclaimed artists like Bonnie Raitt and Bob Weir to celebrate Prine’s life and music on the iconic stage. Sept. 23, 6:30pm. Sisters Movie House & Cafe, 720 S Desperado Ct, SISTERS. Contact: 5415498833. inquiries@sistersmoviehouse.com. $17.

ARTS + CRAFTS

Bladesmithing 202 - Forge a Knife Blade with a Wood Handle Forge a knife

using high-carbon steel and finish with a custom wood handle. Participants will forge both blade and tang to shape, finish-grind, harden and draw the temper, and rivet hardwood panels for the handle. The skills learned in this three-day series can be applied to any edge-tool. Tue, Sept. 22, 5:30-7:30pm, Wed, Sept. 23, 5:30-7:30pm and Sat, Sept. 26, 5:30-7:30pm. DIYcave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 5413882283. classes@diycave.com. $429.

Central Oregon Landscape Painting

Join local artist Chalked Creative and paint an Oregon landscape using acrylic paint. All levels are welcome. Sept. 18, 6-8pm. Bend Tea and Art Lounge, 1024 NW Bond St, Suite 101, Bend. Contact: 5416686708. info@bendteal.com. $55.

Fall Mushroom Watercolor Learn to wa-

tercolor paint a toadstool mushroom with florals in Autumn color tones. Perfect for beginners and experienced artists. Sept. 17, 5:30-7:30pm. Bend Tea and Art Lounge, 1024 NW Bond St, Suite 101, Bend. Contact: 5416686708. info@bendteal.com. $50.

Art in The Park! A Plein-Air Oil Pastel Workshop Join local artist Anastasia Zielinski

Floral Centerpiece Creation Local

Blacksmithing 101: Forge a Pair of Wall Hooks Learn the skills to begin forging steel in

Free Teen Open Art Hours Teens ages 13-

for a creative evening in Drake Park exploring plein-air drawing! Learn oil pastel techniques while drawing directly from life amid Central Oregon’s stunning riverside views. All supplies provided — bring a chair or blanket. Perfect for beginners to seasoned artists. Come get inspired by nature! Sept. 16, 5:30-7pm. FREAK’N ART, 1265 NW Wall st., Bend. Contact: 541-508-7438. hellofreaknart@gmail.com. $60.

true Maker fashion. Proper hammer strokes, anvil techniques, stance, forge etiquette and management, history of the craft and safety are emphasized. Participants will create a pair of useful custom wall hooks during the the two-class series. Sept. 15, 5:30-7:30pm and Sept. 16, 5:30-7:30pm. DIYcave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 5413882283. classes@diycave.com. $239.

wedding and elopement florist, Tracy Curtis, brings her expertise and passion for seasonal, sustainable floral design to PMRCAA. During this workshop, participants will be guided in crafting naturally whimsical arrangements using blooms and greenery freshly harvested from the PMRCAA gardens. Sept. 16, 5:30-8pm. Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture, 68467 Three Creek Rd., Sisters. Contact: 5419040700. moriah@roundhousefoundation.org. $75. 18 are welcome to join every Tuesday & Thursday between 3pm-7pm for Free Open Art Hours where they will have access to art supplies, musical instruments, a sewing station, and plenty of space for your creative projects with the support of creative mentors. Registration required. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 3-7pm. The Open Arts Center, 999 NE 2nd St, Bend, OR 97701, Bend. Contact: 9787714635. claire@theopenartscenter.org. Free. Tower Theatre

Reel Impact: A Movie Night For a Cause Join NeighborImpact Food Bank for

screenings of The Working Hungry and Food, Insecure. These powerful documentaries shed light on food insecurity in our community while raising funds for local food assistance programs. All proceeds support local families. Tue, Sept. 15, 6-7:30pm and Tue, Sept. 22, 6-7:30pm. Tin Pan Theater, 869 NW Tin Pan Alley, Bend. Contact: 541-316-2037. food@neighborimpact.org. $17.

Salomon Trail-Running Shoe Demo Run + Film Screening Join Mountain Supply and Salomon for an evening of running, storytelling and community featuring a screening of Meet Me In Marrakech. We’ll run an easy four-mile loop and enjoy pizza and drinks while kicking back for the film. There’ll also be raffles and giveaways! Bring a friend and run with us. Sept. 17. Mountain Supply, 834 NW Colorado Ave, Bend. Contact: 5413880688. mtnsupply@gmail.com. Free.

Texas Headhunters featuring Ian Moore, Jesse Dayton and Johnny Moeller play Tower Theatre on Wednesday, Sept. 23.

23 VOLUME 30 ISSUE 38 / SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 / THE SOURCE

Northside Bar & Grill Mellow Wednesday Open Mic Night Open mic night hosted by Derek Michael Marc! 5:30-8pm. Free.

Salsa On The Patio Join us for a fun-filled

CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE - NOW DAILY AT WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM

24

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T S E F R E B O T K O

DON’T MISS THE WORLD RENOWNED

HOSTED BY BEND ANIMAL EMERGENCY WITH THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF CENTRAL OREGON

LIVE MUSIC | DELICIOUS LOCAL FOOD | CRAFT BEER WIENER DOG RACES | QUIRKY COMPETITIONS | AND MORE LOCATED AT THE DESCHUTES HISTORICAL MUSEUM LAWN

SEPT. 19 2P-9P

LEARN MORE AT OKTOBERFESTBEND.COM

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Join us for Bend Oktoberfest a high-spirited, family-friendly celebration in the heart of downtown Bend! This free community event brings a touch of Bavaria to the High Desert with live music, delicious local food, craft beer, wiener dog races, quirky competitions, and more.

FREE ALL AGES 2-9 PM

Think:

stein holding, pretzel tossing, the beer slide showdown, and yes—costumes, yodels, and barrels will roll.

Bend Oktoberfest Games & Activities From feats of strength to hilarious showdowns, our Oktoberfest activities bring out the best (and most ridiculous) sides of fall fun. All activities are designed to be lighthearted, competitive, and crowd-pleasing—with some pretty great prizes up for grabs!

Register for Oktoberfest Activities! Space is limited. Be sure to register in advance to secure your spot!

Location

Deschutes Historical Museum Lawn Schedule

5:00 PM–7:00 PM • Pretzel Toss • Stein Holding Contest • Beer Relay Race • Beer Slide • Barrel Rolling Race • Costume Contest • Yodeling Competition Advance registration required for all games. Some team activities only require one team member to register. Space is limited!

7:00 PM–8:00 PM Live Music:

Fisarmonicats Accordion Club of Central Oregon

Enjoy the evening with a cold beer in hand, delicious food from local vendors, and tunes that’ll have you dancing into the night.

PROST!

BEND OKTOBERFEST

CELEBRATE FALL BENDSTYLE!

BIER

(Beer)

Paulaner Fest Bier

6% ABV

The glass is full of October sunshine, strong and golden. The perfect balance of a light taste of hops and a strong note of malt. A feast of a beer, which always goes down well. This beer is only brewed for the Oktoberfest. That’s where it belongs, along with all the fun of the fair like the Ferris wheel and roasted almonds.

Hacker Pschorr Oktoberfest Marzen

Hacker Pschorr Dunkel

5.8% 5.3% ABV

As it was forbidden to brew in summer, a stronger beer–the Märzen–was brewed earlier in March. It has returned once again to the age-old recipe and recreated that gloriously smooth, honey-colored piece of history from times gone by.

ABV

A touch of caramel pleasantly spreads over the palate. Fine noses will detect nuances of apricot and clove in addition to its characteristic malt aroma. The spicy sweetness of the dark malts harmoniously combine with subtly bitter hoppy notes.

FOOD Adamo’s Carnival Ea ts•Beyond Border Crepe -Oh -Holics•Bangers and Brews Taco Salsa•GEMS Halo Halo & Shaved Ice

We’re bringing your favorite dog-friendly competitions to the main stage, and it’s all for a good cause.

The Bend Animal Emergency Bark Bash Dog Races & Dog Show

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Hosted in partnership with the

Humane Society of Central Oregon

T A H S T A S B E F K R R E BA TOB CES S K A G R O ER DOG BULLDO N E E H I T W F O G N I N N U H R S W U O R H C S I G G R O O D C T U R T S T T MU

0 0 2: 0 3 2: 0 0 3: 0 3 3:

Day-of registration for all dog events opens at 1:30 PM Race Requirements: All race competitors must be purebred Dachshunds, Bulldogs (English or French), or Corgis. Dog Show: All breeds and mixes are welcome for the Mutt Strut! Categories may be split by size. Note: All dogs must show proof of rabies vaccination to participate. Support a Great Cause: All proceeds from Bark Bash registration fees benefit the Humane Society of Central Oregon, helping to support their vital rescue and wellness programs. At just $20 per registration, you’re not only having fun—you’re giving back.

Proud to Support the Bend Oktoberfest Bark Bash!

DESCHUTES HISTORICAL SOCIETY

1975

Bend Oktoberfest is proud to donate a portion of its proceeds to the Deschutes Historical Museum. Founded in 1975, the Deschutes Historical Museum preserves, promotes and celebrates the history of the beautiful region of Deschutes County. Encompassing Bend, Redmond, La Pine, Sisters, Terrebonne and Tumalo, the historical museum is an important institution for celebrating the past and protecting the future of Central Oregon. The museum and community center is dedicated to education, research and appreciation for the unique local history of Deschutes County, and to build a living legacy that grows with each new generation.

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4:30pm $10 General Admission $8 Senior Admission 17 yr. old and younger: Free 129 NW Idaho Ave, Bend, OR Call 541-389-1813 for information or visit DeschutesHistory.org

This fantastic event isn't just about fun and games; it's also for a great cause. All proceeds from the registration fees, set at just $20, will go towards supporting the Humane Society of Central Oregon (HSCO). HSCO is an organization with extensive experience in all aspects of the race, ensuring the welfare and safety of all participating dogs. We are deeply grateful to have them as an integral part of our team.

HSCO.org | 541-382-3537

Purchase dates: 1/1/26-12/31/27. Get $5 back per shot. Jägermeister Orange qualifies for redemption. Limit: 10 submissions per household. Void where prohibited.

D R I N K R E S P O N S I B LY | V I S I T R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y. O R G Jägermeister® Liqueur, 35% Alc./Vol., Imported by Mast-Jägermeister US, Inc., White Plains, NY @JagermeisterUSA

EVENTS

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT

CALENDAR DIYcave

Fused Glass Casting - Hearts Create

Hemming Jeans (the professional way) Learn how to hem your jeans to get that

Little Artists: Painting Big creativity starts with little artists! Little Artists: Painters is a fun, welcoming, hands-on painting class designed to help young artists explore their creativity while building confidence and learning new skills. For ages 6-11. Sept. 17, 5:15-6pm. Bend Tea and Art Lounge, 1024 NW Bond St, Suite 101, Bend. Contact: 5416686708. info@bendteal.com. $30.

perfect length and look. Tired of the bottom of pants dragging on the ground? This is a class for people who want to learn how to hem jeans and pants the professional way, maintaining the original distressed hemline. Sept. 17, 3:30-5:30pm. Sisters Library, 110 North Cedar Street, Sisters. Contact: 5412413395. emilyc@deschuteslibrary. org. Free.

Mandala-Stenciled Totes Join Carleton

Manor Mosais in creating a beautiful, personalized cotton tote bag in Part 2 of this fun, beginner-friendly fabric stenciling class. Sept. 16, 5:30-7pm. Bend Tea and Art Lounge, 1024 NW Bond St, Suite 101, Bend. Contact: 5416686708. info@bendteal.com. $35-$45.

Intro to 3D Printing for Teens and Adults Learn how 3D printers work, design in

Tinkercad and create a custom project. This intro class covers the full process from idea to printed object, and participants will get certified to use DIYcave’s 3D printers. It’s perfect for anyone curious about digital making. Sept. 21, 6-8:30pm. DIYcave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 5413882283. classes@diycave.com. $139.

Intro to Lapidary - Learn to Make a Cabochon Learn the complete process of

transforming stone into a smooth, finished cabochon. You’ll begin by selecting a slab, then plan your design and trim it to shape on the saw. From there, you’ll move to the cabbing machine to grind, sand, and polish your piece ready for jewelry or crafts. Tuesdays-Thursdays-Saturdays, 4-6pm. Through Sept. 29. DIYcave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 5413882283. classes@diycave.com. $129.

Intro to Metalsmithing - Jewelry Workshop Join the DIY Cave for a hands-on

class where you’ll create a stunning hand-forged copper-and-brass pendant. Learn essential metalsmithing techniques with their jewelry studio tools, including sawing, shaping, filing, and soldering. You’ll transfer patterns, drill holes, and use sweat soldering to join your pieces seamlessly. Perfect for beginners! Tue, July 21, 6-8:30pm and Tue, Sept. 22, 6-8:30pm. DIYcave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 5413882283. classes@diycave.com. $139, 20% discount for Members.

Intro to Stained Glass: Honeycomb Suncatchers Curious about stained glass?

This beginner-friendly class is the perfect way to dive in! In just two hours, get hands-on experience with the basics of the copper foil technique. No prior skills needed. Learn the essential steps to create a stunning, multicolored suncatcher. Sept. 16, 6-8pm. DIYcave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 5413882283. classes@ diycave.com. $139.

Intro to Welding Learn beginner metal cutting and MIG welding and how to safely use a plasma cutter, prep steel and practice welding techniques. Build confidence with guided hands‑on time and leave with a finished piece plus a solid understanding of welding fundamentals. No experience needed, just curiosity and a willingness to try. Sept. 23, 6-8pm. DIYcave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 5413882283. classes@diycave.com. $129.

Little Artists: Clay Creations Let your child’s imagination take shape in Clay Creations with Ms. Alyssa! Designed for kids ages 5-10, this weekly class is all about creating, exploring and having fun with air-dry clay. Thu, Sept. 10, 4:155pm, Thu, Sept. 17, 4:15-5pm and Thu, Sept. 24, 4:15-5pm. Bend Tea and Art Lounge, 1024 NW Bond St, Suite 101, Bend. Contact: 5416686708. info@bendteal.com. $30.

Metal Clay with Natural Stones: TwoDay Workshop Learn basic skills of working Learn how to make fused-glass hearts using colorful frit on Monday, Sept. 21 at DIYcave.

The Joy of Painting: Bob Ross Certified Workshop Come join Paint with TrueLeah at TEAL for a relaxing day of this beautiful landscape, inspired by the legendary Bob Ross wet-on-wet oil painting technique! No experience needed. Sept. 19, 10am-3pm. Bend Tea and Art Lounge, 1024 NW Bond St, Suite 101, Bend. Contact: 5416686708. info@bendteal.com. $90.

Kids Art Night Out: Fall Fun Give your kids a night of creativity and fun while enjoying a little time to yourself! Friday Night Kids Art Night is a special evening designed for children ages 5–12 to explore creativity through a fun, hands-on art project. Fri, Sept. 4, 5:30-7pm and Fri, Sept. 18, 5:30-7pm. Bend Tea and Art Lounge, 1024 NW Bond St, Suite 101, Bend. Contact: 5416686708. info@bendteal.com. $40. Kids Intro to 3D Printing (Ages 8-17)

Designed just for kids! Young makers will dive into the exciting world of 3D printing, learning how a 3D printer works, exploring beginner-friendly design software and creating a custom project to print and take home. Sept. 16, 5:30-8:30pm. DIYcave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 5413882283. classes@diycave.com. $99.

Kids Woodworking - Build a Birdhouse (Ages 11-17) Kids build and decorate

Knit Night A cozy evening of creativity and

connection hosted by Katie from Wool Town. Whether a seasoned knitter or just a beginner, this welcoming gathering is the perfect place to unwind, learn, and create alongside others. Second and Fourth Wednesday of every month, 6-8pm. Teal Tea & Art Lounge, 1024 NW Bond St. Ste101, Bend. Contact: info@bendteal.com. Free.

KREITZER NEW WORKS: ART IN A DOMESTIC SETTING Stunning new works

by Contemporary Realist Artist David Kreitzer-painting for over 60 years. PNW Landscapes, Koi, Figure, Fantasy, Mid-West Heritage large and small oils. Fridays-Sundays, 1-6pm. David Kreitzer Fine Art Gallery and Studio, 20214 Archie Briggs Rd, Bend. Contact: 8052342048. jkreitze@ icloud.com. Free.

Leather Tooling - Make Earrings of a Cuff Learn to design, cut, tool, dye, paint and

finish custom leather earrings in this beginner‑friendly class. Explore basic leather-working techniques, create custom shapes and patterns and leave with a beautiful finished pair of earrings or a cuff and the fundamentals to keep creating. Sept. 22, 6-9pm. DIYcave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 5413882283. classes@ diycave.com. $129.

their own modern wooden birdhouse while learning beginner woodworking skills. With all materials and step‑by‑step guidance provided, young makers create a fun, meaningful project they can display at home or gift to someone special. Sept. 23, 5:30-8pm. DIYcave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 5413882283. classes@diycave.com. $99.

Leather Working: Dog Collars Your dog

Kids: Art with Sarah Join licensed teacher Sarah Swoffer from Let’s Paint for a fun, handson class sure to tap into a child’s curiosity and build confidence. Wed, Sept. 23, 1:15-2:15pm and Wed, Sept. 30, 1:15-2:15pm. Bend Tea and Art Lounge, 1024 NW Bond St, Suite 101, Bend. Contact: 5416686708. info@bendteal.com. $30.

Let’s Paint Your Pet Join Sarah from Let’s

will be the envy of the neighborhood when you make them their own custom dog collar. You can stamp it, paint it, put their name on it! Recommended for artists ages 12+. Sept. 17, 5:307:30pm. FREAK’N ART, 1265 NW Wall st., Bend. Contact: 541-508-7438. hellofreaknart@gmail. com. $85. Paint and learn to paint with acrylic. Email a photograph of a favorite pet to Sarah in advance, so a canvas can be prepped and waiting to be painted. Sept. 21, 6-8pm. Bend Tea and Art Lounge, 1024 NW Bond St, Suite 101, Bend. Contact: 5416686708. info@bendteal.com. $55.

with metal clay, including how to achieve nice textures and create a pendant or a pair of earrings. Also learn how to add stones to fine silver creations with a premade bezel cup. Sept. 23, 6-9pm and Sept. 24, 6-7:30pm. DIYcave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 5413882283. classes@diycave.com. $219.

Natural Dye Workshop: Exploring the Mushroom & Lichen Dye Palette of Oregon This hands-on two-day workshop invites

participants to discover the surprisingly vibrant world of fungal and lichen dyes found right here in Oregon. Students gain both the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to confidently work with foraged mushrooms and lichens as a natural dye source. Sept. 19, 9am-4pm and Sept. 20, 9am-4pm. Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture, 68467 Three Creek Rd., Sisters. Contact: 5419040700. moriah@roundhousefoundation.org. $300.

Pucker Up! Get Ahead of Winter Lips: Lavender Lip Balm making This work-

shop with Dr. Ashley from Peoples Apothecary will use a solar-infused oil made with lavender buds hand-harvested in the farm fields to create an aromatic, soothing lip balm. Take home your handmade tube and tin of balm as well as detailed instructions for future DIY infusion and balm projects. Sept. 19, 10am-Noon. Tumalo Lavender Farm, 19825 Connarn Rd, Bend. Contact: 541-728-2368. classes@thepeoplesapothecary.net. $50.

Spooky Two-part Workshop at Two Suns Art Studio + Makerspace Get

spooky and creative in this two-part pottery workshop for all ages! Create Halloween votives, ghosts, creatures and more on Sept.16, and then return on Sept. 30 at 5:30 to glaze and add the finishing touches. No experience needed, just bring your creativity and love of Halloween! Sept. 16, 5:30-7pm. Two Suns Art Studio + MakerSpace, 70 SW Century Drive, Bend. Contact: 415308-4538. krista@lalucestudio.com. $134.

33 VOLUME 30 ISSUE 38 / SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 / THE SOURCE

nine unique fused‑glass hearts using colorful frit in this beginner‑friendly workshop. Explore color blending, texture and simple design techniques, and then leave pieces to be kiln‑fired for later pickup. A fun, hands‑on way to slow down and make something meaningful. Sept. 21, 6-8pm. DIYcave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 5413882283. classes@diycave.com. $124.

SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE - NOW DAILY AT WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM 34

EVENTS

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT

Tumalo Lavender Farm

In-Depth Nighttime Visit View the stars

Studio Tours at Pine Meadow Ranch

Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts and Agriculture invites all community members to come and engage with our current artists in residence. During this event, take a guided tour of the studios where the residents are experimenting, doing research and working on projects. Sept. 17, 5-6:30pm. Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture, 68467 Three Creek Rd., Sisters. Contact: 5419040700. moriah@roundhousefoundation.org. Free.

Waterston Desert Writing Prize Ceremony 2026 Let’s celebrate the 2026 Waterston Pucker up and get ready for winter by making your own lavender lip balm on Saturday, Sept. 19 at Tumalo Lavender Farm.

Stained Glass 101: Feather Suncatcher Two-Week Workshop Let creativity take flight in our upcoming Feather Stained Glass Suncatcher Class! This dreamy design is perfect for adding a touch of color and movement to windows. Great for beginners and seasoned makers alike. Mon, Sept. 21, 6-8pm and Mon, Sept. 28, 6-8pm. DIYcave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 5413882283. classes@diycave. com. $219.

Sunset Migration: Selected Paintings and Collages by Katie Dunbar This Sep-

tember, Deschutes Brewery (Downtown Bend) Public House will be hosting local artist Katie Dunbar, exhibiting selected paintings and collages downstairs in the dining room. Sunset Migration is a visual conversation about movement, plastics and color, through a series that portrays intimate and global situations of environmental and social concerns. Sept. 4-30, 11am-9:30pm. Deschutes Brewery & Public House, 1044 NW Bond St., Bend. Contact: katie.dunbar.art@gmail.com. Free.

Tradition Lives: Kreitzer Fine Art Gallery Opening Tradition Lives: A professional

for 60 years, Contemporary Realist Painter David Kreitzer exhibits translucent, sparkling water images as well as the figure, koi, fantasy, and Mid West Heritage. Kreitzer paints healing masterpieces of peace and beauty in the style of the old masters- with sold-out shows at Maxwell Galleries. Thu, July 2, 1-5:30pm and Fridays-Sundays, 1-5:30pm. Through Oct. 31. David Kreitzer Fine Art Gallery and Studio, 20214 Archie Briggs Rd, Bend. Contact: 8052342048. jkreitze@icloud.com. Free.

Turn Wine Bottles into Drinking Glasses Turn empty bottles into seriously cool

drinking glasses in this hands-on, glass-working class. Learn how to safely cut glass bottles using an easy-to-build jig and then fire polish the rims using our custom torch setup to create smooth, finished drinking glasses to actually want to use at home. Sept. 18, 6-8pm. DIYcave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 5413882283. classes@diycave.com. $129.

Visible Mending Give beloved knitwear and

garments new life through Sashiko, the Japanese art of decorative reinforcement stitching. Led by Sabrina of Bend Alterations (45+ years experience), you’ll transform tears and wear into bold, beautiful features. All materials provided—bring your own torn garments if you’d like! No experience necessary. Sept. 19, 1-4pm. FREAK’N ART, 1265 NW Wall st., Bend. Contact: 541-508-7438. hellofreaknart@gmail.com. $60.

Wild Fiber Basics: Nettle Cordage & More All about Stinging Nettle, its ecology,

constituents, and its food, medicine, and fiber uses. The group will learn to make cordage using the reverse wrapping process. They will also learn to process nettle stalk into fibers and twist them into cord. Sept. 16, 3-5:30pm. Bend, RSVP for address, Bend. Contact: info@nighthawknaturalistschool.com. $45.

Wood Shaker Cabinet Doors Learn how

cabinet doors are made for different configurations of cabinetry, how to calculate different individual door-part sizes, and how to cut, machine and assemble them to achieve a specific finished size. Sept. 22, 6-9pm. DIYcave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 5413882283. classes@ diycave.com. $169.

Wood Turning 101: Introduction to Turning on the Wood Lathe Learn the

basics of the wood lathe, one of the most popular tools in the wood shop. In this class, students will create an object from beginning to end, which involves mounting a wood blank to the lathe, rounding, shaping, sanding and finishing. Sept. 16, 6-9pm. DIYcave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 5413882283. classes@diycave. com. $139.

PRESENTATIONS + EXHIBITS AI: An Honest Conversation What’s

real? What’s hype? What matters? Find out at a 90-minute, plain-English talk on what AI actually is, what it can really do and where it looks like it’s going. No hype. No jargon. No sales pitch. No politics. Admission is free, but registration is required. Register early to guarantee a seat. Sept. 22, 5:30-7pm. Central Library, 61956 SE Santorini Street, Bend. Contact: 541-668-6800. ai-honest-conversation@is2digital.com. Free.

Artist Talk: Momento Mori in the Modern Age During this artist talk, Liz Obert will

present her work from her photographic series “Modern Vanitas and American Bodegónes” and discuss how they relate both visually and thematically to the Dutch and Spanish still life paintings of the 16th and 17th centuries. Sept. 22, 6-7pm. Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture, 68467 Three Creek Rd., Sisters. Contact: 5419040700. moriah@roundhousefoundation.org. Free.

Clear the Clutter Organizing coach, Rebecca Plasters, will help you clear the clutter in your life by sharing her Five Essential Steps to a Decluttered and Organized Home. Wed, Sept. 9, 5:30pm and Sat, Sept. 19, 2pm. Central Library, 61956 SE Santorini Street, Bend. Contact: 5412413395. emilyc@deschuteslibrary.org. Free. DisruptHR Join HR leaders, executives,

people-first innovators and change makers at beautiful Tetherow Resort for an unforgettable evening of bold ideas, high energy networking and fast paced conversations about the future of work. 12 speakers give five-minute lightning talks designed to challenge conventional thinking about work. Sept. 17, 3-6pm. Tetherow Pavilion, 61240 Skyline Ranch Rd., Bend. Contact: 541-280-3254. $75.

Desert Writing Prize Winner! Hear from the winner and the 2026 keynote speaker, Joy Harjo (Muscogee Nation), the 23rd U.S. Poet Laureate. Harjo is the award-winning author of 10 books of poetry, several plays, children’s books, two memoirs and seven music albums. Sept. 17, 6-9pm. High Desert Museum, 59800 S. Highway 97, Bend. Contact: 541-382-4754. info@highdesertmuseum.org. $10.

Craft of Writing Wednesdays: (Not) Choosing Offensive Langauge How do

we write characters who are historically accurate without using offensive language? Should we? What responsibility do we have as writers writing in 2026? Bring a notebook, pen or pencil and an eagerness to learn and dissect the technical nuts and bolts of writing prose as an effective creative outlet. Sept. 16, 7-8:30pm. The Open Arts Center, 999 NE 2nd St, Bend, OR 97701, Bend. Free (registration required).

Ink & Insights Speaker Series: Demystifying Menopause Demystifying

Menopause, moderated by Dr. Sarah Hellmann and Dr. Erin Legrand from the Wine with Your Gyn Podcast. Come for a welcoming night focused on women’s health and wellbeing. Our guest speakers bring insight, compassion and real experience to the conversation. Sept. 17, 6:30-7:30pm. Roundabout Books, 900 NW Mount Washington Dr., #110, Bend. Contact: 5413066564. events@ roundaboutbookshop.com. $10.

Mystery Book Club We’ll be discussing “Billy Summers” by Stephen King. Sept. 16, 6-7pm. Roundabout Books, 900 NW Mount Washington Dr., #110, Bend. Contact: 5413066564. events@ roundaboutbookshop.com. Free.

THEATER

RAB Middles Book Club We’ll be discussing “The Wild Robot” by Peter Brown. Sept. 21, 6-7pm. Roundabout Books, 900 NW Mount Washington Dr., #110, Bend. Contact: 5413066564. events@roundaboutbookshop.com. Free.

“Dear Brutus” Part 1: Introduction to “Julius Caesar” Explore the world and plot

Rediscovered Reads Book Club We

of William Shakespeare’s famous play. Sept. 19, 1-2pm. Central Library, 61956 SE Santorini Street, Bend. Contact: 541-241-2630. Lizg@dpls. lib.or.us. Free.

will be discussing Erasure by Percival Everett. Sept. 23, 6-7pm. Roundabout Books, 900 NW Mount Washington Dr., #110, Bend. Contact: 5413066564. events@roundaboutbookshop.com. Free.

Gizzy Nights - The Official Central Oregon KGLW Meetup at Volcanic Theatre

Third Thursday Spoken Word Night Spoken word open mic night for all poets,

VTP & 1988 Entertainment presents Gizzy Nights - The Official Central Oregon KGLW Meetup. On three successive Wednesdays, Sept. 16, Sept. 23 and Sept. 30. Free. Doors open at 6 pm, show starts at 7pm. Sept. 16, 7-11pm. Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: (541) 3231881. jenniferbreakingfree@gmail.com. Free.

The Importance of Being Earnest

Ellipse Theatre Community production of “The Importance of Being Earnest,” directed by Antony Sparrow, reimagines Oscar Wilde’s beloved comedy amid the tabloid frenzy, romantic deception and social satire of the 1980s. Experience Wilde’s timeless wit and outrageous characters as they tour Central Oregon Sept. 17-Oct. 11. Sept. 18, 7-9:30pm and Sept. 19, 2-4:30 and 7-9:30pm. Open Space Event Studios, 220 NE Lafayette Ave, Bend. Contact: info@etcbend.org. $28.29 online/$25 at the door. A. R. Bowman Museum, 246 N Main St, Prineville. Donation (suggested $20).

WORDS

Beholden Storytelling: Solstice & Equinox Gatherings Join storyteller Jared Ander-

son and host Ben Paulus at Roundabout Books for a seasonal evening of live storytelling and shared reflection, held in a respectful, intentional container. Each gathering features a mythic or traditional story told with drum, followed by guided conversation in small groups. Sept. 22, 6-8pm. Roundabout Books, 900 NW Mount Washington Dr., #110, Bend. Contact: 5413066564. events@ roundaboutbookshop.com. $20.

The Craft of Writing Wednesdays Learn

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

writers, storytellers, and songwriters. Third Thursday of every month, 6-7pm. Through Dec. 17. Redmond Library, 827 Southwest Deschutes Avenue, Redmond. Contact: 541-312-1032. lizg@dpls.lib.or.us. Free.

Writing Wednesdays at the OAC An

evening of writing, connection, and creativity. 1st & 3rd Wednesdays: Poetry Workshop; 2nd & 4th Wednesdays: Writing Workshop. Open to adults 18+, all levels welcome. Email: claire@ theopenartscenter.org Wednesdays, 7-8:30pm. The Open Arts Center, 999 NE 2nd Street, Bend. Contact: 978-771-4635. claire@theopenartscenter.org. Free.

ETC.

The Way of Integrity Book Club Join us

for a weekly conversation through Martha Beck’s “The Way of Integrity,” a book about recognizing where we’ve lost touch with ourselves and finding our way back to a life that feels genuinely our own. Sept. 16, 5-6pm. Bend Tea and Art Lounge, 1024 NW Bond St, Suite 101, Bend. Contact: 5416686708. info@bendteal.com. Free (RSVP).

OUTDOOR EVENTS Adult Naturalist Immersion Course

This is a 10-month journey teaching about local natural history through the lens of nature connection and human history. Monthly meetings have a focus on a variety of skills and putting them to use among community. All outdoors, overnights included. Sept. 19, 9am-5pm. Bend, RSVP for address, Bend. Contact: info@nighthawknaturalistschool.com. 997.

CORK Mom Squad This group is open to moms of all running levels! The focus of the group will be to connect with other moms, share advice/information on running while pregnant or with a family and to have fun! Third Sunday of every month, 9-10am. Miller’s Landing Park, 80 NW Riverside Blvd, Bend. Contact: centraloregonrunningklub@gmail.com. Free.

35 VOLUME 30 ISSUE 38 / SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 / THE SOURCE

through the telescopes in a guided tour! The event begins with an educational segment followed by observational fun. Tickets are only available online. Wed, Sept. 16, 8-10pm, Sat, Sept. 19, 8-10pm, Wed, Sept. 23, 8-10pm, Sat, Sept. 26, 8-10pm and Wed, Sept. 30, 8-10pm. Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory, 57245 River Rd., Sunriver, Sunriver. $2-$36.

CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE - NOW DAILY AT WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM 36

EVENTS

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT

Dark Sky Party - Fall Equinox Marvel

Geology Hike Join the Deschutes Land Trust for a geology hike at Aspen Hollow Preserve. Learn about the volcanic forces that formed Central Oregon while taking in beautiful views of the Three Sisters. Hike down into the canyon formed by Whychus Creek to explore mixed pine and juniper forest and meadow. Sept. 20, 10am-1pm. Aspen Hollow Preserve, Outside, Sisters. Contact: 541-330-0017. event@deschuteslandtrust. org. Free. Monday Night Football: Giants vs. Rams Come watch Monday Night Football with

big TVs, big sound, and food and drink specials. Also, ask about our Football Club. Sept. 21, 5:15pm. The Commonwealth Pub, 30 SW Century Dr., Bend.

Salomon Aero Blaze 4 Gravel Trail Running Shoe Demo Join Mountain Supply

and Salomon for an evening of running, storytelling and community featuring a screening of Meet Me In Marrakech. We’ll wrap things up with giveaways and a raffle! Grab a buddy and come run with us! Sept. 17, 6-8pm. Mountain Supply, 834 NW Colorado Ave, Bend. Contact: 5413880688. mtnsupply@gmail.com. Free.

San Juan Islands Sea Kayaking Tour 3 Day Designed for paddlers with intermediate

skills, this guided camping trip features daily 6–12 mile paddles, island-to-island exploration, wildlife viewing, and opportunities to build navigation and more. Sept. 18, 6am. Washington Park Boat Launch, Washington Park Loop, Anacortes. Contact: 541-317-9407. ryan@tumalocreek.com. $900.

San Juan Islands Sea Kayaking Tour 5 Day A guided adventure with Tumalo Creek’s

expert guides. Designed for paddlers with intermediate skills, this island-to-island camping trip features daily 6–12 mile paddles, wildlife viewing, scenic shorelines, and more. Sept. 23, 6am. Washington Park Boat Launch, Washington Park Loop, Anacortes. Contact: 541-317-9407. ryan@tumalocreek.com. $1500/person.

Sunday Funday NFL Ticket Come watch

every Sunday NFL game via NFL ticket! Also ask about our Football Club for specials and savings. Sundays, 9am-8:30pm. Through Jan. 3. The Commonwealth Pub, 30 SW Century Dr., Bend.

Thursday Night Watch Party: Lions vs. Bills Come watch Thursday Night Football with

big TVs, big sound, and food and drink specials. Also, ask about our Football Club. Sept. 17, 5:158:30pm. The Commonwealth Pub, 30 SW Century Dr., Bend.

Tour of Bend Seed Extractory Bend Seed

Extractory is a unit of the USFS located in Bend. The Seed Extractory started in 1978 as part of the Bend Pine Nursery to extract seed from 33 different species of conifers used for growing seedlings for reforestation of Oregon and Washington national forests. Sept. 22, 10-11am. US Bend Seed Extractory, 63095 Deschutes Market Road, Bend. Free.

VOLUNTEER

Bird Survey Site Orientation Join the

Deschutes Land Trust for a bird survey site orientation at Paulina Creek Preserve. Learn where to survey, what routes to follow and important details about property rules and boundaries. Participants must have completed the first steps in the bird-survey orientation process to join. Sept. 16, 1-2pm. Paulina Creek Preserve, Paulina Lake Rd., La Pine. Contact: event@ deschuteslandtrust.org. Free.

Mt. Bachelor

Community-Engaged Beaver Research & Monitoring Get in the field this

autumn for our second year of community-powered beaver monitoring - and the first survey of Deschutes National Forest! This is a unique opportunity to learn how to identify subtle (and sometimes dramatic) signs of beaver activity and contribute to science-based conservation. Sat, Sept. 19, 9am-5pm, Sun, Sept. 20, 9am-5pm, Sun, Oct. 4, 9am-5pm, Mon, Oct. 5, 9am-5pm, Tue, Oct. 6, 9am-5pm, Fri, Oct. 9, 9am-5pm, Sat, Oct. 10, 9am-5pm, Sun, Oct. 11, 9am-5pm, Fri, Oct. 16, 9am-5pm, Sat, Oct. 17, 9am-5pm, Sun, Oct. 18, 9am-5pm, Wed, Oct. 28, 9am-5pm, Thu, Oct. 29, 9am-5pm and Fri, Oct. 30, 9am-5pm. Deschutes National Forest, Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District, 63095 Deschutes Market Rd., Bend. Contact: 5416991606. Maureen@thinkwildco. org. Free.

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Red Cross Blood Drive Drop in for an hour to donate blood and help others. The Red Cross provides about 40% of our nation’s blood and blood components, all from generous volunteer donors. Only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly. Each new donor helps us meet patient needs. Sept. 23, Noon-4pm. Sunriver Public Library, 56855 Venture Lane, Sunriver. Contact: 541-241-2630. lizg@dpls.lib. or.us. Free.

Weed Warriors Join the Deschutes Land

Trust and our Weed Warriors to protect our lands from invasive weeds! The Weed Warriors volunteer group meets several times a month to help remove non-native weeds like spotted knapweed, teasel, mullein and Canada thistle from Land Trust protected lands. This is a family-friendly work party! Sept. 16, 9amNoon. Paulina Creek Preserve, Paulina Lake Rd., La Pine. Contact: 541-330-0017. event@ deschuteslandtrust.org. Free.

GROUPS + MEETUPS

Bend Emerging Talent Social @ X-Golf

Join Bend Emerging Talent on September 23rd for a fun and relaxed evening of networking at X-Golf! Mingle with fellow professionals, make new connections, and enjoy beverages, appetizers, and interactive activities in a lively setting. Whether you’re new to the community or a familiar face, come connect, have fun! Sept. 23, 5-7pm. X-Golf, 389 SW Scalehouse Ct Ste 105, Bend. $15 Bend Chamber Members | $25 Non-Chamber Members.

Celebrate n Elevate (September morning & evening meeting) All women

are invited to a networking event unlike the others. Focused on heart-centered celebration, encouragement, and elevation. A combination of structured activities and intentional interactions will guide you in building genuine relationships. Sept. 22, 10:30am and 6pm. Bend Tea and Art Lounge, 1024 NW Bond St, Suite 101, Bend. Contact: 5416686708. info@bendteal.com. $20.

Central Oregon Mushroom Club presents “Mushroom Preservation and Recipes” by Local Club Members

COMC’s September meeting is focused on the topic of mushroom preservation and recipe ideas for a stashed bounty. Several club members will share their strategies for saving mushroom treasures and their favorite ways of preparing them through the year. Sept. 17, 6:30-8pm. Brooks Hall at Trinity Episcopal Church, 469 Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-280-9686. info@centraloregonmushroomclub.com. Free.

Central Oregon Residential Construction Career Day A free, in-person

workforce event for anyone interested in a career in sustainable trades. Attendees will learn about high-demand pathways in new home construction, HVAC, heat pumps, building performance and energy management through interactive sessions with builders, trainers and industry leaders. Coffee and lunch are provided! Sept. 19, 8:30am-1pm. COCC, 2600 NW College Way, Bend. Contact: 5416932161. mlee@bendoregon. gov. Free.

Mt. Bachelor’s Job-A-Palooza, aka career fair, is happening Saturday, Sept. 19 at Deschutes Brewery Tasting Room & Beer Garden.

City Club Forum: The Ripple Effect How Changes to Medicaid Will Impact Everyone in Central Oregon Proposed

changes to Medicaid have the potential to affect far more than individual health coverage. They could influence access to care, the financial stability of healthcare providers, behavioral health services, rural hospitals, local employers and the overall well-being of communities across Central Oregon. Sept. 17, 11am-1pm. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon, 61980 Skyline Ranch Rd, Bend, OR 97703, Bend. Contact: 5416687642. info@cityclubco.org. $15-$49.

Job-A-Palooza Join us at Mt. Bachelor’s JobA-Palooza 2026 (aka Career Fair). We anticipate another epic winter season ahead of us and are stoked to hire an amazing team for the Winter 2026/27 season here at Mt. Bachelor. Sept. 19, 10am-2pm. Deschutes Brewery Tasting Room & Beer Garden, 901 SW Simpson Ave., Bend. Free.

Larch Commons Groundbreaking Ceremony Help celebrate 35 years of neighbors coming together to create opportunities for local households. Together, we’ll break ground on Larch Commons, our largest housing development to date, a neighborhood that will provide 25 permanently affordable homes for the people who live and work in Sisters. Sept. 18, 11am1pm. Larch Commons East, 494 E Adams Ave, Sisters. Contact: 5415491193. Free.

Perch, Paint & Bloom: Oregon Birds -- Chickadee! Join us for the third gathering

in our Perch, Paint & Bloom: Oregon Birds series! This month, paint a cheerful chickadee perched atop a vibrant sunflower. It’s a sweet, joy-filled scene celebrating the beauty of Oregon’s birds and blooms. No skills necessary. Materials included. Alcohol free. Sept. 16, 6-8pm. Sunnyside Up Farm, 63265 Silvis Rd, Bend. Contact: 541420-0794. info@sunnysideupbend.com. $50.

Ribbon Cutting & Open House @ KIDS Center Join the Bend Chamber as we celebrate

the Ribbon Cutting & Open House at KIDS Center for their new mobile clinic! Come discover how KIDS Center serves children and families. Drop in for a tour of their facility and learn about their services. Sponsored by WaFd Bank. Sept. 17, 4:30-7pm. KIDS Center, 1375 NW Kingston Ave., Bend. Free.

Speed Dating for Singles @ Testimony in Redmond (Ages 40+)

Speed Dating: Meet fun, like-minded singles in a relaxed, welcoming setting! Enjoy laughter, great conversations and real connections. Sept. 16, 6-8pm. Testimony Wine Bar, 307 NW Sixth St., Redmond. Contact: 406-672-3861. info@ epiphanymatch.com. $10.

UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE COMMUNITY MEETING What should universal

healthcare look like for people, their families and the community? Participants’ experience should be part of this conversation. Ahead of proposed 2027 legislation for a statewide Universal Health Plan, check out this opportunity to learn what is being proposed and help shape healthcare for people, not profits. Sept. 16, 6:30-8pm. First Presbyterian Bend, 230 Northeast 9th Street, Bend. Contact: info@tammyfororegon.com. Free.

FUNDRAISING

“Paws & Purpose” Fundraising Dinner and Comedy Night To support and

expand critical funding, PetsForward invites you to “Paws & Purpose,” presented by Three Sisters Sleep and VRCCO. This event will be an unforgettable evening of gourmet dining, standup comedy and compassionate giving. Sept. 19, 5:30-8:30pm. Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge, 225 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: (541) 3160785. jill@petsforward.org. $200.

Bella Bunco Night It’s bunco time! Bella

Acappella is thrilled to host the fabulous Ladies Bunco Night. For just $25 entry to play, be part of an unforgettable evening filled with fun, laughter and fantastic prizes! Tickets are limited. Sept. 17, 6:30-8:30pm. Silver Moon Brewing, 24 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-905-7426. bellaacappellasai.com. $25.

Endless Summer Nights Endless Summer Nights is a lively fundraiser, bringing together community members for an afternoon of family-friendly fun. Enjoy a competitive corporate cycle pub race, live music by G Bots & The Journeymen, an exciting silent auction, outdoor activities for all ages, local food and brews and more. Sept. 19, 3-6:30pm. Bend Park & Float, 1000 SW Bradbury Way, Bend. Contact: (541)633-7834. development@heartoforegon. org. $30 for Adults, $15 for kids ages 6-12, free for kids 5 and under. Go Clean Energy Conference 2026 The Go Clean Energy Conference brings together community members and professionals interested in clean energy solutions. The day features a wide range of panels, creating a space for networking and collaboration, connecting participants with leaders working to advance clean energy across Central Oregon. Free entry available during registration if cost is a barrier everyone is welcome. Sept. 18, 8:15am-4:15pm. Oregon State University-Cascades, 1500 SW Chandler Ave., Bend. Contact: tosbon@350deschutes.org. $25+.

VOLUME 30 ISSUE 38 / SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 / THE SOURCE

at our incredible universe in the gorgeous and convenient setting of downtown Sisters, Oregon! Thanks to Explore Sisters, attend for free. Take in the brilliance of Central Oregon’s night sky while locating constellations, observing visible planets and the moon. This party celebrates the fall equinox. Sept. 22, 7:30-8:30pm. Cliff Clemens Park, 550 N. Larch St. in Sisters, Oregon., Sisters. Contact: 541-645-0688. jennie@starshine-theater.com. Free.

CALENDAR

GUNG HO By Dallas Finn Calvert

Help Keep Bend Beautiful at Annual Community Cleanup

SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE - NOW DAILY AT WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM

38

Find us at this year’s

Wellness Care, Dentistry, Surgery, Nutrition, Allergy and Dermatology, Behavioral Counseling, Limited Same Day Urgent Care Appointments

Pick It Up, Bend! is part of a statewide event to help tidy up and protect natural areas, beaches and rivers

SOLVE

Bend Oktoberfest Bark Bash

Saturday, September 19th 2pm-5pm

giving away free Pup-cups!

Exceptional care. Tailored to your pet. 541-678-5440 bendvets.com Volunteers at the 2025 Pick It Up, Bend! community cleanup in the Old Mill District.

W

ant to help keep Bend beautiful? Registration is open for a community-powered cleanup focusing on removing litter, helping restore natural areas and protecting beaches, river and public lands on Sunday, Sept. 27 from 10am to Noon in the Old Mill District and Hayden Homes Amphitheater areas. The second-annual Pick It Up, Bend! is one of several similar community events happening across Oregon and Southwest Washington as part of September’s Beach & Riverside Cleanup organized by SOLVE, an organization dedicated to helping clean and restore neighborhoods and natural areas and empowering environmental stewards. It’s been around since 1969 and has been organizing the annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup for four decades. According to SOLVE, litter doesn’t necessarily remain where it’s first dropped. Trash often gets carried into waterways via rain and runoff, eventually making its way into the ocean. “Protecting our waterways starts in the communities where we live, work and play,” said Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. “Every piece of litter we prevent from entering a storm drain, creek or river is one less piece that can travel downstream. The Beach & Riverside Cleanup reminds us that our actions are connected, from inland communities to rivers and ultimately to the coast.” Registration is recommended for participating in Pick It Up, Bend! All

participating volunteers will enjoy free drinks and snacks and will be entered into a drawing for Stio merchandise and a separate drawing for two tickets to Jack Johnson’s sold-out concert that night at the Amphitheater. Johnson and his wife, Kim, founded the Johnson Ohana Foundation in 2008. It’s a nonprofit public charity that promotes “positive and lasting change within communities by supporting organizations that focus on environmental, art, and music education.” Until Nov. 1, the Johnson Ohana Foundation will match every dollar donated to SOLVE through the All At Once match, including those made at Johnson’s concern and those given directly to SOLVE. While registration is recommended, it’s not required. Volunteers should meet at the Amphitheater’s west event lawn at 769 SW Columbia St. There’ll be plenty of SOLVE signs. Volunteers should wear closed-tied shoes and weather-appropriate clothing and bring a backpack and water bottle. SOLVE will provide gloves, vests, bags and litter grabbers. All ages are welcome. Pick It Up, Bend!

Sunday, Sept. 27 from 10am-Noon Old Mill District and around Hayden Homes Amphitheater 769 SW Columbia St., Bend Free

EVENTS

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT

HDFFA

FOOD + DRINK

Brew Class and Roastery Tour in Sisters Join us at the Sisters Coffee Roastery

BEER + DRINK

Corks and Cottages Open House Discov-

The High Desert Food and Farm Alliance is hosting a family-friendly scavenger hunt on the High Desert Food Trail on Saturday, Sept. 19.

High Desert Museum & Willamette Valley Vineyards: Art in the West 2026

It’ll be a night of Western art, a live-bird encounter, local artists, curated wine and small bites. Tickets include exhibit access, silent auction, wine flight and a $10 bottle credit. A portion of proceeds benefits the museum. Sept. 16, 6-8pm. Willamette Valley Vineyards, 916 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 5413066000. bend@wvv.com. $65-$55.

Rose Soiree: An HDFFA Fundraiser

Presented in partnership with Stoller Family Estates and Tumalo Lavender, featuring local wine, seasonal cuisine and live music amongst the lavender fields. Funds raised benefit the work and programs of the HDFFA. Sept. 20, 3-5pm. Tumalo Lavender, 19825 Connarn Road, Bend. Contact: info@hdffa.org. $75.

The Street Dog Hero Gala 2026 Celebrate rescue, second chances and the dogs who bring us together at an unforgettable evening benefiting Street Dog Hero. Join us at Street Dog Hero’s 4th annual gala for dinner, hosted drinks, rescue stories, live auction excitement and lifesaving impact. Since 2017, Street Dog Hero has helped nearly 4,500 dogs. Come support this great rescue. Sept. 19, 6-9pm. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon, 61980 Skyline Ranch Rd, Bend, OR 97703, Bend. Contact: info@ streetdoghero.org. $175.

EVENTS + MARKETS

Books, Brews & Tattoos This is the

ultimate event for book and tattoo lovers! Grab a themed cocktail and listen to our booksellers pitch their favorite books of the year to help you find your next perfect read, and be sure to get a fun spooky-season flash tattoos at Gold Star Tattoo. Sept. 19, 4-8pm. Black Bird Magical Tea & Tales, 191 S 5th street, Madras. Contact: 907841-0367. blackbirdteaandtales@gmail.com.

Playful Paws 3rd Annual Parking Lot Pawty Playful Paws Cat Café is celebrating

three years and 450+ adoptions! Meet adoptable cats, enjoy lounge sessions, shop vendors, eat good food and win prizes. Free and open to the public. Join us for a paw-some party! Sept. 19, 10am-2pm. Playful Paws Cat Cafe, 1465 SW Knoll Ave, Bend. Contact: 541-728-3871. april@ playfulpawscatcafe.com. Free.

FAMILY + KIDS

Hello! Storytime Hello, and welcome to

Roundabout Books Storytime! We are looking forward to sharing stories, movement and a touch of music with 0-5 year olds, geared toward those younger ages. There will be a heavy emphasis on fun, so bring your listening ears and a smile. Wed, Sept. 23, 10:30am. Roundabout Books, 900 NW Mount Washington Dr., #110, Bend. Contact: 5413066564. events@roundaboutbookshop.com. Free.

How to Prepare For a Custody Case

Learn a specific strategy to prepare for a custody case. Join Our Free Webinar: Get Expert Divorce Guidance from a Trusted Portland Divorce Attorney – Navigate the Divorce Process with Confidence. Sept. 17, 6-7pm. Contact: 971 930 4716. stevenleskin@leskinlaw.com. Free.

Kids’ Falling for Nature Bring the kids and join the Deschutes Land Trust and Mary Yanalcanlin for a fall nature exploration! Explore the pine forests of the Metolius Preserve and search for woodpeckers and the obvious signs they leave behind. Perfect for kids ages 4-10 with a grown-up in tow. Registration is required. Sept. 19, 1-3pm. Metolius Preserve, near Camp Sherman, Sisters. Contact: 541-330-0017. event@ deschuteslandtrust.org. Free. Kids’ Math Assessments and Games with Mathnasium This program is rec-

ommended for elementary and middle school children accompanied by a caregiver. Looking for some math tutoring or a place to get your kid excited about STEM? The Mathnasium of Bend team is providing free math assessments to check whether your child is meeting math standards. Sept. 18, 3-5pm. Central Library, 61956 SE Santorini Street, Bend. Contact: 541-312-1032. lizg@dpls.lib.or.us. Free.

Mom-Friend Speed Dating Looking to

find new mom-friends in Bend? Find it awkward trying to ask other moms for their numbers at the park? At mom-friend “speed dating,” everyone here is looking for their people! Sept. 20, 4-6pm. Bend Tea and Art Lounge, 1024 NW Bond St, Suite 101, Bend. Contact: 5416686708. info@ bendteal.com. $30.

New Student Member Night - Post 58

Nonprofit that aims to connect area high school students with the outdoors, and build resilience, group skills and leadership through challenging activities. These outdoor adventures occur under the guidance of experienced adults. Activities include rock climbing, backpacking, hiking, mountaineering and many other outdoor adventures. Sept. 22, 7-9pm. Marshall High School, 1291 NE Fifth St., Bend. Contact: 541-420-4349. todd@post58.org. Free.

Oktoberfest Bend This is a family-friendly celebration! Wiener dog races, Mutt Strutt Dog Show, delicious food, beer competitions and more. Sept. 19, 2-9pm. Deschutes Historical Museum, 129 NW Idaho Ave., Bend. Free. Ultimate Scavenger: The High Desert Food Trail! This first-of-its-kind,

family-friendly event transforms HDFFA’s High Desert Food Trail into an interactive adventure, where teams will travel throughout the Sisters and Tumalo area, visiting more than 15 local farms and food businesses while competing in a friendly scavenger hunt for a grand prize. Sept. 19, Noon-4pm. Tumalo Coffeehouse, 19855 Fourth St., Tumalo. Contact: partnership@hdffa. org. $10/person.

er the charm of cottage living at Touchmark while enjoying an evening of exceptional food, wine and conversation. Stroll through our beautiful cottages on a progressive tour, where each stop features a complimentary wine pairing and a chef-prepared appetizer. Sept. 16, 4:30-6pm. Touchmark at Pilot Butte, 1125 NE Watt Way, Bend. Contact: 541-330-6000. Free.

Napa Valley Continuum Estate Bar Takeover Bar takeover! Celebrated Napa

Valley winery Continuum Estate, founded by the Mondavi Family, will be in-house pouring their highly allocated wine by-the-glass. Come taste this distinctive Pritchard Hill wine in a fun and casual setting with the winery’s rep behind the bar to answer all your questions. Sept. 23, 4:30-7pm. Viaggio Wine Merchant, 210 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-299-5060. info@viaggiowine.com. Varies by purchase.

OKTOBERFEST at PROST! BEND 2026

Celebrate Oktoberfest at Prost! Bend, September 18–20! Enjoy three lively days featuring five to six unique Oktoberfest-style beers, outdoor seating, music, hosted games, festive attire, and plenty of Prost! hospitality. Bring your friends, wear your dirndl or lederhosen, and raise a glass with us. Prost! All weekend long in Bend. Sept. 18-21, 11am-11pm. Prost! - Bend, 40 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: info@prostbend.,com. FREE.

Oregon Whiskey Festival Celebrate the exceptional whiskey produced in Oregon and the distillers committed to the art and craft. Taste whiskey mashed, fermented, distilled, and aged in Oregon. Enjoy whiskey tastings, food trucks, live music, whiskey cocktails and more. VIP experience incudes exclusive tastings, whiskey trivia, VIP lounge and amenities. Sept. 18, 5:30-7pm and Sept. 19, 3-7pm. Oregon Spirit Distillers, 740 NE First St., Bend. $44.52-$161.90. PROST! - OKTOBERFEST 2026 Celebrate

Oktoberfest at Prost! Bend on Sept. 18-20! Enjoy three lively days featuring five to six unique Oktoberfest-style beers, outdoor seating, music, hosted games, festive attire and plenty of Prost! hospitality. Bring friends, wear dirndl or lederhosen, and raise a glass with us. Prost! All weekend long in Bend. Fri, Sept. 18, 3-11pm, Sat, Sept. 19, 11:30am-11pm and Sun, Sept. 20, 11:30am10pm. Prost! - Bend, 40 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: (541) 241-8180. INFO@PROSTBEND. COM. Free.

Sicilian Wine Tasting For all those Italian

wine lovers, it’s an evening with southeastern Sicily’s Cantina Gulfi and winemaker Matteo Catania, a renowned champion of Sicilian varieties. Explore this distinctive volcanic and Mediterranean terroir through the lens of Gulfi’s library and find out why Sicilian wines are today’s buzzy selections. Sept. 16, 5:30-7pm. Viaggio Wine Merchant, 210 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-299-5060. info@viaggiowine.com. $35 ($25 Wine Club).

HEALTH + WELLNESS

Return to Balance: An Equinox Sound Journey An extraordinary escape into tranquil-

ity with a harmonic journey of sound with Lynette and Kris. It’ll be a celebration of balance, renewal and inner harmony, and a morning of tranquility during this special Autumn Equinox edition of our Intuitive Sacred Sound Journey. Sept. 19, 10-11:15am. Hanai Center, 62430 Eagle Road, Bend. Contact: info@intuitivesacredsound.com. From $49.87.

Rooted HEART: Created by Nurses for Helping Professionals A 5-night, trau-

ma-informed resilience glamping immersion for nurses and healthcare professionals. Experience nervous system regulation, breathwork, somatic integration, nature immersion, expressive arts, restorative practices, chef-prepared meals, and meaningful connection in Central Oregon. Nurses may earn 46 continuing education hours. Mon, Sept. 21, 3-9pm and Every 4 days, 9am-9pm. Green Rock Retreat, 15580 Southwest Fs 5480 Road, Culver. Contact: 9712492819. christy@ enterintocalm.com. Registration required. Scholarship avail..

Sonic Bliss ~ Breath & Sound Bath

This blended event combines breath and sound to create a potent, transformational healing journey. Drop in deep into your lungs, your heart, your body and your spirit. We begin with guided breathwork flowing into 432 Hz Crystal Bowl Binaural Beats, Sitar, Koshi Chimes, live Didgeridoo and more! Transcendence abounds....Namaste. Sept. 20, 6-7:15pm. Unity Spiritual Community of Central Oregon, 63645 Scenic Drive, Bend. Contact: 808-887-0830. lisacswisher@gmail. com. $28.52.

Sunset Yoga and Sound Bath Experience an evening of movement and stillness on the farm. The session begins with a guided yoga practice, followed by a sound bath to help participants slow down, settle in and soak in the serenity of the fields at sunset. Sample the our lavender hydrosol and essential oils and close the evening with a glass of farm-fresh lavender lemonade. Fri, Sept. 18, 6:30-8pm. Tumalo Lavender, 19825 Connarn Road, Bend. Contact: tamar@tumalolavender.com. $45. Therapeutic Chakra Journey with Horses; Root Chakra Partner with horses

and work through emotional and/or physical challenges related to the root chakra. This session helps participants address and learn how to establish and maintain groundedness, a sense of safety and security, and develop a strong foundation for healing. Sept. 18, 6-8pm. Mustang Magic Equine Therapy Services, 62239 Powell Butte Highway, Bend. Contact: 541-204-1079. annette@mustangmagicequine.com. $100.

Virtual Question, Persuade, Refer QPR— an evidence-based training designed to equip people with the skills to recognize the warning signs of suicide. Learn how to **Question, Persuade, and Refer** someone who may be in crisis and discover essential resources to help save lives. Registration required. Contact Bethany.Kuschel@deschutes.org for more information. Sept. 22, Noon-1pm. Contact: 541-213-5721. bethany.kuschel@deschutes.org. Free. Yoga in the Wild Get rejuvenated and breathe in the fresh mountain air during the Yoga in the Wild series at Mt. Bachelor this summer season! Select evenings throughout the summer for a one-hour, all levels combination class of Vinyasa and Hatha yoga, taught by Mobility Duo. Thu, Sept. 17, 2-3pm. Mt. Bachelor, 13000 Century Drive, Bend. Free.

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for an immersive, hands-on class diving deep into two extraordinary single origin coffees. This small-group session blends education, sensory exploration and behind-the-scenes access to how we bring world-class coffees to life. Ticket includes a 12-ounce bag of your favorite coffee from the tasting. Sept. 18, 10-11:30am. Sisters Coffee Company—Roastery, 230 Sun Ranch Drive, Sisters. Contact: 541-549-0527. customercare@ sisterscoffee.com. $50.

CALENDAR

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CULTURE

Nighttime Benders: An Interview with Andy Hendrickson By Julia Reed Nichols

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omeone once told me they thought comedians were the philosophers of our day. I’d argue they might not know too many comedians personally — many are wonderfully flawed people — but I do believe in the sentiment. Humor matters. In a world that’s increasingly automated, impersonal and inhuman, live stand-up matters. When I moved to Bend, I knew I’d found something special. I’ve worked as a performer and producer in London, Los Angeles, New York City and Seattle, toured all 50 states, and held a residency on the Las Vegas Strip. When I landed in Bend and met our local comedy scene, I realized something hilarious was brewing in the mountains. For two years I’ve worked with our local comics at the open mics — and I’ve truly fallen in love with the scene. I’m thrilled to partner with The Source for NIGHTTIME BENDERS, a weekly comedy podcast spotlighting Central Oregon’s favorite funny faces and a community of comedians who deserve the stage – along with touring road comics stopping through town. This week I sat down with Andy Hendrickson, an LA-based comic coming to town fresh off his Dry Bar special release — 20+ years on the road, a long list of TV credits and a show at The Capitol in Bend on Oct 1. We loved getting to know Andy — and we think you will, too. A few excerpts from our chat, abridged for print: Julia Reed Nichols: Congrats on the recent success of your Dry Bar special. What was it like creating it? Andy Hendrickson: It was fun. I’d done one before, back when Dry Bar was just starting these specials — and then it became this huge thing. I’d always regretted

not doing a few jokes on the first one, back in 2018, because I didn’t know it was going to become this big; I’d been saving those jokes for late-night TV. So I had a few jokes I definitely wanted to do, plus some material I was getting ready to retire. It’s like putting together a puzzle — figuring out which joke goes where, the callbacks, piecing it all together. JRN: For the show you’re bringing to Bend, what can people expect? AH: It’ll be a lot of new material from that special. And probably a few things that have leaked over that I’m still doing. Mostly pretty clean, too — I don’t talk about anything vulgar necessarily. JRN: So can you explain what clean comedy is and how that might be different from traditional blue stand-up? AH: Clean to me is family friendly. There’s adult clean and there’s family friendly clean — I do more adult clean. Nothing vulgar, nothing really highly offensive or sensitive or mean-spirited. Does that sound right? JRN: Yeah, your comedy’s not polarizing – which is rare these days. AH: People come up to you afterward, or message you, and tell you they really needed a laugh, or thank you so much, we had such a great time. You’re like, yeah, that’s right. I’m making people laugh — that’s them forgetting about their problems for an hour and a half. That’s me patting myself on the back. Like I’m an angel. I’m a hero, really, is what I am. JRN: Yeah, well, not to make you sound like more of a hero, but I did dig around on your social media and I see you spent some time performing for our troops. How was that experience?

AH: I did. That was awesome. I come from a military family — my father, my grandfather, my two brothers, all military; Navy mostly. I went over during the Iraq war; my brother’s a Navy SEAL. I got to perform for him and some of his special teams buddies at their base. Then I went back for the 10-year anniversary of September 11th, and we were on a base in Afghanistan — I think it was in Kandahar. During my show there were about 500 soldiers packed onto a plywood stage. We’d been told: if you hear the rocket attack warning, hit the dirt — shrapnel goes up, so you’re safer down. In the middle of my show, the warning goes off, and 500 soldiers who were laughing half a second ago are all on the ground. It was very surreal. They came up: “Sir, we got the all clear. Want to do your show still?” “Yeah, sure, I’ll do it.” It was a great experience — I met a lot of wonderful people. JRN: If people want to connect with you, see your specials, or find tickets to your show, where’s the best place? AH: Everything is on my website, andyhendrickson. com. The new special is called Rabbit Hole. It’s on YouTube — only been up a week and it’s already racking up views. Stand-Up Comedy with Andy Hendrickson (from Late Night TV & Dry Bar Comedy) Thu., Oct. 1 7:30-9pm The Capitol 190 NW Oregon Ave., Bend $25

Listen to the full episode —>

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The LA-based comic and Dry Bar Comedy star makes a podcast appearance ahead of his show in Bend Oct. 1

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Big Flavors, No Shortcuts: Meet Tekka Tiger

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The award-winning Southeast Asian food cart is carving out a niche with authentic street food and a whole lot of spice

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By Donna Britt Photos courtesy Tekka Tiger

Owner Kley Dhillon with his wife Rashita and their son in front of their food cart.

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is a Tekka Tiger menu standout with tender chicken, rice vermicelli, fresh herbs and house made nước chấm.

The Pad Thai features ground pork, tamarind, garlic, bean sprouts and chives.

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end has no shortage of food carts, but finding one serving truly distinctive Southeast Asian street food is another story. That is exactly the niche Kley Dhillon and his family are carving out with Tekka Tiger, the food cart recently named The Source’s Best of Central Oregon 2026 Best New Food Cart. For Dhillon, the award is gratifying, but it’s not the finish line. Right now, he’s zeroed in on something he considers even more valuable: regulars. “Building a regular customer base is the number one resource,” Dhillon says. “Return customers are the focus right now.” That customer base is slowly taking shape at Tekka Tiger’s location near WinCo on Bend’s northside, where the cart is open Monday through Friday from 11 am to 4 pm. The family came to Bend intentionally, with a plan to bring the flavors they love from Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam to their new home. The food is unapologetically bold. Dhillon describes it as authentic Southeast Asian street food, full of big flavors and vibrant spices, and made from scratch. That includes the spice blends, curry pastes and sambals, the spicy chili-based condiments that are essential to many Southeast Asian dishes. There are no shortcuts, and that is by design. “We’re really trying to recapture all of my favorite dishes from Thailand and Malaysia,” he says. “We’re keeping the menu tight so that we can deliver.” That small menu is one of the advantages Dhillon sees in operating a food cart. Rather than trying to please everyone with a sprawling selection, he can concentrate on getting each dish right. It’s an approach that has made his current favorite, Pad Thai, something of a personal obsession. Dhillon traveled throughout Southeast Asia, where he met his wife and where the couple’s son was born. Pad Thai was everywhere during those travels, and recreating the dish has become a personal challenge. “I’ve been trying to replicate that, and I feel confident that I’m nailing it right now,” he says. “I’m very happy with it.” I tried the Pad Thai with ground pork, shrimp and tofu, and it delivered the bright, tangy flavors Dhillon is after. The rice noodles are stir fried with tamarind, garlic, egg, bean sprouts and chives, then finished with roasted peanuts and a squeeze of fresh lime. It was less peanut-heavy than some versions, allowing the tamarind and lime to shine. The accompanying prawn chips with sambal were light, crisp and intensely shrimp-flavored. The Pad Thai is also a good example of what makes Tekka Tiger different. Dhillon uses authentic ingredients, including shrimp paste, and is not interested in toning down the flavors to appeal to the broadest possible audience. “It’s a very niche market,” he says. “I think it’s the stronger plan for the long run versus watering things down and trying to appeal to a wider market.” Other menu standouts include Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken, featuring tender chicken marinated with lemongrass and seared in a wok before being served over rice vermicelli with fresh herbs

and house made nước chấm. There is also Nasi Goreng, an Indonesian and Malaysian fried rice dish made with sambal, spices, egg and fresh vegetables. The menu also includes Pad Kra Pao with pork, as well as a tempeh version with Thai holy basil, garlic and chili. Sides include garlic bok choy, stir fried vegetables, prawn chips and Jemput Jemput, fried banana fritters. The cart offers vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free choices, along with a lineup of Southeast Asian drinks including Thai tea, lychee tea, chrysanthemum tea, sugar cane juice and mango nectar. Main dishes are $18, with sides starting at $5 and drinks at $5. For Dhillon, though, Tekka Tiger is about much more than the food. He started working in restaurants at 16, washing dishes before attending culinary school. Restaurant work is essentially all he has ever known. Still, owning a food cart has presented a new set of challenges. “It’s way harder than I ever imagined,” he says. “But it definitely feels like the correct choice.” A restaurant with a larger staff has people to bounce ideas off and troubleshoot with. Running a food cart means many of those decisions fall squarely on Dhillon’s shoulders. Learning how to be a business owner while simultaneously cooking, refining recipes and serving customers can sometimes leave him feeling like he’s in his own head. Fortunately, he has family and friends in Bend’s restaurant and food and beverage community to lean on. And then there are the customers, who Dhillon says have been remarkably patient and supportive, even when things have not gone perfectly. “There have been so many times I have fallen flat on my face, burning rice or whatever,” he says. “Truthfully, we have an amazing community that is embracing, that provides feedback and that has been patient with us.” That community support is a big part of why Dhillon is optimistic about Tekka Tiger’s future. His goal is ambitious but refreshingly simple: He wants Tekka Tiger to become the Asian food equivalent of Tacos Pihuamo, the beloved local, family-owned taco cart known for authentic food, quality and affordable prices. “We want to be the Tacos Pihuamo of Asian food,” he says. It’s a goal that fits neatly with everything Dhillon says about Tekka Tiger. Keep it authentic. Keep it focused. Make the food well. Build relationships with the people who come back again and again. The Best New Food Cart award may have put Tekka Tiger on more people’s radar, but Dhillon is thinking beyond the accolades. He is thinking about the regulars, the food and the long game. “So we’re gonna keep on truckin’,” he says. “We’re all in.” Tekka Tiger

3308 N. Hwy 97, Bend Mon-Fri 11am-4pm tekkatiger.com IG:tekkatiger

LITTLE BITES By Nicole Vulcan

General Duffy’s is Up for Sale

Food cart lot and music venue will stay open while the founders seek out a new owner

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General Duffy’s owners, from left, Susan Robertson, Tanner Robertson and Dick Robertson, who announced the sale of the business this week.

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owntown Redmond food cart lot, sports bar and live music venue General Duffy’s is up for sale, its owners announced Sept. 9. The sale includes the business and its 1.4-acre, four-parcel commercial property. Co-owners Dick Robertson, wife Susan Robertson and son Tanner Robertson are, “seeking a buyer with the resources and vision to build on the established business and on the property’s development potential,” read a press release from the listing agent, Capacity Commercial Group. “Given its location, Enterprise Zone status and vertical development potential, the family believes the site could support a larger mixed-use project, including hospitality, entertainment, dining, retail or residential uses, subject to applicable zoning and government approvals.” The Robertson family opened General Duffy’s in 2019 with the idea of building a locale where locals could gather. A collection of food trucks evolved into a community event space, the Annex bar and a venue that fits up to 3,000 people, which has featured national acts that included Trace Adkins, Nate Smith and Elle King. The space has taken home numerous

awards in the Source’s Best of Central Oregon readers’ poll, including Best Bar, Best Music Venue and Best Place to Watch Live Music in Redmond. “We wanted somewhere families could bring their kids, friends could meet after work, musicians could perform, businesses could celebrate and community organizations could raise money,” the family wrote in the release. “For eight years, Central Oregon took that idea and made it something far greater than we could have built alone.” General Duffy’s sale price is listed at $5.6 million, with 2025 revenue listed as $1,911,252, according to the site BizBuySell. “Until the right people take the keys, we are operating exactly as we always have,” Tanner Robertson wrote in an email to supporters. “The beer will be cold. The food trucks will be cooking. The music will be playing. The events will continue. And my Team and I will still be here welcoming you and your family through the doors and into our space. There is no predetermined goodbye date.” General Duffy’s Waterhole 404 SW Forest Ave., Redmond generalduffys.com

BITE OF THE WEEK: BACON CHEESEBURGER SLIDERS Out and about with food writer Donna Britt This week's Bite is the Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders on the Happy Hour Menu at Washington. These little gems feature Tillamook cheddar, smoked bacon and drive-thru dressing atop a perfectly cooked mini burger on a soft slider roll. It's a perfect burger bite! —Donna Britt rounds up her favorite bites from around town each week on our Instagram @bendsource. Follow us there to stay up with the latest!

Donna Britt

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General Duffy’s

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Witches, Legacies and Cozy Cinema Practical Magic 2 conjures that nostalgia dollar By Jared Rasic Warner Bros.

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Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock conjure charisma once again.

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’ve been enjoying this recent trend of sequels getting released decades after the original. Obviously, it’s a way for a studio to cash in on existing IP by reminding fans of something they love, exploiting that nostalgia and then wringing it out for every dollar they can find. Still, I find a certain comfort in the predictability of Hollywood and its transparent machinations. They’re not fooling anybody. Yet, if we look back at recent examples, the varying degrees of success make the trend somewhat impossible to predict. The new “Scary Movie,” released 25 years after the Wayans Brothers left the franchise, was about as funny as watching an old man yell at clouds, but still managed to pull in almost a quarter of a billion dollars. “Top Gun: Maverick” landed a whopping 36 years after the first, made a billion and a half and, for my money, was a much better film than the original. Since most of these legacy sequels make an obscene amount of cash, it’s a trend that will long outlive you and me. Just in the next few years, we’re looking at sequels to (among so many others) “Meet the Parents,” “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” “The Simpsons Movie,” “The Passion of the Christ,” “Romy and Michele,” “Spaceballs,” “Shrek,” “Air Bud,” “The Mummy,” and “The Princess Diaries.” There’s now even a streaming prequel series to “Legally Blonde.” Because I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” I found myself cautiously optimistic about “Practical Magic 2” — a much-belated sequel to the cozy, New England sisterly witch flick from nearly 30 years ago. I know this is slightly sacrilegious to the mega-fandom, but as enjoyable as “Practical Magic” is as a ‘90s showcase for the wonderful on-screen chemistry between Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, I don’t love the movie as much as I wish I did. It drives me nuts that the entire plot hinges on the Owens Sisters resurrecting Jimmy Angelov, a guy who was obviously a psychopath. It makes

the sisters look remarkably less intelligent than they are when, right after they bring him back to life, he instantly tries to kill them…again. I don’t think the filmmakers intended the audience to scream at the TV, “Well, what did you think was going to happen!?!?!” While “Practical Magic 2” does a fine job adding more layers to Sally and Gillian Owens, neither character feels much like they did back in the day. The Owens curse — which says any man who falls in love with an Owens woman dies — has hardened Sally, who has lost another husband, rejected magic (again) and snarkily judges her aunties for their witchy lifestyle. Gillian is still a bit of a free spirit but she seems more reticent and subdued than the unpredictable wild child we grew to love in the original. While these are realistic ways for people to change over time, it saps a lot of the fun out of seeing these characters again. In fact, the only people who still bring that same level of playfulness that made the original a cult classic are Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing as the eccentric Aunts Jet and Frances. These always-wonderful actresses bring a joyous energy to the film that actively combats the dour seriousness of Kidman and Bullock. The one thing this sequel absolutely did not need was a pivot into lore-heavy info dumps about the Book of Raven and the Rauðskinna Grimoire, when what people really want from their “Practical Magic” is midnight margaritas and ride-or-die sisterhood. Large sections of the film are handed over to the next generation of Owens sisters, Sally’s daughters, played by Joey King and Maisie Williams. This is where the sequel, while still fitfully entertaining, becomes fundamentally broken. One of the joys of the original was watching Sally’s daughters as children, enjoying the pure excitement of being little witches. In the opening minutes of “Practical Magic 2,” Sally and a reluctant Gillian have erased the girls’ memories that magic even exists. Consequently, the entire arc of this

new film is Sally and her daughters rediscovering the joy of magic. We’ve seen that exact plotline before in the last movie. Why would we want to see it again? This is as lazy as legacy sequel storytelling gets. The lush Pacific Northwest photography of the original (beautifully standing in for Massachusetts) is replaced with overly lit, Netflix-coded cinematography. The New England vibes quickly fade for a second and third act set in a somehow less cozy English countryside. It almost seems like director Susanne Bier and her team wanted to replace everything people loved and found nostalgic about the original with a flat lifelessness that no one will remember the moment they leave the theater. Here’s the caveat: if all you really want to see is Nicole Kidman and Sandy Bullock inhabit the Owens Sisters again, having a ridiculous adventure that relies on their movie-star charisma to do almost all the heavy lifting, you’ll probably be happy. When they are acting across from each other, the movie finds a sense of purpose, but if you’re looking for something more from your lega-sequels, it’s hard to find “Practical Magic 2” to be anything other than impractically disappointing. It’s not so terrible that it ruins the original in retrospect, but it’s immensely frustrating that the studio and filmmakers did the bare minimum to exploit us for our nostalgia dollars.

“Practical Magic 2”

Dir. Susanne Bier Grade: D+ Regal Old Mill, McMenamins Old St. Francis, Sisters Movie House, Redmond Cinema, Madraas Cinema 5

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OUTSIDE Local Freerider Chases Big Air and Arlie Connolly keeps grounded by riding, working out and doing homework, while chasing big-time success in the extreme sport

46 SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE - NOW DAILY AT WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM

Gravity-Defying Tricks By Dallas Finn Calvert

Joe Owen

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rlie Connolly was 3 years old, whizzing around on training wheels while vacationing at the Oregon coast. He was having a grand time until an older kid blew by him wearing cool bike gloves. He sensed he was missing a crucial biking accessory and told his dad he simply must have his own pair. “He was, like, ‘Oh yeah? Well, only kids without training wheels get to ride with biking gloves,’” says Connolly, 20, adding with a chuckle, “I said, ‘Take them off.’ “He took them off right there, and ever since, it’s been nonstop, first me trying to keep up with my dad, and then us riding together and having fun, and then him trying to keep up with me,” said the 2024 Summit High School graduate. Arlie’s dad, Nate Connolly, 52, owner of Ridgeline Custom Homes, has raced enduro and is a veteran mountain biker. Arlie Connolly says he and his dad, along with mom, Trish, 56, deputy chief for Bend Fire & Rescue, have racked up countless family rides at Phil’s Trail, Whoops and Mt. Bachelor as he developed into a top-notch mountain biker. The younger Connolly is now on the precipice of the big time in freeride mountain biking. The extreme sport features athletes who must blend creative, intricate and dangerous moves with extended airtime and panache, all the while nailing the technical aspects of the tricks and keeping control of their bikes. Fresh off nailing some difficult tricks at July’s RW Invitational in Nanaimo, British Columbia, and August’s Woolley Fest 2026, a freeride mountain-biking festival in Sedro-Woolley, Washington, Connolly popped home to Bend for a quick visit with his family. He’s been chillaxing, fishing and seeing friends. It’s a short visit, however, as he’s got to get back on the road. He spends part of the year training in Hurricane, Utah, and then the other half traveling to pursue the sport that captured his attention at 16. “Free riding is very passion-driven,” said Connolly. “There are so many different ways to do it, and there’s so many different bikes that you can use to do what you want, and then there’s the style and your own creativity. It’s just very unique. There are no real rules or confinements. You’re not racing a clock. You’re not stuck between the tape of a racecourse.” A typical training day for Connolly includes a drive to whatever remote spot has the feature or jumps he needs to work on, and then he’ll hike and bike for several hours, practicing spins, flips and other tricks until he’s got them down pat. He also works out at a gym, doing weight training, cardio and rehabbing in the sauna. “I like to be in the gym at least three days a week. During the summer, I’m traveling a lot, so I can’t always make that happen. But when I’m able, I like to have a pretty solid routine,” Connolly said. “And then I just try and be on my bike as much as possible. Having that constant work just slowly adds up over time. “A really smart friend of mine always tells me, ‘You don’t rise to your expectations. You fall to the highest level of your preparation,’” he said. “I always just try and rely on my preparation and everything that I did to build up to the moment and being able to show up for it.”

Arlie Connolly catches massive upside-down air at the RW Invitational in July in Nanaimo, British Columbia.

He also makes time for the business side of being a professional athlete, which includes posting to his socials, answering countless emails and communicating promptly with sponsors, which include, among others, Marin Bikes, Mt. Bachelor, RockShox, Smith Optics, Spank Industries, Vee Tires and Connolly’s first-ever sponsor when he embarked on a professional career, Sagebrush Cycles. “It’s definitely tricky. You have to stay in contact with your sponsors all the time, and you have to make content and put out Instagram videos, and stay interesting, but then not fully sell out. I’m an athlete, not an influencer, so finding that balance is important, between making content that’s intriguing for the general public and helps sell my sponsors’ products, while also still being true to myself.” He also makes time for homework. Connolly is studying online at Oregon State University, where he’s majoring in psychology. He takes one day off each week, not doing any workouts or biking. Instead, he’s usually studying.

“I do a very light course load, so it’s going to take me forever to get my undergrad, but I like to look at it as training my brain,” Connolly said. “I train all of the muscles in my body, and I don’t want to neglect my brain. I can’t ride forever. It’s very difficult on the body, and I’ll only be able to ride until, at best, 45. I need to have a backup plan and think about what’s next. I think it would be really fun to be a sports psychologist or performance coach so I can take the experience I have from being a professional athlete and use it to help out the next gen.” Mentoring the next wave of riders that follows him is important to Connolly, who said he was similarly guided by local freeriding phenom Carson Storch. “I grew up looking up to him, and he took me under his wing,” Connolly said. “It’s kind of crazy riding with someone you’ve looked up to your whole life. I’ve always admired him and tried to follow in his footsteps.” Storch, 33, a graduate of Summitt High School himself, has finished third two times at the Red Bull Rampage, the pinnacle event of the freeriding world, and

Arlie Connolly

Dallas Finn Calvert

has been featured in several mountain-biking films. He’s competing at Red Bull Rampage 2026 on Saturday, Oct. 10, and says he knows he’ll see Connolly competing there in the future. “He’s a really good kid, and he’s been progressing a ton on the bike and getting out to more events around the world. I’m so proud of where he’s come from, and he’s turned into a really good riding buddy of mine,” said Storch, going on to explain that while biking skills are important in their sport, having a head for business and communication skills is vital. Storch said Connolly has it all. “He’s managing it already. He’s doing good, and then with every year, it’s just chipping away and continuing to prove your worth,” Storch said, adding it’s a “juggling act” to manage the business of biking. “You have to have a business mind with what we do to make it actually work. Financially, I think he’s taking the right steps with figuring out contracts with sponsors and networking and marketing himself. And when it comes to talent? He’s definitely a talented kid on the bike, and he’s putting in the work, so I definitely think he’s on the right track to hit it big.” Connolly has his sights set on competing in the Red Bull Rampage. He submitted a video this year but wasn’t selected. However, that’s not uncommon for a first-time submission. Many athletes try for several years before being selected. Only 18 men and 12 women are invited to compete. Riders who finished in the top 10 the previous year are automatically invited, and the rest of the spots are filled after a committee of former competitors, industry experts and others reviews video submissions. “It’s the Super Bowl of mountain biking,” Connolly said of the Rampage. “Hands down, it’s one of the biggest events in mountain biking, period. So many people want to get into it, so it’s definitely a very challenging event to get into.” While he’s not competing this year, Connolly has been selected for a coveted Rampage digger spot, working with Juan Diego “Johny” Salido. Each Rampage competitor selects two diggers who help them create, shape and maintain the jumps and tracks they use during competition, which will be held in Virgin, Utah. Salido said Connolly was an easy choice not only because he’s an “awesome human” and “really good rider,” but also because he trusts Connolly implicitly. “Arlie has spent so much time in Utah,” said Salido, 26, who lives in Mexico. “He knows the terrain, he rides there, he’s built a lot there. He knows that dirt and he knows that terrain. You’ve got to be able to trust (your

diggers), so Arlie was a perfect fit,” Salido said. Storch said it’s a huge honor for Connolly to be selected as a Red Bull Rampage digger, as it’s a nod to his up-and-coming status in the sport. “I think it’s a steppingstone towards getting invited (to compete) and just have experience with how hectic and gnarly the event is,” Storch said. After Rampage, Connolly heads to Arkansas and Mexico for competitions. In January, he’s traveling to New Zealand, where he hopes to get into Natural Selection Bike, a preeminent freeriding competition, similar in prestige to the Rampage. It’s held at Mt. Dewar in Tāhuna Queenstown, New Zealand. Between now and then, he’ll be hard at work honing the tricks that he hopes will catapult him to the top of leaderboards. His two current favorite tricks are a “flip suey” and a “flat spin,” he says. “A flip suey is when you do a backflip, and you pinch the seat with your knees, and you take your hands off upside down, so you’re pretty disconnected from the bike when you’re upside down,” Connolly explains. “And then a flat spin is a halfway mix between a flip and a 360. It’s a very floaty and fun trick that’s just very peaceful and fun to do.” And no doubt dangerous, which is something Connolly is aware of but doesn’t dwell on.

“When I was younger, I had a really hard time with tricks,” he said. “I was very anxious, and I was having a really difficult time pushing and testing my limits, but I slowly worked through that. It’s only been in the past three years that I really started stacking new tricks and progressing in that way. “I learned how to listen to my mind and also listen to what is a real fear and a worry, and what’s something that I’m just blowing out of proportion. I learned how to control not necessarily my fear, but to be able to understand it more and put it off to the side so I can look at something more realistically. “I might be scared to do something new, so I take a deep breath, and try and calm that butterfly feeling, and then I look at what is the logical execution of (the trick), and am I really scared of the execution? Am I nervous that I can’t properly execute it or am I scared that I might execute it wrong and crash? If I’m just nervous to try it, then sometimes I just have to say, ‘Screw it and go for it,’ you know? But it’s also being smart with when you say that and not just recklessly sending it.” Connolly, who’ll work in a friend’s foam pit this year to hone tricky moves, credits his holistic approach of riding, practicing and gym days with helping him stave off serious injury. “I definitely have quite a few empty Advil bottles in my history,” he said. “I’ve gotten very lucky with serious injuries. I’ve only broken two bones, but I’ve hit the ground more than a few times and been sore for a couple weeks. I definitely feel like riding and going to the gym is just helping me build strength, and I’m also building body armor.” Arlie Connolly

Arlie Connolly, left, and his mom Trish and dad Nate.

47 VOLUME 30 ISSUE 38 / SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 / THE SOURCE

At left, Arlie Connolly, then 4, shredding it at the Phil’s Trail pump track. At right, Arlie Connolly is on the precipice of the big time in freeride mountain biking.

“I learned how to listen to my mind and also listen to what is a real fear and a worry, and what’s something that I’m just blowing out of proportion. I learned how to control not necessarily my fear, but to be able to understand it more and put it off to the side so I can look at something more realistically." — Arlie Connolly

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GO HERE Post-Fire Recreating in Central Oregon By Linda English

Dirty Freehub

A fire being out — or a road appearing on your favorite mapping app — doesn’t necessarily mean the area is open or ready for recreation.

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his summer, those of us who weren’t preparing for an evacuation spent time looking for good pockets of clean air. AQI numbers had a whole new meaning. But now that fall is here, we are left with a patchwork of crispy forests, some closed forest roads and areas that will take years to recover. The key to getting back out there? Check for fire perimeters and area/ road closures Spend a few minutes doing your homework: Where did the fire burn? Is the area legally open? Central Oregon Fire Information at centraloregonfire.org is a great starting point. Watch Duty is another great source: app. watchduty.org/. Remember: a fire being out — or a road appearing on your favorite mapping app — doesn’t necessarily mean the area is open or ready for recreation. But a fire perimeter doesn’t tell the whole story. A fast-moving grassland fire near Antelope may have a very different impact on recreation than an intense forest fire through mature ponderosa pine near McKay Creek. In forested areas, hazards can remain long after the smoke clears: weakened trees can fall, culverts can fail and erosion can damage roads and trails. AI can be useful for pulling information from multiple sources. Try a prompt: “Check this route for current conditions. Look for road closures, fires and recent condition reports from credible sources. Is this area or route open?” This fall, pay particular attention to the Metolius Basin, Lake Billy Chinook and Lake Simtustus, the Deschutes River area north of Madras, the Ochoco National Forest, (areas near Post and Paulina, McKay Creek, Mitchell, Antelope, Twickenham), Dufur/Tygh Valley

and the Painted Hills/John Day Fossil Beds region. Many of these landscapes were affected by this summer’s fires. Research the recreational experience The questions we ask at Dirty Freehub include: ‘Is this still a quality experience?’ We have asked our community to report back, but Facebook and Reddit are full of niche groups with a solid chance somebody just tried to ride, hike or stay at that special place. Also remember wildfire smoke contains tiny particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. A road can be legally open while lingering smoke makes a strenuous ride a poor choice. Again, AI can be helpful because it scans across a number of resources and reports current conditions. Become the “eyes on the ground” Recreationists can also provide something land managers desperately need: eyes on the ground. When you find downed trees, washed-out roads, damaged signs and other hazards, report them to the appropriate land manager or stewardship organization. Take photos and note your exact location. Going back to the forums with current info will also help everyone. Help rebuild the places we love Central Oregon has a vast network of organizations working to care for our public lands. Don’t forget that the conservation organizations also are impacted. Join a work party! Donate to recreation organizations Donations are always appreciated to our nonprofits. But this year will be even more important as local organizations that are focused on conservation and recreation are all strained by the fires. Your funding matters!

VOLUME 30 ISSUE 38 / SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 / THE SOURCE

Before heading out to ride in a fire-affected area, spend a few minutes doing your homework

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WELLNESS

COLUMN

THE MEDICINE CABINET WITHIN HOLISTIC MEDICINE AND YOUR POWER TO BE WELL By Joshua Phillips, ND

SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE - NOW DAILY AT WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM

50

Why Am I Always So Tired?

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon (541) 316-0627 borstingmd.com

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any patients show up at our clinic frustrated with the feeling that despite their best efforts to take care of themselves, they never have the energy they want to get through the day. Many say they are eating well and exercising yet still feel tired most of the time. Low energy levels and persistent fatigue are quite common, and the explanation for it can vary greatly. There is a wide range of underlying causes to explore and rule out, ranging from outright measurable physiologic causes to issues that may be more multifactorial, and hard to pin down. It’s important to point out that the feeling of fatigue is subjective and individual — for some, deficits in energy are fleeting and inconsistent, while for others it is so persistent and debilitating that it warrants a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome. This syndrome includes severe fatigue that truly limits daily activity and is worsened by any exertion. Fatigue of this degree is often not relieved by sleep, is accompanied by cognitive issues and may even include physical pain. In these instances, chronic infections or environmental exposures may be contributing and warrant an extensive specialist work-up. Wherever someone lands on the energy spectrum, the starting point should be a thorough work-up with a health care provider who is willing to take the deep dive. The first step should be ruling out some of the most wellknown metabolic causes of fatigue. Red blood cell anemias, most typically caused by either iron deficiency or vitamin B12 deficiency, are a notorious cause of persistent fatigue and are easy to identify on lab work. If RBCs are too small (may be iron deficiency) or too big (B12 deficiency) they are inefficient at delivering oxygen to every cell in the body. If this exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide is compromised in our bodies, fatigue is inevitable. Be sure your provider runs a ferritin level on labs as well, as this can be a “hidden” clue to what is going on beneath the surface regarding the body’s ability to produce a healthy red blood cell. The endocrine system and its hormone levels are an area of metabolism that is also important to explore for concerns of fatigue. Low thyroid function (hypothyroidism) is at the top of the list of medical causes and is very

identifiable in lab work. Additionally, there is a relationship between thyroid function, adrenal function, cortisol, insulin and blood sugar levels that gets a bit more complex and is worth exploring with a holistically oriented medical provider. In some cases, thyroid hormone levels are fine, while the daily rhythm of adrenal function and associated hormones may be taxed and out of balance, causing fluctuations of cortisol, insulin and blood sugar that will contribute to fatigue. This phenomenon becomes a place where the endocrine system meets lifestyle, how we are eating and sleeping, as well as stress levels. In these instances, the solutions may include beneficial supplements but commonly require new levels of self-care and upgrades in lifestyle or diet, in order to tap into the ever-present “medicine cabinet within” for healing and improvement in energy levels. Sleep might be worth mentioning here, as roughly a third of Americans report getting less than the recommended minimum of seven hours of sleep nightly, while up to 20% of adults report difficulty falling or staying sleep, and up to half of adults report not feeling at all refreshed upon waking in the morning. The vast majority of this could be addressed with the very grandmotherly advice of “Go to bed earlier, turn off your phone and TV by 9pm, go for a walk after dinner and spend five minutes writing in a journal before bed to get those thoughts out of your head.” Thanks Grandma, because these really do help, but in some cases there are also very real medical issues of sleep apnea/nighttime hypoxia that need to be addressed to allow for truly rejuvenating sleep, which is absolutely crucial for energy the next day. While this discussion is far from comprehensive for issues causing persistent fatigue, it does address some of the most common reasons. Often the combination of honest reflection of one’s lifestyle and diet alongside a thorough medical work-up will help one turn the corner toward greater energy and vitality. -Joshua Phillips, ND is a naturopathic physician and the director at Hawthorn Healing Arts Center in Bend, Oregon. He can be reached at docnaturecure@gmail. com with questions or comments.

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CRAFT

REAL ESTATE

Flush with Fresh Hops Festivals Three breweries, three hopportunities to celebrate peak freshness

51 VOLUME 30 ISSUE 38 / SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 / THE SOURCE

By Brian Yaeger

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here are those who’ve equated pouring, including, naturally, Three Oregon’s fresh hops beers with Creeks’ annual Conelick’r. A twist is Beaujolais Nouveau wines in Beau- that instead of its usual Centennial jolais, France, where Gamay grapes hops, it has been fresh-hopped with an are grown. But whereas Beaujolais experimental hop derived from CenNouveau is a wine celebration tennial grown by BC Hop Ranch, that honors the harvest by a fourth-generation hop farm / Unsplash ant eschewing the mantra, “no in Woodburn, Oregon. F sy is wine before its time,” Among the tap list fresh hop beers reprewill be a hazy IPA made sent the apex of tasting with new industry darthis year’s hop harvest ling varietal Luminosa at a near-impossible (said to impart peach peak of perfection. The lemonade flavors) as hops, after all, are lovinga Three Creeks collably introduced to brew ketoration with Portland’s tles across Oregon (and most D&D-themed brewpub TPK of the PNW) mere hours after being (“total party kill” in D&D parlance), plucked off their bines in hop farms a unique fresh-hopped mead (honey throughout the Willamette Valley. wine) from Three Creeks’ neighbors And lucky us: Central Oregon will in Sisters, Lazy Z Ranch Wines, and host not one, not two, but three fresh a fresh-hopped Japanese lager from hop fêtes coming soon. Three Creeks Portland’s Wayfinder. Brewpub in Sisters brings back what Finally, Bend Brewco brings back had been its signature event, Sisters Fresh Hops on the Pond on Oct. 2 and 3, Fresh Hops Fest, plus Bend Brewing converting what had been their World Company’s Fresh Hops on the Pond Cup viewing party venue into one that founded in 2017, and a new event host- should draw just as many fans turned at the revamped Crux Fermentation ing out to celebrate the best mashletes Project beer garden. in the world. BBC will have five differSadly for beer lovers in, well, every ent fresh hop beers available includpart of the world that isn’t proximate ing three IPAs (Fresh Trop as the fresh to the Willamette Valley or Washing- hop iteration of their Tropic Pines ton’s Yakima Valley (where nearly all brewed with field-fresh Simcoe hops, American hops are grown), the very Keyboard Warrior which won gold in concept of a fresh hop beer remains for- the 2025 Oregon Beer Awards thanks eign. Breweries located more than mere to delectably pungent Citra hops and hours from these twin hubs, should they Party Laps employing Mosaic hops). attempt to utilize freshly plucked cones The two-day celebration will feature brimming with resinous lupulin, would fan favorites Great Notion Brewing — see the addition of brown, stale and typ- and since that keg always kicks quickically moldy hop cones. Hop degrada- ly, BBC has procured a second keg of a tion is measured in hours, not days. separate freshy from IPA wizards Great The first date on said calendar is the Notion to ensure the Sunday crowd also new Crux Hoptoberfest on Sept. 26. It gets access. It’s a distinct beer from day will feature some brews from the Ore- one so returnees will be rewarded. Then gon Beverage Collective, formed ear- again, living in the middle of the hop lier this year with the merger of five industry is reward enough. local fermentation specialists includHoptoberfest at Crux Fermentation ing Crux (repped by a pair of freshProject ies including Fresh Is Best made with Sat., Sept. 26, 2-7pm Centennial hops from fourth genera50 SW Division St., Bend tion hop farm, Goschie Farms), Silver Moon and GoodLife (fresh hop Sweet Sisters Fresh Hops Fest at Three As) meaning fresh hop beers from Creeks Brewpub them are expected alongside Sunriver Sat., Oct. 3, Noon-8pm and, hailing from Portland, Hopworks. 791 S. Desperado Ct., Sisters Three Creeks used to host the Sisters Fresh Hops Fest at its proFresh Hops on the Pond at Bend duction facility but now that it’s shutBrewing Co. tered, the party moves to the brew Fri., Oct. 2-Sat. Oct. 3, 11am-10pm pub’s back patio on Oct. 3. More than 1019 NW Brooks St., Bend a dozen examples of the style will be

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62422 McClain Dr Experience the best of both worlds on this pristine 2.5-acre lot in the soughtafter Westgate subdivision. Designed for those who value both nature and convenience, this property features direct access to the scenic trails of Shevlin Park while remaining connected to the modern amenities of Discovery West and Northwest Crossing. This is a unique chance to build your legacy home on a private, well situated lot. Septic feasibility is complete—bring your builder and start planning your custom escape.

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This distinctive 4-bedroom, 2,896-square-foot residence sits on .63 private acres and was designed for those who value experiences as much as amenities. Step from the expansive deck to the river,

fish or paddle from your own backyard, gather friends beneath the trees, or simply enjoy the peace and privacy of this extraordinary setting. With over 1,150 square feet of finished, heated garage and gear space, there's room for bikes, boats, skis and every pursuit that makes Central Oregon special. Guest accommodations add flexibility for family and friends. Minutes from Bend's dining, culture and recreation, yet worlds away from ordinary. This isn't simply a home on the river—it is a lifestyle on the Deschutes.

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TAKE ME HOME

By Nathan Powers Engel Volkers Bend

The Buyer’s Market Has Changed. Have You?

1. Am I negotiating the price—or the entire deal? The best deal isn’t always the one with the lowest purchase price. Buyers may be able to negotiate seller-paid closing costs, repairs, interest-rate buydowns or other terms that can meaningfully affect the overall cost of the purchase. A $10,000 price reduction may sound better than a $10,000 concession, but depending on the buyer’s circumstances, the opposite could be true. 2. What am I really getting for my money? Buyers should consider the complete transaction, including financing, condition, inspection findings, concessions, ongoing costs and long-term value. A slightly higher-priced home with favorable terms may ultimately be a better deal than a cheaper home with little room for negotiation.

3. How much leverage do I have— and how should I use it? The strongest negotiations are based on evidence: How long has the property been on the market? Has the price been reduced? How does it compare with recent sales? What competing homes are available? Is the seller offering concessions? Just as important is knowing when to push, when to compromise and when to walk away. The goal isn’t to “win” the negotiation. It’s to buy the right home on the right terms. 4. Am I waiting for a better market— or waiting for certainty? Waiting for the perfect combination of lower rates, falling prices and abundant inventory may mean waiting for a market that never arrives. Instead, buyers should focus on whether a home fits their needs and whether the numbers make sense for their situation today. Today’s buyers have access to more information than ever, including online tools and artificial intelligence. But information isn’t the same as local knowledge, experience or negotiation skill. AI can help a buyer understand what concessions are possible. An experienced real estate advisor can help determine which concession to pursue, how much to ask for and how to structure the offer. The Bend market may have changed. For buyers, the opportunity isn’t simply having more leverage. It’s knowing what to do with it.

HOME PRICE ROUNDUP << LOW

731 NE Union Loop, Prineville 4 bed, 2.5 bath, 2,547 square feet, .2 acres lot Built in 2022 $524,900 Listed by Micalene Stafford of Engel & Völkers Bend | Sisters

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56556 Caldera Springs Court Lot #40, Bend 3 bed, 4 bath, 1,809 square feet, .25 acres lot Built in 2009 $999,900 Listed by Shannon McNeil and Michelle Rea of Engel & Völkers Bend | Sisters

<< HIGH

3154 NW Strickland Way, Bend 4 bed, 3 bath, 2,503 square feet, .18 acres lot Built in 2023 $1,795,000 Listed by Natalie Nolte of Engel & Völkers Bend | Sisters

53 VOLUME 30 ISSUE 38 / SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 / THE SOURCE

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he Bend housing market has shifted in ways that give buyers more room to negotiate — and they’re starting to take advantage of it. More options, longer days on market and a growing willingness from sellers to negotiate have created opportunities for buyers to be more selective and strategic. But having leverage and knowing how to use it are two very different things. One of the clearest signs of this shift is seller concessions. Year to date, 43.9% of closed single-family homes in Bend have included a concession — the highest percentage ever recorded. Before making that offer, here are four questions.

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DO WHAT MAKES YOU SMILE!

ASTROLOGY By Rob Brezsny VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): If I were writing this horoscope for the Gun Lovers' Gambling Porn website, I might counsel my Virgo readers to maintain strict control over their wickedness, debauchery, and decadence. Why? Because now is a time when vices and sins are even more likely than usual to sow chaos and spawn big messes. However, since you are reading my oracle in a more genteel publication and are almost certainly a refined person of high integrity, I’m confident there will be minimal uproar if I dare you to tap into your raw animal energy and unruly instinctual nature. I believe it’s time to at least experiment with wilder aspects of your deep self. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): The Real You and the Semi-Real You have been embroiled in a showdown with the False You. This is as tough and heroic a struggle as you’ve had to deal with in quite some time, though it has often been subtle and partially cloaked. I am of course rooting for the Real You and the Semi-Real You to emerge victorious from the conflict, though I also hope you don’t feel the need to humiliate and crush the False You. That part of you has sometimes served a valuable purpose and doesn’t deserve to be trashed. And what will become of the Semi-Real You after this drama is finished? I suggest you give it a modest place in your repertoire. Like the False You, it sometimes proves to be useful. SCORPIO (Oct. 23Nov. 21): Humming-

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The Happy Girls run is authorized under a special use permit issued by the Deschutes National Forest

Fall Arts

&

Style

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In chemis-

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birds can fly backward. They’re the only birds capable of sustained reverse flight. This requires extraordinary wing flexibility and energy expenditure, but it gives them access to nectar that forward-only fliers have more difficulty sampling. Let’s treat this as a useful metaphor for you in the coming weeks, Scorpio. It may be that your progress and success won’t always come from advancing. Some rich resources may require the equivalent of reverse flight. Consider returning to conversations you thought were finished, revisiting places you'd mentally filed away as "done," and extracting value from sources you've already passed by.

ON STANDS: SEPT 24

try, catalysts are substances that accelerate reactions without being consumed in the process. A tiny amount of catalyst can dramatically transform how quickly elements combine. An example is the enzyme catalase in our cells, which breaks down hydrogen peroxide (a byproduct of our metabolism) into water and oxygen millions of times faster than it would decompose on its own. I believe you are now in a phase when your catalytic powers are at a peak, Sagittarius. Be careful where you point that potency of yours! Make sure you really want to change what you’re capable of changing.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Every species

adapts to its surroundings. Even harmful microbes evolve over time in order to survive. Syphilis, for instance, was once ferociously swift and deadly, but that intensity limited how far it could spread. So a gentler strain gradually evolved that allowed its hosts to live longer and pass it on more widely. Let this serve as a metaphor for how you handle your dark moods, odd compulsions, and brief bouts of craziness. Befriend the mild, manageable versions of these states and give them space to be felt and understood. Over time, the harsher, more destructive versions will lose ground and fade from power.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Paleontologists

know that some dinosaurs traveled in herds with a specific formation: the most vulnerable members gathered in the center, protected by stronger individuals on the perimeter. It was a savvy way to run things, ensuring the group would thrive. I hope you're willing to borrow some dinosaur wisdom, Aquarius. The coming weeks will be a good time to apply it to your own life. Who or what needs protection? What vulnerable projects or relationships deserve to be surrounded and shielded? Are you willing and able to use your strength to guard

what's tender and growing? Be a shepherd, a steward, a defender.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In ancient times, Hawaii's Coconut Island was renowned for its healing powers—but on one condition. Those who sought its medicinal help couldn’t just expect the local spirits to do all the work, but had to take part in awakening the magic. Legend tells us that a seeker could be cured by swimming three times around the island. This participatory approach to healing mirrors your current situation, Pisces. You are close to a source of renewal, but if you hope to unlock its full strength, you must coax it out with your ingenuity. ARIES (March 21-April 19): Realities you’ve

been oblivious to will soon pop into view. Hints and signals you’ve been unconsciously pushing away will start flocking toward you. A lingering emotional numbness will thaw, and surges of feelings will pour into your awareness. Warning! At first, it may feel like an overload: too much sopping wet data arriving too quickly for you to organize or interpret. If you’re willing to be patient and focus on slowly metabolizing the influx, though, the apparent chaos will ultimately weave itself into a luminous web of new understanding.

TAURUS (April 20May 20): In Peru’s An-

dean mountains, Indigenous and smallholder farmers cultivate a rich diversity of potato varieties, continuing a farming tradition rooted in the crop’s domestication thousands of years ago. Each variety thrives in slightly different soil, altitude, and climate. By planting many types at once, the farmers ensure that at least some crops will flourish no matter what conditions arise. I suggest you apply this way of thinking to your own life in the coming weeks, Taurus. Diversify your efforts instead of depending on a single plan or expectation. Plan for multiple small initiatives that will evolve with unique growth patterns.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In biology, many

organisms survive harsh or unpredictable conditions by entering dormancy. This is a reversible state of greatly reduced metabolism and development. Seeds, spores, and the dormant stages of some small animals can remain viable for years until cues such as water, temperature, light, or nutrients signal that conditions are favorable again. Then they can resume growth, development, or activity, often rapidly. I suspect you may experience a comparable upsurge in the coming weeks, Gemini. A project or aspiration that seemed inert may reawaken and reignite.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Novelist Kurt

Vonnegut advised us to try some task that scares us every day of our lives. That may be a viable experiment for a Scorpio like him, but is it a wise prescription for us Cancerians, who like to feel secure and protected? Normally, I would say no. I’d recommend that you and I dare ourselves to wrestle with one of our fears no more than once per month. But the coming weeks may warrant a departure from our typical rhythms. I suspect we can fortify our long-term safety and peace through more frequent encounters with unpredictable episodes that rouse our hidden reserves of courage.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): The ancient Greeks be-

lieved that the goddess Harmonia presided over the blending of opposites into balanced beauty. Her dad was the god of war and her mom the goddess of love, so she had a lot of practice. In her line of work, tension between different forces could produce elegant unity rather than conflict. In alignment with astrological omens, I've appointed Harmonia to be your guardian angel in the coming weeks, Leo. I urge you to call on her dynamically and frequently. Rifts and splits and divisions that have never before been possible to heal are now swayable by the collaborative efforts of you and the goddess.

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THE REC ROOM Crossword

By Brendan Emmett Quigley

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

D I E T S

K N O W letters D Iread ET Sto right and top to bottom will complete the quote: The highlighted left read The highlighted letters left to right and top to bottom will complete the quote: “Iexactly wonder what the most intelligent thing ever said was that started with the word 'dude.' once. “I wonder what the most intelligent thing ever said was that started with the word 'dude.'

'Dude, these are isotopes.' 'Dude, we removed your kidney. You're gonna be fine.' 'Dude, 'Dude, these are isotopes.' 'Dude, we removed your kidney. You're gonna be fine.' 'Dude, I am I am _______ this Nobel Prize. I just wanna thank Kevin, and Turtle, and all my _______ this Nobel Prize. I just wanna thank Kevin, and Turtle, and all my homies.'” homies.'” The highlighted letters read left to right and top to bottom will com —`Demetri Martin - Demetri Martin

We’re Local!

N W T Questions, comments or suggestions for our local Puzzle for the week of September 2026 puzzle guru? E 14,W 55 Email PearlLevel: Stark at ●○○○ Difficulty pearl@bendsource.com E W SN W T I © Pearl Stark E W I D K Difficulty Level: ●○○○mathpuzzlesgames.com/quodoku E W S I T W IOD K O T W E T S E T S I I S K E S K E O KO K D E I D E I Fill in every row, column, and 3x3 box with each of the letters K N O W

★

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

Difficulty Level

VOLUME 30 ISSUE 38 / SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 / THE SOURCE

©2021 Brendan Emmett Quigley (www.brendanemmettquigley.com)

“Chemical Attractions”

Pearl’s Puzzle

Puzzle for the week of September 14, 2026

“I wonder what the most intelligent thing ever said was that starte Answer for the week September 07, 2026 'Dude, these isotopes.' 'Dude, we removed your kidney. You're ANSWER TO LASTofare WEEK'S PUZZLES I am _______ this Nobel Prize. I just wanna thank Kevin, and Tur & 2 , 1 6 6 3 , 7 * $ 0 ( O M N I V E K L W homies.'” 3 ( 1 $ / / $ : 8 1 7 , ( I E K M L W N O V ( $ * / ( ( < ( % ( 7 ( / L W -V KDemetri O N I Martin E M 6 0 $ / / 6 & 5 ( ( 1

ACROSS 1 Get a handle on 6 “Doctor Who” actress Whittaker 11 Sleepover cover-ups 14 Instant coffee brand 15 Sch. approximately 3 miles from the Liberty Bell 16 Org. that provides jump starts 17 Boring discussions? 19 Record Store Day purchases 20 Salesman’s speech 21 Civil War reenactor’s instruments 23 Anarchic 26 Caviar-topped pancake 27 Really hates 28 Some Jeans styles 31 Lays cable 32 Richard in the original “Oceans 11” 33 “Vous le regardez” 34 Alternative to a Strat 35 Course equipment 36 “Move it!” 37 “___ seen enough” 38 Unified 39 Indian paste made from cannabis leaves 40 Number considered while building a sports team 42 “Sensational” entertainment in “Brave New World” 43 Ingredients in a KFC Chicken Burger (China-only, boo!) 44 Bothered 45 Gandhi’s first name 47 Spars on yachts 48 Sea bream in sushi 49 Narcotic drug done secretively 54 Pixel brain 55 Czar’s edict 56 Apple in Apple Music 57 Pants line 58 Morning start, for some 59 Title with a tilde

DOWN 1 Clock setting the UAE 2 Armantrout who won the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry 3 “... was there more?” 4 Where many go downhill fast 5 Penniless people 6 Burlap fibers 7 Gem with an ever-changing hue 8 St. with more businesses than residents 9 They’re interpreted in Rorschach tests 10 Kind of bathroom 11 Shopping center that sells papal bands? 12 Tease 13 Attitude 18 Flubbed field goal 22 Supplements store 23 Milk-based 24 Cold sore medicine brand 25 Where Moby Dick speaks? 26 Good, in Gabon 28 “The Fault in Our Stars” director Josh 29 Change in the Canadian market 30 Slightly burned 32 Footwear with holes in them 35 Japanese golfer in the World Golf Hall of Fame 36 Gooey Southern dessert 38 Quick impressions 39 Lists of superlatives 41 Hindu honorific 42 Like marathon winners 44 Sultan’s seraglio 45 Desire to do something 46 Mullet’s coverage 47 Flatland 50 CVS shot 51 Lithium ___ battery 52 First word in Selena’s “La Carcacha” 53 Scuff up

E O M N K L V W I : 2 . 6 + , 6 6 6 7 $ ' ( ) 7 , 3 7 2 3 , 5 ( V L Wfor O the I Mweek E K of N September 07, 2026 Answer $ 5 , ' 6 7 , ( 6 1 ( 6 K N I W E V L M O 6 7 2 5 0 & ( / / $ 5 6 M V E L W I O N K O I MO ENN IK MV V EL K L(/ 21W0, 5( 6( + 6 0, (9 6( 67 +7 &6 W NI K E L VKMM O W ( 6 7 ( 6 + ( $ L I WE N O$ *V( Diner: “Give me a cup of coffee without cream.”

L W V K O N I E M E O M N K L V W I VPearlL Stark W O I M E K N © www.mathpuzzlesgames.com/quodoku K N I W E V L M O M V E L W I O N K W I O E N K M V L N K L V M O W I E

1 ( : & $ 5 6 0 ( / / , 3 , $ / 2 1 0 ( 7 (

Waiter: “You’ll have to take it without milk. We’ve no 7 9 6 ( 5 , ( 6 Diner: “Give me a cup of coffee without cream.” cream.” 6 We’ve & + : , 1 1 6 Waiter: “You’ll have to—take without milk. no cream.” JohnnyitHines 3 5 2 7 ( * ( ( - Johnny Hines

/ ' ( '

Diner: “Give me a cup of coffee without cream.” Waiter: “You’ll have to take it without milk. We’ve no cream.” - Johnny Hines © Pearl Stark www.mathpuzzlesgames.com/quodoku