Bend, OR November 2024

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The Season of Gratitude

An Attitude of Gratitude

As I write this, it seems that the fall season has come in with a rush—a flurry of activities that take us from our leisurely summer to an almost too-busy autumn schedule. I find that it’s especially helpful this time of year to take a step back from it all and take stock of the things we’re thankful for.

In the spirit of gratitude, our November issue is dedicated to this theme. We invite you to join us in our “Attitude of Gratitude” photo challenge this month. It’s simple—each day during the month of November, find time to pause for a few minutes to take a photo of something you’re thankful for. Share it. Tag us on Instagram @bend.lifestyle. Find out more about how the practice of gratitude is beneficial and how to join us for this gratitude photo challenge in this issue.

We hope this photo challenge and the stories in this issue inspire you to practice gratitude and share your gifts to make our community a better place this year.

Here at Bend Lifestyle, we are grateful for those of you who support so many wonderful organizations and help make Bend the vibrant community that it is. We are especially thankful for our advertising partners who help bring this magazine to your doorsteps every month. They are part of our vision and purpose to bring inspiring stories about community directly to you.

We wish you a heartfelt Thanksgiving surrounded by those you love!

Blessings to you and your family,

November 2024

PUBLISHER

Jane Rial | jane.rial@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Lynette Confer | lynette.confer@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sue Baldani, Angela Broockerd, Lynette Confer, Julie E. Furnas

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Bec Ellis Photo, Sierra Confer, Miguel Edwards, Janie Jones, Maile Mason, Natalie Stephenson, Mike Wissing

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

Grateful Thankful Blessed

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: (l to r) Quinn and Cherish welcome guests to the Deschutes Dermatology anniversary event held on August 21. 2: Bowtie Catering provided a beautiful spread for the 70 plus guests at the 20th Anniversary celebration. 3: Grace West, RN, (center) speaks with guests at the event. 4: (l to r) Mama Cheryl and Dr. Leslie Carter, MD, MPH, FAAD celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Deschutes Dermatology. 5: The celebration featured demonstrations, including the new JetPeel machine, along with goodie bags, raffles and wine pairings with skincare. 6: (l) Jenna Troychak, CAE, discusses treatment options offered by Deschutes Dermatology with a guest. 7: (l to r) Saskia, Nutrafol rep who donated a three month supply of Nutrafol to the raffle, with Dr. Carter.

8: Melanie Martinson (above), owner of 30 Minute Hit, celebrated her first year in business with an anniversary celebration on August 17. 9: Nothing Bundt Cakes provided treats for the 30 Minute Hit anniversary party, attended by 40 guests. 10: (l to r) Steven, Alida and Bailey, trainers at 30 Minute Hit, help clients achieve their goals. 11: The event included pop-ups from Link’d by Julan and Whispering Winds Massage. 12: Grand Prize giveaways included gifts from Pretty Moments Lingerie, Autry’s 4 Season Florist, the Now Massage, Chill Well and Radiant Wax. 13: 30 Minute Hit member Jennifer demonstrates newfound skills. 14: Stephanie demonstrates her punch at the anniversary party.

MAILE MASON

15: (l to r) Amanda and Rachael O’Haver, owners of StarCycle, celebrated the studio’s first anniversary on September 6-8. 16: (l to r) Amanda, Jack O’Haver (StarCycle front desk staff) and Rachael at their studio in NW Crossing. 17: StarCycle offers classes by candlelight and childcare is available. 18: Anniversary festivities included a happy hour for members and staff, complete with catering from Bleu Bite. 19: (l to r) Anna Mae Dang (StarCycle Bend Instructor), Holly Stanitsas and Cali Bollier (StarCycle Bend Instructor). 20: (l to r) Amanda, Nate Boozer (StarCycle Director of Training) and Rachael celebrated at the September event. 21: (l to r) Amanda with her daughter, Laine, and Keelie Dube (StarCycle Bend Instructor).

Don't let your insurance benefits go to waste!

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SLEEP APNEA SOLUTIONS

Healthy Night’s Sleep Starts Here

“ ”In just a couple of months, this simple little doodad has utterly changed my life. Now I sleep great with no uncomfortable mask, my numbers are amazing and I feel so much better. I am so glad I gave this a chance!

“Natalie took amazing headshots and team photos for my business. Her turnaround time for final images was pretty great too, helping us have them ready in time for a conference. I would definitely recommend Natalie!” —Lindsey F.

Discover a branding session that captures your unique personality, resulting in a diverse collection of images that showcase you, your personality and your brand. This purposeful collection of images will empower you to connect with your ideal clients and move your business forward. With over 20 years of experience as a photographer, I bring a wealth of expertise to bring out your personality! Whether you need headshots or a full branding session, we’ll collaborate to discuss your vision and develop a plan to bring it to life.

A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES

Evergreen Oculofacial Plastic Surgery Opens in Bend

Tara Goecks, MD, FACS (above), founder of Evergreen Oculofacial Plastic Surgery (OPS) recently opened a new clinic at 929 SW Simpson Ave. Dr. Goecks is a board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon, specializing in facial rejuvenation through cosmetic eyelid and facial surgery, laser resurfacing, injectables and skin care. Evergreen OPS is the only provider to offer UltraClear® laser treatments locally, bringing the world’s first cold-fiber laser technology to Central Oregon. She is involved in international and local outreach to underserved communities. EvergreenOPS.com

Beaver Coach Sales & Service Named 2024 Blue Ribbon Dealer

Local Beaver Coach Sales and Service has been selected as a Blue Ribbon Dealer as part of the 2024  RV Business Top 50 Dealer Awards, placing them in the top five dealerships in North America. The award honors the top dealers in the industry based on their performance, customer service, and dedication to excellence. Beaver Coach Sales & Service offers a wide selection of new and used motorhomes, travel trailers, and fifth wheels, as well as expert service, parts, and detailing. BeaverCoachSales.com

Soul Psychedelic Systems Opens Larger Clinic Space in Bend

Dr. Laura Meaney, DNAP, PMHNP, CRNA, (above) owner of Soul Psychedelic Systems, is a ketamine assisted psychotherapist and a chronic pain specialist, with over 27 years’ experience with ketamine. Since the clinic first opened in Bend last year, she recently moved into a larger clinic space to accommodate the high demand for services. Dr. Meaney offers IV microdose-ketamine for mental health, intramuscular ketamine for therapy, oral ketamine for breathwork classes, and IV ketamine for chronic pain.  SoulPsychedelicSystems.com

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Gratitude Photo Challenge

WHEN A CHANGE IN PERSPECTIVE MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE – SHIFTING OUR FOCUS TO THE PRESENT MOMENT AND THE POSITIVE FOR IMPROVED HEALTH AND WELLNESS

"Amidst the intentional pause, we can allow ourselves to breathe, find gratitude, renew and embrace the freedom that’s always within reach.”
—Sarah Peterson, LCSW and Bend Therapist

Through the never-ending busyness of life, we tend to lose our connection to each other, to our community. And we can lose our connection to those things that keep us healthy, happy and whole.

Research reveals that adopting a practice of mindfulness and gratitude can have far-reaching health benefits. Mindfulness is the act of focusing on the present moment. And practicing gratitude is more than saying thank you. It is a mindful, intentional shift of awareness and focus to the more positive aspects of your life.

“Remember that behavior changes biology,” states Amanda Logan, APRN, CNP in an online article for the Mayo Clinic Health System.

“Expressing gratitude is associated with a host of mental and physical benefits. Studies have shown that feeling thankful can improve sleep, mood and immunity. Gratitude can decrease depression, anxiety, difficulties with chronic pain and risk of disease.”

By practicing gratitude for just 15 minutes a day for at least six weeks, you can begin to create a new habit and promote a lasting change in mindset and perspective.

“The feeling of being unburdened lives within you, a calm that’s available to you. Using mindfulness, we can pause long enough and use intention to access this inner peace, bringing it into our daily life,” agrees Bend therapist Sarah Peterson, LCSW. “Amidst the intentional pause we can allow ourselves to breathe, find gratitude, renew and embrace the freedom that’s always within reach.”

Here at Bend Lifestyle, we have decided to embark on a daily gratitude journey for the month of November by hosting an “Attitude of Gratitude Photo Challenge.” Each day we will focus on at least one thing we are grateful for and snap a photo to capture the moment. We invite you to join us!

Take a photo. Share it. Tag us @bend.lifestyle.

Whether you join the photo challenge or simply take a few moments to focus on the positive each day, we wish you a November filled with reminders of all you have to be thankful for.

@bend.lifestyle

Air Patrol

(l to r): Major Bruce McLellan and Captain Chuck Griffin, both CAP mission pilots, next to a 2019 Cessna Turbo 206. Photo credit: Sierra Confer

Cadet 1st Lt. Taylor Goodrich is set to earn the General Carl A. Spaatz Award by December 2025, an award earned by only 0.5% of CAP Cadets.

With over 80 years of service to our country, the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) has a rich and remarkable history. Founded in 1941 as the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, its mission was to mobilize civilian aviation support and resources for homeland defense during World War II. CAP’s mission has evolved through the years, but thankfully it remains relevant and active in our country, its history still being written.

Central Oregon is home to the CAP High Desert Composite Squadron, with approximately 50 members. CAP consists of 1,414 squadrons in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico with more than 25,000 youth and 35,000 adult members.

“During WWII, CAP was tasked with patrolling the west coast for Japanese I- & S-boats and the east coast for German U-boats to help protect coastal water ways, among many other duties,” explains Captain Steven Burns, Commander of the local squadron. A retired wildland fire fighter and fuels technician for the Bend/Ft. Rock Ranger District, Burns has served with CAP for over 20 years.

“Our main purpose today is providing emergency services, including search and rescue,” states Burns. “We also teach aerospace education and facilitate our Cadet program for youth ages 12-18. One interesting fact that many people might not know is that the first aerial photos of Ground Zero of the Twin Towers from 9/11 were taken from a CAP plane.”

“I was looking for an aviation program when I found CAP three years ago,” states 16-year-old Cadet 1st Lieutenant Taylor Goodrich, who plans to go into the Air Force. “For me, the highlight so far was going to the glider academy this past summer, and my first solo flight.”

Another CAP cadet, 16-year old Cadet Senior Master Sergeant Mavric Price, has also been with the local squadron for three years. “CAP has far exceeded my expectations, not only regarding what I can do, but what a team can do together.”

“There are so many opportunities for cadets that serve them throughout their lives,” states Major Mike Wissing, Oregon Wing Vice Commander. “One of the things I am most proud of is the fact that we are absolutely bringing up leaders.”

“Beyond training these cadets, the greatest services CAP provides are our search and rescue

Photo credit: Mike Wissing
A 50 plus year old CAP flight suit worn by local resident Susan Evans Inman who served in the CAP alongside her husband.
Photo credit: Natalie Stephenson
(l to r): Cadet Senior Master Sergeant Mavric Price and Cadet 1st Lieutenant Taylor Goodrich at a weekly CAP meeting in Bend. Photo credit: Sierra Confer

and photographic missions,” remarks Major Bruce McLellan, Deputy Commander of the local squadron. McLellan, a retired Bend cardiologist and pilot, used to fly his private plane to see patients in John Day. “I wondered when I first started, ‘Why are we doing this? Why is the military or the guard not doing it? Mainly because it is phenomenally expensive for them.”

The Air Force provides CAP with the funds, equipment and infrastructure to effectively and safely conduct these missions, while CAP provides the volunteer hours. In 2022, CAP contributed $219 million in volunteer hours, serving our country through disaster relief and emergency services. Overall, CAP provides unequaled value as a force for good with an average $3:1 return on investment.

Adds Wissing, “Years ago I was told by a guard member that the cost of flying two of our airplanes for ten hours is the equivalent of flying a National Guard Black Hawk for one hour.”

As for their photographic work, McLellan explains that airborne photography can be used during their search and rescue missions. CAP also assists the U.S. Corps of Engineers with photographic surveys, documenting previous burn areas, erosion patterns and infrastructure, including bridges, reservoirs and roads.

“Anyone who wishes to give back to their community and nation is welcome to come to a CAP meeting,” invites Burns. Meetings are held Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. at Bend Builders Assist.

Founded in 1941 and established as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force seven years later, Civil Air Patrol is chartered by Congress as a nonprofit organization for the purposes of youth development, aerospace education, and to promote general aviation. In an auxiliary role as a Total Force partner of the Air Force, CAP operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine aircraft for search and rescue, disaster relief, training and education. Civil Air Patrol is dedicated to serving America’s communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.

GoCivilAirPatrol.com

(l to r): Captain Steven Burns, Major Mike Wissing and Major Bruce McLellan. Photo credit: Sierra Confer
Instrument panel of CPA 2019 Cessna Turbo 206. Photo credit: Sierra Confer
A Total Force Partner of the U.S. Air Force, CAP operates the world's largest fleet of single-engine aircraft for search and rescue missions. Photo credit: Sierra Confer

Enhancing Natural Beauty

A New Sanctuary Where Modern Science and Artistry Converge

When Brandi Garcia, an experienced and knowledgeable medical sales professional, and Dr. Cecily Reynolds, an emergency medicine physician, met in Alaska, their connection was immediate. Today, they are grateful to be co-owners of Ravvivare Health & Wellness, a medical aesthetics practice in Bend that opened in January.

“We want to change the way aesthetics is viewed,” says Garcia. “Instead of ‘Let's change ourselves completely and look like someone else,’ we want to help people learn to appreciate their inner beauty first.”

Adds Dr. Reynolds, who is also the medical director of the center, “I've always loved just looking at people and trying to figure out what makes a woman graceful. What makes her proud? What gives her presence? Where does her charisma come from? It's not the natural definition of beauty, but I think a lot of it is pride and courage and a sense of self.” CONTINUED >

Ravvivare
Garcia brings her experience and knowledge as a medical sales professional to Ravvivare.
Opposite Page: (l to r) Brandi Garcia and Dr. Cecily Reynolds opened Ravvivare Health & Wellness, a medical aesthetics practice, in January.

They set out to help foster these traits in their clients, whether that is through Botox®, fillers or one of the many other treatments offered, all while maintaining their individuality.

It’s also important to both women to ensure that their clients maintain a positive mindset during their journey. “Someone might come in and say they don't like the way their cheeks look, but I may point out that their lips are absolutely beautiful, so how can we highlight this feature that’s extraordinary about you?” Dr. Reynolds notes. “We want to remind them not to forget the other parts of themselves that are beautiful.”

As soon as clients walk in the door of Ravvivare, they feel a sense of relaxation. The calming color on the walls along with the lovely views of nature through the large windows create a real sanctuary. They are warmly welcomed by Garcia, Dr. Reynolds or one of their friendly and highly-trained team members.

“Our certified advanced aesthetician, Kayla McMillan, has an incredible amount of knowledge on everything from skin care all the way down to our lasers,” states Garcia. “And Kendal Richison, our medical assistant injector, has close to ten years of experience in the medical field.”

The practice offers state-of-the-art technology to provide effective results. “EMFACE has been quite popular,” says Dr. Reynolds. “It helps build some of the muscles of the face to tighten fibers and can give up to a 30 percent natural facelift. It helps with fat underneath the chin too.”

Aerolase™, a laser for skin rejuvenation that tightens and reduces sunspots, is another popular offering.

“We want to remind them not to forget the other parts of themselves that are beautiful.”
—Dr. Cecily Reynolds, co-owner of Ravvivare Health & Wellness

Ravvivare also provides physician-managed weight loss. “We're offering vitamin, amino acid and carnitine injections along with this, which others are not doing, to help ensure that clients maintain muscle mass,” she says.

Before any treatment is initiated, clients first have a consultation to go through their issues and devise a one-year plan. “We come up with this individual plan to best fit what each client needs and hopes to accomplish, helping to build a relationship that will support them in their personal journey,” explains Dr. Reynolds. “Plus, a lot of what we're doing isn’t instantaneous, so it is good to allow the time necessary to meet their goals.” Various membership options, which help keep costs down, are available.

Clients are educated about skin care too, and many high-end products can be purchased right in the center. These have all been

Kayla McMillan, Ravvivare Certified Advanced Aesthetician.

carefully chosen to address the issues that may arise for people living specifically in the Bend area due to its extremely low humidity and other environmental factors.

“Opening your own business is a leap of faith, and knowing that our team has the same dreams that we do is absolutely fantastic,” Dr. Reynolds remarks. She also recognizes the ongoing support of her husband, Dr. Richard Perrin, who helped make this new venture possible.

Adds Garcia, “My fiancé, Kameron Jensen, and my daughter, Addilyn, who’s 8, believe in me and support me too.”

And of course, they are thankful for each other.

“This has been a dream of mine, and Cecily helped me to fulfill this dream, and I helped her as well. We both were at a point in our lives where we weren't feeling fulfilled and Ravvivare has totally given us that fulfillment.”

“It is truly amazing to be able to share this with Brandi and be on this journey together, with the support from those around us,” agrees Dr. Reynolds.

RavvivareHW.com

“We want to change the way aesthetics is viewed."
—Brandi Garcia, co-owner of Ravvivare Health & Wellness
From the moment patients arrive, they experience a relaxing and welcoming spa-like atmosphere at Ravvivare.
Dr. Reynolds and the team at Ravvivare take time to create an individualized one year plan for each patient, helping them meet their long-term goals.

Finally, a Better Treatment For an Enlarged Prostate

Dean Sharp, a 75-yearold retired surgeon, had been battling the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) since his fifties.

At that time, the only option for relief was traditional prostate surgery, which came with the possibility of incontinence. Unwilling to risk this life-changing complication, he chose to manage his

symptoms, and, over the years, his BPH worsened.

“I tolerated BPH symptoms for a long time,” Dr. Sharp recalls. “In fact, I waited long enough that I was at the point of damaging my bladder and my kidneys.” Dr. Sharp knew something needed to be done. On his urologist’s recommendation, he booked a consultation with Dr. Benjamin English at VIS of CORA to explore prostate artery embolization (PAE), a revolutionary new treatment for BPH.

Downsize Your Prostate with PAE

PAE is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate without touching the prostate itself. Interventional radiologists use advanced imaging and small catheters to deploy tiny particles designed to block blood flow to the prostate. This effectively “downsizes” the prostate and relieves the symptoms of BPH.

BENEFITS OF PAE:

• Reduces prostate size

• Relieves obstructive symptoms/urgency

• An outpatient procedure

Prostate artery embolization is a cutting-edge, modern, minimally invasive approach to treating BPH with profound, durable benefits and diminished side effects with a faster recovery.”

Dr. Benjamin English Interventional Radiologist, VIS of CORA

Take Control of Your Prostate Health

PAE has allowed Dr. English to improve the lives of hundreds of men like Dr. Sharp who have been diagnosed with an enlarged prostate. “Prostate embolization is an extremely effective and durable option to treat obstructions from a large prostate gland, all accomplished as an outpatient,” he says.

If you or someone you know is struggling with BPH, we encourage you to find out if you are a candidate for prostate artery embolization. Dr. English is one of only a handful of interventional radiologists in the Bend area experienced in performing this revolutionary procedure. Contact VIS of CORA today to learn more.

No Pain No Anxiety No Incontinence

Dr. Sharp underwent the PAE procedure and went home the same day. “I had light sedation and was kept comfortable,” he recounts. “I have no memory of the procedure, there was no pain and I felt free of anxiety.”

After the procedure, Dr. Sharp noticed immediate improvements. “The first day, I was symptom-free. The second day, I did have some pain. But by the third day, all post-surgery symptoms disappeared.

Today, Dr. Sharp is free from discomfort and the constant interruptions caused by BPH. “I recovered from the PAE procedure intact, with no incontinence and no urgency. This was important to me,” he adds.

SUMMIT HEALTH CARES PRESENTS Broadway Rocks Cancer

TOWER THEATRE EVENT RAISES MONEY FOR CANCER PATIENTS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIGUEL EDWARDS

Broadway Rocks Cancer 2023 - (l to r): Carly Hughes, Andreas Wyder, Adam Roberts, Christopher Hanke, Jay Armstrong Johnson, Nicole Parker, Julie Murney, Grasan Kingsberry, Drew Wutke, Julie Craig, Dee Roscioli, Alex Ellis, Colin Hanlon and Natalie Joy Johnson.
Dee Roscioli
Adam Roberts

Another exciting season of fundraising events from Summit Health Cares (SHC), the charitable foundation arm of Summit Health, is kicking off the 2024 holiday season with a bang! The highly anticipated event, Broadway Rocks Cancer, will once again be showcased at the Tower Theatre on Friday, December 13 at 7 p.m. This incredible night of entertainment will include live music, show tunes and dance numbers from award-winning Broadway musicals. This year’s talent includes Carly Hughes (The Book of Mormon), Colin Hanlon ( Falsettos), Sylvia MacCalla ( Hairspray), Alex Ellis (Catch Me if You Can), Justin Showell ( Hamilton), Natalie Joy Johnson ( Kinky Boots), Austin Phillips (The Sound of Music), Danny Quadrino (Wicked ), Michael Fatica ( Matilda), Grasan Kingsberry ( Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) and Sean Montgomery (The Music Man)

Proceeds from Broadway Rocks Cancer and other local events enable SHC to fulfill their mission of helping people in underserved communities in Oregon gain access

to essential medical, educational, and social services.

Joe Finocchiaro, Executive Director of Summit Health Cares, works with a group of passionate, hardworking people, making huge impacts in Summit Health’s communities across Oregon, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

“Creativity and deep community partnerships go hand-in-hand when it comes to growing an organization. I’m really proud of the work I’ve done with our amazing team at Summit Health Cares and feel fortunate to be a part of such a dynamic, forward-thinking organization,” remarks Finocchiaro.

SHC’s Broadway Rocks Cancer event began as a fundraiser for the Cancer Comfort Project, which offers programs to help patients and their families maintain their emotional, physical and spiritual well-being throughout their treatment. “Research shows this increases quality of life and their chances of survival, so it’s an event that we care deeply about,” Finocchiaro explains.

Services include stress reducing Reiki massage treatments, pet therapy five days a week and personalized ‘Resource

Navigation’ services. Other assistance includes patient-in-need  grants to help with critical, non-medical expenses, like rent, utilities, groceries, childcare, nutritional supplements and a ‘comfort cart’ filled with blankets, socks, snacks, and items to help people pass the time during treatment.

This year, the funds raised at Broadway Rocks Cancer will go beyond supporting cancer programming. Proceeds will also help support SHC’s other programs, including a sun safety program that works to educate people of all ages about how to enjoy the sun safely, community drives offering backpacks and mittens for Oregonians in need, as well as diapers and feminine hygiene products to ensure people have access to vital hygiene products.

“We are so thankful for the support we have in Bend. We hope that people who come out to celebrate at Broadway Rocks Cancer will not only have a fantastic time, but they’ll also know that they’re helping make a positive difference in someone’s life. That’s what the holidays are all about!” states Finocchiaro.

SH-Cares.org

TowerTheatre.org

Julie Craig
(l to r): Alex Ellis and Grasan Kingsberry
Drew Wutke (piano) and Carly Hughes
(l to r) Drew Wutke, Carly Hughes, Julie Craig, Grasan Kingsberry and Adam Roberts

LOCAL HERO MORGAN SCHMIDT

Driven By Her Mission to Serve Others

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEC ELLIS PHOTO

Schmidt and her dog, Buddy, enjoy time outdoors and the fact that Bend is one of the most dog friendly places in the world.

For ten years, Morgan Schmidt has been serving the Central Oregon community in many facets. From her career as a pastor, to a run for Deschutes County Commissioner, to a move to the nonprofit sector, Schmidt’s journey has given her much to be thankful for.

1. WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND HOW DID YOU GET TO BEND?

I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and went to college in Boston. I participated in a college internship in Seattle, and after graduation returned there to work with teenagers and college students as a pastor. Eight years later, my predecessor at First Presbyterian in Bend reached out with a job opportunity. On my first visit to Bend, I fell in love.

2. HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH COMMUNITY PROJECTS IN CENTRAL OREGON?

For me, being a pastor has always been about serving the community in meaningful, tangible ways. When I moved here, I served as the Director of the Bend Youth Collective, a progressive, ecumenical youth group formed by a handful of local churches. We met with community leaders, nonprofit visionaries, and civil servants locally and across the west coast, engaging around equity issues like houselessness, economic injustice, food insecurity, immigration, and community service.

3. HOW DID PANDEMIC PARTNERS GET STARTED AND WHAT WAS ITS BIGGEST SUCCESS?

Pandemic Partners started on March 12, 2020, when many of us realized that COVID-19 wasn’t going to be a far-off problem reserved for other countries or big cities — it was going to impact all of us. For me, being a pastor was always about community service and First Presbyterian Bend has been rooted in that work for a long time. I started the Pandemic Partners Bend Facebook group with the thought that it might be a way for people to ask for help and offer help in a new reality where we couldn’t always be face to face. Overnight, the invitations of a few friends turned

into 3,000 Bend residents who had the same vision. Before long, there were 12,000 of us doing what we could to help our neighbors.

4. WHY DID YOU RUN FOR DESCHUTES COUNTY COMMISSIONER?

I ran for County Commissioner because of all the stories we couldn’t share on Pandemic Partners. There were limits to what a Facebook group of neighbors was able to offer. We did what we could, with as much generosity as we could, and still there were systemic injustices that exacerbated the effects of the pandemic on our neighbors and our community. The best part of the experience was being able to really listen to my neighbors and speak to our collective imagination that we could build a County full of communities where everyone has a chance to flourish.

5. HOW WAS THE TRANSITION TO BEING AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR THE AMERICAN RED CROSS?

In some ways stepping into my role at the Red Cross was a big change — working for the largest humanitarian network in the world is much different than being a pastor in a local church. And at the same time, it’s on brand for me.

6. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BEST EXPERIENCE WITH THE RED CROSS?

I had the honor of deploying as a Disaster Chaplain to the wildfire in Lahaina last August. Being present in the aftermath of a disaster of that magnitude — there’s only one way through and that’s if we all remember we belong to one another, and if people come out of the woodwork to help one another. I was humbled and awed by the Ohana that was embodied on Maui.

7. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN CENTRAL OREGON?

I love the people here. I met my life partner and my best friends here. I love Central Oregon because we show up for one another and are trying to build a community we dream being a part of. And it doesn’t hurt that this is the most dog friendly place in the world.

giving dip -

Fall is synonymous with gathering with friends and family and enjoying time together. Whether it is for Thanksgiving, a football watch party or a simple fall gathering, these easy appetizer dips are the perfect shareable snack to share.

fig & honey brie

The perfect cheesy fall dip that is both savory and sweet. The chopped pecans add a subtle crunch that makes this irresistible.

ingredients:

• 8 ounce brie wheel

• 1/3 cup fig spread or jam

• ¼ cup pecans

• 2 teaspoons honey

• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped

• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley

directions: Place brie in a baking dish. Spread the fig spread on top of brie and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Drizzle with honey. Add fresh herbs, and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with pita chips or crackers.

garlic herb

feta dip

This savory dip is quick and easy to assemble and is perfect to serve with fresh veggies or crackers of any kind.

ingredients:

• ½ cup plain greek yogurt

• 1 whole garlic bulb, roasted

• 1 ¼ cup feta cheese

• 3 teaspoons olive oil

• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice

• ½ teaspoon dill

• 1 teaspoon parsley

• Salt and pepper to taste

directions:

First, cut the head off of the top of the garlic bulb, and drizzle olive oil on top. Wrap in foil, and place it in a n oven heated to 425 degrees. Roast for 30 minutes or until soft. Squeeze roasted garlic into a bowl, and set aside. Next, add the yogurt, feta, lemon juice, salt, pepper and water in a blender and lightly blend. Add the roasted garlic and blend until smooth. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables. Enjoy!

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Photo credit: Natalie Stephenson
Brandi

Dr. Richard Mac Donell, MD

Founded in 2006 by Dr. Mac Donell, MyMD is now the most established, premier concierge practice in Bend.

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- Colin and Brenda Weatherhead, Bend

MYMD MEMBER SINCE 2015 AND 2017

NOVEMBER 2ND

Bend Food Project Quilt Sale

Unitarian Fellowship, 61980 Skyline Ranch Rd. | 9:00 AM

With over 200 quilts created by many talented quilters in Central Oregon, this is the perfect opportunity to purchase quilts as holiday gifts, or treat yourself to a cozy quilt to keep you warm this winter. An online sale will be available after the event. All proceeds raised by this sale will be used to feed children in Deschutes County. BFPQuiltSale.org

NOVEMBER 8TH

Oregon Shadow Theater –The Green Bird, a Mexican Story

Open Space Event Studios | 5:00 PM

Behind the illuminated shadow screen, colorful shadow puppets come to life and tell the story of The Green Bird. A drum roll and a cymbal crash, the calliope sound of a button accordion, and the play begins. Colorful and intricate shadow puppets combine with live music, voices and sound effects to create delightful family entertainment. OregonShadowTheatre.com

NOVEMBER 11TH

23rd Annual Bend

Veterans Day Parade

Downtown Bend | 11:00 AM

Central Oregon Veterans Outreach announces their 23nd Annual Veterans Day Parade, touted as one of the largest in the state. This year's theme is “Salute to Veterans" with Grand Marshal, Lyle Hicks, U.S. Navy Vietnam War Veteran. Come out and honor our veterans and their service. Covo-US.org

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS CONTINUED >

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NOVEMBER 16TH

Flannel & FrostA Fundraiser for

Boys & Girls Clubs

500 NW Wall St. | 5:00 PM

Get ready to celebrate 30 years of community impact at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend’s annual Flannel & Frost dinner and auction! This year is especially meaningful as we gather with 300 community champions to honor three decades of dedication to our Club youth. Join in and help make a difference to continue to brighten the futures of our youth.

BGCBend.org

NOVEMBER 22ND-23RD

Central Oregon Metal Arts Guild (COMAG)10th Annual Show

Open Space Event Center, 220 NE Lafayette Ave. | 10:00 AM

COMAG presents their 10th Annual Show, with a theme of "Gathering." Bringing together local artists, this is a time for metal to shine. With a change of season for this annual show, its a perfect time to shop for unique holiday gifts. Each artist was invited to create one piece around the theme to be presented in the Show Collection. COMAG.US

NOVEMBER 23RD

Sunriver Resort Traditions

- Grand Illumination

Sunriver Resort, The Main Lodge | 5:30 PM

Spark up the holiday season with family and friends at the Grand Illumination tree-lighting ceremony and fireworks show, a Signature Sunriver tradition for more than 20 years. This year’s celebration includes a visit from Santa, live music and entertainment, train rides, telescope viewings, hot cocoa, pony rides, putt-putt, holiday shopping, food vendors and more.

SunriverResort.com

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