Source Weekly December 8, 2022

EDITOR’S NOTE:

It’s that time of year again—time for the Source Weekly to bring readers our ideas for all the great gifts you can procure for your loved ones, and also to tell you where to get them in the local area. This year, rather than an extensive list of items like we’ve done in years past, our Feature section highlights holiday memories, wish lists and “where to shop” ideas from local people you may know and love—everyone from meteorologist Bob Shaw to local choreographer Michelle Mejaski, who graces this week’s cover. (There’s also a wish list for super-cutie, Gracie the French Bulldog.)

But the Feature section is not the only place to spark some inspiration for where to grab local gifts; in Sound, Doone Lupine Williams opines on the glories of “phys ical media” and where you can buy CDs, vinyl and even tapes. In Chow, Donna Britt has a long list of foodie gift ideas and in Culture, the activities of a local knitting group may be the inspiration you need to make something for someone you love.

And come back next week, when we’ll have even more fun stories from locals, more suggestions and more holiday cheer in Gift Guide #2!

PRESENTED BY HARVEST MOON WOODWORKS

Photo courtesy of Luna Exploregon Instagram

OPINION

If there’s anything that gets people in Bend fired up, it’s talking about park ing. Whether it’s the relatively recent addition of paid, permitted parking around Drake Park or the recent con versation happening among the Bend City Council about eliminating parking minimums in the city, people are pas sionate about the topic.

In order to comply with the State of Oregon Land Conservation and Devel opment’s Climate Friendly and Equi table Communities rules that were adopted in July, cities of a certain size— including Bend—are presently tasked with reforming their rules around park ing. The idea is that by reducing the number of parking spaces required for new developments, there will be more room for housing for people—a high er need in Maslow’s hierarchy than the need for a place to put someone’s 10,000-pound rolling pile of steel.

This notion of eliminating parking minimums, of course, is causing angst for many. There are some legitimate concerns with the City’s plan to elimi nate all parking minimums—especially as it pertains to areas such as the Bend Central District, where the proposed plan might only require Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant parking when and if a development puts in any parking at all. Groups including Bend Bikes, The Environmental Center, the Core Area Advisory Board and Central Oregon LandWatch have brought this concern to the City’s attention, and rightly so.

Where that parking scenario exists, the City should make a provision to at the very least require a certain number of ADA-compliant parking spaces on the streets. If this is an effort to make our cities more equitable, the needs of our neighbors with disabilities have to be factored into growth.

The arguments that are less com pelling are the arguments against eliminating parking minimums that challenge the notion that this will neg atively impact Bend’s “quality of life.” Here’s something to consider: One rea son people currently think they need abundant parking at their disposal is that our cities have historically been designed in a fashion that makes us dependent on the automobile.

What would it feel like to be able, even in the wintertime, to be able to pop out the door and walk a block or two to the nearest store that provides basic sundries? How much better would our lives be if we were able, instead of heating up the car and loading up the

kids to visit a favorite local haunt, we could instead simply stroll close by to a beloved restaurant? A lot of Americans don’t know this feeling, because their homes, constructed when single-fam ily zoning and single-family neighbor hoods far from services were the norm, have never lived in such a place. But they do exist.

For some people in Bend—such as those who live in Northwest Crossing or close to downtown—this is pres ently a reality. Ask someone where the most desirable neighborhoods in Bend are, and very likely many people will cite Northwest Crossing. That’s what mixed-use, walkable communities look and feel like.

If we can dream about what parking minimums might do—coupled with the will of a planning commission and City Council that support these efforts— we can imagine that one day, eliminat ing parking and single-family zoning (as has been done in Oregon in recent years) will translate into more walk able, bikeable communities where one does not have to drive everywhere they go to meet their basic needs. In this vision of our city, reserving less space for vast swaths of pavement for cars would mean more space for the restau rants, bars, shops AND dense housing that make neighborhoods charming and attractive. The new planned devel opment off Stevens Road in east Bend aims to do this.

This is a cultural shift, to be sure. But what starts as a dream cooked up by policy wonks at the state and city lev el can actually translate into a higher quality of life that people talk about, but have yet to see in a real sense, thanks to the decades of zero-zoning or exclusive zoning or just downright adherence to the god that has been the automobile.

People in this area, a combo of rural, suburban and increasingly urban dwell ers, are going to want and need to drive. We are not such idealists as to imagine that driving is going to go away com pletely. But what we are seeing right now, in our city and in so many cities in our state and nation, is a shift to a differ ent way of thinking that could result in a different way of life. If the City gets it right, a better quality of life for far more people will be the ultimate reward.

As we write this, the Bend City Council seems poised to adopt the plan to eliminate parking minimums at its Dec. 7 meeting. The Council should address the concerns around ADA com pliance, and then move forward with this new vision for Bend.

HAVE

SOMETHING

TO

SAY?

Send your thoughts to editor@bendsource.com.

Letters must be received by noon Friday for inclusion in the following week’s paper. Please limit letters to 250 words. Submission does not guarantee publication. Opinions printed here do not constitute an editorial endorsement of said opinions. Letter of the week receives $5 to Palate!

RE: CONCEALED CARRY LAWS IN OREGON NEED TO CHANGE. OPINION, 12/1

Your editorial on concealed carry laws is spot on.

There are music venues, bars and other businesses in Austin that post signs telling patrons that they cannot bring their guns inside, concealed carry permit or not. That's deep in the heart of Texas, folks. If they can do it in Aus tin, businesses can do it here.

Perhaps some local business can take the initiative to print up some signs and solicit some key merchants and venues to join in. Maybe Moms Demand Action can join forces with these local busi nesses to launch a citywide campaign. Perhaps the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Bend Business Association can help to spearhead such a campaign.

A few years ago, Out Central Oregon distributed Rainbow "you are welcome here" stickers to businesses and it had a positive impact.

Customers should be able to know before they walk in the door that they are entering a safe zone where they can enjoy food, drink and music without worrying about “gunplay.”

—Michael Funke

SURVIVOR STORY

A miracle was born on the Steens mountain in the winter of 2018, a beau tiful white foal born late in the year with little hope of survival through the harsh winter.

He survived.

Then came a potentially life ending injury.

He survived.

Photographers came from far and wide to view this miracle and he was blessed with the name Survivor by the first to lay eyes on him.

He survived.

For 4 years he grew into a beauti ful healthy young colt, his story shared abroad in many countries to be mar veled and viewed as a sign of something good in the world.

He survived.

In early September he was rounded up by the BLM.

He did not survive.

Shot by the BLM, culled along with 10 other healthy horses for having light hair, skin and eyes.

Pre-existing health condition was claimed, without any proof or documen tation, just the word of an “ unpaid vet erinarian “ who may or may not exist.

The question is who are the BLM?

A) The Government agency given the task of managing and protecting wild horses and burros on federal land, ensuring balance with the natural eco system and range land.

B) Livestock (horse) breeders who regularly cull and restock Hma for con formation and color all the while claim ing that the overpopulation is due to the public’s demand for a complete over haul of an antiquated inhumane system .

Hmm.

Teresita —Teresa Mello

TRUMP VS. U.S. CONSTITUTION

Papa Don has now stated that the U.S. Constitution should be suspend ed in regard to the 2020 election, which he must think (I use the term lightly) would result in him becoming Presi dent-For-Life.

At what point will the Republi can Party definitively reject the insane ravings of this megalomaniac? Los ing 60 judicial election result challeng es didn’t do it. Organizing and sending an armed mob to attack the peaceful transfer of executive power didn’t do it.

Stealing Top Secret documents didn’t do it. Cheating on his taxes certainly won’t do it. Will blatantly stating that he con siders himself superior to our 246-yearold system of government that millions have died to defend finally cause Repub licans to follow a different leader? Or will their foaming-at-the-mouth adora tion of this obsessively self-focused cul ture-war bombast outweigh their honor for our nation’s history, its bloodshed, its democracy, and its awesome Consti tution?

As Papa Don feels his power over people begin to wane, we should expect even more extreme suggestions as he tries to keep himself at the center of political and media attention. Would anyone be all that surprised if he boldly invited generals to support him in a mil itary coup when he loses in 2024?

Trumpist Republicans, please snap out of your six-year hypnotic trance and read up on German history during the 1930s. Don’t allow this dangerous nut case to pull our nation into an Orwellian reality where free elections, legislatures and truth itself no longer exist!

—Eddie Kinnamon

RE: SHERIFFS NEED TO FOLLOW THE LAWS. ALL OF THEM. OPINION, 11/25

So... how does it work if nobody’s ready? Do we keep our banned mags or will you buy them back... do con cealed carry permits count as a course and prints...WTF. Doesn't seem like

ANYONE really knows how this will work except for those who don't own guns...can you please tell us law abiding gun owners how it will work.

—Steve Jackson via bendsource.com

It's this simple. If you don't like the laws in Oregon because you think they are too liberal and too influenced by people in Portland then move to Idaho or Texas or Florida or somewhere like that. It's not going to change. Oregon is and has been for a long time known as a very blue state.

Pitching fits like a two-year-old and basically circumventing the democrat ic process because you don't agree with something is just plain stupid. These Sheriffs need to be removed from their positions immediately.

— Bob Erickson via bendsource.com

Letter of the Week:

Steve, you bring up some val id points about the confusion. It appears the timeline is going to be delayed now largely due to the con cern about the rollout of the per mits and the training. Bob, you also bring up a valid point about the rule of law. I hope you both come down and grab your gift cards to Palate… and then maybe go have coffee together.

—Nicole Vulcan

Nurses Overwhelmed and Understaffed

Surveys of nurses in Oregon and across the country show understaffing is one of the primary causes for an ongoing crisis in health care

By Jack Harvel

Oregon nurses are understaffed, over worked and burned out, according to a new poll conducted by the Ore gon Nurses Association. Less than 1% of polled nurses said their unit is always fully staffed, half say they’re caring for too many patients and 42% say they skip meals and breaks on most of their shifts.

The ONA called on the state to more rigorously enforce the Oregon Health Authority’s standards of care that sets a baseline of 1:3 nurse-to-patient ratio, though that ratio can change for differ ent health care units, such as orthope dics or general medical units. ONA said 85% of surveyed nurses report their

units aren’t staffed to the standards of Oregon law and 84% said OHA was inef fective in enforcing those laws.

“We are in a crisis. That crisis has been decades in the making, and unsafe staffing is at the very heart. If we do not act, Oregon will continue to experi ence the devastating impacts of a failing health care system,” said ONA President Tamie Cline in a press release. “Patients will continue to suffer, sick people will continue to face hours and hours of wait times in the ER, surgeries will continue to be canceled or delayed, and nurses will continue to leave the bedside.”

A national survey by the American Federation of Teachers’ Health Care Division found similar trends across the country. The total number of regis tered nurses fell by over 55,000, the first decrease in registered nurse employ ment in five years, driven by retire ments and an exodus from the industry by younger employees. The average age of a registered nurse jumped from 42.1 to 42.6 years old in that survey, too.

The trend is likely to continue with nearly a quarter of surveyed nurses say ing they’re likely to leave the profession within the next year. The pandemic has also been a challenging hurdle for many

RNs. Some 61% said the pandemic neg atively impacted their mental health, half of whom report needing mental health services. Over 70% of health care workers reported symptoms of anxiety and depression, 38% have symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and 15% had recent thoughts of suicide. The pan demic also created a more hostile clien tele, with an 144% increase in reported at-work assaults in an industry that already accounts for 76% of all reported violent workplace injuries.

“Health care professionals knew long before COVID-19 that working condi tions had been deteriorating for years. Then came the pandemic. For near ly three years, they’ve worked under unprecedented challenges—while for-profit institutions made record prof its,” said Randi Weingarten, president of the ATF. “Understaffing is the core problem, which leads to other horri ble conditions like crushing workloads, mandatory overtime, extended shifts lasting 12 to 16 hours, constant fatigue, worker injuries and skyrocketing rates of violence against health care workers, making hospitals one of the most dan gerous places in America to work.”

The Rent is Too Damn High and Getting Higher

Bend rents are rising at some of the fastest rates in the nation, despite rent control caps

By Jack Harvel

Bend’s fair market rent rose by 37.4% from 2019 to 2023, mak ing it the ninth-largest increase in rent among small metros in the Unit ed States. The Consumer Price Index shows rents across the country have risen by 24.1% since 2019, the fastest pace since the 1980s. A study from Con struction Coverage lays the blame on an increased demand for housing while supply remains constrained, and that rental prices are still increasing as hous ing prices stabilize.

The price of smaller rental units is increasing at a greater rate than larger ones, with the cost of studios rising by more than 30% and one bedrooms by about 25%. In Bend the average studio apartment runs around $1,000 a month and a one-bedroom $1,184, according to Construction Coverage’s analysis.

The Center for American Progress estimated that the United States was short 7 million affordable homes for low-income renters in 2019, resulting in

37 affordable rentals per 100 low-income rental households. That is compounded by a post-COVID housing demand from people moving out of temporary living

situations. Pew Research Center found over half of adults aged 18-29 lived with their parents in 2020, which hasn’t hap pened since the Great Depression.

The study range from 2019 coincides with Oregon enacting the first-in-thenation rent control law that prohibits landlords from raising rent more than 7% plus inflation per year — for 2023 rents could rise as high as 14.6%. The law isn’t universal though; it only applies to multifamily housing that’s been certi fied for occupancy less than 15 years, meaning rent at newly built complexes and single-family homes of any age can be changed at will.

Supporters of rent control argue it protects against predatory hikes that can put people on the street while opponents argue it leads to less tenant mobility, lower housing quality and discourages the creation of new units. Though Bend rents are rising at much higher rates than the national average, Oregon is just slightly ahead of the national aver age at 28.6%. The states with the highest increases are Arizona at 53.9%, Nevada at 48.4% and Idaho at 40.5%.

Nurses are spending less time on more patients as the workforce shrinks.

Photo courtesy of Alberto Giuliani

Photo courtesy of Construction Coverage

Rents are rising fast as tenants have to compete over a limited supply of units.

The Shroomdocks

The Deschutes County Planning Commission drafted rules for psilocybin use in rural Deschutes County, but residents are torn over their use at destination resorts

By Jack Harvel

Oregon became the first state in the country to legalize psilocybin therapy in 2020, and starting next year psilocybin manufacturers, processors and service centers will be able to apply for licenses to operate. The ballot measure passed with 56% of the voters, largely from urban areas, though since then 25 of Oregon’s 36 counties voted to opt out of the mea sure. Deschutes and Jackson are the only two counties that voted against a county-wide opt out of the pro gram — and now, the Deschutes County Commission ers are deciding time, place and manner restrictions for psilocybin facilities in the unincorporated parts of Deschutes County.

Incorporated communities can regulate psilocybin on a municipal basis. Redmond voters approved a twoyear moratorium on any psilocybin services during this past election, while La Pine banned all magic mush room visits. Bend didn’t have an opt-out measure on the ballot. Deschutes County voters rejected the optout for the unincorporated parts of the county with about 57% of the vote; in unincorporated Deschutes County where these time, place and manner restric tions apply, 53% of people rejected the prospect of an opt out. Some counties aren’t drafting any time place and manner restrictions, relying on their own land use rules to approve or disapprove psilocybin facilities on an individual basis.

“There's a lot more variables when there's not rules in place,” said Tanya Saltzman, a senior planner with Deschutes County. “In Deschutes County they would have to come in under what's called a similar use rul ing or decision. The onus is on the applicant. They'd have to say, ‘This is my business, and I believe that it's going to operate or have the same impacts as other uses that's already listed in the code.”

In late September the Deschutes County Planning Commission finalized recommendations allowing psi locybin manufacturing and processing in land zoned as forest use and exclusive farm use. Manufacturing and processing of psilocybin mushrooms have a pretty small footprint, Ben Unger, a consultant for Measure 109, told the Source in July. It's likely just a few small workspaces the size of a garage will likely be able to supply all of Deschutes County. Most of the public tes timony at the commission’s public hearing and written comments beforehand related to the placement of ser vice centers and where state-licensed facilitators will administer the psilocybin.

“Service centers is where it's been a real challenge to figure out what is allowed by law and what's not, because this is a whole new ballgame for basically everybody in the state,” Saltzman said. “Unincorporat ed counties are super restrictive for what you can and cannot do.”

Salzman said after working with the state’s Depart ment of Land Conservation and Development, there are two mechanisms to allow service centers on farm land: home occupation and commercial activity in conjunction with farm use. Though possible, siting a service center on farmland comes with a lot of hurdles.

“[The Planning Commission] recommended keep ing those doors open for now; we know it's still going to be really difficult to go through those processes. For instance, commercial activity in conjunction with farm use has a ton of restrictions built in, in terms of income proportion it has to be a certain percentage of the income generated by the farm use,” Saltzman said.

Under the current recommendations service cen ters in rural commercial areas, Sunriver Commer cial zones, Sunriver’s Town Center, Terrebonne

Commercial zones, Tumalo Commercial zones and in destination resorts. Public testimony to the Board of County Commissioners has mostly been about desti nation resorts. Saltzman estimated about 90% of testi mony submitted to County Commissioners focused on resort destinations and was split pretty evenly between those in favor of psilocybin at destination resorts and those against. A spokesperson for Juniper Preserve, formerly Pronghorn Resort, directly asked commis sioners to allow service centers in destination resorts.

“The Planning Commission recommended to allow service centers in destination resort zones, based largely on a number of factors, one being how critical a nature-based quiet setting is with no distractions, how critical a multi-day stay is to be able to have that administration session and then be able to reintegrate back into life after the session and therapeutically go over the experience you just had,” said Corinne Celko, a land-use attorney working with Juniper Preserve.

On the other side, critics of psilocybin at resorts say they’re expensive and would prioritize wealthy tour ists, that resorts are far from emergency services, that any psilocybin use in an outdoor setting would be dis ruptive and that it’d change the character of resort neighborhoods.

Deschutes County Commissioners will consider the planning commission’s TPM restrictions on Dec. 14. The commissioners are going to attempt to make it an emergency declaration so they can implement the policy before people can apply for permits, rather than the statutory 90 days for non-emergency decla rations. Emergency declarations must be unanimous, and if commissioners can’t agree it’s possible it’d open a brief window where applicants can apply to be a ser vice center without the county’s rules in place.

Magic mushrooms are a Schedule 1 drug for the Drug Enforcement Agency, but clinical studies show they have positive impacts for mental health disorders.

Photo courtesy of Mädi via Wikimedia

Las rentas en Bend están subiendo a uno de los niveles más rápidos de la nación

Por/By Jack Harvel Traducido por/Translated by Jéssica Sánchez-Millar

La renta de mercado justo de Bend aumentó un 37.4% del 2019 al 2013, siendo el noveno aumento más grande en la renta en las pequeñas zonas met ropolitanas en los Estados Unidos. El índice de precios al consumidor muestra que las rentas en todo el país han aumentado un 24.1% desde el año 2019, el ritmo más rápido desde los años 80s. Un estudio departe de Construction Coverage le echa la culpa al aumento de demanada de vivienda mientras que la oferta continúa siendo limitada y que los precios de la renta siguen aumentando conforme se estabilizan los precio de la vivienda.

El precio de las unidades más pequeñas en renta está aumentando a un ritmo más alto que las unidades más grandes, con el costo de estudios aumentando por más del 30% y las unidades de una recámara cerca del 25%. En Bend, el costo mensual al mes por un apar tamento tipo estudio anda cerca de los $1,000 y las

unidades de una recámara en $1,184, según el análisis de Construction Coverage.

El Center for American Progress (Centro para el Progreso Americano) estimó que en 2019 a los Estados Unidos le faltaban 7 millones de viviendas accesibles para los inquilinos de bajos ingresos, lo que resultó en 37 rentas accesibles por cada 100 casas de renta baja. Esto se ve agravado por la demanda de viviendas después de COVID de parte de personas que se mudan por situaciones de vida temporal. Pew Research Cen ter descubrió que más de la mitad de los adultos entre los 18 a 29 años vivieron con sus padres en 2020, lo cual no había sucedido desde la Gran Depresión.

El rango de estudio de 2019 coincide con la promul gación de la primera ley de control de la renta en la nación, que en Oregon prohíbe a los dueños aumen tar la renta por más del 7% más la inflación por año. Sin embargo, la ley no es universal; solo aplica a la

Poco personal de enfermeros y enfermeros abrumados

Por/By Jack Harvel Traducido por/Translated by Jéssica Sánchez-Millar

Hay poco personal de enfermeros, están traba jando más de la cuenta y están agotados, según una encuesta llevada a cabo por la Asociación de Enfermeras de Oregon (ONA por sus siglas en inglés). Menos del 1% de los enfermeros encuestados dijeron que su unidad siempre cuenta con el personal necesa rio, la mitad de ellos dicen que atiende a muchísimos pacientes y el 42% dice que se saltan sus comidas y sus descansos durante la mayor parte de sus turnos.

La ONA llamó al estado para cumplir de manera más

rigurosa los estándares de atención de la Secretaría de Salud de Oregon (OHA por sus siglas en inglés) que establece una proporción de 1 enfermera por cada 3 pacientes, aunque el radio puede cambiar para difer entes unidades de cuidado médico, como ortopedia o las unidades de medicina general. ONA dijo que el 85% de los enfermeros encuestados reportaron que sus uni dades no cuentan con el personal que exige la ley de Oregon y el 84% dijo que OHA fue ineficaz para hacer cumplir esas leyes.

viviendas multifamiliares que tiene más de 15 años de antigüedad, lo cual quiere decir que la renta en los complejos habitacionales nuevos y las casa solas de cualquier antigüedad puede cambiar como les plazca.

Los partidarios del control de la renta sostienen que protege contra los aumentos abusivos que pueden dejar a la gente en la calle, mientras que los opositores sostienen que lleva a que haya menos personas mudán dose, una vivienda de baja calidad de vivienda y recha za la construcción de nuevas unidades habitacionales. Aunque las rentas en Bend están aumentando a ran gos mucho más altos que el promedio nacional, Ore gon está un poco por encima del promedio nacional con un 28.6%. Los estados con el mayor incremento son Arizona con el 53.9%, Nevada con el 48.4% y Ida ho con el 40.5%.

“Estamos en una crisis. Esa crisis ha tardado déca das en presentarse y el personal está inseguro. Si no actuamos, Oregon continuará con estas experien cias devastadoras con un sistema de cuidado médico que falla,” dijo la presidenta de ONA, Tamie Cline, en una conferencia de prensa. “Los pacientes seguirán sufriendo, la gente enferma seguirá enfrentando hora tras hora de espera en la sala de urgencias, se seguiran cancelando y atrasando las cirugias y los enfermeros seguirán dejando de atender a pacientes.”

Local People, Local Gifts

Some of our favorite Central Oregonians share their holiday memories and what's on their wish lists this year

Michelle Mejaski

Occupation: Choreographer, dancer

Favorite local places to shop: Feather’s Edge, Clementine, Atomic Vintage Bazaar, Nature’s Bling, Cosmic Depot

What’s on her wish list: Turntable: (Where to get it locally: Smith Rock Records, Stereo Planet)

What she’s wearing: Bracelet from Nature’s Bling and Jumpsuit from Banana Republic.

Where she goes for a white elephant/gag gift: Pretty Pussycat, Cosmic Depot

Best gift she ever received:

“When I was visiting my family for Thanksgiv ing in St. Louis, Missouri 13 years ago, my niece was insistent that I look in the barn with her. She showed me a little grey kitten. A feral cat had given birth to a litter of kittens and she was the only one left. When I asked what happened to the rest of them she told me they were picked off by owls and other predators! Knowing that, there was no way I was gonna let any thing happen to this little gray kitten so I put her in my front bib pocket of my overalls and brought her inside the house. My cousin’s husband was allergic to cats so I kept her in my front pocket and tried hid ing her from him the entire time I was there.

“Eventually everyone caught on that I had this lit tle gray kitten with me. Over Thanksgiving dinner my family asked me what I was going to do with the kitty since we were flying home to Oregon in a cou ple days, I told them I wanted to bring her home with us. We looked up the fees and what we needed to do to take her home with us and shared it with the family. Later that evening while we were eating des sert, one by one each family member gave my hus band and I money to cover the cost of flying the kitty home with us as our Christmas present! We bought a carrier, bought her a ticket, brought her home and named her Zoo!”

Gift she always wanted but never got: The brand-new car with the bow on it, sitting in the driveway on Christmas Day.

Non-material item she’s giving this year: “Since I am a dancer, some of my friends will get dance lessons for free. They'll join my classes and all of a sudden, I tell them it’s free. Also since I do medi umship and psychic readings, I’ll read my friends and do that for free.”

Santa’s recommended items for Michelle:

I would go to Revival Vintage to find a great piece of vintage clothing for Michelle. A sequined jacket, kick-ass boots, a velvet clutch... I think Michelle can rock pratically anything and those people are fun to shop for! Shasta has a great selection of vintage clothes, accesories etc. These blingin' shoes would be the perfect unique gift for Michelle.

Ashley

Get a similar look:

Amber rings from Cosmic Depot facebook.com/thecosmicdepot Prices vary

Get a similar look:

Neso Wrap Rain bracelet from Lark Mountain Modern larkmountainmodern.com $112

Santa’s recommended items for EUIJIN:

Anything from Root Adorned. Esther is effort lessly stylish and Root Adorned is just the same. Erin, owner of Root Adorned, thoughtfully curates beautiful home wares from gorgeous plants and ter rariums, handmade ceramics and blown glass to stunning imported rugs and so many unique trea sures in between. Every piece is beautiful in such a simple way and I think that reflects Esther’s overall vibe, effortlessly stylish. .

Borealis Ceramic Wind Chime – Medium $96 at Root Adorned rootadorned.com

Ashley

Gracie Tat

Occupation: Family snuggle bug.

Favorite local places to shop: Bend Pet Express.

What’s on her wish list: More balls for fetching.

What she’s wearing: Birthday suit, can't stand any clothing.

Where she goes for a white elephant/gag gift: Ace Hardware

Best gift she ever received: Chuckit! Ball Launcher.

Gift she always wanted but never got: Sibling.

Non-material item she’s giving this year: Lots of doggie licks and slobber.

Santa’s recommended items for Gracie: Automatic ball launcher.

Euijin Gray

Occupation: Graphic Designer

Favorite local places to shop: Feather’s Edge, High Desert Museum, The Workhouse, Patagonia, OutsideIn

What she’s buying for loved ones: An elec tric bike is on most kids’ lists this year, but also a downhill bike for my kiddo. Of course, he also wants a phone and a puppy.

What she’s wearing: Essential Denim Cover alls from Portland-based Wildfang; bracelet from Lark Mountain Modern

Where she goes for a white elephant/gag gift: Newport Market, Market of Choice. A powered helicopter was a hot item at the last white elephant she went to, but the best gift she got at a white ele phant was a glass terrarium.

Best gift she ever received: “When I was growing up in Korea, my grandma got me a red cor duroy dress that made me feel really special, because it was something that was not readily available at the time. It looked great with my black hair. It made me realize that I enjoy style. She was really focused on making us feel that we didn’t have lack, because a lot of the country was poor at the time.”

Gift she always wanted but never got: “I remember being 16 in suburban D.C. and all the oth er kids got cool cars, and I didn’t get one. I never got one until graduate school!”

Non-material item she’s giving this year: “Our nuclear family likes to give gifts of experience – like a trip to Tahoe, or a bike trip to Whistler, B.C.”

Santa’s recommended items for GRACIE:

Gracie has been a very good girl this year and deserves all the snuggles and love. In addition to that, get her a custom dog bowl ($55/pair small, $75 large) from Synergy Ceramics Studio. synergyceram icsbend.com

Trinity

John Kish

Occupation: Owner, Somewhere That’s Green plant store

Favorite local places to shop: “Definitely any of the markets that happen. We [Somewhere That’s Green] have four of them that we’re putting on; they’re a great one-stop shop. If it’s clothing, I always go to Revolvr or Vanilla. And of course, the candy store downtown, Cravin’s Candy Emporium, they are great for stocking stuffers.”

What’s on his wish list: A vacation; gift certif icates to soaking tubs. (Where to get it: Book a night at McMenamins Old St. Francis School.)

What he’s buying for others: Experiences with my friends, Wanderlust Tours’ snowshoeing

What he’s wearing: Wolf + Moon Mesh 5 Panel Hat from Midnight Grim, earrings and neck lace from Nature’s Bling, hoodie from Somewhere That’s Green, shirt from Vanilla.

Where he goes for a white elephant/gag gift: Newport Market, Nature’s Bling, Cosmic Depot, Pretty Pussycat. “I was just in there [Pret ty Pussycat] and they had a mini-hand set—lobster claw hands, little pirate hands... this whole set of just hands.”

Best gift he ever received: “The one as a kid was this Einstein science doctor kit. It was at the time the gender-male version of like the Easy Bake Oven, but it was like a science kit. You got to make brains and stuff, and that's all I ever wanted. It was the best. As an adult, it was a Broadway musical.

Gift he always wanted but never got: “I didn't get what I thought I wanted, but whatever I got was good enough.”

Non-material item he’s giving this year: “Probably the best gift I gave last year... shows in Portland. Those are always a fun thing for my par ents to do. It gets you out of town and it breaks up the monotony, you know?”

Santa’s recommended items for JOHN:

Staycation at FivePine Lodge with massage and spa treatments at Shibui Spa. He works so hard between Somewhere thats Green and having just finished a stunning performance of Hedwig and the Angry Inch at The Greenhouse Cabaret. FivePine has great cabins in the woods with deep baths to soak and Shibui Spa is a great place to enjoy a massage and other treatments. Staycation at FivePine Lodge Weekend “Classic Cabin” rate, $343 per night fivepine.com

Scratch Map – Deluxe Travel Edition $30 at Expedition Club & Supply expedition-club.square.site/ Ashley

Bob Shaw

Occupation: Meteorologist, KTVZ

Favorite local places to shop: “My wife has a couple shops downtown that she really likes... Clem entine or Lulu’s Boutique.”

What’s on his wish list: “My kids gave me a gift certificate to get a new cowboy hat. I have to order mine from Stetson custom-made because I have this large melon!”

What he’s buying for loved ones: “My wife’s wedding ring is wearing out. As of April we have been married 50 years, and so we’re going to get that dia mond reset. So I’ll be down to my friends at Saxon’s [Fine Jewelers].”

What he’s wearing: Merrell low hiking shoes from REI, tie from Robert’s on Wall (no longer in business).

Where he goes for a white elephant/gag gift: “A lot of my friends are like big kids, so I’d probably go to Leapin’ Lizards. They have a wooden train set that you kind of puzzle the pieces togeth er—the track together—and I remember as a kid lov ing that.”

Best gift he ever received: “At 8 or 10 years old I came out Christmas morning and my new bike was sitting by the tree. It was a Schwinn and it had beach-cruiser handlebars and a tank like a motorcy cle. I rode that bike for years.”

Non-material item he’s giving this year: “For smaller gifts we’ll do a Dutch Bros. Or maybe a Starbucks gift card.”

Favorite Christmas memory: The year he moved into his new house and no longer had to share a room with his sister (also the same year he got the Schwinn bike!) Also, “I did a one-man show of Truman Capote’s ‘A Christmas Memory.’ I did it in a small theater for a few performances, but the one that I remember the most was the night I did it at the Tower Theatre. It was just about a full house.”

Santa’s recommended items for Bob:

Tickets to “A Swingin’ Tower Christmas” Dec. 21-23 $22-$32 at the Tower Theatre towertheatre.org Ban

Get a similar look:

Merrell Moab Speed Low Hiking Shoes from REI rei.com $130

Occupation: Middle school student

Favorite local places to shop: Most of the shops in the Old Mill District

What’s on her wish list: A new phone case (Where to get it locally: iPhone Professor)

What she’s getting for someone else: Some thing that meant something to them, like a picture (Where to get it: High Desert Frameworks)

What she’s wearing: Plaid Green Weaton Jack et and White Crab Garb Beanie

Where she goes for a white elephant/gag gift: “I don’t know where you’d get it, but maybe a sign for your parents’ bathroom that says "Please use the spray!"

Best gift she ever received: Phone, Gracie the dog.

Gift she always wanted but never got: “I always really wanted a llama.”

Santa’s recommended items for Hannah:

Elton John TDancer Tee $84 at Vanilla shopvanilla.com

Support Quality Care For All

OUR CARE is never influenced by a person’s ability to pay, what language they speak or the status of their insurance coverage.

Mosaic is currently raising funds to build a new School-Based Health Center at Mountain View High School in Bend so that youth can have easy and affordable access to healthcare services. Donate today!

TO DONATE VIA CHECK: Mosaic Medical Attn: Development 600 SW Columbia, Suite 6150 Bend, Oregon 97702

OR DONATE ONLINE: mosaicmedical.org/support

More than a dozen nonprofit clinics throughout Central Oregon

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THURSDAY 12/8

SATURDAY 12/10

LOCAVORE HOLIDAY GIFT FAIRE

SHOP LOCAL FOR YOUR LOVED ONES

The 13th Annual Locavore Holiday Gift Faire is a community-oriented event aimed at supporting local artists. This is a perfect opportunity to purchase charming gifts for your loved ones and browse the tables of local artisans. Snacks, warm beverages and lunch will be available. Sat., Dec. 10, 10am-4pm. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 61980 Skyline Ranch Rd., Bend. Free.

SATURDAY 12/10

MONDAY 12/12

JOHN CRAIGIE

HUMOROUS STORYTELLING

FOLK

Skilled lyricist and musician John Craigie combines comedic storytelling with folk eloquence. Hailed as a "modern-day troubadour" in the style of Woody Guth rie, Craigie's storytelling style has been compared to Mitch Hedberg, while his music draws influence from the likes of Jack Elliott and Pete Seager. Thu., Dec. 8, 8pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend. $29.50$43.50 (plus $3 historic preservation fee).

BLUES HOLIDAY SOCIAL

SOCIAL DANCING INTO THE HOLIDAYS

Get grooving and moving! For those wanting to learn to dance, there will be two 30-minute lessons. The rest of the night is dedicated to social dancing. Going to this event is a fun switch-up from a regular weekend outing, and it is a lively environment that the community won’t want to miss. Fri., Dec. 9, 7-10pm. Hanai Foundation, 62430 Eagle Rd., Bend. $10.

THE SHINING DIMES W/ BILLY & THE BOX KID

FRESH TAKE ON COUNTRY MUSIC

Influenced by the greats like Patsy, The Flying Burrito Brothers, Dolly, The Everly Brothers and Waylon Jennings, The Shining Dimes bring listeners back to another time. This band’s fresh take on the classic country sound will make you want to put your boots on and dance. Sat., Dec. 10, 8-10:30pm. Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century Dr., Bend. $12.

SATURDAY 12/10

GANGSTAGRASS HOLIDAY PARTY

BLUEGRASS AND HIP-HOP FLOW TOGETHER

Performing music from its new holiday album, Ganstagrass is taking over the Tower Theatre. New merch, new songs and a genre that you might not have heard before. The masterful blend of hip-hop and bluegrass makes for a lively holiday concert that Central Oregon can’t miss. Mon., Dec. 12, 7:30pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend. $27-$57 (plus $3 historic preservation fee).

TUESDAY 12/13

EAT, DRINK & BE UGLY: UGLY SWEATER PARTY

GIFT WRAPPING AND CARD-MAKING STATIONS

What’s a better way to celebrate the holidays than to throw on an ugly sweater and craft? Worthy is making it happen with its gift wrapping and card-making sta tions. Come for a night of crafting, drinks, prizes and more! Tue., Dec. 13, 6-8pm. Worthy Brewing, 495 NE Bellevue Dr., Bend. Free. TUESDAY 12/13

CENTRAL OREGON YOUTH ORCHESTRA WINTER CONCERT

PERFORMING A BEAUTIFUL HOLIDAY SET

This assembly of 35 music students of all ages from across the region will host a festive winter concert at the Tower Theatre. Led by COCC music professor Travis Allen and conducted by Redmond Proficiency Academy’s Jonathon Moore, these young musicians are sure to impress and ignite holiday spirit. Tue., Dec. 13, 7pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend. $12-$17 (plus $3 historic preservation fee). WEDNESDAY

HOLIDAY CHEER DRIVE-THRU

BEAUTIFUL 20-ACRE FARM WITH THERAPY HORSES

Drive through the Healing Reins Equine Assisted Ser vices farm and meet the horses. There will also be a “Festive Car Décor Contest,” so show your spirit with some Christmas lights, car antlers and more! Hot cocoa will be available. Sat., Dec. 10, 2-4pm. Healing Reins Equine Assisted Services, 60575 Billadeau Rd., Bend. Free, $10 suggested donation per vehicle.

LIVE AT THE VINEYARD: JOHN DENVER CHRISTMAS CONCERT

With John Hoover and The Mighty Quinns. Listen to these musicians fill the cozy tasting room with tribute songs that honor and reflect the spiritual connec tion to John Denver. Listeners can sip on wine and celebrate the holidays with music from one of the greats! Sat., Dec. 10, 5-8pm. Faith, Hope and Charity Vineyards, 70450 NW Lower Valley Dr., Bend. $20/ adults, Free/children 12 and under.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS AND COOKIE RUN

RUN TO THE FINISH FOR COOKIES AND COCOA

Join FootZone on a 3-mile route to view holiday lights in Bend. After the run, enjoy cookies and hot bever ages at the store. To enter the cookie contest, bring a dozen cookies and email: col@footzonebend.com to be entered. A kids’ race will also be available for the little ones! Bundle up and enjoy the lights! Wed., Dec. 14, 5:30pm. FootZone, 842 NW Wall St., Bend. Free.

Photo courtesy of The Shining Dimes Facebook

Photo courtesy of Gangstagrass Press

Photo courtesy of Bradley Cox

Photo courtesy of Healing Reins Facebook

Put A Fiddle On That Beat

Gangstagrass combines the improvisational genres of bluegrass and hip-hop

By Allie Noland

When listing similarities and differences of hiphop and bluegrass, listeners might actually find more commonalities than differences. Gangsta grass takes advantage of those commonalities to cre ate a unique sound that draws in fans from all genres.

“I started producing and making beats for MCs in New York. And I would always have an urge to be like, ‘we can put a fiddle on this.’ And they would be like, ‘no.’ So I had to start doing it myself,” said Rench, pro ducer and mastermind of the band.

The Gangstagrass Holiday Party will take place on

Monday, Dec. 12 at the Tower Theatre. This is a resched uled show from April, and the Tower is honoring those tickets. This historic venue will house the strings of the banjo and fiddle, and blasting hip-hop beats.

“Musically, [bluegrass and hip-hop] are so easily blendable. Because at its core, bluegrass is very melod ic. While it's very rhythmical, it's not percussion-based. And at its core, hip-hop is about the beats, right? So essentially, what we’re doing is just sort of marrying the two musically,” said R-SON The Voice of Reason, Gangstagrass band member and MC extraordinaire.

The melodic harmonies of bluegrass and the rhyth mic beats of hip-hop come together in Gangstagrass' music, providing a rich sound that’s hard to find in oth er genre crossovers. Each music track is a team effort — Rench on vocals/guitar/beats, Dan Whitener on banjo/ vocals, Brian Farrow on fiddle/vocals, R-SON the Voice of Reason on vocals and Dolio the Sleuth on vocals.

Depending on the creative process and inspira tion for songs, Gangstagrass takes the time to co-write music to fit lyrics, or vice versa. Instead of looping a banjo or fiddle sample on a hip-hop beat like other art ists attempting to mesh the genres, Gangstagrass has full tracks of Whitener and Farrow shredding it and trading solos. This is what sets this band apart, accord ing to Rench. The band finds a flow and knows when it has hit the sweet spot.

“Lyrically, [bluegrass and hip-hop] are way more alike than they are different,” R-SON said. “There is a lot of outlaw narrative, a lot of storytelling and a lot of the sort of braggadocio that existed in both cultures. Meshing them together is far less difficult than people would think."

The track, “Santa’s Favorite,” just came out on streaming platforms, and a holiday EP is to follow. This single humorously touches on the reality that rich kids get bigger and better presents and are “Santa’s

favorites.” Another pre-EP single release the band is excited about is “Christma-Chanu-Kwanza-Ramad anamas-Mukkarborday.” This song celebrates a myri ad of winter holidays with a catchy beat and twangy strings. At the holiday concert, Gangstagrass will per form more hits from the unreleased EP.

On the band’s latest studio album, the band collab orated over the pandemic from different cities to put together this cohesive collection of tunes. Layering ideas and riffing off one another’s recordings, Rench received, developed and arranged the musical pieces to the puzzle that was “No Time for Enemies.”

The strong crossover the two genres have is the improvisational component of performance. The band can be spontaneous — spitting verses back and forth, freestyling lyrics and firing off banjo and fiddle solos. The members of Gangstagrass take full advantage of interacting with each other on stage, setting its live shows apart from the studio albums.

On tour, you can find Ganstagrass seeking out the perfect post-show milkshake to end the night. Whit ener on banjo/vocals has a “milkshake sense” the band relies on to find the right spot, but the band is also open to suggestions. Concert goers and milkshake fanatics are encouraged to DM the band on Instagram (@gang stagrass) with Bend’s best milkshake suggestions.

“We’re out here to change the world, rock mics and blow minds all in one fell swoop,” R-SON said. “Not the easiest thing to do, but someone has got to do it.”

Gangstagrass Holiday Party

Monday, Dec. 12, 7:30pm

Tower Theatre

835 NW Wall St., Bend

$27-$57 (plus $3 historic preservation fee)

Blending banjo and beats, members of the band improvise on stage and deliver energetic performances.

Gangstagrass members include Rench on vocals/guitar/beats, Dan Whitener on banjo/vocals, Brian Farrow on fiddle/vocals, R-SON the Voice of Reason on vocals and Dolio the Sleuth on vocals.

Photo courtesy of Gangstagrass Press

Photo courtesy of Gangstagrass Facebook

Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree at Smith Rock Records

Santa loves a physical media comeback. Trust us, your teen will want a CD in their stocking

By Doone Lupine Williams

Cassette tapes, vinyl, CDs — oh my! Sure, we could just text a Spotify link to share our favorite song or album in this day-n’-age, but I’m sure I’m not the only one in this town who remem bers that one record that one person gave you that one time as a gift — that moment sticks with us over time! It makes me laugh thinking of all the times I hear the Gen. Xers and Baby Boom ers who say, “Well, you’re too young to remember…” and, “In my time we only had one record or one tape we had to play over and over…blah blah.”

Oh, this streaming luxury! Well, I’m a loud and proud Millennial telling you that my 2002 Subaru Outback’s floors are usually covered with CDs (probably scratched) because seeing the cover of

“The Soft Bulletin” by The Flaming Lips in my hands versus seeing it in all of its blue-light glory (that was sarcastic) on my iPhone screen, just like everyone else with a smartphone, is often just the little bit of joy and validation I needed that day, whether I lived in the year it was released or not.

So, where my fellow music fanat ics at?! It’s now December (holy sh*t) and Christmas is in three weeks! So I’m here to preach to you — whatever year you were born or however old the one you need to get a gift for is — that you should give the gift of music and hop on this physical media comeback. What better way than to shop local at what might just be the coolest spot in town; Smith Rock Records. P.S. according to a 2020 Business Insider report, artists earn as little as $0.0033 per stream on Spotify. So if you thought by streaming is helping your favorite band go on tour and blow up on the ‘Gram… buying their CDs (yes bands are making them again!) and records probably funds them more.

I got to chat with owner Patrick Smith (Smith Rock Records, get it?) who once said hilariously, “I’m Owner, Operator. . . I’m also the janitor. . .” in a video interview I did earlier this year for BendFilm’s annual fundraiser. We got to touch base again recently on the shop’s Christmas themed goodies, such as “Xmas themed Punk Psycho-Rock” — which I assume to be the shiny new LP that sat prominently in the Xmas section (located on the right side of the

checkout area when you walk in) also pictured here — a limited edition Xmas mashup with 45 Grave, Unwritten Law, Smash Mouth and other sorts of wild creatures. Pretty wild. That section is indeed for those who want to deck the halls with Christmas music that’s come into the shop. There is also a little hol iday treat they are offering: an anony mous mystery box with 10 Christmas CDs for $30. No peeking!

Smith and I also chatted about why he thinks giving music is a great gift in general. Giving music can be like a dif ferent language—one that we share with someone or one that we want to teach someone. Smith thinks, “It’s a chance for one to expose others to their style of music or opinion of what music should be or sound like.” And we both agreed, that even if they’re too complicated to shop for, there’s ways the good ol’ fash ioned gift card. There are also tons of stocking stuffer options at the shop. Like stickers! Ween stickers. Nirvana stickers. Blondie stickers. Devo stick ers! You could even fit in a cute little cassette tape in a stocking. I’ve found everything from Enya to Berlin’s Great est Hits, from Digital Underground to Peter Gabriel.

Also, Smith Rock Records remains one of my favorite cassette stashes in Oregon. The ongoing rotation lives in the back of the shop next to the stere os and, “Tapes are on the rise,” stated Smith. In the back visitors can also find DVDs, speakers, plus turntables! If you

really want to get someone into records, you can get a record player there, too (average of about $300 including self-powered speakers).

Other gift options include Black Fri day’s Record Store Day leftovers, band posters, band merch and also newly released and very hard to obtain boot legs of Mac Miller and Frank Ocean. Did you know the shop also sells Midtown Ballroom and Domino Room tickets? Yep! All year long. (Next up: Ivy Lab next Friday, Dec. 9). Happy hunting!

Smith Rock Records

117 NW Oregon Ave., Bend

Open Tue-Thu 11am – 6pm, Fri-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun Noon-5pm 541-389-6116

The Smith Rock Records storefront always offers a treat for the eyes while treats for the ears await inside the store.

Have a very merry Punk Xmas!

Photos couresy of Doone Williams

CALENDAR

7 Wednesday

AVID Cider Co. Taproom Bingo with a Brit Join with the favorite bloke Michael as MC, and win prizes, swag, gift cards and a once-a-month cash jackpot. Discounted beverages, $3 first card, $2 second card and each card after that just $1! 6:30-8:30pm. Free.

The Belfry Shook Twins w/ Handmade Moments Since its 2008 debut “You Can Have The Rest,” Shook Twins have conjured up dreamy folk with ghostly traces of Americana tradition uplifted by transcendently hummable melodies and lilting cinematic instrumentation. 7-10pm. $25.

Cabin 22 Trivia Wednesdays It’s not your average quiz night. Team up to win gift cards. It’s fun and free to play, with Locals’ Day featuring Crater Lake and local craft beer specials. Get here this week! 6:30-8:30pm. Free.

Craft Kitchen and Brewery Comedy Open Mic Sign-up 7:30pm. Starts at 8pm. Free to watch. Free to perform. If you’ve ever wanted to try stand-up comedy, this is where you start! Free.

Crosscut Warming Hut No 5 Eric Lead better Relax with a pint and enjoy great local music every Wed. from 6-8pm. Free.

Deschutes Brewery Public House Head Games Trivia Night Eat. Drink. Think. Win! Head Games multi-media trivia is at Deschutes Bend Public House every Wednesday at 6:30pm. Free to play. Win prizes. Teams up to 6. Free.

> Tickets Available on Bendticket.com

Hub City Bar & Grill Stage 28 Karaoke

Come out for a night of Stage 28 Karaoke with your host Miss Min! What’s your go-to kara oke tune? Come to Hub City every Wednesday and Thursday night and sing your heart out! 8pm-Midnight. Free.

JC’s Bar & Grill Trivia Nite with Trivia Girl Compete with your peers and test your knowl edge of current events, music and other random categories while enjoying 75 cent wings! Also, JC’s trivia separates themselves from the rest with a physical challenge! 7-9:30pm. Free.

McMenamins Old St. Francis School

Reverb Brothers The Reverb Brothers offer a unique take on Americana, with original songs and obscure gems, that blend blues, country, soul, New Orleans R&B, country blues and rock ‘n’ roll with a distinctive 1930s sensibility. 6pm. Free.

Seven Nightclub & Restaurant The CO Show The CO Show is a free comedy showcase! Doors open at 7pm show starts at 8pm! Central Oregon Comedy Scene and Karaokaine produc tions have teamed up to bring this show to you! It’s co-hosted with multiple hosts, co-produced for Central Oregon! 8pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Song & Story with Pete Kartsounes Pete is an award-winning flat picker singer-songwriter and cutting-edge mu sician’s musician. No stranger to life out on the road, Pete has spent over two decades bringing his voice and guitar to stages all over the world. Come experience one of Bend’s finest talents! 6-8pm. Free.

Northside Bar & Grill Accoustic Open Mic w/ Derek Michael Marc Head down to the Northside Bar and Grill Wednesdays to catch local artists perform live. 7-9pm. Free.

Pour House Grill Ultimate Trivia Night with Clif Come to Pour House Grill for the best trivia night in town, guaranteed. With new questions every week written by the host Clif, and inter esting gameplay including wager style Double Jeopardy and Final Jeopardy questions, Pour House Trivia Night will have you on the edge of your seat! 6-8pm. Free.

M&J Tavern Open Mic Night Downtown living room welcomes musicians to bring their acoustic set or turn it up to eleven with the whole band. Bring your own instruments. Goes to last call or last musician, which ever comes first. 21+. 6:30pm. Free.

8 Thursday

Austin Mercantile Live Music Every Thurs day Join at Austin Mercantile for live music every Thursday. Offering a light happy hour menu — daily flatbread, chili, charcuterie, soft pretzels and more! 4:30-6:30pm. Free.

Bridge 99 Brewery Trivia Thursdays UKB’s live trivia game show is like no other. Team up to compete for gift card prizes! It’s free to play. Brews, ciders, mixed drinks, pizzas and food truck options. Indoor and outdoor seating. 6-8pm. Free.

Hub City Bar & Grill Stage 28 Karaoke Come out for a night of Stage 28 Karaoke with your host Miss Min! What’s your go-to kara oke tune? Come to Hub City every Wednesday and Thursday night and sing your heart out! 8pm-Midnight. Free.

Big E’s Sports Bar Big E’s Open Mic Open mic from 6-9pm. Sign-ups at 5:30pm. Three song/15-minute limit. Minors allowed. Singles/ duos/trios. No drum sets. Great food and bever age from Big E’s Sportsbar menu. Original music or covers. A warm and friendly environment to share those precious creative moments. Free.

Porter Brewing Co. Live Music with The Ballybogs Grab a pint, sit back, relax and enjoy live music by an amazing group of artists that brings the best Irish Trad Music in Central Ore gon! Every Thursday at Porter! 6-8pm. Free.

River’s Place Now & Then Come see Derek Michael Marc and Michael Shane play mixture of tasty blues/rock/soul cover songs and originals! 6-8pm. free.

Silver Moon Brewing Trivia on the Moon Come down to Silver Moon Brewing for a night of trivia! Teams are welcome to show up in groups up to 8 people. Silver Moon also offers seating reservations for $20 donations that all go to F*Cancer! If you would like to reserve a table please contact the Trivia on the Moon Facebook page. 7pm. Free.

Tower Theatre John Craigie Portland-based singer, songwriter and producer John Craigie adapts moments of solitude into stories perfectly suited for old Americana fiction anthologies. Instead of leaving them on dog-eared pages, he projects them widescreen in flashes of simmer ing soul and folk eloquence. On his 2022 fulllength album, "Mermaid Salt," listeners witness revenge unfurled in flames, watch a landlocked mermaid’s escape and fall asleep under a mete or shower. 8pm. $29.50-$43.50 (plus $3 historic preservation fee).

The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse

Ezza Rose Fireside Show Fireside live music at Suttle Lodge. This week, Ezza Rose will be sharing her music. 6-8pm. $10.

Midtown Ballroom BIJOU Listen to Bijou and Marten Hørger on the Stay Fly tour. 8pm. $20-$30.

9 Friday

Crabby’s Bar The Uncharted Project plays Crabby’s Bar in Prineville The Uncharted Project is an niece & uncle duo, Cassia Dawn and John Fortune are a blend of heart and soul. Think Norah Jones meets James Taylor. The duo will play a few originals and favorites with their unique sound of indie folk and soulful jazz. And maybe throw in a county tune. 7-10pm. Free.

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

High Desert Music Hall David Starfire, Mienne & Ilko With performances by: Temple Tribal Fusion. 21+ event. Flow toys encouraged. 9pm-12:30am. $20.

Hub City Bar & Grill DJ/Karaoke Nights Dj dance music intermingled with karaoke! 8pm. Free. Midtown Ballroom Ivy Lab Listen to Ivy Lab’s engaging music and watch the energetic show. 7pm. $25.

Revival Vintage Revival Vintage 3 Year Anni versary Expansion Party Come celebrate 3 years of Revival Vintage existence in the newly expand ed space! Party will also host the Grand Opening of Silver Dollar Style Co and Deco Dream Suite. Live music by Conner Bennett, followed by a Berner DJ set. Free drinks provided by Boneyard, Avid Cider and Ablis CBD. 6-9pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Sunking Sunking is the collective experimental sights and sounds of Seattle natives Rob Granfelt (aka Bobby) and Antoine Martel (aka sous chef). Originally intend ed as a passive outlet to explore the crossings of avant-garde, hip-hop, jazz and experimental music, Sunking has morphed into a full-fledged project of its own that today is announcing its signing to ANTI- Records. 6pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Thunderstorm Artis and Special Guest Soaring vocals meet dex trous, layered guitar and intimate storytelling that can evoke the poetic lyricism of Passenger in one song before sliding into the wrenching neo-soul of Leon Bridges in another. 7-11pm. $15.

Tower Theatre Tommy Emmanuel Any time you talk to any of Tommy Emmanuel’s fans, whether musicians or civilians, invariably they will speak of not one but two qualities that define his greatness. The first, predictably, is his extraordinary guitar playing. 7pm.

Volcanic Theatre Pub Magic Sword & El Ten Eleven w/ Mylets at Volcanic Magic Sword is an ageless tale of good and evil told through an ever expanding graphic novel with each volume accompanied by an original, synthheavy soundtrack as well as immersive live performances. Emotional resonance has always trumped musical intrigue for El Ten Eleven. With New Year’s Eve, they’ve created a record that reminds listeners that hope isn’t reserved for just one holiday. Hope is what fuels 20 years and 11 records. 8-11pm. $20.

Shredding guitar licks and smoothing tunes out with his soothingly low voice, Cuchulain is a singer-song writer who has a sense of humor for an entertaining show. This indie rock musician will rock McMenamins at 6pm on Wednesday, Dec. 14.

Photo courtesy of Cuchulain Instagram

Worthy Brewing Rudolf Korv and the Northwest Feels For Eugene-based Americana duo, it’s about honoring the journey, while never losing sight of where they’ve been. It’s about listening to the small voice that guides along the way, whether it comes from somewhere deep inside, or someplace high above. Come join for an evening of live music. 5-7pm.

10 Saturday

The Brown Owl Georges 70th Birthday (featuring HWY 97 & Twisted) Come help George celebrate his 70th birthday. Live music from “Hwy 97 & Twisted.” They are a 3-piece band. Gene, Fred and Jake are hilarious funny and their music can only be described as dynamic. 60s through 2000s old, new and country rock. Turn it up! 7pm. Free.

M&J Tavern Long Gone Wilder Come ready to dance and sing along to the old and new classics. 9pm. Free.

Craft Kitchen and Brewery Comedy at Craft: Ball Pit Comedy Throw ball pit balls at comedians as they perform. This time of year is stressful. Take a break with laughter and good natured fun. Hosted by Katy Ipock. 8-10pm. $10.

Faith, Hope and Charity Vineyards Live at the Vineyard: John Denver Christmas Concert With John Hoover & The Mighty Quinns The an nual John Denver Christmas Concert in the cozy tasting room! Come and bring the family! The Mighty Quinns perform a tribute to the songs, music and spiritual connection of John Denver. Located in the warm tasting room. Wood fired pizza, salads, wine and beer! 5-8pm. $20/adults, Free/children 12 and under.

Flights Wine Bar Live Music at Flights Come grab a great glass of wine, have an incredible dinner and enjoy live music every Saturday at Flights Wine Bar. 6-8pm. Free.

On Tap Paul Eddy Band 2-piece band featuring guitarist Paul Eddy and drummer Kyle Pickard. Originals and covers. 6-8pm. Free.

Northside Bar & Grill The Substitutes Local longtime three-piece pop and rock band, The Substitutes take the stage at Northside Bar & Grill. Grab a drink and listen to classic rock and 80s hits. 8-11pm. Free.

Hub City Bar & Grill DJ/Karaoke Nights Dj dance music intermingled with karaoke! 8pm. Free.

The Outfitter Bar at Seventh Mountain Resort Jae & The Shaggy Mains Join in the Speakeasy for free live music with Jae & The Shaggy Mains. 4-7pm. Free.

River’s Place Saturday Jazz Sessions Sakoy ana is an experimental-jazz-freak-funk band. The music strives to balance tight compositional structures with improvisation and joyful noise. 6-8pm. Free.

Tower Theatre Handels Messiah and Holiday Favorites The Tower Theatre Foundation pres ents Messiah and holiday favorites, by Central Oregon Mastersingers. Conducted by Christian Clark and 52-piece choir and orchestra. -11, 7-9pm. $32-$42.

Volcanic Theatre Pub The Shining Dimes w/ Billy & The Box Kid The Shining Dimes bring a fresh take to classic country music, leaving you feeling nostalgic and remembering what real country music is. Influenced by the greats like Patsy, The Flying Burrito Brothers, Dolly, The Everly Brothers and Waylon Jennings, it’ll bring you back to another time. The Shining Dimes appeal to a wide age range: older genera tions remembering the music they grew up with, and young generations’ recent re-discovery of the magic of American country. 8-10:35pm. $12.

Silver Moon Brewing JuJu Eyeball Bend’s Beattles band bring its emaculate Beatles tribute back to Silver Moon Brewing’s stage. 8-11pm.

11 Sunday

The Astro Lounge Local Artist Spotlight

Sundays This is a chance to listen to Central Or egon’s newest and upcoming local artists. They have earned their spot to perform a two-hour show, changing weekly, every Sunday. Support local top notch talent! 7-9pm. Free.

Flights Wine Bar Trivia at Flights Wine Bar Join Sundays for trivia with King Trivia! Get a group together, and come get nerdy! Awesome prizes and as always, delicious food and drinks! 4-6pm. Free.

Hub City Bar & Grill Big Band Open Jam All welcome to sing or play an instrument, just come on in and get on Gordy’s sign-up sheet. 5-8pm. Free.

River’s Place Trivia Sundays at Noon This is no ordinary contest, this is a live trivia game show. Bring your bunch and win gift card prizes for top teams! Indoor and outdoor seating available. Great food and drink options available. Noon-2pm. Free.

River’s Place Evergrow Husband and wife duo playing all the covers you know and love. Incredible harmony and music! 5-7pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Not Cho Grandma’s Bingo Not Cho’ Grandma’s Bingo is back at Silver Moon Brewing! The brewery hosts the famous bingo event for good times and a chance to win some cold hard cash! 10am-1pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Open Mic at the Moon Get a taste of the big time! Sign-up is at 4pm! Come checkout the biggest and baddest open mic night in Bend! 5-8pm. Free.

Tower Theatre Handels Messiah and Holiday Favorites The Tower Theatre Foundation pres ents Messiah and holiday favorites, by Central Oregon Mastersingers. Conducted by Christian Clark and 52-piece choir and orchestra. Dec. 1011, 7-9pm and 2-4 & 7-9pm. $32-$42.

12 Monday

Bridge 99 Brewery Trivia Mondays UKB’s live trivia game show is like no other. Team up to compete for gift card prizes! Brews, ciders, mixed drinks, pizzas and food truck options. Indoor and outdoor seating. 6-8pm. Free.

Bijou

house

dance music mastermind. This dj/producer has been paving a way in the electronic scene with energetic performances and beats that listeners

Midtown Ballroom at 8pm on Thursday, Dec. 8.

Photo courtesy of DjBijou Instagram

Elixir Wine Group Locals Music Night Enjoy live musicians, great wine and small bites. 6-9pm. Free.

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

Silver Moon Brewing Comedy Open Mic Comedy open mic every Monday at Silver Moon Brewing in the Green Room. Sign-ups at 6:30pm, show starts at 7pm. Free to watch and free to perform. Presented by Tease Bang Boom Pro ductions. 7-8:30pm. Free.

Tower Theatre Gangstagrass Holiday Party Blending bluegrass and hip-hop may seem like an unlikely recipe for success, but don’t tell that to the Emmy-nominated bluegrass/hip-hop outfit Gangstagrass. 7:30pm. $27-$57 (plus $3 historic preservation fee).

Worthy Brewing Head Games Trivia Night Eat. Drink. Think. Win! Head Games multi-media trivia is at Worthy Brewing Co. in Bend every Monday at 7pm. Free to play, win prizes. Teams up to 6. Free.

13 Tuesday

AVID Cider Co. Taproom Trivia Tuesdays! Join every Tuesday at Avid Cider Co. with Last Call Trivia! Gather your friends and stretch your brain to answer questions from broad and varied cate gories with prizes at the end. 6:30-8:30pm. Free.

Cheba Hut Trivia Tuesday Come play Useless Knowledge Bowl! UKB’s live trivia game show is no ordinary trivia night! Bring your team this week! “2 Wheel Tuesday” and “Service Industry” specials with 25% off on bar tabs, too! 6-8pm. Free.

The Commons Cafe & Taproom Story tellers Open-Mic StoryTellers open-mic nights are full of music, laughs and community. In the old house Bill Powers of Honey Don’t and several other projects in town, hosts one of the best open mics in town. Sign-ups start at 5pm sharp in the cafe, and spots go quick. 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. 6pm. Free.

Monkless Belgian Ales Puzzled Pint Puz zled Pint is a casual, social puzzle-solving event happening at rotating bars on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. These puzzles often incorporate crossword clues, code breaking, word play and logic problems. “Game Control” will be there to give hints and verify answers. Completely free, come any time! 6:30-9pm. Free.

River’s Place Bingo! Win cash and support a local nonprofit organizations. Yay! Bingo cards $1-$5. 6-8pm. $1-$5.

Silver Moon Brewing Eric Leadbetter & Friends Local artist, Eric Leadbetter, hosts his fellow musicians for this weekly free show every Tuesday. Come sit out on the brewery’s patio and enjoy an evening of music, food and most import ant... stellar craft beers! 6-8pm. Free.

The Cellar—A Porter Brewing Com pany Music Night at The Cellar, Featuring Central Oregon Music & Musicians Grab a pint, sit back, relax and enjoy live music by Central Oregon musicians! Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, from 6-8pm at The Cellar! Second Tuesday of every month, 6-8pm. Free.

14 Wednesday

AVID Cider Co. Taproom Bingo with a Brit Join with the favorite bloke Michael as MC, and win prizes, swag, gift cards and a once-a-month cash jackpot. Discounted beverages, $3 first card, $2 second card and each card after that just $1! 6:30-8:30pm. Free.

Cabin 22 Trivia Wednesdays It’s not your average quiz night. Team up to win gift cards. It’s fun and free to play, with Locals’ Day featuring Crater Lake and local craft beer specials. Get here this week! 6:30-8:30pm. Free.

Craft Kitchen and Brewery Comedy Open Mic Sign-up 7:30pm. Starts at 8pm. Free to watch. Free to perform. If you’ve ever wanted to try stand-up comedy, this is where you start! Free.

Crosscut Warming Hut No 5 Kenny Had den Relax with a pint and enjoy great local music every Wed. from 6-8pm. Free.

Deschutes Brewery Public House Head Games Trivia Night Eat. Drink. Think. Win! Head Games multi-media trivia is at Deschutes Bend Public House every Wednesday at 6:30pm. Free to play. Win prizes. Teams up to 6. Free.

The Domino Room The Jingle Ball They are taking over the Domino Room and turn ing into a winter EDM wonderland. Featuring an all-star lineup of local DJ heroes, you’ll jingle all balls into the night with plenty of wobble, wubbs and wonky beats. 7pm-Midnight. $10.

Hub City Bar & Grill Stage 28 Karaoke Come out for a night of Stage 28 Karaoke with your host Miss Min! What’s your go-to kara oke tune? Come to Hub City every Wednesday and Thursday night and sing your heart out! 8pm-Midnight. Free.

JC’s Bar & Grill Trivia Nite with Trivia Girl Compete with your peers and test your knowl edge of current events, music and other random categories while enjoying 75 cent wings! Also, JC’s trivia separates themselves from the rest with a physical challenge! 7-9:30pm. Free.

M&J Tavern Open Mic Night Downtown living room welcomes musicians to bring their acoustic set or turn it up to eleven with the whole band. Bring your own instruments. Goes to last call or last musician, which ever comes first. 21+. 6:30pm. Free.

Northside Bar & Grill Accoustic Open Mic w/ Derek Michael Marc Head down to the Northside Bar and Grill Wednesdays to catch local artists perform live. 7-9pm. Free.

McMenamins Old St. Francis School

Cuchulain Cuchulain is a low-voiced songwriter with a wry wit. Cuchulain’s deep baritone and clever lyrics have drawn comparisons to Randy Newman, Leonard Cohen and Johnny Cash. From rooms as big as the Kennedy Center or as small as a friend’s living room, Cuchulain’s lyrics have brought laughs and tears to audiences across the U.S. 6-9pm. Free.

Pour House Grill Ultimate Trivia Night with Clif Come to Pour House Grill for the best trivia night in town, guaranteed. With new questions every week written by the host Clif, and inter esting gameplay including wager style Double Jeopardy and Final Jeopardy questions, Pour House Trivia Night will have you on the edge of your seat! 6-8pm. Free.

Seven Nightclub & Restaurant The CO Show The CO Show is a free comedy showcase! Doors open at 7pm show starts at 8pm! Central Oregon Comedy Scene and Karaokaine produc tions have teamed up to bring this show to you! It’s co-hosted with multiple hosts, co-produced for Central Oregon! 8pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Song & Story with Pete Kartsounes Pete is an award-winning flat picker singer-songwriter and cutting-edge mu sician’s musician. No stranger to life out on the road, Pete has spent over two decades bringing his voice and guitar to stages all over the world. Come experience one of Bend’s finest talents! 6-8pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Strawberry Girls, The Color 8, Himiko Cloud & Rosett Strawberry Girls is an instrumental trio from Salinas, CA, featuring Zachary Garren (Ex-Dance Gavin Dance) on guitar, Ben Rosett on drums and Ian Jennings on bass. 6:30-10pm. $18.

MUSIC

The Twelve Tones Holiday Perfor mance Enjoy the lovely sound of tone chimes playing holiday favorites. Dec. 13, 2-3pm. Redmond Public Library, 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond. Contact: 541-312-1029. laurelw@ deschuteslibrary.org. Free.

Central Oregon Youth Orchestra

Winter Concert Revel in local music! This assembly of 35 music students of all ages from across the region is led by COCC music professor Travis Allen and conducted by Redmond Profi ciency Academy’s Jonathon Moore. Details on this performance will be released at a later date. Dec. 13, 7pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-317-0700. info@towertheatre. org. $12 - $17 (plus $3 historic preservation fee).

Holiday at the Pops Bend Pops Orchestra brings the sounds of the season to you with a free holiday concert in December! Take a break from your hectic holiday preparations and treat yourself to Bend Pops Orchestra’s Holiday Concert. You’ll be entertained with traditional carols, popular medleys, toe-tapping tunes, and a holiday sing-along. Dec. 11, 2-3pm. Mountain View High School Auditorium, 2755 NE 27th St., Bend. Contact: info@bendpops.org. Free.

The Uncharted Project Holiday Perfor

mance Local singer-songwriter duo blend their voices for the holidays. As niece and uncle, Cas sia Dawn and John Fortune are a blend of heart and soul. They’ll play holiday favorites with their unique sound of indie folk and soulful jazz. Dec. 10, 3-4pm. Redmond Library, 827 Southwest De schutes Ave., Redmond. Contact: 541-312-1029. laurelw@deschuteslibrary.org. Free.

Caroling by Central Oregon Masters

ingers Enjoy traditional carols and fun ar rangements of holiday classics performed by an ensemble of the Central Oregon Mastersingers. Founded in 2005, Central Oregon Mastersingers comprises many of the area’s finest singers who share a common passion for the best in choral music. Dec. 14, Noon-1pm. Downtown Bend Pub lic Library, 601 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541312-1029. laurelw@deschuteslibrary.org. Free.

Om Healing Circle Om Chanting Healing Circle is a group practice that uses the transfor mational power of "om" to activate the self-heal ing potential of participants. Om chanting also brings people together in service of others. Like a prayer, the positive vibrations of om can be offered to support those in need. Dec. 13, 5:30-7pm. Hawthorn Healing Arts Center, 39 NW Louisiana Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-330-0334. info@hawthorncenter.com. $20.

Evergrow is a husband-and-wife duo that performs covers that Central Oregon knows and loves. With intricate, melodic harmonies, Evergrow will perform at River’s Place on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 5pm.

Photo courtesy of River's Place Pho

Music in Public Places with Bend Cello

Collective

Enjoy the music from the Bend Cel lo Group, sponsored by Music in Public Places. MIPP is a program of the Central Oregon Sym phony Association. These concerts are held at Central Oregon venues that traditionally are not recognized as being music concert venues. MIPP concerts offer music for the community. Dec. 14, 6-7pm. Downtown Bend Public Library - Brooks Room, 601 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-3121063. paigef@deschuteslibrary.org. Free.

Sunday Brunch and Karaoke Wake up right with brunch and karaoke! Sundays, 10am3pm. General Duffy’s Waterhole, 404 SW Forest Ave., Redmond. Free.

Open Hub Singing Club Sing in communi ty... for the simple joy of creating meaning and beauty together! All voices and experience levels welcome. The group believes singing is a birth right and are reclaiming this ancient technology for belonging and well-being. The group sings easy-to-learn delicious songs in the paperless aural tradition. First timers are free! Lalalalala! Sundays, 1-2:30pm. First Presbyterian Heritage Hall, 230 NE Ninth St., Bend. Contact: 541-2416182. openhubsinging@gmail.com. $10-$20.

Sound of the Seasons Holiday Concert

The Redmond Community Choir will perform their Sounds of the Seasons concert at Redmond High School. The concert will include tradition al and contemporary choral works, as well as fresh arrangements of traditional carols and holiday music from around the world. The Red mond Community Choir is a COCC Community Education Program. Dec. 11, 4-6pm. Redmond High School Auditorium, 675 SW Rimrock Way, Redmond. Free.

DANCE

Argentine Tango Classes and Dance

Join every Wednesday for Tango classes and dancing! Your first class is free. 6:30-7pm Tango 101 Class, no partner needed! 7-8pm All levels class. 8-9:30pm Open dancing. Wednesdays, 6:30-9:30pm. Sons of Norway Hall, 549 NW Harmon Blvd., Bend. Contact: 541-728-3234. tangocentraloregon@gmail.com. $5-$10.

Blues Holiday Social - December Join for two 30-minute skills centric lessons for dancers of all levels followed by social dancing. The group is excited to host in the Earth Room at Hanai. $10 for the night (lessons plus social). You can find the Earth Room just down the hall to the right. Dec. 9, 7-10pm. Hanai Foundation, 62430 Eagle Rd., Bend. Contact: bendbluesdancing@gmail.com.

Line and Swing Dancing Lessons Line and swing dance lessons every Thursday night at The Cross-Eyed Cricket! Thursdays, 7-9pm. CrossEyed Cricket, 20565 NE Brinson Blvd., Bend. Free.

Nia Fusion of dance, martial arts and healing arts focusing on reconnecting to body sensations and the body’s natural way of movement through form, freedom and play. You will dance though deep intention and joyful expressions to connect to your true nature. Wednesdays, 8-9am and Sat urdays, 11am-Noon. Bend Hot Yoga, 1230 NE 3rd St. UnitA320, Bend. Contact: yoga@bendhotyoga. com. $20/drop-In.

Scottish Country Dance Scottish Country Dance class is on Mon. from 7-9pm at the Sons of Norway Building, 549 NW Harmon. A chance to socialize and get a bit of exercise, too. Beginners are welcome. All footwork, figures and social graces will be taught and reviewed. Contact 541508-9110. Mondays, 7-9pm. Sons of Norway Hall, 549 NW Harmon Blvd., Bend. Contact: 541-5089110. allely@bendbroadband.com. $5.

FILM EVENTS

“A Christmas Story” In the 1940s a young boy named Ralphie attempts to convince his parents, his teacher and Santa that a Red Ryder BB gun is the perfect Christmas gift. Presented by KSJJ 102.9 FM. Dec. 7, 7pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-317-0700. info@towertheatre.org. $17-$27 (plus $3 historic preservation fee).

“Elf” Raised as an over-sized elf, Buddy (played by Will Ferrell) a human, travels from the North Pole to NYC to meet his biological father who doesn’t know he exists and is in desperate need of some Christmas spirit. Presented by Power 94. Dec. 14, 7pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-317-0700. info@towerthe atre.org. $17 - $27 (plus $3 historic preservation fee).

ARTS / CRAFTS

Art Viewing Visit Sagebrushers Art Society in beautiful Bend to see lovely work, paintings and greeting cards by local artists. New exhibit every 8 weeks. Visit Sagebrushersartofbend.com for information on current shows. Wednesdays, 1-4pm, Fridays, 1-4pm and Saturdays, 1-4pm. Sagebrushers Art Society, 117 SW Roosevelt Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-617-0900. Free.

DIY Natural Holiday Decor Party Join Think Wild for a DIY Natural Holiday Decor Party! The group will be making wreaths, floral arrangements, wooden ornaments and more out of natural items. Supplies and snacks will be provided, and all ages are welcome! Please RSVP! Dec. 11, 2pm. Downtown Bend Public Library, 601 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: info@ thinkwildco.org. Free.

Inner Space Explorer Opening + Art Side of the Moon Call For Artists Local artist and printmaker Anne Pick shares her lat est series, “Inner Space Explorer” in The Green Room at Silver Moon Brewing. Join for art, con versation, darts, beverages and the vinyl records Anne listened to while creating the show. Dec. 7, 4-6pm. Silver Moon Brewing, 24 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend. Free.

Kreitzer Open Gallery and Studio Give the gift of contemporary realist David Kreitzer original. Stunning Central Oregon splendor, wa ter, koi, fantasy, figure and floral. SF Chronicle: “Kreitzer demonstrates poetic the intensity of the old tradition.” Mondays-Sundays, 11am-5pm. Kreitzer Art Gallery and Studio, 20214 Archie Briggs Road, Bend. Contact: 805-234-2048. jkreitze@icloud.com. Free.

Nancy Floyd: Walking Through The Desert with My Eyes Closed Art exhibition at Scalehouse featuring 2022 Guggenheim Fellowship recipient Nancy Floyd! First Friday opening 11/4 from 5-7pm. Visit www.scalehouse. org/artist-nancy-floyd. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 5-7pm. Through Dec. 31. Scalehouse Collabo rative for the Arts, 550 NW Franklin Ave, Bend. Contact: marley@scalehouse.org. Free.

Second Saturday at the Gallery Enjoy free food and libations at the Artists Gallery Sunriver Village the 2nd Saturday of each month. Work of 30 local artists is on display and here’s your chance to meet some of those artists. Sec ond Saturday of every month, 4-6pm. The Village at Sunriver, 57100 Beaver Dr., Sunriver. Contact: 541-593-8704. Free.

Visual Joy and Perfection: The Artistry of Master Fine Artist David Kreitzer

Join David in the Kreitzer Gallery and Studio, and experience sublime and healing Central Oregon splendor landscapes, the human figure, koi, California vineyards, floral and fantasy oil and watercolor images. Thursdays-Sundays, Noon5pm. Kreitzer Art Gallery and Studio, 20214 Ar chie Briggs Road, Bend. Contact: 805-234-2048. jkreitze@icloud.com. Free.

PRESENTATIONS + EXHIBITS

Bend Ghost Tours Join for Ghosts and Legends of Downtown Bend Tour and hear all about Bend’s permanent residents! Your Spirit Guide will lead you through the haunted streets and alleyways of Historic Downtown Bend where you’ll learn about the city’s many macabre tales, long-buried secrets and famous ghosts. Wednes days-Sundays, 7:30-9pm. Downtown Bend, Bend. Contact: 541-350-0732. bendghosttours@gmail. com. $25.

SheJumps: Empowering Women Through Adventure Speaker Series

On the second Wednesday of each month, SheJumps will be presenting female speakers on a variety of adventure topics. Wed, Dec. 14, 6:30-7:30pm, Wed, Jan. 11, 6:30-7:30pm and Wed, Feb. 8, 6:307:30pm. Crow’s Feet: A Mountain Collective, 2843 NW Lolo Dr, Bend. Free.

Wreath Making Come join for a fun afternoon building your own holiday wreath in the cozy tasting room. Michelle from the Posie Shoppe will guide you through making a natural greens wreath for your front door... or a gift for a friend! All materials included. Thu, Dec. 8, 6pm. Faith, Hope and Charity Vineyards, 70450 NW Lower Valley Dr., Terrebonne. Contact: 541-526-5075. events@fhcvineyards.com. $120.

THEATER

A Gift To Remember On Christmas Eve, during a snowstorm, a group of strangers are on a train to Boston from Bangor, Maine, where the airport had been shut down due to the weather. Once they reach Boston, many of the passengers hope to make connections to various desti nations across the United States. Thursdays, 7:30pm, Saturdays, 7:30pm, Sundays, 7:30pm and Fridays, 7:30pm. Through Dec. 17. Cascade Theatrical Theatre, 148 NW Greenwood, Bend. $26/adults, $22/students or senior.

Seven Peaks School Performing Arts Program

Join for a reimagining of three classic Shakespearean comedies rolled into one night of theatre performed by grades 4-8. This ambitious project will combine Twelfth Night (6th), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (7th) and The Tempest (8th), into one abridged show set in the Cold War era. Fri, Dec. 9, 6-8pm, Sat, Dec. 10, 6-8pm and Sun, Dec. 11, 3-5 and 6-8pm. Seven Peaks School, 19660 SW Mountaineer Way, Bend. Contact: 541-382-7755. ndavies@sevenpeakss chool.org. Free.

Scrooge. Dec. 13, 6-7pm. SCP Redmond Hotel, 521 Southwest 6th St., Redmond. Contact: 541-312-1032. lizg@dpls. lib.or.us. Free.

Legally

Blonde JR The Musical

B.E.A.T. Children’s Theater proudly presents Legally Blonde JR. The Musical. The incredibly talented cast and crew are thrilled to bring you the tale of Elle Woods and her pup Bruiser! Fri, Dec. 9, 7pm, Sat, Dec. 10, 2 and 7pm, Sun, Dec. 11, 2pm, Fri, Dec. 16, 7pm, Sat, Dec. 17, 2 and 7pm and Sun, Dec. 18, 2pm. Summit High School Auditori um, 2855 NW Clearwater Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-419-4388. bree.beal@beatonline.org. $10/ student, $15/adult.

WORDS

The Forge Creative Writing Program

Applications accepted until Dec. 31 for The Forge 10-month online creative writing program. You have something important to say, and the program gives you the tools and training to say it! $25 application fee and writing sample. Begins January 2023. To look into the applications and submit your own, contact theforgewriting@gmail. com and 541-408-4509. Apply by 12/31/22. Oct. 13-Dec. 31. Contact: 541-408-4509. theforgewrit ing@gmail.com. $25.

Writers Writing: Quiet Writing Time

Enjoy the focus of a quiet space with the benefit of others’ company. This is an in-person pro gram. Masks are recommended at all in-person library events. Bring personal work, read a book or answer emails. Come when you can, leave when you want. Free, open network WiFi avail able. Tuesdays, 1:30-4:30pm. Deschutes Public Library-Downtown, 601 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-312-1063. paigef@deschuteslibrary. org. Free.

A Christmas Carol Readers Theater at SCP Hotel We provide the script, you provide dramatic skills and together the group reads the classic tale of Ebenezer

Ivy Lab is a DJ duo that mixes hard-hitting beats and house music to create a unique dance scene. The duo’s newest album, “Infinite Falling Ground,” is diverse, featuring light tracks with chimes and haunting beats. Dance with Ivy Lab at 7pm on Friday, Dec. 9 at the Midtown Ballroom.

Photo courtesy of Ivy Lab Facebook

CALENDAR

Hello, Storytime: Snow! Hello, and wel come to Roundabout Books Storytime! Round about Books is looking forward to sharing stories, movement and a touch of music with 0-5 year olds, geared toward those younger ages. Dec. 14, 10:30-11am. Roundabout Books, 900 NW Mount Washington Dr., #110, Bend. Contact: 541-3066564. julie@roundaboutbookshop.com. Free.

Current Fiction Book Club Please attend the Current Fiction Book Club! A discussion will be held regarding "The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois" by Honoree Fanonne Jeffers. Zoom option available. Dec. 7, 6-7pm. Roundabout Books, 900 NW Mount Washington Dr., #110, Bend. Contact: 541-306-6564. julie@roundaboutbookshop.com. Free.

Classics Book Club Please attend the Classics Book Club. A discussion regarding "Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes will take place. Zoom option available. Dec. 14, 6-7pm. Roundabout Books, 900 NW Mount Washington Dr., #110, Bend. Contact: 541-306-6564. julie@ roundaboutbookshop.com. Free.

Mystery Book Club Please join in-store or on zoom for Mystery Book Club. The group will discuss "The Ladies of the Secret Circus" by Constance Sayers. Join zoom link here: https:// us02web.zoom.us/j/87648931984?pwd=eHN4V jRIOVkyck5DL092OE9Nakd2QT09. Wednesdays, 10:30am. Roundabout Books, 900 NW Mount Washington Dr., #110, Bend. Contact: 541-3066564. julie@roundaboutbookshop.com. Free.

Nonfiction Book Club Attend a discussion about: "Where the Crooked River Rises: A High Desert Home" by Ellen Waterston. Zoom option available. Dec. 9, 9:30-10:30am. Roundabout Books, 900 NW Mount Washington Dr., #110, Bend. Contact: 541-306-6564. julie@roundabout bookshop.com. Free.

David Starfire blends music from all over the world and identifies as a world-fusion producer. His concerts are full of psychedelic electronic music, transporting listeners to a different time and space. Experience David Starfire at 9pm on Friday, Dec. 9 at High Desert Music Hall.

Photo courtesy of Six Degrees Records

Bevel Putting Mayhem It’s a fun way to get to know our local disc golf club and meet some new people! Plus, all competitors get $1 off beverages all night (cannot be combined with any other discounts). Details: Head-to-head matches will play in a bracket-style putting competition, with double elimination! Sign-ups at 5:30pm with first putts at 6pm. $5 to enter, optional $1 for the “Perfect Putt Pot.” Bring 2 putters of your own or borrow Bevel’s!10 putts per round from 5 stations, 2 putts from each station. Wednesdays, 5:30-9pm. Bevel Craft Brewing, 911 SE Armour St., Bend. $5.

COAC Know Before You Go Know Before You Go is a basic avalanche awareness presenta tion aimed at highlighting introductory concepts and tools for traveling in avalanche terrain. Learn about the destructive power of avalanches, safety equipment, how people get in trouble, and the basics of how to avoid them. Dec. 13, 7pm. Pine Mountain Sports, 255 SW Century Dr., Bend. Free.

Holiday Lights and Cookie Run Cookie contest and run! f you want to be in the cookie contest, bring at least a dozen cookies and email: col@footzonebend.com to be entered. Anyone can bring cookies to share and FootZone will have additional cookies and drinks post run. Run leaves the store at 5:30pm. Meet at FootZone then run about a 3 -mile route to view holiday lights and enjoy cookies and beverages post run! All paces and all ages welcome. Bring the kids.

FootZone will offer a shorter route as well. Dec. 14, 5:30pm. FootZone, 842 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-317-3568. Free.

Hoodoo’s Wintervention at General Duffy’s Join Hoodoo at General Duffy’s for a flurry of fun and over 50K in giveaways this season. Lift tickets, lodging, gear, skis, boards and more! Free for all ages, go to skihoodoo.com for full details. Tue, Dec. 13, 6-8pm and Tue, Jan. 10, 6-8pm. General Duffy’s Waterhole, 404 SW Forest Ave., Redmond. Contact: 541-527-4345. eventsbreakingfree@gmail.com. Free.

Redmond Running Group Run All levels welcome. Find the Redmond Oregon Running Klub on Facebook for weekly run details. Thurs days, 6:15pm. City of Redmond, Redmond, Or., Redmond. Contact: rundanorun1985@gmail.com.

Monthly Snowshoe Evening Hike with Come Out Bend Come out and hike with Come Out Bend! Whether under the stars or un der the sun the group will be hiking each month around the full moon! Watch closer for more details as each event gets closer on the Face book page! Fri, Dec. 9, 6pm. RSVP for address, Bend. Free.

Saturday Morning Coffee Run Come join CORK for a Saturday long run at 9am. The group will meet outside Thump Coffee on York Dr. for a long run. Feel free to run or walk, whatever “long” means to you! Whatever your pace and distance, Thump hopes you’ll join for the run and stay afterward for food and drinks! Saturdays, 9-10am. Thump Coffee - NW Crossing, 549 NW York Dr., Bend. Free.

Thursday Night Run Run through the Old Mill for around 3-5 miles, stay for food and drinks! Thursdays, 6-7pm. Spoken Moto, 310 SW Industrial Way, Bend. Free.

VOLUNTEER

Help Businesses Prosper! Share your professional and business expertise. Become a volunteer mentor with SCORE in Central Oregon. The chapter is growing. Your experience and knowledge will be valued by both new and exist ing businesses in the community. To apply, call 541-316-0662 or visit centraloregon.score.org/ volunteer. Ongoing. Contact: 541-316-0662.

Volunteers Needed for Humane Soci ety Thrift Store Do you love animals and dis covering “new” treasures? Then volunteering at the HSCO Thrift Store Donation Door is the per fect place to combine your passions while helping HSCO raise funds to provide animal welfare services for the local community. For information contact: rebecca@hsco.org. Ongoing. Humane Society Thrift Shop, 61220 S. Highway 97, Bend. Contact: 541-241-3761. rebecca@hsco.org.

Volunteer with Salvation Army The Salvation Army has a wide variety of volunteer opportunities for almost every age. Salvation Army has an emergency food pantry, the groups visit residents of assisted living centers and make up gifts for veterans and the homeless. Ongoing. Contact: 541-389-8888.

Bunny Rescue Needs Volunteers

Looking for more volunteers to help with tidying bunny enclosures, feeding, watering, giving treats, head scratches, play time and fostering. All ages welcome and time commitments are flexible — weekly, monthly or fill-in. Located at the south end of Redmond. Email Lindsey with your interests and availability: wildflowerbunny love@gmail.com. Ongoing. Ember’s Wildflower Animal Sanctuary and Bunny Rescue, 2584 SW 58th St., Redmond. Free.

GROUPS + MEETUPS

Amnesty International Write 4 Rights

Write a letter, save a life. We are writing letters for prisoners of conscience who were peacefully protesting and then arrested. Please bring two standard size envelopes to help with mailing. The meeting is free and open to the public. Dec. 10, 10:30am-5:30pm. Deschutes Downtown Bend Public Library - Meyer Room, 601 N.W. Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-388-1793. philbertr46@gmail. com. Free.

Bend Ukelele Group (BUG’s) Do you play Uke? Like to learn to play? Beginners and experienced players all welcome to join the fun every Tuesday at 6:30-8pm at Big E’s just off 3rd street near Reed Market. Go play with the group! Tue, Dec. 6, 6:30pm and Tuesdays, 6:30pm. Big E’s Sports Bar, 1012 SE Cleveland Ave., Bend. Contact: 206-707-6337. Free.

Beverages & Business Cards Pop-Up: Bridge 99! Hi, folks! Missing some in-person networking with like-minded individuals? Let’s get some events rolling. Bridge 99 has offered up its space to congregate and rub some elbows. Come and check out the new drink types and pizza! Dec. 9, 3-6pm. Bridge 99 Brewery, 63063 Layton Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-819-0443. bever agesandbusinesscards@gmail.com. 5.

Board Games Hosted by The Base The Base at Franklin is a new space in the Old Bend neighborhood for neurodivergent humans and allies to access community through the shared goal for connection and wellness. Board games from 4-5:30pm. RPG direcly following at 5:30pm. RSVP required. Fridays, 4-5:30pm. The Base at Franklin, 5 NW Franklin Avenue, Bend. Contact: 541-610-8826. hello@baseatfranklin.com. Free.

Cars & Coffee Cars and Coffee is a family environment and it is for all to share, yes, dogs too! Stop in, chat, snap pictures, bring your ride or daily driver, and enjoy fellow enthusiasts. Every other Sunday, 8-11am. Spoken Moto, 310 SW Industrial Way, Bend. Free.

Competitive Cribbage Play nine games of cribbage versus nine different opponents. Cash prizes awarded based on number of wins. Mondays, 5-8pm. Deschutes Junction, 2940 N Hwy 97, Bend. Contact: 541-530-1112. rickyt icky1954@gmail.com. $2-$18.

Distillery & Business

Cards Pop-Up:

Gompers Distillery! Hi, folks! Missing some in-person networking with like-minded individ uals? Let’s get some events rolling. Gompers Distillery has offered up space to congregate and rub some elbows with some folks that like beverages, mingling and building the roots of the economy. Thu, Dec. 8, 5-8pm and Wed, Jan. 18, 5-8pm. Gompers Distillery, 611 NE Jackpine Ct #8,, Redmond. Contact: 541-819-0443. beverage sandbusinesscards@gmail.com. $5.

Neuroqueer Meetup A safe place for neu rodivergent, queer individuals to exchange with the goal of promoting exploration and sharing of experiences, as well as empowerment and con nection to community. Every other Wednesday, 6-7:30pm. The Base at Franklin, 5 NW Franklin Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-610-8826. hello@base atfranklin.com. Free.

Paws & Pints Come talk dogs and make friends with other like minded folks! Join us for a hosted beverage and there may even be an adorable puppy or two looking to meet their perfect person! First Wednesday of every month, 5-7pm. Silver Moon Brewing, 24 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend.

Toastmasters of Redmond Become a confident public speaker. Do you want to become a member of an organization that provides a safe and supportive environment to improve your public speaking skills? A place that fosters community, socialization and builds your self confidence. A place to have fun. Newcomers are supportively welcomed. Tuesdays, Noon-1pm. Church of Christ, 925 NW 7th St., Redmond. Contact: 541-292-6177. garyae@gmail.com. $60 for 6 months.

FUNDRAISING

Bingo Fundraiser: Honor Flight of Cen

tral Oregon Honor Flight of Central Oregon brings Veterans to Washington, D.C., for a unique remembrance experience. All-volunteer nonprof it, dedicated to taking local veterans to reflect on the memorials built in honor of their service and sacrifice. Come play bingo! Patriot pinups will be there! Dec. 10, 2-4pm. Bridge 99 Brewery, 63063 Layton Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-819-0443. hfco. dondeland@gmail.com. Free.

SEASONAL EVENTS

+ MARKETS

Christmas Art and Crafts Market Won derful handmade items including pottery, wood working, printmaking, jewelry, art cards, sweets and more... perfect for unique gift giving! Dec. 10, 10am-4pm and Dec. 11, 10am-4pm. Smiley Design, 443 NW Delaware Ave., Bend. Free.

Celtic Christmas Concert The Ballybogs will perform traditional Irish music for this Celtic Christmas concert. The concert will include arrangements of well-known Christmas songs blended with Irish songs and upbeat dance tunes. Dec. 9, 7pm. Bend United Methodist Church, 680 NW Bond St., Bend. Free, donations accepted.

Christmas in Powell Butte This second annual bazaar is booked full with 40 plus ven dors. Route 20 Food Truck will serve food from Friday morning through Saturday afternoon. Dec. 9, 2-7pm and Dec. 10, 9am-4pm. Powell Butte Community Center, 8404 SW Reif Rd., Powell Butte. Contact: 541-408-0256. events@pb-center. com. Free.

Strawberry Girls are a three-piece rock band from Salinas, California. Performing with a punk rock energy, this band punches out guitar riffs and drum solos full of personality. Rock out with Strawberry Girls, The Color 8 and Himiko Cloud & Rosett at 6:30pm on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at Silver Moon Brewing.

Photo courtesy of Strawberry Girls Facebook

GUNG HO

By Nicole Vulcan

Goo Goo Dolls Headed Back to Bend

Hayden Homes Amphitheater announces its second show for next season, with O.A.R. joining

Nineties darlings the Goo Goo Dolls must have had a good time when the band played the Hayden Homes Amphitheater back in July, because in 2023, the band will make its only Oregon summer show appearance right back here in Bend.

HHA announced made its second concert announcement for the 2023 sea son on Monday, with the announcement that Goo Goo Dolls would play Bend on Sept. 4 along with rock band O.A.R. Earlier this fall, HHA announced that Death Cab for Cutie would play June 17 along with special guest Omelda.

Presale runs Thursday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at BendConcerts.com. The password is “local."

General ticket sales start Friday, Dec. 9, at 10 a.m. online and in person at the Ticket Mill in the Old Mill District.

“I’m so proud to finally be able to announce our summer tour with a great band and our friends O.A.R.,” said John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls in a press release. “It’s going to be an amazing night of great music for everyone so BE THERE!!!”

As O.A.R.’s Marc Roberge said, "After working on separate albums in the same studio all last year, John and I realized pretty quickly how much fun we'd have on tour together. We're all band guys, love being musicians, and started planning a special night that all our fans would enjoy.”

Fun facts: The Goo Goo Dolls were started by frontman Rzeznik and bassist Robby Takac in 1986, eventually going on to sell 15 million records worldwide and continuing to hold the all-time radio record for Most Top 10 Singles. The band’s song, “Iris,” was Billboards #1 song on the Adult Top 40 chart for 18 weeks and was named the “#1 Top 40 Song of the Last 20 Years.”

The Goo Goo Dolls show on Sept. 4, 2023, represents the second show announcement for next year’s concert lineup at Hayden Homes Amphitheater, with many more to come.

Claire Marie Vogel

Holiday Cheer Drive-Thru Bring your family for this driving tour of the beautiful 20acre farm, where the therapy horses and team of cheery staff and volunteers can’t wait to see you! Healing Reins will host a “festive car décor contest,” so dazzle up your ride, bring out those car-antlers and holiday hats, paint your car windows with holiday messages to your favorite horses or get fancy with some poster board signs for a chance to win a gift card towards lessons! Bring your letters for Santa to drop in his porta ble mail box. Sip on hot cocoa as you peruse the pasture in your vehicle. Meet a few of our healing herd horses that will be walking along the drive-thru route. Dec. 10, 2-4pm. Healing Reins Equine Assisted Services, 60575 Billadeau Rd., Bend. Free, $10 suggested donation per vehicle.

Holiday Makers Market Crux is hosting a Holiday Makers Market! Join for handcrafted gifts, holiday cheer and craft beer! 20 regional makers will be there showcasing their wares. Grab a beer, shop local and support the art of the craft! Dec. 11, 10am-5pm. Crux Fermentation Project, 50 SW Division St., Bend. Free.

Holiday Shopping Pop-Up Come join at the holiday pop-up sale to get a head start on your holiday shopping! Everything is 15% off! The store is located on the 10-acre lavender farm in the heart of Tumalo. Tumalo Lavender will have lavender lemon pound cake and warm beverages on hand, plus free giveaways! Dec. 10, 10am4pm. Tumalo Lavender, 19825 Connarn Rd., Bend. Contact: 541-383-2441. info@tumalolaven der.com. Free.

Locavore Holiday Gift Faire The Annual Locavore Holiday Gift Faire is one of the best ways to find perfectly unique gifts for your spe cial people made right here in Central Oregon. Will you buy them art, local honey or vinegar, hats, a new painting or a beautiful piece of jewel ry? You don’t have to decide now—browsing the merry tables of these artists, farmers, and craft ers is half the joy of this top notch gift faire. Dec. 10, 10am-4pm. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 61980 Skyline Ranch Rd., Bend. Free.

Low Cost Vaccines & Microchips For Dogs and Cats Low cost vaccines and micro chips for dogs and cats. No appointment neces sary. For pricing and more info visit fixbend.org. Dec. 10, 9am-Noon. Bend Pet Express Eastside, 420 NE Windy Knolls Drive, Bend.

Magical Markets of Merriment Back by popular demand, the Magical Markets of Merri ment at at Somewhere That’s Green! Join every weekend after Thanksgiving. Featuring 12+ new lo cal makers, Santa Claus and goodies galore. Come sip on a butter beer, warm up with the plants and melt into the holiday cheer. Dec. 10-11, 10am-5pm and Dec. 17-18, 10am-5pm. Somewhere That’s Green, 1017 NE 2nd St., Bend. Contact: 541-3304086. help@somewheregreen.com. Free.

Oh, Craft! Another Holiday Market at The Workhouse!

While many other markets have popped up and made space for the bulk of the vendors who The Iron Works and The Work house were unable to house for Craft-0!, The Workhouse is able to host an alternative market, Oh-Craft. This holiday market will feature the studio artists and a few outside vendors for a market to remember. The Iron Works supports local makers and crafters, and you can still shop to support there, as well! Its neighbor Café des Chutes, is celebrating its 1 year anniversary on the same weekend. The cafe will give a free cookie to its first 100 customers. Get out for coffee, cookies and holiday shopping. The Work house will raise funds in support of for former Workhouse Studio Member Simone Kujack of ImOne Creations who lost her entire studio to a house fire just before Thanksgiving. Dec. 10, 9am-5pm and Dec. 11, 9am-5pm. The Work house, 50 SE Scott St., Suite 6, Bend. Contact: 541-241-2754. Free.

Scandinavian Christmas Bazaar Cele brate the holidays and shop Scandinavian food and items at this market. Dec. 10, 10am-4pm. Sons of Norway Hall, 549 NW Harmon Blvd., Bend. Free.

Sip & Shop Holiday Market

Join for a glass of our newest releases while you shop for holiday gifts from talented local vendors. Vendors include: The Sugarpine Boutique, Three Sisters Ceramics, Dana Kern Art and Triumph Outpost. Dec. 11, 2-5pm. Bledsoe Family Winery, 550 SW Industrial Way Suite 198, Bend. Contact: 541797-6502. alison@bledsoewineestates.com. Free.

Tetherow’s Annual Holiday Bazaar 20+ local makers and artisan vendors. Shop local and support your neighbors! Dec. 7, 4-8pm. Tetherow Resort Event Pavilion, 61240 Skyline Ranch Rd., Bend. Free.

Tumalo Creek Holiday Lights Parade

Celebrate the holidays with Tumalo Creek’s annual Holiday Lights Paddle Parade. The parade begins at 4pm. Every year Bend’s most dedicated paddling enthusiasts dress up their canoes and kayaks in bright lights and other holiday garb for a paddle around the Deschutes River in the Old Mill District. Dec. 9, 4-5pm. Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe, 805 SW Industrial Way Suite 6, Bend. Free.

Winter Nights: Sugar Cookie Shindig

High Desert Museum stays open late for you to see the latest exhibitions and enjoy a festive night out! Tonight will include special activi ties for kids, including a High Desert-themed story-time, snowflake making and sugar cookie decorating. Rimrock Café will be open for folks to grab a treat. Dec. 8, 4-7:30pm. High Desert Museum, 59800 S. Highway 97, Bend. Contact: 541-382-4754. bburda@highdesertmuseum.org. $6-$10, members always free.

FAMILY + KIDS

After School Art Club Art Club is a unique after-school program for kids to create and bring their ideas to life in an inspiring studio space. The weekly schedule features a different focus each day; choose the day that most interests your child or nurture their creativity across a variety of media. Mondays-Tuesdays-Thursdays, 2:30-5pm. Through Dec. 15. Wondery Art + Ad venture School, 19550 Amber Meadow Dr Suite 190, Bend. Contact: sarah@wonderyschool.com. $150 per month.

Early Release Wild Wednesday Art Club Art Club is a unique after school program for kids to create and bring their ideas to life in an inspiring studio space. The weekly schedule features a different focus each day; choose the day that most interests your child or nur ture their creativity across a variety of media. Wednesdays, 1-5pm. Through Dec. 14. Wondery Art + Adventure School, 19550 Amber Meadow Dr Suite 190, Bend. Contact: sarah@wonderyschool. com. $150 per month.

Kids Business Shopping Event Kids in the community who make and sell their own products and services. See fresh business ideas from young minds in our community. Come support these young entrepreneurs and empower them to dream big! Crafts, food, gifts, toys, games and more! Invite friends. Cash-only event. Interested in participating? Visit: www. izzaroo.com/KidsBizEvent. Dec. 9, 2:30-5:30pm. Downtown Bend Public Library - Brooks Room, 601 NW Wall St., Bend. Free.

Mini-Gingerbread House Making Look

ing for a fun holiday activity to do with your kids/ grandkids? Join and decorate a mini “ginger bread house” made from graham crackers. They will provide all of the supplies! Children must be accompanied by an adult. RSVP to Becca @ bel lis@bendfp.org. Dec. 14, 2-4pm. First Presbyte rian Bend, 230 Northeast 9th St., Bend. Contact: 541-382-4401. bellis@bendfp.org. Free.

SantaLand After flying in on an AirLink heli copter on Friday, Nov. 25, Santa Claus will make his way to SantaLand (located in the former Simply Mac space) via parade down Powerhouse Dr. in the Old Mill District. Families can stop in and take pictures will Jolly St. Nick every Friday through Sunday after Thanksgiving until Dec. 23. You’ll also find the Tree of Joy in SantaLand, a project between the Rotary Clubs of Central Oregon and the Salvation Army that provides gift suggestions for children and families in need. Dec. 9-11, 11am-5pm, Dec. 16-18, 11am-5pm and Dec. 21-Nov. 23, 11am-5pm. Old Mill District, 450 SW Powerhouse Dr. Suite 422, Bend.

Vineyard Sunday Brunch Join on Sunday mornings for the new Vineyard Sunday Brunch in the cozy tasting room. Faith Hope Charity will have a special rotating menu that will be differ ent every week, peach or pomegranate mimosas and the award-winning wine will be available for purchase. Dec. 11, 11am-2pm. Faith, Hope and Charity Vineyards and Events, 70450 NW Lower Valley Dr., Terrebonne. Contact: 541-526-5075. events@fhcvineyards.com. $32/adults, $15/chil dren 12 and under.

Paint Your Meditation for Kids & Parent Join Genesis Ilada and Kevin Kraft for a kids yoga class followed by a cosmic sound bath with gongs, crystal bowls, drums, flute, etc. to clear the mind and make way for creativity to spark this art activity where the parent and child will be provided one canvas and supplies. Dec. 11, 2-4pm. Hanai Foundation, 62430 Eagle Road, Bend. Contact: 808-783-0374. Kevin@soundsha la.com. $55.

Vendors Wanted General Duffy’s is looking for more vendors for the upcoming vendor markets! They have the Winter Bazaar on Sunday 12/18 and lots of opportunity during Winterven tion on 11/22 and 12/13! As well as a market on 1/10! Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10am-2pm. Through Jan. 10. General Duffy’s Waterhole, 404 SW Forest Ave., Redmond. Contact: 541-527-4345. sarah@generalduffys.com. Free.

Youth Cooking Class-Sweet and Sa vory Food Gifts To me there is nothing more special than a handmade gift from the kitchen. Have your child (age 7-17) join this hands-on class where we will make a variety of sweet and savory gifts. Dec. 11, 4:30-8pm. Kindred Creative Kitchen, 2525 NE Twin Knolls Drive, Bend. Contact: 541-640-0350. kindredcreativekitchen@ gmail.com. $50.

Sunday Brunch Sunday Brunch featuring fresh local, seasonal ingredients and beverage specials. Sundays, 10am-1pm. Eqwine Wine Bar, 218 SW 4th St., Redmond. Contact: 541-5274419. Free.

Sunking explores electronic music through a jazz lens and incorporates inspiration from indie rock. This Seattle-based duo masters chill energy across genres. Listeners can vibe out to Sunking at 6pm on Friday, Dec. 9 at Silver Moon Brewing.

Photo courtesy of Sunking Instagram

Parents’ Night Out: Art, Pizza + Dis counted Date Night! Wondery partnered with our neighbor restaurant Meadowlark for our Parents’ Night Outs! You’ll drop your child off at the studio and walk next door to enjoy dinner at a discounted price (take $10 off of $50). Your child will spend the evening creating and eating pizza. Dec. 9, 5-7pm. Wondery Art + Adventure School, 19550 Amber Meadow Dr Suite 190, Bend. Contact: 541-236-5990. sarah@wonderyschool. com. $40.

Moms + Groms Meetup Moms + Groms is officially back @ Boss Rambler 3-6pm every Wednesday! Moms, it’s simple: show up with your grom(s) to socialize and drink beer (or whatever you want) with other moms while the kiddos make new friends! All moms get $1 off drinks! Wednesdays, 3-6pm. Boss Rambler Beer Club, 1009 NW Galveston Ave., Bend. Free.

Photos with Santa + Mrs. Claus at Boss Rambler Join for free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. This is a family-friendly event featuring a hot cocoa bar, drink specials, tons of holiday cheer and Smash Burgers by WillieB urger. Dec. 10, 1-4pm. Boss Rambler Beer Club, 1009 NW Galveston Ave., Bend. Free.

Winter Solstice Mullein Torch Work shop In this fun workshop, Dr. Ashley will guide you through how to make a mullein torch that you will bring home for your own Solstice ceremony. She will also share all the wonderful medicinal uses of this fuzzy weed and ideas of how to use your torch! Dec. 13, 6:30-8pm. The Peoples Apothecary, 19570 Amber Meadow Dr, Bend. Contact: 541-728-2368. classes@thepeo plesapothecary.net. $35.

FOOD + DRINK

El Kussho The winter pop-up is back! Come enjoy Latin American-Japanese inspired deli cious dishes and cocktails in a cozy and at-home room! Thursdays-Saturdays, 4-9pm. Through March 4. El Sancho Super Secret Side Street Sa loon, 133 SW Century Dr. Suite 204, Bend. Free.

Fried Chicken Thursdays Fried Chicken Thursdays at Flights Wine Bar! Dine in with a 2-piece plate with sides and a biscuit for $18 or take an 8-piece bucket and a bottle to-go! Upgrade to the “Balla Bucket” to get a selected bottle of champagne. Thursdays, 3-9pm. Flights Wine Bar, 1444 NW College Way Suite 1, Bend. Contact: 541-728-0753. flightswinebend@gmail. com. $38.

Café des Chutes 1 Year Anniversary

Join this weekend to celebrate Café des Chutes' 1st anniversary and enjoy the Old Iron Works dis trict. First 100 customers get a free cookie! Oh, Craft! Since You'll already be down there, shop the weekend holiday pop-up at the Workhouse. Dec. 10-11, 9am-5pm. Café des Chutes, 50 SE Scott St., Bend. Free.

Sparkling Wine and Food Pairing

Join for an evening of exploring three different sparkling wines with simple food pairings. Learn about what makes up a perfect pairing and come away with ideas for how to throw your own party using simple ingredients that will complement your wine! Registration required. Dec. 7, 5-7pm. Arome, 432 SW 6th St., Redmond. Contact: 541312-1032. lizg@dpls.lib.or.us. Free.

BEER + DRINK

Bottle & Board Mondays Join on Mondays at Bend Wine Bar for local, small batch Oregon and Washington wines at the Box Factory. Take $5 off any white wine and cheese, salami or charcuterie board or $10 off a red wine and board. Tasting room for The Winery at Manzanita. Mondays, 2-9pm. The Bend Wine Bar & Winery Tasting Room, 550 SW Industrial Way, Suite 194, Bend. Contact: info@bendwinebar.com. Free.

Champagne & Sparkling Tasting Taste

Eat, Drink & Be Ugly: Ugly Sweater

Party Join at Worthy Brewing for an ugly sweat er contest! Worthy will have gift wrapping (bring your gifts, wrapping supplies provided) and card-making stations. Those who wear a sweater will receive $1 off beer! The ugliest sweaters will have the chance to win a prize. Dec. 13, 6-8pm. Worthy Brewing, 495 NE Bellevue Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-706-0816. sam@worthybrewing. com. Free.

Locals’ Night with The Bluegrass Col lective Monday is the day to be at Silver Moon Brewing! Come on down and join the local family all day every Monday! Silver Moon offers $3 pints of the core lineup beers and $4 pours of the bar rel-aged beers all day. Come down and sample what’s new while also enjoying the brand new food menu! It’s a steal of a deal that they won’t be chasing you out the door for! Mondays. Silver Moon Brewing, 24 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend.

Locals’ Day Come on down to Bevel Craft Brewing for $4 beers and cider and $1 off wine all day. There are also food specials from the food carts located out back at The Patio! Tues days. Bevel Craft Brewing, 911 SE Armour St., Bend. Contact: holla@bevelbeer.com. Free.

Ricochet

Wine Tastings

Ricochet Winery is from Newberg. Join the winemaker Erich Berg while the group tastes through four wines — Gruner Veltliner, Pinot Blanc, Red Blend and Tempranillo No reservations needed. Dec. 7, 4:30-6:30pm. Good Drop Wine Shoppe, 141 NW Minnesota Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-410-1470. sarah@gooddropwineshop.com. $15.

James Rahn Winemaker Dinner Join for a special pairing dinner with James Rahn winery. Five-course dinner paired with five wines from winemaker James Rahn who will be there to tell everyone all about them. Dec. 7, 6:30-9pm. Flights Wine Bar, 1444 NW College Way Suite 1, Bend. Contact: 541-728-0753. flightswinebend@ gmail.com. $125.

Throw Back Thank You Remember when The Lot opened as the first food cart lot in Bend? It was almost 10 years ago! During this thankful time of year, The Lot wants to thank its custom ers with a nod to the original prices. Yep, $4 a pint all day all week from7-11, 11am-9pm. The Lot, 745 NW Columbia St., Bend. Free.

Thursday Night Football Welcome to the new era of Thursday Night Football only on Amazon Prime and shown on Peppertree Pub’s 6 big screen TVs. $10 for one appetizer and a pint of beer poured from 15 rotating taps. It’s the NFL like you have never seen it before at the new Peppertree Pub. Thursdays, 4-9pm. Peppertree Pub, 1082 SW Yates Drive, Best Western Premier, Bend. Contact: 541-382-2007. bendsales@pep pertreeinns.com. Free.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

The Art of Relaxation An evening with Deanna Kay and Deanna Brodsky filled with deep restoration and reflection to warm the soul. Journaling for clarity, yin yoga to tune in, gentle touch to soften and yoga nidra to surrender sweetly. Dec. 9, 6:30-8:30pm. Bend Hot Yoga, 1230 NE 3rd St. UnitA320, Bend. Contact: yoga@ bendhotyoga.com. $20/BHY members, $30/ non-members.

Second Street Second Saturday

Join the Second Street Bend shop community at Bend Coffee & Books for a special food menu, along side live music and local artists’ works! Ample parking is available, and bikers/foot commuters get 30% off! Enter in to a free drawing for a local goodies basket. All ages welcome! Sat, Dec. 10, 10am-2pm. Bend Coffee & Books, 155 NE Greenwood Ave, Bend. Contact: 541-388-3249. bendcoffeebooks2022@gmail.com. Free.

Tekka Tiger Tekka Tiger takes a trip to Malaysia! Tekka Tiger will serve some staple dishes you can find in any Malaysian restaurant. Come check out Bend’s newest food cart. Sat urdays-Sundays, 12:30-4pm. Through Dec. 30. Bend Cider Co., 64649 Wharton Ave., Bend. Free.

Champ Divin, Jacques Pelvas, Marguet and Nicolas Maillart. Join the group as they taste four different styles. Drop in! No reservation needed! Dec. 9, 5-7:30pm. Boutique grower champagnes! These are the small producers you won’t find everywhere. Join while the group tastes through four different wines. No reservation needed! Dec. 10, 4-7pm. Good Drop Wine Shoppe, 141 NW Minnesota Avenue, Bend. Contact: 541-410-1470. sarah@gooddropwineshop.com. $25.

Cross Cut Warming Hut: Locals’ Day!

Tuesdays are Locals’ Day. Every Tuesday enjoy $1 off regular size draft beverages. Come by the Warming Hut and hang out by the fire. See you soon, Bend! Tuesdays. Crosscut Warming Hut No 5, 566 SW Mill View Way, Bend.

Growler Discount Night! Enjoy $2 off growler fills every Wednesday at Bevel! Bevel Craft Brewing, 911 SE Armour St., Bend. Contact: 831-245-1922. holla@bevelbeer.com. Free.

Maragas Winery Barrel Tasting Week end Easy drive out to C.O. wine country to barrel taste award-winning estate grown Maragas Legal Zin. With bringing food or a donation that will be given to NeighborImpact’s C.O. Food Bank, you’ll get a comp. barrel taste and great music! Expe rience the winery and vineyard decorated for the holidays. Dec. 10, Noon-5pm. Maragas Winery, 15523 SW Hwy 97, Culver. Contact: 541-546-5464. info@maragaswinery.com. Free.

Whiskey Tuesdays The Cross-eyed Cricket Watering Hole is offering exclusive access to a li brary of top shelf whiskeys every Tue. One-ounce pours for reasonable prices. Come by and try something new, or sip on your favorites! Tues days, 11am-11pm. Cross-Eyed Cricket, 20565 NE Brinson Blvd., Bend. Free.

Wine Wednesdays Happy hour all day on Wine Wednesday. Come in for discounts on glasses, beers and apps! Wednesdays, 3-9pm. Flights Wine Bar, 1444 NW College Way Suite 1, Bend. Contact: 541-728-0753. flightswinebend@ gmail.com. Free.

Bend Zen Meditation Group Bend Zen sits every Mon, evening at 7. Arrive at 6:45pm to orient yourself and meet others. The group has two 25-minute sits followed by a member-led Dharma discussion from 8:05-8:30pm. All are welcome! Learn more and sign up for emails at www.bendzen.net. Mondays, 6:45-8:30pm. Brooks Hall at Trinity Episcopal Church, 469 Wall St., Bend. Contact: bendzensitting@gmail.com. Donations accepted.

Drop In Monday Meditation Open to all! Come join in the beautiful gardens for meditation and healing! Mondays, 6:30-7:30pm. Blissful Heart Wellness Center, 45 NW Greeley Ave, Bend. Contact: 510-220-2441. cathleen@bliss ful-heart.com. Donation based.

Kirtan: Celebrate With the Bend Bhakti Collective Kirtan, sacred song, dance and community. Celebrate with the Bend Bhakti Collective. Thursdays, 7pm. First Presbyterian Heritage Hall, 230 NE Ninth St., Bend. Contact: 541-382-4401. Free, donations accepted.

Kenny Hadden is a Bend-based musician who performs acoustic sets around Central Oregon. Mixing genres of country, folk, Americana and blues, Hadden will perform at Crosscut Warming Hut No. 5 at 6pm on Wednesday, Dec. 14

Photo courtesy of Kenny Hadden

Soothing

Crystal Bowl Sound Bathe to Ease

Holiday Stress Are you ready to destress and re-center yourself this holiday sea son? Putting all the holiday craziness to the side for just an hour of you time? Join at The Peoples Apothecary for a soothing crystal bowl sound bath to ease holiday stressors. Dec. 8, 6:30-8pm. The Peoples Apothecary, 19570 Amber Meadow Dr, Bend. Contact: 541-728-2368. classes@ thepeoplesapothecary.net. $20-$40.

Cacao Ceremony Illumine the light within, with music, meditation and whole-body relax ation. Offered monthly, each ceremony features a unique theme and activity. Register at www. yourwisewoman.com. Space is limited. Dec. 11, 6-7:30pm. Michelle Ericksen, 1410 SW Juniper Avenue, Redmond. Contact: 541-603-8485. drmi chelle.ericksen@gmail.com. $40.

Community Therapy Are you tired of being alone in your healing work? Come check out community therapy. This pilot program offers an affordable, innovative and connected way to heal. Create community, build trust and help each oth er heal from the past. Free first session! Second Thursday of every month, 6-8pm. Through May 11. Contact for location, Bend. Contact: 206-9990490. info@cassredstone.com. Free.

Ceremony

experience. Dec. 9, 6:30-8pm. The Peoples Apothecary, 19570 Amber Meadow Dr, Bend. Contact: 541-728-2368. classes@thepeo plesapothecary.net. $20.

TAP - Beer Church Tap is a casual gathering of First Presbyterian Bend for those who long to explore and talk about spirituality in a spacious environment, where curiosity and inclusivity are at the heartbeat of our time together. All ages welcome, art projects for kids and drinks on us! Sundays, 5-6pm. Through Jan. 4. First Presby terian Bend, 230 Northeast 9th Street, Bend. Contact: bellis@bendfp.org. Free.

Mommy & Me Breastfeeding Support

Group

The Mommy & Me Breastfeeding Sup port Group meets weekly in the Central Oregon Locavore event space. Lactation consultants on hand from St. Charles and WIC to weigh babies and answer questions. All are welcome, includ ing partners and siblings, no matter how you are feeding your baby. Thursdays, 6-8am. Central Oregon Locavore, 1841 NE Third St., Bend. Free.

Moon

w/ Aubrey Robbins Gather under the moon with the group for an evening of community, creating sacred space and learning new ways to release dis-coordinate energy. This is not your typical moon ceremony! Those who gather in this shared sacred space of ceremony will be witness to an eclectic, electric, energizing

Photo courtesy of Magic Sword Facebook

CHOW

It’s the gift-giving time of year and if you have someone on your list who enjoys food – eating it and/or cooking it, here are some foodie gift giving ideas for you to consider.

Let’s start with a cookbook. I know, you can Google up any recipe you want online these days, but a true foodie is likely to appreciate a real book. Many of us food lovers collect cookbooks or just like to read them even if we never cook a single recipe from them. I highly recom mend “The Complete America’s Test Kitchen TV Show Cookbook” with 1,840 recipes from 23 years of public tele vision’s most-watched cooking show. That’s every recipe from every episode. The latest edition features not only fail proof recipes, but also great photos and an up-to-date buying guide of top-rated equipment and ingredient reviews. My dear friend Kimmie loves to cook and has this book. She’s made dozens of rec ipes from it and swears by it. Find it on sale online and in bookstores right now.

Another idea would be a magazine subscription. Here’s a short list of a few of my favorite publications: “Food Network” magazine, “Cook’s Illustrat ed,” “Bon Appetit,” “Food & Wine,” and Christopher Kimball’s “Milk Street.” And if your favorite foodie prefers dig ital, most magazines offer a digital sub scription these days.

For the baker on your list, silicone baking mats to replace parchment paper are a great idea. Most baking mats come in half sheet and or quarter sheet sizes perfect for the typical baking sheet for home use. These are excellent, nonstick alternatives to using paper or oil or but ter which can also double as a work sur face or an under mat for cutting boards.

Giving the Gift of Food Ideas for the

foodie on your list

By Donna Britt @donnabrittcooks

While I’m not a big fan of gadgets in the kitchen, other than a sharp knife and a can opener, there are some other sim ple tools that make great gifts. A rubber or silicone spatula is one of them. It’s a versatile tool that you find yourself reaching for again and again for things like scraping cake batter out of the mix ing bowl and gently turning scrambled eggs. It’s nice to have more than one of them so trust me, a real foodie will not be disappointed to get a couple as a gift.

Another versatile tool that makes a good gift is a Microplane zester/grater. It’s a long, thin metal tool used to zest citrus and grate hard cheeses. They go dull if used often so getting a new one from time to time is necessary and receiving one as a gift is a bonus.

How about food items for some one who’s into food? Salts and spices are always welcomed gifts for the home cook. Getting a package of Jacobsen Salt Co.’s signature Flake Finishing Salt is a gift that brings a smile and a remind er of the gift giver every time a pinch of the salt is sprinkled on a dish. Jacobsen Salt Co. is the first company to harvest salt in the Pacific Northwest since the 1800s. That finishing salt I just men tioned is hand-harvested from Netarts Bay on the Oregon Coast and it’s so very delicious!

Another place chock full of gift giv ing ideas is Savory Spice Shop in the Old Mill District. They have so many sea sonings, rubs, dip mixes, etc. and recipe suggestions to go along with them and the staff is so helpful. It’s a fun store to browse even if cooking isn’t your favor ite hobby; you’re bound to leave inspired no matter what.

While you’re there in the Old Mill, go ahead and pop into Kara’s Kitchenware, next door to Savory Spice. It’s Bend’s local kitchenware store featuring wellknown brands such as LeCreuset, Riedel glassware and Wüsthof & Shun Knives, among others. They also carry cookware, bakeware, dishes, glassware, gadgets and kitchen tools as well as specialty foods and other local products. And Kara’s offers cooking classes in its upstairs area; a gift certificate to a cooking class could be a wonderful gift for someone on your list. The calendar of classes is online at karaskitchenware.com.

Gift cards to favorite restaurants is another solid idea for those who love to eat. And finally, a basket full of local foodstuffs is another nice thing to give. From hot sauce to gourmet chocolates, Central Oregon has an abundance of food artisans and makers. The idea being, you could gift the foodie on your

list with a lovely assortment of locally handcrafted food and drink items in a gift basket or you could give a single lux ury food item, such as a box of buttery toffee from Holm Made Toffee Co.

We are also lucky enough to have several grocery stores overflowing with terrific gifts for those who love food. Newport Avenue Market, Central Ore gon Locavore, Market of Choice and Oli ver Lemons in Sisters and Terrebonne are awesome stores for buying weekly food items, but also wonderful places to find gifts for those who love food.

Local Places to Find Gifts for the Food Lover in Your Life

• Kara’s Kitchenware

• Savory Spice Shop

• Newport Avenue Market

• Central Oregon Locavore

• Market of Choice

great gift idea for the

Photos courtesy of Donna Britt

Miso Coconut Veggie Soup

Flavorful, nourishing ingredients in an easy-to-make soup

By Donna Britt

Miso Coconut Veggie Soup

Makes 4 to 6 servings

-1-2 tablespoons coconut oil

-1 yellow onion, diced -Kosher salt, as desired -Black pepper, as desired -¼ cup minced garlic -¼ cup minced ginger

-1 tablespoon red curry paste -½ head green cabbage, shredded or chopped -8 ounces sliced mushrooms

-½ cup dry white wine

-6 cups vegetable stock (or water)

-1 (13.5-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk

-1 tablespoon fish sauce

-Juice of 2 limes

-1 tablespoon tamari -½ cup sliced scallions

-2 tablespoons monk fruit sweetener or regular sugar -2 tablespoons white miso

-1 bunch Lacinato (Tuscan) kale (any kale may be substituted)

In a large stockpot heat oil on low. Add onions and cook slowly until softened (this low cooking tech nique is called "sweating" which brings out the natu ral sweetness of the onion without allowing it to take on any color). Season onions with a small pinch of salt and pepper.

What to eat for a few weeks post-Thanksgiving is always challenging for me. With thoughts of more holiday food on the horizon, I can never figure out what my body is really craving so I spend a lot of time looking at recipes and pondering what would be nourishing and flavorful.

This week I’ve landed on an easy soup that my son, who just happens to be a chef, taught me how to make last winter. It’s full of nourishing ingredients - gin ger, cabbage, mushrooms, kale – and also full of flavor thanks to red curry paste, fish sauce and miso.

Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning produced by fermenting soybeans with seasonings and grains. The thick paste is low in carbohydrates and provides a salty, savory umami flavor perfect for soups.

Don’t be intimidated by the long list of ingredients. You can easily find them all in just about any local gro cery store. Miso keeps for a long time in the refriger ator so don’t be wary of buying a container of it. The same goes for fish sauce. And just because the ingredi ent list is long it doesn’t mean the recipe is hard. Once you get all your ingredients measured and set up, you’ll see that the technique for making the soup is easy.

As always, feel free to tweak this to your own liking. For example, lose the mushrooms if mushrooms aren’t your thing. My rule of thumb is to follow the recipe exactly the first time I make something new and then begin experimenting in subsequent endeavors. Made with the monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, this soup is keto-friendly.

Add garlic, ginger and curry paste; stir and sweat for another two minutes. Turn heat to medium-low and add cabbage. Cook until softened. Add mushrooms and cook until moisture has evaporated. Pour in wine and cook until reduced by at least half.

Add stock and coconut milk. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. While simmering, stir in fish sauce, lime juice, tamari, scallions, monk fruit sweet ener and miso. Add kale and simmer for at least 15 minutes. Serve warm. This soup can be frozen in serv ing-size containers for easy lunchtime reheating.

Photo courtesy of Tambi Lane

By Nicole Vulcan

WestSide Taco Reopens

WestSide Taco Co. has reopened in Redmond, following a fire that closed its doors in early October. The popular food cart, which has won Best Food Cart and Best Lunch in Redmond numerous times in the Source Weekly’s Best of Central Oregon readers’ poll, has been cobbling together some service using its catering equipment, but as owner Amber Amos said, “In this weather we are freez ing to death.” The loss of the cart was on top of a kitchen fire earlier in the year at Amos’ second venture, Westside Local, in March.

Amos and family revamped a toy hauler RV to serve as its new WestSide Local food cart, which soft-opened in its original spot at The Vault Taphouse on SW 6th Street in Redmond on Dec. 3. To celebrate the reopening, WestSide Local has some special happenings planned.

“We are gearing up for a grand reopening Saturday December 17th,” Amos wrote to the Source in an email. “Ugly sweater Christmas contest, games, prizes, etc.”

Stay up to date on the hours and party plans at WestSide Local on its Facebook page, facebook.com/Westsidetacos.

Drink Winter Beers, Help the Bend Food Project

Like beer? Like drinking beer outside with friends? Then an upcoming event ben efitting the Bend Food Project may be right up your alley.

The Central Oregon Winter Beer Festival happens Saturday, Dec. 17 in the parking lot of GoodLife Brewing and the Century Center, on Bend’s west side. A fundraiser for the Oregon Brewers Guild, event organizers ask participants to bring non-perishable food items to the fest to be donated to the Bend Food Project. Those who donate will get entered into a raffle for a “Shoes, Brews and Views” tour from Wanderlust Tours.

The Winter Beer Festival happens from 2 to 9pm Dec. 17, with a holiday drink package of five drink tokens, a raffle entry and a DrinkTank mug going for $20 ahead of the event or $25 on the day of the event. With beer, cider, fire pits and music on offer—and leashed dogs welcome—it’s like a highlight reel of everything Bend is known for.

Information and a link to online tickets is available at oregoncraftbeer.org/cen tral-oregon-winter-beer-fest.

Photo courtesy of WestSide Local Facebook

Photo courtesy of Pexels

Library Foundation’s Novel Idea Unveils This Year’s

Book(s)

Locals gathered Dec. 3 at the Downtown Bend Library for the Deschutes Public Library Founda tion’s 20th “A Novel Idea” unveiling ceremony, where the 2023 selection was revealed.

A Novel Idea is Oregon’s largest annual commu nity reading event, held during the spring in libraries and venues around Deschutes County. For the last 20 years, Novel Idea has introduced communities of peo ple to the same book in the hopes of sparking intellec tual curiosity and cultural understanding.

To commemorate the program’s 20th year, orga nizers selected books from four authors of Novel Idea past: David James Duncan (2004), María Amparo Escandón (2006), Peter Heller (2014), and Ann Grif fin (2020).

“We wanted to commemorate this special year by bringing back beloved authors from previous years,” said Novel Idea Coordinator Liz Goodrich. “All four authors have new books out for readers to consider.”

The

Deschutes Public Library celebrates the 20th anniversary of “A Novel Idea”

with a twist

By Alex Shea

Each author’s new work of fiction was selected, with the exception of David James Duncan, whose first work of fiction was selected due to time conflicts with the event. “David James Duncan’s much anticipat ed novel, ‘Sun House,’ comes out in the spring, but as the first Novel Idea author we wanted to include him,” says Goodrich.

The books are:

“The Brothers K” by David James Duncan, whose “The River Why” was selected in the inaugural year of Novel Idea. “The Brothers K” tells the story of a Pacif ic Northwest family of eight spanning across decades of love, loss and loyalty in a world they’re all still fig uring out.

“L.A. Weather” by María Amparo Escandón. The author’s second novel, “Gonzalez & Daughter Truck ing Co.,” was the 2006 Novel Idea selection. “L.A. Weather” is a Reese’s book club pick revolving around a Mexican-American family as it reaches the brink of massive transformation, forced to rethink everything they think they know and reevaluate the relationships in their lives.

“The Guide” by Peter Heller, whose post-apocalyp tic debut was the Novel Idea selection for 2014. In his newest thriller, readers return to Colorado, but this time following a young man who lands a job as an elite fishing guide to the stars and uncovers something sinister.

“Listening Still” by Ann Griffin. Griffin’s 2019 debut novel, “When All Is Said,” was chosen during the height of the pandemic, making a virtual author event necessary. This year will give participants the oppor tunity to meet Griffin in person and discuss the intri cacies of a woman who communes with the recently deceased, as laid out in “Listening Still.”

With up to eight titles to consider, readers are encouraged to select their own reading journey this

year—reading just one, the four 2023 selections, or all eight books. Organizers are hopeful about partici pation this year given the unique circumstances. “We had 9,000 people participate last year,” says Goodrich. “And with the amazing authors that will all be visit ing in April, and the dynamic programming we’re plan ning, we hope to top that number.”

Now that the books are announced, anyone can join this community book club.

A Novel Idea kicks off April 1 with four weeks of programming where readers can immerse themselves in and expound on the themes found in all four novels. Past events have included art classes, writing work shops, historical presentations, film screenings and cooking classes.

The pinnacle of this year’s event, as with every Novel Idea event, is the in-person author forum. On April 29, all four authors will gather at Bend Senior High School for a final hurrah of the 2023 Novel Idea season. Tickets are required, but free—as is all Nov el Idea programming, thanks to sponsors. They’ll be available to reserve starting April 10 on the Deschutes Public Library Foundation’s website and all libraries in Deschutes County.

At the beginning of the year, readers can also get a Reading Passport, and the stamps to fill that pass port upon finishing a book, at any library in the county. Upon filling the passport with all four stamps, readers can receive a commemorative book bag.

Visit the Deschutes Public Library website for more information about this year’s selections, where to find copies, and updates about the 2023 Novel Idea event.

Readers arrive upstairs at the Novel Idea unveiling in the downtown Bend Public Library.

Presenting the 2023 Novel Idea authors.

Photo courtesy of Deschutes Public Library Foundation

Photo courtesy of Deschutes Public Library Foundation

Photo courtesy of Deschutes Public Library Foundation

Participants celebrate winning the 2023 Novel Idea trivia challenge.

CULTURE

Crafty Group Creates Yarn Art for

Gifts, and Joy

With between one and 70 years of experience, local group has 200 years of knitting under its belt

By Becca Murphy

To any passerby, the needle's flick and the hook's soft swing might not look like anything special. But to this group of yarn workers, it’s a meditation—a type of metamorphosis that is only understood by picking up needles and giving it a go.

Every Tuesday morning inside Bend coffee shop Spoken Moto, a group of knitters of varying skill get together with their beautifully chosen yarn to work on projects and talk about life over delectable pastries and toasty cups of coffee.

This crafty cohort was formed by Jennifer Seelye two years ago. Seelye has been an enthusiastic knit ter for 27 years, and this group has become much more than she could have imagined. The rhythm of working on the same stitch transports the artist into a state of mindfulness, creating a cozy, therapeutic environment.

Most of the members come with new projects and patterns each week, but for some, consistency is key to finding relaxation.

"There is one guy who joins us sometimes, and he works on the exact same thing with the exact same fabric; it's relaxing for him and he likes the company," said Ric ci Stephenson, a passionate knitter for the past 70 years.

Among everyone in this group is over 200 years of collective knitting experience, individually ranging from one to 70 years within the craft.

"For the most part, I'd say many knitters have been knitting their whole lives because their grandmothers taught them," Stephenson said.

Knitting is time-consuming and requires a lot of focus and patience, but it leads to immeasurable fulfillment.

"You have to have your wits about you, but it's fun because it teaches you new brain pathways the more you challenge yourself," said Kate Green, a knitter of eight years. With a good teacher, new knitters will learn the technique, get into a flow and finish projects in no time.

"These guys are awesome because they are all really good and I am kind of a newbie. They are good teach ers," Green said.

Knitting has weaved its way in and out of popularity. Lynn Wren, a crafter for the last 60 years, said, "There have always been people who do textile arts, but now with the slow-living movement, you know, slow food, slow art and fashion that is classy but will last," people are picking up their needles once again.

Spending time learning about enamel jewelry and silver snipping, Seelye says, "With all textile arts, there is a resurgence and a lot of people who knit also do a variety of other arts."

This group is eager to remind people of the benefits and creative possibilities of learning to knit. Not able to afford outdoor gear, DIY projects were Wren’s tick et into the outdoors.

"When I was younger, I had a tribe of friends who loved going backpacking, canoeing, hiking, caving and camping, but I couldn't afford to buy the outdoor gear," said Wren. "I made two down sleeping bags, a tent, down coats, rain pants, gaiters and parka shells. It took a while, but I made all my outdoor clothes."

Local stores such as Gear Fix, Rugged Thread and Patagonia are doing their best to upcycle, consign and repair used outdoor gear, but by joining this group, people can learn to make their own.

"Making your own stuff has always been more affordable," Wren said.

Hand-knit goods also make the most heartfelt pres ents. All members of the group try their best to shop locally. Their favorite places to shop are Wool Town and Fancy Works. The members of this group do not individually sell their creations, but they make lots of gifts and welcome anyone to join them. For anyone interested in learning how to sew, knit or crochet, a great gift could be going to the local art shops, gather ing supplies and creating a gift basket.

"It's a support group," Green said.

"This group is about building community in a chaot ic world," Stephenson said.

The creative cohort meets regularly on Tuesdays at Spoken Moto from 10 am to noon. For those who can't afford or don't have any of their own supplies, the members of the group are happy to bring extra.

Members of the group from left, along with the years each member has been knitting: Terri Jensen 60, Lynn Wren 60, Jennifer Seelye 27, Jerry Fong 3, Kate Green 8, Ricci Stephenson 70 and Susan Herrmann 58.

Ricci Stephenson and her needles craft a sweater.

Photos courtesy of Becca Murphy

SC May the Source Be With You: December

SCREEN

I’ve noticed that the older I get, the more I start taking pleasure in small, easily missed moments. So many of the best experiences of my life are fleeting to me, like I failed to capture them properly because I wasn’t paying enough attention at the time. There’s a Vonnegut quote I really love that goes “…I urge you to please notice when you are happy, and exclaim or murmur or think at some point, ‘if this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is.” It gets easier to recognize those individual moments as they’re happening, but it’s almost impossible to know if you’re living in your own personal golden age. No one is nostalgic for now.

Moments like sitting by the big bright windows upstairs at Dud ley’s Bookshop Cafe with a novel and watching the snow come down. Walk ing through Drake Park while listening to music and seeing my breath steam up the air. And, especially this week, stretching out under a comforter, in full Goblin Mode with my cat, binging my way through too many different shows, hoping to just vegetate my way through the holidays and not look up until things are warm again. With all that said, here are a few things I’ve been obsessed with over the last few weeks that made me remark on the niceness of the moment.

In Pod We Trust

Every late December I write a Best of the Year list and since there are so

Edition: First Dates, Goblin Mode and Futurism

By Jared Rasic

many things I’m trying to catch up on, I haven’t had much time for the ol’ pod casts, but one that I’m making time for is “This is Dating,” a cringy but fascinat ing ‘cast that records people on a blind date while you tune in. There’s some thing about hearing real dates happen ing in real time that feels voyeuristic but also completely of the moment after all the time we’ve spent on Zoom over the last few years.

Now Streaming

I used to be so obsessive when it came to shows that I would keep going on everything I started, even if I ceased to care anymore. How many terrible seasons of “Nip/Tuck” did I watch just so I could see how it ended? Or fight ing through the last few seasons of “Dexter” just to be completely flabber gasted by the worst series finale in the history of television. Now there are too many things to watch, so I really only have the time to give shows three epi sodes to find their rhythm and voice. If it takes more than that, I won’t ever know unless someone I trust tells me it gets better.

A few shows have passed the three-episode test recently and I genu inely hope we get more of them in future seasons. First is “Wednesday” on Netflix (following the continuing adventures of Wednesday Addams as she solves mys teries at school). The series starts off slow, but with God of Goth Tim Burton

directing four of the episodes, it eventu ally finds the heart of the affectless character (due to a wonderful performance by Jenna Ortega) and becomes a lovely meditation on the beauty being an out sider.

If you’re like me and were completely obsessed with the German sci-fi mindf*ck series “Dark” on Netflix, you’ve probably been unreasonably excit ed for that creative team’s new show: “1899.” Well, now it’s out and, not only did it pass the three-episode test, but I watched all eight episodes of the first season twice, hoping to catch everything I missed. If you like period pieces, puz zle box mysteries and enigmatic char acters with secrets, “1899” is your new

obsession. Just make sure to watch the series subtitled instead of dubbed.

Author William Gibson is the father of the cyberpunk genre of sci-fi and actu ally coined the term cyberspace. He’s an actual futurist who has predicted more current technology trends (back in the 1970s) than Elon Musk could hope to do on his least-worst day. One of Gibson’s novels has finally been turned into a series (with sweet, sweet Amazon mon ey behind it) “The Peripheral” is anoth er one that’s very easy to binge with tons of huge ideas and a powerhouse central perfor-mance by Chloe Grace Moretz. Imagine "Ready Player One" without the nostalgia or pop culture references.

From the creators of the "Dark" series, "1989" will suck you into its whirlpool of mystery and weirdness.

Photo courtesy of Netflix

By Jared Rasic

AFTERSUN: A woman looks back on a vacation she took with her father 20 years earlier through watching miniDV footage and, somehow, it doesn’t feel like looking at a stranger’s scrapbook. There’s something deeply affecting about the movie as it connects to a primal node in our lizard brain in how we connect to our memories and remember our childhoods. Bring tissues and the willingness to see a filmmaker fearlessly experiment with cinematic language. Tin Pan Theater

BLACK ADAM: This looks like every other superhe ro movie ever made, but “Black Adam” has been The Rock’s passion project for decades, leading me to believe there’s something about this story worth telling. I just want to see The Rock fight Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Shazam and Aquaman at the same time. Regal Old Mill

BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER: This will hopefully be a reset for people who are getting sick of Marvel as they remember why they liked the MCU in the first place, but also this will be a loving and heartbreaking tribute to the late, great Chadwick Bozeman. This will make all of the money and require all of the Kleenex. Regal Old Mill, McMenamins

DECISION TO LEAVE: Park Chan-wook is the godfather of the South Korean New Wave and a part of the holy trinity of god-level Korean filmmakers (along with Bong Joon-ho, the director of “Parasite” and Kim Jee-woon (director of “I Saw the Devil”). “Decision to Leave” is Park’s first film since 2016’s lushly magnificent “The Handmaiden” and an absolute jaw-dropping display of fearless cinema tography, expertly crafted shot compositions and flawlessly calibrated storytelling. Tin Pan Theater

DEVOTION: Starring the incredibly busy Jonathan Majors, “Devotion” tells the true story of Jesse Brown, the first black aviator to complete U.S. Navy training. It’s a hell of a true story and director J.D. Dillard has proven he’s a phenomenal storyteller after 2016’s “Slight” and 2019’s “Sweetheart,” so expect this to be an absolute knockout of a biopic. Regal Old Mill, Sisters Movie House

TICKET TO PARADISE: George Clooney and Julia Roberts star in ATTRACTIVE PEOPLE FALLING IN LOVE: THE MOTION PICTURE. Regal Old Mill, Odem Theater Pub

THE FABELMANS: According to plenty of critics, Steven Spielberg’s newest film (his first that’s autobiographical) is not just a love letter to cinema, but one of the best movies of the year. Michelle Wil liams is always incredible and movies about movies are my kryptonite, so I expect to be bawling and in love with movies all over again. Regal Old Mill

THE MENU: A highly respected chef brings a group of the astoundingly wealthy to a private island to unveil a lavish menu for them, but things go horribly wrong. The trailers make this look like a horror comedy (which is kinda top three film genres) and with a cast featuring Ralph Fiennes, Anya Taylor-Joy, Rob Yang, Hong Chau and John Leguizamo, you’ll have to fight me to keep me out of the theater for this one. Regal Old Mill, Sisters Movie House, Odem Theater Pub

SHE SAID: A dramatic telling of how “The New York Times” reporters Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor broke the story about Harvey Weinstein and the beginnings of the #MeToo movement. With Zoe Ka zan and Carey Mulligan playing the reporters, this should be a powerful look at a story that changed the axis on which Hollywood shifted forever. Regal Old Mill

SPOILER ALERT: Michael Ausiello has long been one of my favorite writers about film and television, but a few years ago he wrote a book about his real-life romance with someone diagnosed with terminal cancer. From the director of “The Big Sick” comes this adaptation of his story, which looks like a genuinely touching story we haven’t seen before. Regal Old Mill

STRANGE WORLD: This Disney animated science fiction adventure follows a family of explorers who have to put aside all their drama to journey to a new and surreal planet. This looks like one of those old dimestore sci-fi paperbacks that I collect like a bad habit, so I know where I’ll be opening night. More animated films like this please. Regal Old Mill

TRIANGLE OF SADNESS: A pitch-black come dy about politics, class and money, mostly set on a luxurious cruise ship captained by Woody Harrelson. This is from filmmaker Ruben Ostland, whose last two movies (“The Square” and “Force Majeure”) were absolute knockouts and, while this doesn’t quite hit those heights, it’s still one hell of a movie. Tin Pan Theater

VIOLENT NIGHT: Basically, this is a mash-up of “John Wick,” “Die Hard” and “Home Alone” from the writers of the “Sonic the Hedgehog” movies and the director of the great zombie comedy (zombedy?) duology "Dead Snow.” I’m pretty sure David Harbour was also born to play Santa, so consider me excited for this one. Regal Old Mill, Sisters Movie House, Odem Theater Pub

BONES AND ALL: I wasn’t sure I needed a redneck cannibal romance starring Timothee Chalet and Taylor Russell, but now that it’s here I can’t wait for it. From Luca Guadagnino, the filmmaker behind “Call Me By Your Name,” expect this to be a genu inely transgressive horror movie. Regal Old Mill

Photo courtesy of IMDB

Photo

If it seems to you like juniper are everywhere, well, they are. Western juniper among the most common trees in Oregon — in some areas, essentially the only tree. Once thought to be all one species, recent scien tific work has shown that there are actually two species of Western juniper, although the one you see in Ore gon are Juniperus occidentalis.

Western juniper possess a paradoxical dual nature. They are delicate young trees, yet tough and long lived. They are fire susceptible when young, yet resistant as old specimens. About half are monoecious (contain ing either male or female reproductive structures), and about half are dioecious (containing both sexual struc tures). This dual nature of sexual reproduction can be confounding because the roughly half that manifest as either male or female, do so in a changeable ratio that can vary from year to year depending upon grow ing conditions. Male reproductive structures produce

A Complicated Tree

The ubiquitous Western juniper warrants a closer look

By Scott Bowler

pollen, and female structures produce those small orbs commonly referred to as “berries,” which show great variability in abundance. Since juniper are conifers, those aren’t berries, but rather a tiny cone, housing a couple seeds, covered with a fleshy outer layer, that in turn hosts a protective yeast bloom on its surface.

Western juniper’s duality appears again in the way they offer habitat to both predators and prey. Chip munks and golden mantled ground squirrels live in cavities in old trunks and forage in the canopy, as do the owls and hawks that hunt them. Insects attracted to juniper fruits are eaten by bats that roost in the tree's gnarled bark. Juniper roots can house both coyote dens and rabbit burrows. Deer shelter under them, even as cougars stash their carcasses up in the branches.

Perhaps it is all this duality that earns them mixed reviews from people. Some Central Oregonians see juniper as useless trash trees; others enjoy their lum ber in our homes, their “berries” flavoring our gin, or their lovely aroma as a Christmas tree or wood burning in our campfires. Beauty is in the eyes of the behold er to be sure.

Two bird species, American robin and Townsend’s solitaire, are particularly fond of those berry-shaped cones. Both of these bird species also love the insects, worms and fruits in our farms and gar dens, and have helped spread juniper far and wide. Interestingly, there’s evi dence that bird population swings and juniper reproductive abundance are tied together: warmer, wetter weath er makes good conditions for junipers, which make more berries, which attracts more birds. Life makes more life, an expansion of resources in one area bumping up resources in another.

This now ubiquitous tree was once much less domi nant in this landscape. It grew only in areas with poor er soils, or rocky ridge lines, where competition from bunch grasses and shrubs was limited, and where fire did not often reach. Bunch grasses are highly fire-adapted

with dense root mats and fast growth. These bunch grasses were very successful in the historic pattern of more frequent small fires — sometimes set by Native tribes to improve hunting and foraging — and they eas ily out competed thirsty young juniper.

Today, juniper cover an estimated three times as much land in Oregon as they did in pre-European set tlement times. How did that happen? As in so many areas of life, “it’s complicated,” but a key driver was the proliferation of open range livestock grazing — just at the same time as climactic conditions were swinging favorably for juniper. While Native inhabi tants had long set small fires, European settlers tended to suppress fires. As shrub communities were altered and livestock consumed bunch grasses, their grazing simultaneously introduced and enhanced the spread of invasive grass and weed species. All of these disrup tions enabled juniper to thrive and spread.

The juniper population boom presents a dilemma. Though they are native, scenic, and wonderful habitat for many wildlife species, juniper are also notorious ly thirsty trees that, at the expense of declining bunch grass communities, pull tremendous amounts of water out of this arid landscape. As juni per expand beyond their historic range and density, millions of public dollars are being spent to control juniper through cutting and burning — large ly short-term efforts — without ade quately addressing the root causes.

The next time you walk by a West ern juniper, likely today, marvel at this species adaptability and complexity, and perhaps view it as an opportunity to restore balance to the landscape.

About the author: Scott Bowler is a retired science educator and a volunteer with Oregon Natural Desert Association, a nonprofit organization that protects and restores Oregon’s high desert public lands and waters. Read more of his work at onda.org/author/scott-bowler.

Western juniper thrive in the Oregon Badlands Wilderness. These charismatic trees often grace the winter pages of ONDA’s Wild Desert Calendar; proceeds from the sale of this calendar support Oregon Natural Desert Association’s desert conservation and watershed restoration efforts.

Photos courtesy of Greg Burke

By Allie Noland

Illuminating the Deschutes with Holiday Spirit

Tumalo Creek Holiday Lights Paddle Parade takes over the water this weekend

Uniting the outdoor, active spirit of Bend with holiday cheer, the Tumalo Creek Holiday Lights Paddle Parade will brighten the water with battery-pow ered and solar-powered holiday lights, Christmas music and festive energy. Decked-out canoes, kayaks and paddle boats will parade up the Deschutes this Fri day, Dec. 9 and are invited back to Tumalo Creek for a post-parade holiday party.

Fifteen years ago, it all started with a small crew of “friends of the shop” — loyal customers at Tumalo Creek who love paddling and celebrating the holidays. After a couple of years of the staff joining in on the night light paddles, this event has grown and grown.

Now, this is a parade for everyone in Central Oregon. Whether you’re joining in the paddle parade or watching from the Old Mill Bridge or alongside the river, it’s one to not miss.

Launch time is between 4-4:30pm (around dusk) from the Tumalo Creek dock, located just outside its shop above the Bend Whitewater Park. As the sun sets and the spirited boats hit the water, the parade begins. Paddlers will paddle up the river to the Old Mill Bridge and take laps to keep the flow going.

No registration is needed to participate in the paddle parade, but participants are advised to come prepared. Tumalo Creek advises paddlers to show up ear ly, wear a PFD and dress warm. Participants are encouraged to avoid using glit ter, tinsel and items that could become micro-trash in their boat decorations — keeping the river clean, healthy and trash-free.

“Some people start showing up at 2 or 3 in the afternoon if they have really intricate decorations. We’ve had some pretty big ones these days,” said Sue Fox, manager at Tumalo Creek.

Tying together boats, creating huge displays and bumping Christmas music on portable speakers, participants have gone big over the last two years. After the pandemic, Central Oregon came out in higher numbers with more spirit than ever seen before, according to Fox.

After the paddle, participants are invited to the shop for hot cocoa, cookies and drinks. Tumalo Creek connects with the community and like-minded water enthusiasts. The after-parade celebration is a space for the community to get to know each other.

“We have a culture at Tumalo Creek,” Fox said. “We don’t just sell paddling equipment to people. We befriend them. We talk story with them. It’s getting to talk about what we all love: which is paddling.”

Tumalo Creek Holiday Lights Paddle Parade Friday, Dec. 9, 4-5pm

Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe 805 SW Industrial Way Suite 6, Bend tumalocreek.com Free

Paddlers dress up their canoes and kayaks with battery-powered Christmas lights and holiday decorations.

Photo courtesy of Tumalow Creek

CH

CRAFT Endangered Brown Ales Come Out of Hibernation for Winter

By Brian Yaeger

Getting modern craft brewers to brew a brown ale is like getting the kids on my son’s Parks and Rec basketball team to practice layups instead of chunking three-point and half-court shots. There’s so much interest and empha sis on trickery that the fundamentals get over looked. In today’s world of double-dry-hopped hazy IPAs, the once-el emental brown ale style is endangered. In the ear ly days of “microbrews,” there were brewpubs whose entire lineups read like autumnal rainbows: golden ale, amber ale, red ale and brown ale.

Fortunately, while scant, some brewers are keeping the simple-to-ex ecute yet elegant- to-quaff brown ale on tap and, even rarer, available to take home in cans.

Among the few Oregon brewer ies keeping the style alive, and can ning to boot, are Block 15 Brewing Co. from Corvallis whose English-style brown ale Squirrel Stash enters distri bution this week, and Eugene’s Cold fire Brewing Company, whose Little Brown Owl leans more American-style brown ale; but the once-a-year batch is already sold out. Crux Fermenta tion Project currently has Dark Snap brown ale on tap and Boneyard Beer will soon release its imperial maple brown ale (meaning it’s stronger and, uh, maple-ier than a traditional exam ple of the style). That leaves Cascade Lakes Brewing Company, which is the only Oregon brewery that brews and sells a brown—in its case, 20” Brown Ale—year-round.

“It’s a great style; it needs to be around,” says Cascade Lakes Brew master Ryan Schmiege. Though he admits, “It’s a harder sell.”

As for the above distinction between English and American style browns, in a nutshell, the style originated in England and is sometimes called a nut brown ale, not because it features nuts but because the malt bill lends a nutty, earthy characteristic. It evolved among American brewers to replace English hops such as East Kent Goldings or Fuggles for American hop varietals that are sharper, pinier, and overall more bitter, such as Cascade or Willamette hops. On rare occasion, you may find a beer called a Texas Brown that’s essen tially a brown IPA, but, like Flanders Brown Ale (a.k.a. Oud Bruin), that’s a brown of a different stripe.

What makes a straightforward brown ale so utilitarian is, in Schmiege’s words, that it’s got “approachable alco hol, you can have a couple and not be concerned about getting drunk. It’s also not too bitter or too full-bod ied in terms of drinkability, yet it’s complex. The malt character makes it a great daily beer that pairs with foods really well.”

From grilled or smoked meats to ched dar Stilton cheeses, it’s a beer that straddles the line between playing a starring or supporting role. Brown ales are the blue jeans of the beer world, which makes it harder to fathom why the style’s falling out of favor.

Crux’s Dark Snap borrows elements from both sides of the Atlantic, com plementing the hit of chocolate malts with Willamette and Sterling hops. Marketing director Jason Randles calls it, “Perfect for the season with out having to go full stout mode.” Ran dles mentioned that the beer has twice cracked the pub’s top 10 sellers among its 25 draft lines, “but IPAs and lagers still outsell it by a mile.”

Adds Crux’s Assistant Brewmaster Grant McFarren, “Locally, there seems to be a bigger push toward dark lagers rather than dark ales such as browns. Oh, to live in a world where the beer aisle is balanced.”

Coldfire’s Little Brown Owl also, “Cuts a path between the hoppier, malt forward American (brown ale) and the soft, quaffability of the tradi tional English style,” says head brewer Stephen Hughes. While Coldfire uses a traditional Maris Otter malt base, it also uses Pacific Northwest Sabro hops that throw coconut flavors for an interesting approach to introduc ing nuttiness. Incidentally, while Little Brown Owl and most Oregon/Ameri can brown ales top 5% ABV, Block 15’s remains true to English-style by weigh ing in at 4.5%.

And Cascade Lakes’ 20” Brown is a well-built, malt-centered ale that also straddles the UK/US divide by featur ing English malts and yeast yet Ameri can hops (Centennial and Willamette). While the style is seemingly on the verge of extinction, thankfully it remains a longstanding brand in Cascade Lakes’ core lineup, so whenever you find it, it should be fresh, especially now when sales pick up in late fall and early winter as is seasonally appropriate.

Courtesy CascadeLakes

By Brendan Emmett Quigley

Woody Allen

ASTROLOGY

By Rob Brezsny

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): I applaud your expansive curiosity. I admire your yearning to learn more and more about our mysterious world as you add to your understanding of how the game of life works. Your greed for interesting experienc es is good greed! It is one of your most beautiful qualities. But now and then, there come times when you need to scale down your quest for fresh, raw truths and work on integrating what you have already absorbed. The coming weeks will be one of those times.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Better than most, you have a rich potential to attune yourself to the cyclical patterns of life. It's your birthright to become skilled at discerning natural rhythms at work in the human comedy. Even more fortunate ly, Capricorn, you can be deeply comforted by this awareness. Educated by it. Motivated by it. I hope that in 2023, you will develop your capacity to the next level. The cosmic flow will be on your side as you strive to feel the cosmic flow—and place your self in closer and closer alignment with it.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Anne, a char acter in a book by L. M. Montgomery, says she prefers the word "dusk" over "twilight" because it sounds so "velvety and shadowy." She continues, "In daylight, I belong to the world . . . in the night to sleep and eternity. But in the dusk, I'm free from both and belong only to myself." According to my astrological assess ment, you Aquarians will go through a dusklike phase in the com ing weeks: a time when you will belong solely to yourself and any other creature you choose to join you in your velvety, shadowy emancipation.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): My Piscean friend Venus told me, "We Pisceans feel everything very in tensely, but alas, we do not possess the survival skills of a Scorpio or the enough-is-enough, self-protective mechanism of the Cancerians. We are the water sign most sus ceptible to being engulfed and flooded and over whelmed." I think Venus is somewhat correct in her assessment. But I also believe you Fishes have a potent asset that you may not fully appreciate or call on enough. Your ability to tune into the very deepest levels of emotion potentially provides you with access to a divine power source beyond your personality. If you allow it to give you all of its gifts, it will keep you shielded and safe and supported.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Aries painter Vincent van Gogh was renowned for translating his sublime and unruly passions into colors and shapes on canvas. It was a demanding task. He careened between torment and ecstasy. "I put my heart and soul into my work," he said, "and I have lost my mind in the process." That's sad! But I have good news for you, Aries. In the coming months, you will have the potential to reach unprecedent ed new depths of zest as you put your heart and soul into your work and play. And hallelujah, you won't lose your mind in the process! In fact, I sus pect you will become more mentally healthy than you've been in a long time.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): "The soul is silent," writes Taurus poet Louise Glück. "If it speaks at all, it speaks in dreams." I don't agree with her in general, and I especially don't agree with her in re gard to your life in the coming weeks. I believe your soul will be singing, telling jokes, whispering in the dark, and flinging out unexpected observations. Your soul will be extra alive and alert and awake, tempting you to dance in the grocery store and fling out random praise and fantasize about having your own podcast. Don't underestimate how vivacious your soul might be, Taurus. Give it permission to be as fun and funny as it yearns to be.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The coming weeks will be an excellent time to expand your under standing about the nature of stress. Here are three study aids: 1. High stress levels are not healthy for your mind and body, but low to moder

ate stress can be good for you. 2. Low to moderate stress is even better for you if it involves dilemmas that you can ultimately solve. 3. There is a thing called "eustress," which means beneficial stress. It arises from a challenge that evokes your vigor, resilience, and willpower. As you deal with it, you feel hopeful and hardy. It's meaningful and inter esting. I bring these ideas to your attention, dear Gemini, because you are primed to enjoy a rousing upgrade in your relationship with stress.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Long before he launched his illustrious career, Cancerian inven tor Buckminster was accepted to enroll at Harvard University. Studying at such a prestigious educa tional institution was a high honor and set him up for a bright future. Alas, he was expelled for party ing too hard. Soon he was working at odd jobs. His fortunes dwindled, and he grew depressed. But at age 32, he had a pivotal mystical experience. He seemed to be immersed in a globe of white light hovering above the ground. A disembodied voice spoke, telling him he "belonged to the universe" and that he would fulfill his life purpose if he ap plied himself to serving "the highest advantage of others." How would you like a Buckminster Full er-style intervention, Cancerian? It's available if you want it and ask for it.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Leo-born Judith Love Cohen was an electrical en gineer who worked on NA SA's Apollo Space Program. She was also the mother of the famous actor Jack Black. When she was nine months pregnant with Jack, on the day she went into la bor, she performed a heroic service. On their way to the moon, the three astronauts aboard the Apollo 13 space craft had encountered a ma jor systems failure. In the midst of her birth process, Judith Love Cohen carried out advanced troubleshoot ing that helped save their lives and bring their vehicle safely back to Earth. I don't expect you to achieve such a monumental feat in the coming days, Leo. But I suspect you will be extra intrepid and even epic in your efforts. And your ability to magically multitask will be at a peak.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): When you're at the height of your powers, you provide the people in your life with high-quality help and support. And I believe you could perform this role even stron ger in 2023. Here are some of the best benefits you can offer: 1. Assist your allies in extracting bright ideas from confusing mishmashes. 2. Help them cull fertile seeds from decaying dross. 3. As they wander through messy abysses, aid them in finding where the redemption is. 4. Cheer on their successes with wit and charm.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): A blogger named Daydreamydyke explains the art of bestowing soulful gifts. Don't give people you care for ge neric consumer goods, she tells us. Instead, say to them, "I picked up this cool rock I found on the ground that reminded me of you," or "I bought you this necklace for 50 cents at a yard sale because I thought you'd like it," or "I've had this odd little treasure since childhood, but I feel like it could be of use to you or give you comfort, so I want you to have it." That's the spirit I hope you will adopt during the holiday season, Libra—as well as for all of 2023, which will be the year you could become a virtuoso gift-giver.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In 1957, engi neers Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes in vented three-dimensional plastic wallpaper. No one bought the stuff, though. A few years later, they rebranded it as Bubble Wrap and marketed it as material to protect packages during ship ment. Success! Its new use has been popular ever since. I suspect you are in a phase comparable to the time between when their plastic wallpaper flopped and before they dreamed up Bubble Wrap. Have faith in the possibility of there being a Second Act, Scorpio. Be alert for new applications of pos sibilities that didn't quite make a splash the first time around.

A column that fosters deeper love between couples UNDERSTANDING INTIMACY:

By Dr. Jane Guyn

Dear Dr. Jane,

I don’t know about other people, but this year has been very challenging for me and my partner. Now it’s the holi days and we’re both stressed out. Mak ing love is the last thing on our LONG list of things to do, but I don’t want us to get to 2023 and feel distant. Do you have any suggestions about how to stay connected without a lot of pressure or a lot of money? We're on a budget.

From,

Holiday Blahs (already)

Dear Blah,

This time of year is often stressful for couples—and with our collective pan demic hangover, December 2022 is feel ing even less romantic than usual. If you’re like my clients, you’re probably exhausted. Turning each other on isn’t exactly on your radar, but you don’t want to drift apart. I get it. Here are two simple DIY adventures that’ll help you both feel good about each other without breaking the budget.

Adventure #1: Take a Snuggle/Nap “Schnapp” Together

Supplies: eye masks if you need them, cozy blanket and pillows

Duration: 90 minutes

Description: If you’re like most people, you’re running full tilt pret ty much all the time. You’re exhausted and so is your partner. Sleep depriva tion is a public health crisis in the U.S. Good news! There’s nothing like a yummy snuggle nap to make that bet ter. A snuggle nap is more than your basic afternoon snooze. Get your room ready for the snuggle nap by closing the blinds if you have them, making the bed as cozy as possible and maybe putting on a sound machine. Add some mild aromatherapy for a nice touch. Take a quick shower first and either put on comfy jammies or get in bed nude. Climb under the covers or a soft throw. Tuck in together. Cuddle up, snuggle and touch as you fall asleep. Beautiful, sensual, restful. Yes.

Pro Tips:

• If you have littles, they’ll need to be napping, too, or you’ll need a sitter for this adventure.

• Don’t be shy to get a sitter for a snuggle nap. It’s one of the best things you can do for your rela tionship.

• Put some effort into your snug gle nap and create a restorative

experience for you both.

• Make an agreement about sex before you start. This is a snug gle nap—not an afternoon of sex unless both partners are really feeling it.

Adventure #2: Take a Sensual Bath - together

or alone

Supplies: bathtub, Epsom salts or bubbles, candles, beverage

Duration: 60 minutes

Description: Water soothes us. We were water creatures even before we were born. They say that the human body is made up of more than 50% water.

It’s not surpris ing that we relax when we get into a body of water. The water will buoy you up. It’ll take away stress by allowing your body to float. Run a bath just for your partner or for you both. Add Epsom salts or scented bubble bath. Turn the lights down low. Add candles and some soothing music or nature sounds. Get a small towel to put behind your partner’s head for a pil low. If you’re not getting in the bath, get your partner fruit, berries or cheese and crackers to snack on.

Pro Tips:

• You can make a tea of herbs to add to your bath. Infuse one ounce of herbs into one quart of boiling water. Let the tea stand for 20 minutes, then strain the herbs out of the liquid. Add the herbal bath tea to the bath water plus two cups of Epsom salts. Lavender is perfect for this.

• Want to up your level? Put a big fluffy towel in the dryer and when your partner’s ready to get out of the bath, stand nearby and hold the towel open for them.

I’ll be sharing more of these DIY adventures from time to time here in the Understanding Intimacy column. Intimacy doesn’t always have to be serious. Sometimes getting some rest or taking a sexy bath is just what the Sex Doctor ordered. You got this.

Xoxo, Dr. Jane

—Dr. Jane Guyn (she/her) is a wellknown relationship coach who received her Ph.D. in Human Sexuality and is trained as a Professional Sex Coach and Core Energy Coach. Send her your ques tions at thesource@drjaneguyn.com.

Home located on a quiet street in SW Redmond lined with mature trees. Open floorplan features kitchen, eating area, half bath, and great room with gas fireplace. Upstairs has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath with utility/laundry room for convenience, also boasts a HUGE bonus room. Double sinks and a large walk-in closet in Primary. Front and back sprinkler system with fenced backyard. 2-car garage with room for shop/storage area.

f you’ve shopped for a home at any point during the last two years, you likely have felt some level of buy er’s fatigue. You may have moved from wanting to look at homes in person consistently, to then wanting to view no homes at all. Your attitude may have shifted from the possibility of finding the right home, to, “even if I find the perfect home, I won’t be able to buy it.”

This exhaustion is completely understandable. Through the pandem ic, buyers were faced with a barrage of uphill battles when finding and pur chasing a home, number one being a lack of inventory. Buyers were losing out to cash buyers, investors and an over-inflated pricing market that priced them out of homes.

Now that the pandemic has eased and inventory is growing, there is a different level of challenge. Increased interest rates and market instabili ty have once again handed the buyer a cause for pause.

So, what can you do to overcome ongoing buyer’s fatigue, especial ly when it’s causing you to miss out on opportunities that could positively impact your future?

Take a brief break.

Taking a brief, and I mean brief pause (one week) can be very help ful. However, the idea of completely shutting down the search process can cause you to miss out on a potentially great home match and investment. If previewing homes in person is what’s exhausting you, then spend more time on virtual tours until you feel refreshed. Buyers should expect and ask for live virtual tours from their agents. This really does allow for a more “at ease”

By Chris Scott Broker RE/MAX Key Properties

and stress-free approach. I do this myself for numerous clients, especially out-of-town clients.

Get clear with your buyer’s team.

The key to success in any market is clear and constant communication between all parties involved. You, your real estate broker and your lender (if financing) are a team. By developing a plan based on current rates and low er home prices, your buyer’s team can most likely find the right home for you, at the right price. By keeping in com munication with your lender, you’ll be advised of new rates and programs that may help facilitate a purchase more quickly. For all these reasons, it’s key that you’re confident with the team you have in place before you start shopping.

Be patient and follow your plan.

Once you have a clear plan that you’ve created with your buyer’s team, do everything you can to stay the course. It might not happen tomorrow, but it will happen. Staying patient, being clear in what you want and committing to the long haul until you find the right home is so important. Discouragement is normal and you may find yourself dis appointed more than once. But the key is to keep going, keep talking to your buyer’s team, stay positive.

Bottom line? With the right pro fessional team in place, now is a great time to pick up the home search. If you decided to sit the bench for a while during the height of the pandemic sales rush, take time to reevaluate your posi tion today. Renew the relationship with your buyer’s team. Start taking steps, together, toward finding the right home for you.