Never before have so many options been available to help you find the Stressless recliner that's just right for you. Most of our Stressless recliners are available in three sizes. We wanted to make sure that everyone is able to experience total relaxation, whatever their height or body shape. There are various bases, wood types and luxurious leather collections to choose from so that you can create the chair of your dreams. With so many unique options, all your requirements can be met and you'll find the perfect furniture to match your home.
• Extensive selection of outdoor furniture
• Enduring quality craftsmanship
• Award-winning customer service
Local Love
While we teeter between the chill of January Winter and the excitement of Spring, we hope you’ll be inspired to take a moment to come together with the people in your life. “Love local” not only means those you hold dear, but local businesses and people you connect with in your neighborhood and in our community.
This issue is about taking notice and celebrating what’s to love in our community. Each of the stories in this issue have a common thread: community and connection.
On the following pages, we introduce you to local powerhouse Shanan Kelley, a comedian and writer who makes a difference in this world with her humor and creativity. This issue also showcases the creations of fiber artist Megan Leedom, whose art is infused with organic textures that inspire her as a long-distance hiker. She is empowered also by the community of artists at The Workhouse here in Bend. This issue also introduces you to Bluebird Oral Surgery, who recently rebranded to reflect a message of hope and renewal to the patients and community they serve.
And to honor our “Local Love” theme, we’ve compiled a list of a few things that locals love about Bend. From being both “Dog Town USA” and “Beer Town USA”, to the recreational scene, food trucks, and Sparrow Bakery’s famous ocean roll, this is a quick reminder of why we choose to live here. Our hope is that this issue will inspire you to love Bend a bit more than you did before.
Thank you for sharing your stories and reading ours.
JANE RIAL, PUBLISHER
February 2025
PUBLISHER
Jane Rial | jane.rial@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Lynette Confer | lynette.confer@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sue Baldani, Sue G. Collins, Lynette Confer, Julie E. Furnas
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Cyr Beckley, Sierra Confer, Maile Mason, Jesse Polay, Lindsay Russell, Natalie Stephenson, The Shadow Bear Media, Toni Toreno
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Finding
Local
Want to make sure your finances are on track ? Let’s schedule a quick chat to review your financial goals.
Equilus Capital Partners Celebrate One Year Anniversary
Equilus Capital Partners recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of their first Central Oregon office located in NW Crossing. Financial Advisor Mike Musco (above) heads up the Bend office, bringing diverse experience from his background in a trust and estate management firm as well as from his Business and Finance Manager roles with Microsoft. The firm, based in Wenatchee, WA is a private capital equity firm that takes a holistic approach to investing and financial management with a focus on income-producing real estate.
Photography by Maile Mason
2025 Sunriver Brewing Co. K9 Keg Pull Benefits
Ronald McDonald House
The 2025 Sunriver Brewing Co. K9 Keg Pull takes place on February 1 in the Village at Sunriver. Entry fee is $25 per dog and all proceeds from the Keg Pull will benefit the Ronald McDonald House. This event will have dog related vendors on site, along with Bend VW Photo Bus for commemorative photos. Participants and spectators are encouraged to donate dog food for the Humane Society of Central Oregon and enter to win some great prizes. VillageatSunriver.com
Central Oregon Community College Artist Talk – Betty LaDuke
For over 60 years, LaDuke has traveled the globe as an artist and activist. In 2021, she began an artistic journey with her Turtle Wisdom pieces. Turtles became her symbolic storytellers, offering observations on current events. LaDuke’s Turtle Wisdom exhibit will be on display at COCC’s Barber Library Rotunda from January 6 to March 25. LaDuke will give an artist talk on February 19 at 5:30 p.m. in the West Wing Reading Room, Barber Library. Free and open to the public. COCC.edu
Photography by Sierra Confer
Goecks
Shanan Kelley at Scalehouse, a multidisciplinary contemporary arts center in Bend.
LOCAL Comedian and Writer SHANAN KELLEY
In the heart of our community stands a woman who wears many hats and is a testament to versatility and connection. Shanan Kelley is a comedian, writer, emcee and yoga instructor, among other roles. She brings an authenticity to all she does and her passion for building community clearly drives her work.
Balancing these roles is not always easy, but Kelley is dedicated to using her unique skill set to uplift others and foster a sense of belonging and togetherness. Her journey is a reminder that humor, creativity, and heart can be powerful tools for making a difference.
When asked to name her primary professions, Kelley says, “I usually start by saying I’m a writer and entertainer. But I am also an emcee for conferences, awards shows and fundraisers, and a benefit auctioneer.” Notably, through her work as an emcee and benefit auctioneer, Kelley has helped redistribute millions of dollars for purpose-driven organizations in Central Oregon and along the west coast. She is also a yoga instructor at Groove Yoga.
Kelley might be best known locally as the creator and host for “The Night Light Show,” Bend’s longest running comedic variety show that she started in 2013. Featuring scripted content and audience interaction, this show serves as a showcase for Kelley’s talent as a comedian, entertainer, writer and facilitator and can be experienced seasonally each year.
Finding Laughter, Love and Meaning Along the Winding Path of Life
ARTICLE BY LYNETTE CONFER PHOTOGRAPHY BY CYR BECKLEY
Kelley grew up in Washington and attended college at the University of Washington in Seattle where she studied theatre. “I received excellent training for the stage and screen and began acting and performing in Seattle,” notes Kelley. Her first experience doing stand-up comedy was at age 22. “I think growing up in a funny family is how all of this got started.”
To support herself while she was pursuing acting, performing and writing, Kelley decided to go back to school to become an esthetician. At the age of 25, she had an opportunity to open her own skin care studio.
“It was successful pretty quickly and I spent several years in spa management and ownership, and performing took a back seat.”
A trip to Bend 15 years ago to reopen a business whose doors had closed brought Kelley here. And, she stayed, creating a home, crafting a career on stage and off, and building relationships that sustain her and bring others together with a real sense of community.
With a heart-centered approach to life, Kelley fully embraces every opportunity that has appeared before her, even those that lead to what some might have seen as detours along the way. “I’m at a point in my life right now where I’m reflecting a lot on my different decisions. I do think that you could make a case for just allowing things to come to you. It’s amazing, but there are certainly things I would have never pursued, but that just came my way and fit my skill set,” Kelley remarks.
“If I had to name my skills, I would say I am a good listener, a good writer, I have the skill of humor that can go in many different directions,” she states. “But I think I am also really good at holding space for people to be together and connect with each other.” One thing she really enjoys is on-stage moderation facilitation, whether it’s a panel or one-on-one interview. “It’s really such an interesting way to story tell, and inclusive to the audience.”
Everything Kelley does really comes down to managing the energy in a room. “Whether it’s oneon-one, a yoga class with 30 people or an event with 500 people, it’s all the same skill set, just a different context,” she explains. Indeed, her personal and
professional life is all about human connection. “My responsibility is to hold the highest vision for us. When I remind myself of that, I immediately feel peace and I can move forward.”
Obviously, laughter is essential in Kelley’s life. But what sets her comedic style apart is that she uses her gift not just to entertain, but as a tool for good. “Now that I am older and have more life experience, it has become really important to me to use the opportunities I have on stage to present something meaningful.”
“Comedy, in my opinion, is the most noble of professions and I feel extraordinarily lucky to be able to relate to people in this way,” Kelley states. “Laughter is so healing — emotionally, but also physiologically. It also brings people together in a really special way. It helps us stay in the room when things are uncomfortable. It breaks the tension. It’s how we get through the stressful times. I was acting as a caretaker for my dearest friend at the end of her life and while it was very serious and sad and all of the things…we also laughed together a lot. I’ll never forget that.”
As for her future goals, Kelley is in the final stages of writing her first feature length screenplay. “It’s an idea I’ve been sitting on for almost a decade, so it feels good to finally be bringing it to life and I hope this is a shift towards more opportunities to write my own projects,” she remarks.
“I really want to be able to take good care of myself and my family so we can enjoy our time together. I want to invest in my community. I want to live a good life. I want to become a good friend, as friendships are one of the greatest gifts we are given while we are here,” adds Kelley.
In today’s world, it is rare to find someone who can so effortlessly meet others where they are, offering connection through kindness, humor and integrity. Kelley has a remarkable ability to tap into the humanity all around us, finding inspiration and reminding us that laughter isn’t just a momentary escape — but a bridge to understanding, healing and growth.
ShananKelley.com
Thank you to the following contributors:
Locations: Tower Theatre & Scalehouse
Fashion: Hot Box Betty
Jewelry: Coya Jewelry
Artwork: Michael Boonstra
Shanan Kelley serves as Director of Development for the Kaycee Anseth Legacy Foundation, a local nonprofit founded to honor the life of local artist, musician and activist Kaycee Anseth who was a dear friend of Kelley's. This organization offers grants to Central Oregon artists. For info: KayceeAnsethLegacyFoundation.org.
PROVIDING HOPE AND RENEWAL THROUGH SPECIALTY SURGICAL CARE
Living to Serve
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI
A highly trained team is dedicated to the care of each patient who walks through their doors.
(l to r): Dr. Amir Azari, Dr. Mark Schlam and Dr. Garrett Welch.
Photo credit: Natalie Stephenson
Photo credit: Natalie Stephenson
Bluebird Oral Surgery is housed within an original farmhouse, still flanked by an old growth apple orchard. Photo credit: Natalie Stephenson
We consider ourselves to be caretakers of the human experience, adding value to people's lives while they're with us.
—Dr. Garrett Welch
Board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons Dr. Amir Azari, Dr. Mark Schlam, and Dr. Garrett Welch continue a legacy of caring and commitment in the Bend community. Established by Dr. Richard Schock in 1972, this oral surgery practice is the original oral surgery practice in our area of the state.
When the founding Dr. Schock retired, his son Dr. Todd Schock dedicated his own extraordinary effort to this service until his retirement and passing. Dr. Azari, Dr. Welch, and Dr. Schlam enjoy more than thirty years of combined experience, atop the fifty years of continuous care from this father-son duo. The practice continues to deliver the highest quality of compassionate care.
In a signal of their gentle personalities and engagement with people, the practice is now known as Bluebird Oral Surgery. Conveying hope and renewal, the three doctors are honored to treat prior and new patients.
“We often find ourselves with patients who had been treated here as youngsters and who are now being treated again for new needs,” says Dr. Welch. “We also see the beauty of long
relationships as families grow and children and grandchildren visit us.”
The entire atmosphere of the practice evokes serenity, evident in the grounds and architecture. The structure itself derives from an original farmhouse, and is still flanked by an old growth apple orchard near the base of our prominent and scenic cinder cone Pilot Butte. Astoundingly, a purposeful and productive garden graces the campus and enriches the feeling of peace.
“We cultivate the earth alongside nourishing people which is a reflection, once again, of the hope we feel and of our investment in people and their experiences,” he says. “Much of what Dr. Todd and Dr. Dick Schock established is still manifested here. We consider ourselves to be caretakers of the human experience, adding value to people's lives while they're with us.”
The team is genuinely warm and kind, as you’d anticipate. “We’re setting the stage for a safe and comfortable environment,” says Dr. Schlam. “We have a highly trained team that embodies our values.
Our entire team is dedicated to the care of each individual. This is evident throughout each person’s course of care. We deliberately schedule generous time for patients to feel completely comfortable and confident before, during, and after procedures. We listen deliberately to every person.”
Common procedures include expert removal of wisdom teeth, dental implants, corrective jaw surgery, complex full arch rehabilitation, and sleep apnea surgery.
All three doctors enjoy working in our small (and growing!) town. “It allows us to have the flavor of the practice, which is specific and very deliberate in its approach in taking care for patients, without the hustle and bustle of a bigger city,” says Dr. Azari. “It just fits hand in glove with how we want to practice and how we want to live.”
Speaking of living, they love spending time outside with their families, and Central Oregon is ideal for that. “Being sort of nestled alongside the mountains, this area offers so much for us and our families,” says Dr. Azari. “We all love to ski and bike, and just be outdoors.”
“The setting is a really lovely part of the appeal and why I think each of us found ourselves here in this town, which is true for most all of us who live here,” says Dr. Azari. “There's been so much growth and a lot of it's really just people seeking a certain life… a slower pace.”
Dr. Schlam adds, “another benefit of being in our small town is that we get to build these really profound relationships with all sorts of people, and really be ingrained within the community to provide services and help people. We get to be present for our families. We can take our kids to sports, and coach and participate a lot more, which is really important.”
The doctors are all married with two children each. They believe that working and living in Bend allows them to demonstrate their beliefs in a life welllived which includes being accomplished surgeons as well as amazing dads. “To deliver loving care to people in this town that we've selected is really delightful,” says Dr. Welch.
BluebirdOralSurgery.com
Bluebird Oral Surgery team members.
Photo credit: Lindsay Russell
Finding Inspiration Along the Trails
Local Fiber Artist Megan Leedom Discovers Art in the Great Outdoors
In just a few short years, Megan Leedom has transformed from a curious beginner experimenting with macrame to a fiber artist crafting a career out of macrame and weaving. Somewhat of a nomad and an avid long-distance hiker, Leedom’s creations are infused with the organic textures and earthy tones of the outdoors that she loves to explore on foot.
The road to a fiber arts career was not a direct one, but born of a journey that includes studies, travel, a few career paths and an interest in hiking that soon became a passion, giving new direction to her life and inspiration for her art. A native Oregonian, Leedom was born and raised in Portland and graduated high school at the age of 16. She went straight into college in Wisconsin and started out studying sciences, but ultimately graduated with a degree in humanities.
After working for a few years at a frame shop in the Chicago suburbs, Leedom made a move to Seattle. It was during her time in Seattle that she discovered hiking. “I think I just got really burned out in the
city,” Leedom shares. Hiking became a way for her to escape the city and connect with nature, bringing her a sense of peace and connection she had been missing.
In 2012, Leedom moved to Bend for the accessibility to hiking trails and to enroll in the forestry program at Central Oregon Community College (COCC). She graduated in 2014 and worked for the Ochoco National Forest. But, in 2017, she took a hiatus from the forest service to hike the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).
Leedom hiked the entire 2,600 PCT from the Mexican border to the Canadian border in five months. “It was life changing. I realized how little one really needs. I carried everything I needed for five months on my back,” she reflects. “You’re moving across these landscapes as they change at three miles an hour every day, sunrise to sunset, and you just start noticing all these little details in nature that you didn’t pick up on before.”
Her next hiking adventure was in Europe. Leedom and her hiking partner were the first American women to hike
Megan Leedom's fiber arts career was born out of her love for art, hiking and nature.
the Via Dinarica, an 800-mile mega trail that extends from Albania to Slovenia. This hike took them about two months. After this, while still in Europe, Leedom decided to hike the Camino de Santiago. She makes a point to hike at least one long trail each year.
“Hiking is really a priority for me,” says Leedom. Her fiber arts career was somewhat born out of her love for hiking and nature. She decided to seek seasonal jobs in bakeries and cafes to allow her time to explore new hiking trails, which began to inspire an interest in fiber arts.
Leedom first learned the traditional art of macrame while living in Stehekin, Washington about five years ago. “I had gone up there to work at a bakery for the summer and with no internet or cell service, I needed something to do in the evenings and decided to give macrame a try. I found I really enjoyed it... it was meditative.”
In the winter of 2020, Leedom found herself living in a barn in the Methow
Valley of northern Washington with a lot of time on her hands. Using the space she had available, she began creating more large-scale macrame pieces. “I had this huge barn with high ceilings and I started creating really big pieces. I was excited about what I was creating,” states Leedom. “That was when it really clicked for me that this was something I wanted to pursue more seriously.”
Along with macrame, Leedom now weaves on looms. Completely self-taught, she began by building her own small looms fashioned from thrift store canvas frames. “I tried weaving because I wanted to use more textures and colors,” she explains. “I still do macrame, and I often incorporate macrame into weaving, creating ‘macra-weaving’ projects. I found I love the weaving.”
“I am inspired by what I experience outdoors, I feel like I just soak in my environment and that comes out when I’m creating my pieces,” Leedom shares. She often incorporates pieces of driftwood
or other wood as hangers for her fiber arts creations.
About a year ago, Leedom joined the artists at The Workhouse in Bend where she has a studio space and displays her art for sale under her business name, Little Larch Studio. Up to that time, she had been working out of her van. “It’s been such a positive experience moving into The Workhouse, not only for the beautiful space, but also for the community of artists here that provide inspiration and support.”
Leedom creates fiber arts pieces of all shapes and sizes. She hopes to do an art exhibit at some point and would also love to collaborate with local designers to create custom pieces for homes. “I make custom pieces and enjoy meeting the people who will live with my art, creating something specifically for them and their space, something that flows with their environment and brings a bit of warmth, texture, and the feel of the natural world.”
“Ultimately, I want people to see a piece and have it bring to mind an image, maybe remind them of something – a place, a feeling, a time in their life. It might remind them of someplace specific, but more times than not, the piece captures a feeling, emotion and is reflective more than specific,” notes Leedom. “It’s different for each person. That’s the beauty of the fiber, colors and textures.”
A member of the “van life” community, Leedom has been living out of her van for over two years now. “My friend and I bought the same type of cargo van in 2021 and built out the inside on our own. I have a bed, stove, running water, and a shower. It was going to be my home for a while, so I wanted to do it right.” For now, van life suits her, allowing her to park somewhere beautiful to hike and work on her art. “I’m in my zone and it’s quiet and beautiful… and I’m home.”
Designer: Jason Todd Design Photo credit: Realfoto
SOME FAVORITE THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT BEND
ARTICLE BY JULIE E. FURNAS
It’s no wonder our town attracts tourists from around the world. Not only does Bend offer a plethora of outdoor attractions, it also offers arts and cultural attractions, a vibrant food and drink scene, homegrown products, and a world-class ski resort. Bend Lifestyle decided to take a look at a few things locals love about our hometown.
DOG FRIENDLY
Known as “Dog Town USA,” Bend is no doubt one of the most dog friendly cities in the country. With the vast number of open trails, dog parks and over forty restaurants that accommodate dogs for patio dining, Bend is the place where dogs are happiest. Cold weather dog breeds are especially content in Bend, as they can play in the snow for at least three to four months per year. VisitBend.com
CRAFT BEER
Bend has been called “Beer Town USA” and is at the top of the list as one of the best craft beer towns. Homegrown hops combined with other robust ingredients give Bend some of the best varietal beers on the planet. On the famous Bend Ale Trail, try a Mirror Pond Ale from Deschutes Brewery, a RPM from Boneyard Beer, the signature IPA which built the brand and became one of the most popular
DOG TOWN USA, BEER TOWN USA AND SO MUCH MORE
beers in Oregon. Other award-winning beers of Bend include Blonde Bombshell from Cascade Lakes, IPA 97 from Silver Moon, Sasquatch from 10 Barrel and Stratus IPA from Worthy Brewing. BendAleTrail.com
SPARROW BAKERY’S OCEAN ROLL
If you live in or have visited Bend, then you’ve probably indulged in an Ocean Roll for breakfast, brunch or dessert. This Sparrow Bakery signature indulgent pastry, layered in sugar, vanilla and cardamom, melts in your mouth and keeps you longing for more. Paired with a drip coffee or espresso, Bend’s best kept secret can be found at Sparrow Bakery in Northwest Crossing or satellite locations around town. TheSparrowBakery.net
BEND PARKS AND RECREATION
Bend Parks and Recreation District (BPRD), founded in the early 1940’s, is responsible for some of the best parks and indoor recreation facilities in the state. BPRD maintains eighty-four parks and open recreation spaces in Bend city limits. Part of BPRD, the white-water park on the Deschutes River is a local favorite for surfing and offers one of the most unique experiences in Central Oregon. Nearby, The Pavilion offers ice skating during winter months and roller skating during warmer weather. BendParksandRec.org
FOOD TRUCK SCENE
Over the past ten years, the food truck scene in Bend has exploded! With food truck ‘pods’ in every quadrant of Bend, there are over fifty food trucks offering a large variety of cuisine for breakfast, lunch, dinner and beyond. Food truck pods include The Podski, Silver Moon, On Tap, River’s Place, Midtown Yacht Club, The Patio at 9th Street, Ponch’s Place and The Lot – Bend’s first food truck pod—and more. VisitCentralOregon.com
BEND FILM FESTIVAL
Founded in 2003, BendFilm is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission dedicated to celebrating independent cinema’s unique power to enrich lives, promote diversity and inspire change through vibrant educational programs and film festival experiences across Central Oregon. BendFilm’s main event is the annual Bend Film Festival in October. Some BendFilm Festival award-winners are eligible for Academy Award nominations. BendFilm also provides year-round programming at the BendFilm-owned Tin Pan Theater, Tower Theater, and other venues. BendFilm.org
MT. BACHELOR
Not only does Mt. Bachelor hold the title of the seventh largest ski resort in North America with 4,323 skiable acres, but most years Mt. Bachelor offers the longest ski and ride seasons in the country. Winter activities include alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, guided snowshoe tours, sled dog rides and guided ski tours with forest service naturalists. Warmer months offer mountain biking, hiking and ziplining at this world-class resort. MtBachelor.com
VOLCANOES, CAVES, AND LAKES – OH MY!
Bend is not only surrounded by mountains, but also by ancient volcanic debris, deep caves, and a scenic highway to lakes of all sizes. Over a million years ago, Central Oregon’s landscape was molded by volcanic activity. There are as many as four hundred lava tubes in the area and the caves were formed by molten lava when the Newberry Volcano erupted, and the lava flowed north. As the high desert was forming, along with the many lakes, Bend became one of the most sought-out areas for unique outdoor adventures. FS.USDA.gov
Bend's Podski food truck lot is a local favorite.
Photo credit: Toni Toreno
Surfer Chase Seamons at the BPRD whitewater wave park on the Deschutes River. Photo credit: Jesse Polay
CRATER LAKE DISTILLERY
Born and raised in Bend, Crater Lake Distillery is one of the most popular liquor establishments in Central Oregon. A wide variety of vodkas, whiskeys, ryes, and gins are made in traditional styles with Cascade water and carefully purified. Each bottle is made with care and love for its community and customers. A Crater Lake spirit is the perfect gift or mixer with a variety of flavors like sweet ginger, northwest berry, hatch green chili, and hazelnut espresso spirits. CraterLakeSpirits.com
PINE TAVERN
The Pine Tavern was founded in 1936 by Maren Gribskov and Eleanor Bechen. After the Great Depression, Gribskov and Bechen built a thriving restaurant serving a growing population of timber industry workers and their families. During World War II, Pine Tavern customers included soldiers stationed at Camp Abbot (now Sunriver) and the occasional tourist or Mount Bachelor skier. During the 1950’s, the Pine Tavern went under major renovation and enclosed two gigantic Ponderosa Pines in the Garden Room. Over the course of 30 years, the Pine Tavern has become known as one of the finest dining experiences in Central Oregon. PineTavern.com
Drake Park, a beloved landmark in Bend.
Mt. Bachelor is a world-class ski resort offering a variety of winter and summer activities.
SWEAT AND ODOR STOPS HERE
PERMANENT, NON-SURGICAL UNDERARM SWEAT AND ODOR REDUCTION
Introducing miraDry— a treatment administered by a licensed healthcare practitioner that uses thermal energy to permanently eliminate sweat glands and significantly reduce sweat, odor and hair in as little as one treatment, optimal results in two.
FEBRUARY 2025
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
FEBRUARY 1ST
Shriners Crab Feed
Bend Masonic Lodge | 5:00 PM
The Central Oregon Shriners announce their 3rd Annual Shriners Crab Feed fundraiser. Cost of the ticket includes a fresh dungeness crab with sides of baked beans, coleslaw, warm garlic bread and dessert. Each year the Central Oregon Shriners donated nearly $5,000 in food and cash to help provide food for the patients at Shriners Children’s in Portland. Reservations required, no sales at the door.
CentralOregonShriners.com
FEBRUARY 8TH
HDFFA’s SOUPer Bowl 2025
Grace First Lutheran Church, 2265 NW Shevlin Park Road | 12:00 PM
Mark your calendars for HDFFA’s SOUPer Bowl 2025! Who will be the 2025 HDFFA SOUPer Bowl Champion? Be sure to attend the second annual soup-sampling event to find out. 2025 participating restaurants will be: 10 Barrel, Anthony’s, Brasada Ranch, Cheri’s Hazelnut Cream, Deschutes Brewery, El Sancho Taco, Fix & Repeat, Jackson’s Corner, Mountain Burger, Schoolhouse Produce, Spork, and Terra Kitchen. Tickets and info: HDFFA.org
FEBRUARY 14TH
High Desert Chamber
Music Concert Series:
Frank Almond
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon, 61980 Skyline Ranch Road, Bend | 7:30 PM
High Desert Chamber Music’s 17th season, presented by Washington Trust Bank and Lynch Murphy McLane LLP, presents their annual Valentine’s Day concert. Enjoy a special evening featuring renowned violinist Frank Almond, joined by notable guest Isabelle Senger, for this love and romance-themed program. This best-selling event includes a complimentary rose for concert-goers and a treat from Goody’s Chocolates! HighDesertChamberMusic.com
FEBRUARY 14TH-16TH
2025 Bend Winterfest
Old Mill District | 11:00 AM
Under the sparkling lights, the 2025 Oregon WinterFest will create an enchanting atmosphere filled with live music, art, delectable cuisine, shopping, and entertainment suitable for all ages. The heartwarming festivities begin on Friday, February 14th. Browse art, outdoor accessories, handmade creations and more in our expansive marketplaces. Family Play Zone, Mini Marshmallow Run and OMSI brainteaser challenges are fun for the kids. OregonWinterFest.com
CONTINUED >
Our team of non-diet, weight-inclusive dietitians support intuitive eating and eating disorder recovery.
Board-Certified in Internal Medicine, Dr. Mac Donell founded MyMD Personal Medicine as the first and now longest concierge practice in Bend.
Dr. Matthew Ingrassia, DO
New to MyMD Personal Medicine, Dr. Ingrassia brings a unique blend of extensive medical experience and a compassionate, patient-centered approach to the practice.
We take your healthcare personally!
That’s why we serve as your own personal healthcare advocate.
Our specialty is the whole person, so we focus on providing intentional and comprehensive care for you and your whole family. Call to learn more about concierge medicine at MyMD Personal Medicine—an entirely new world of availability, communication, and dedication from doctor to patient.
Membership includes:
• 24-hour phone access
• Same or next-day appointments
• Minimal to no wait times
• House calls available
• More!
NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS!
Meet Dr. Matthew Ingrassia
Now welcoming new patients, Dr. Ingrassia brings a deep understanding of healthy psychology and advanced training in Internal Medicine to the MyMD team. His commitment to building strong, empathetic patient relationships makes him a well-rounded and dedicated physician who collaborates with patients on personalized care.
FEBRUARY 25TH
Winter Lecture SeriesWorking with Wildlife
Deschutes County Public Library, Meeting Room 2, Downtown Bend | 5:30 PM
Winter Lecture Series - Have you ever wondered how to build a career in wildlife rehab/ and/or husbandry? Join in for an interesting lecture in which one of Think Wild’s wildlife technicians, Karla Garcia, shares her path building a career working directly with wildlife, and offers advice on how to begin or continue your journey no matter where or how you’ve started.
ThinkWildCO.org
FEBRUARY 26TH
The Wardens: Presented by the Tower Theatre Foundation
Tower Theatre | 6:30 PM
This talented trio of Canadian Rocky Mountain National Park rangers share songs and stories of the wilderness they’ve protected collectively for over 50 years. The Wardens’ blend of folk, roots and western music celebrates their revered landscape and unique lifestyle wrangling grizzly bears, patrolling buffalo, drinking crystal clear creek water, enduring lonely nights on mountain trails, and reflecting on an environment in crisis.
TowerTheatre.org
Want to be featured?
—Claudia
BECAUSE.
CHOCOLATE.
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS
When my kids were little, we would address valentines to classmates, deliver flowers to neighbors and decorate the house with hearts and snowflakes (cut from white coffee filters). For dinner, I would make their favorite meal: dessert! Why not? I'd melt chocolate (the good stuff) and let them line up their dippers. They thought dessert for dinner was magical. Of course, I'd fed them a protein-packed after-school snack and served "dinner" early so they could get their sugar wiggles out before bed. Delightful! Happy Valentine's Day!
• 1 tablespoon dark chocolatecovered coffee beans, chopped
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, 1/2 cup cream, and whole coffee beans. Bring to a simmer, turn off heat, cover, and steep beans for 1 hour. Strain liquid and return to saucepan; discard beans. Bring the milk-and-cream mixture back to a simmer, add chocolate, and whisk until incorporated. Remove from heat; whisk in Kahlua. Whip remaining 1/2 cup cream and the confectioners' sugar until soft peaks form. Divide the hot chocolate between 2 cups and garnish each portion with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of chopped chocolate-covered coffee beans.
