Source Weekly January 5, 2023

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Happy New Year, Central Oregon! We are kicking things off in 2023 with a feature section filled with some of the national stories you may have missed in the last year. In recent years we’ve collaborated with the folks at Project Censored to bring readers a look at some of the stories that get buried or underreported on the national scale, and it’s always an eye-opening read. Meanwhile, we’re bringing you a review of a relatively new local restaurant on the south side of Bend, an introduction to a new book by a local mountain-bike athlete in Outside, and in News, the latest on the activity coming at one of Bend’s largest encampments. For those ready to start something new in the new year, our calendar is always your one-stop shop for inspiration. Here’s to another year gone and another one ahead!

Bend’s food cart scene is growing and continues to impress. Here is a behind-the-scenes shot from @luckeyswoodsman. Thanks for tagging us in this photo of hard work in the Luckey’s Woodsman kitchen. Priding

OPINION

Formally Abolish Oregon’s Death Penalty… Again

During Gov. John Kitzhaber’s first term as governor in the late 1990s, he faced a difficult decision: Abide by Oregon’s Constitution or follow his own conscience. Understanding the rule of law and the will of the majority, he did the former and did not stand in the way of seeing two people executed under Oregon laws that allowed for capital punishment at the time. Kitzhaber, a former emergency room doctor, called it, “the most difficult decision I ever had to make in public office.”

In 2011, then in his third (and non-consecutive) term as governor, Kitzhaber declared a moratorium on executions in the state. His successor, Gov. Kate Brown, did the same in 2015, and last month went further by announcing clemency for all of the 17 people who were on death row in Oregon. The death penalty was both “dysfunctional and immoral,” Brown said.

Brown’s successor, Tina Kotek, said she plans to do the same. All that came after a decision in 2020 by the Oregon Department of Corrections to do away with “death row,” the unit at the Oregon State Penitentiary where all inmates sentenced to death lived.

Oregon has had a storied history with the death penalty. It abolished it by popular vote in 1914. Just six years later, in 1920, voters brought it back. In 1964, voters once again abolished it, only to see voters, in 1978, reinstate it once again. Oregon’s Supreme Court declared the death penalty unconstitutional in 1981, but voters once again reinstated it in 1984 for the last time in the modern age. Now, though, governors including Kitzhaber and Brown have implemented something of an informal ban by not allowing any executions under their watch.

While the history of Oregon’s death penalty laws has lots of twists and turns, we propose this: Put the notion of abolishing the death penalty in the state on the ballot once again. If Oregon’s governors are not going to enforce it, why put them in the position that Kitzhaber found himself in during the ‘90s?

If your first thought is about the rises

in crime that became a battle cry for certain political candidates during the last election, findings from an October 2022 Pew Research Poll may be of interest:

Pew stated that, “[a]nnual government surveys from the Bureau of Justice Statistics show no recent increase in the U.S. violent crime rate.” While it was true that murder rates had “risen significantly during the pandemic” and the “roughly 30% increase in the U.S. murder rate between 2019 and 2020 [was] one of the largest year-over-year increases ever recorded,” Pew noted that “the rate remained well below past highs, and murder remains the least common type of violent crime overall.”

Those in favor of keeping the death penalty in place sometimes say that it’s a deterrent to violent crime, but the statistics don’t exactly bear that out. An analysis by the nonprofit Death Penalty Information Center found that murder rates during the pandemic were the highest in states with the death penalty and lowest in states that have abolished it. Among states, Oregon had the sixth-lowest murder rate during the pandemic at 2.89 per 100,000 people.

Mississippi, a death-penalty state, by way of contrast, saw the highest murder rate at 20.5 per 100,000 people.

And then there’s the cost of putting people to death. A study funded by the Oregon Justice Resource Center in 2016 found that death penalty cases cost more – to the tune of $800,000 to $1 million more due to the two-phase trials, cost of defense and the appeals process, among other factors.

With all of these factors combined, it’s clear that the death penalty is fraught with concerns, yet remains in the state Constitution and continues to be circumvented by the governor. Knowing the current will of Oregon voters would go a long way in preventing these decisions from flowing with the political tides of the governorship and give clear direction regarding the ultimate decision any government makes.

It is time to put the issue back to a vote of the people… again.

GUEST OPINION: AN OPEN LETTER TO THE BEND CITY COUNCIL

Dear Mayor Kebler and Bend City Council:

Congratulations on your election. Your tasks are going to be challenging. The members of the Neighborhood Association Round Table suggest one way to facilitate decision making is to use the already agreed-upon plans developed by residents and city staff as they are an expression of community values.

Bend residents voted for a Transportation Plan and Bond to provide residents with more transportation options. So that should be a guiding light when you are reviewing proposals. The Community Climate Action Plan adopted in 2016, is intended to reduce carbon emissions and make our city more resilient. It states:

“To achieve our climate goals, we must work together to reduce our emissions. The community helped create this Plan, and the community has a key role in implementing it. This means the City must partner with other public agencies, the private sector, and community organizations to implement plan strategies. In addition residents and businesses will need to utilize the new programs and investments suggested in the Plan reduce their own emissions.”

Source: Page 4 Executive Summary.

As residents and property owners we ask that the City administration and Council use this plan as a day-to-day guide in making decisions about City actions and public and private development. It was developed with community input and represents a consensus.

So our request from the Neighborhood Association Round Table to the new City Council is to familiarize yourselves with the Community Climate Action Plan and the Transportation System Plan and the other documents in order to apply those goals and strategies to proposals and permit applications. Such an opportunity exists with the

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!

current proposal to develop 52 acres situated between Cooley and Robal Roads east of Highway 20.

A Portland developer, Powell Development LLC and its client, Costco propose building a new Costco superstore, gas station and car wash. They requested more parking spaces than the code allows and fewer bicycles spaces. That is their right under the Bend Development Code. The Planning Commission, although reluctant to approve another big box store, did recognize a legitimate request under the terms of our city’s Code.

Given that the Costco business model does not make shopping by bicycle practical, in granting the developer’s request, the Council might require measures to mitigate the impacts of such a large development by adhering to the CCAP.

One idea is to incentivize the developer to participate in the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy program adopted by the County in 2022. The main building or parking lot would be outfitted with solar panels, the cost of which may be amortized via property taxes over several years. The resulting solar energy production would help offset the heat island effect of this large development.

The developer has added housing to the project. Couldn’t the City insist that the apartments be Deed Restricted Housing and thus affordable for service sector workers? Solar panels could also be placed on those units as has been done successfully with the Canal Crossing apartments off of 27th Street.

We thank you for considering our suggestions and wish you all the best in assuming your very important responsibilities as council members.

— Ashlie Bibaud, Boyd Acres N.A. NART representative

— James Christo, chair, Southeast Bend N.A.

— Judy Clinton, Southwest Bend N.A. member

— Susan Gaylord, Southeast Bend N.A. NART representative

— Karen Harding, NART member

— Beth Hoover, Mountain View N.A. NART representative

— Jen Sawyer, Old Farm District N.A. NART representative

— Joette Storm, Neighborhood Association Round Table convener

RE: ANOTHER YEAR, ANOTHER QUESTION ABOUT MIRROR POND. OPINION, 12/29

Documents obtained from State agencies indicate the century-old Mirror Pond dam is decrepit and in need of frequent repair. Just as it would have been civically insane for the public to fork over millions for a dredging project that would have removed only 17% of the sediment, it would be foolish in the extreme to locate a fish passage at the site of the existing dam. It's been 6 years since the last statistically accurate survey measuring public sentiment for the Mirror Pond impoundment; that one showed robust support for removing the dam. Let's have an up-to-date survey before any decision is made about the future of our urban stretch of the Deschutes River.

—Fosters Fell via bendsource.com

Why spend time, effort and money to arrange a fish passage and then begin discussion of removing the dam entirely? Either put in a fish passage or remove

the dam. As for funding, Pacific Power should pay to install the fish passage as a condition of the dam remaining.

—Geoff Reynolds via bendsource.com

Fish passage was required at the dam when it was built in 1910. By 1960 it had gone into disrepair and the regulators were told by Pacificorp that they were going to rebuild the dam and put in new passage. It is now over 60 years later and they have done neither.

Groups and agencies have spent millions of dollars improving habitat and flows in the Upper Deschutes. This dam is the only man-made barrier to migrating fish from Lake Billy Chinook to Wickiup dam. One of the engineering proposals calls for passage around the dam that would be viable even if the dam were removed or modified.

Warren Buffet's Berkshire Hathaway, owner of the dam, can certainly afford to correct the problem they have neglected all of these years. No more delays should be tolerated.

—Craig Lacy via bendsource.com

Letter of the Week:

Thanks for all the commentary on our Mirror Pond/fish passage editorial. Craig, come on by for your gift card to Palate!

—Nicole Vulcan

Hunnell Camp Scheduled for Closure

Bend

is closing its largest houseless camp. Service providers hope it provides a roadmap for providing

“surge support” for future crises

By Jack Harvel

On Dec. 28 the City of Bend declared the campsite on Hunnell Road was unsafe and would be removed in March. It’s the largest campsite for people living outside of typical homes in Bend, and at peak residency in the summer there were over 100 camps on the road. That number shrank to about 65 over the winter.

Victoria McKenzie, who has lived there for about four months, said the cold is the toughest part of living on the road, just above the amount of thievery. She’s living in a trailer that she can’t move because her car broke down. The trailer is too old to be admitted to an RV park in the rare case there’s a vacant spot in one, she said. She’s not sure where she’ll go between now and the closure.

“I don’t have [a plan]. I just keep looking for opportunities and when one arises, I’ll take that opportunity,” McKenzie said. “I’m signed up for everything, but that doesn’t say anything. It’s already been a year since I signed up for Section 8 and nothing's transpired with that.”

McKenzie also hasn’t had luck signing up for safe parking programs or the tiny-home villages in the area. She hopes a part-time job will increase her eligibility in supportive housing programs, or that it could supplement her Social Security payments enough to get into longer-term housing.

“Moving is terrible. Always having to move, you can’t become stable. Any anthropologist will let you know that if a person is not stable for six months or longer, they’re not going to progress, they’re not going to be productive,” she said.

The City declared the campsite unsafe after conducting an assessment between Aug. 15 and Nov. 15, 2022. It concluded that vehicles and personal property are intruding on the roadway, that there are environmental impacts related to vehicles and reports of fire and a large number of calls for service to the area. Some 33 people were arrested in the 218 times police were called to the area in the three-month period.

“We've just seen a huge demand for our public safety services, which is just not sustainable. And when you talk about some of the threats to both life and property with fire and some of the criminal occurrences there, we just feel like we need to create a safer environment for everyone,” said City Manager Eric King. “We’re trying to provide some support systems to help make that happen in a way that really meets people where they're at, because everyone has different needs. And there's no one solution, unfortunately, that's going to solve everyone's problems.”

The City said the assessment was partially driven by Deschutes County and the Oregon Department of Transportation’s construction projects in the area, and the camp is expected to be closed before the construction begins. Current City code authorizes camp removals only after it is deemed unsafe after an analysis, though once the camp is swept, newer code that more strictly regulates where camps can be and when they can be removed will be active. King said the City issued a three-month timeline so service providers had more time to work

with the people living on Hunnell.

“As soon as we had a pretty clear understanding from the County on their project proposal, we were starting to see the level of public health and safety issues just continue to increase,” King said. “We felt like more time is better, to be able to help support individuals and moving to a more secure and safe place.”

The relatively new Coordinated Houseless Response Office will help to organize governments, nonprofits and Deschutes County Behavioral Health to assist people relocating and offer services for people living on the road. Deschutes County is one of eight counties in Oregon that developed a coordinated office under House Bill 4123 with the goal of leveraging all available resources in a county to better address houselessness. Over the next three months it will be conducting “surge support” on Hunnell Road in what it hopes can be a blueprint for future camp dispersals.

“[Surge support] includes a needs assessment for individual clients determining what their plans and goals are and any resources that they may need in terms of accessing care, getting into rehab facilities, towing vehicles, repairing vehicles, medical attention. The idea is that we have a coordinated response to outreach and assessment and a surge of resources across partners,” said Cheyenne Purrington, executive director of the Coordinated Houseless Response Office.

Purrington said the goal is to get people into shelter or long-term housing, but notes not everyone will take advantage of those options. She said her office

will work on alternatives for people who aren’t interested in traditional shelter options, such as reunification with family or alternative parking spaces.

“We are working with the county to identify potential parcels that can be utilized for variations of safe parking. We are looking at a range of development opportunities for tiny homes, upgraded RVs. The City has made available a series of shelter beds both in congregate and non-congregate settings at the Navigation Center and the Rainbow Motel,” Purrington said.

The Joint Office is conducting “surge support” at other smaller and more disjointed camps around the county, including doing outreach at an encampment north of the Redmond Airport that the Federal Aviation Administration said must be cleared for safety reasons, and at two parcels near Redmond that the Department of State Lands refuses to sell to the county until it removes encampments.

“When we think about how the homeless response system works, it wasn't really designed or built with intention,” Purrington said. “Our goal is to create a system that performs well, is designed and responsive to the needs that we have here locally and is able to respond urgently as a humanitarian crisis, which is what homelessness is, but also plan for long-term development of affordable and supportive housing, development of programs, investing in provider capacity. So that our local communities are able to respond and implement and create programs that are effective.”

The campsite at Hunnell Road is made up of RVs, cars and tents. The City estimated there were about 65 individual camps at the site this winter — but by March it’ll dwindle to zero.

Jack Harvel

Q&A With Outgoing DA John Hummel

John Hummel is leaving Bend after eight years as District Attorney. He sat down with the Source

to discuss his time in office and what he plans to do next

By Jack Harvel

Since moving to Bend in 1995, John Hummel has worked as a public defender, started a defense firm and served six years on the Bend City Council before being elected as District Attorney in 2014. The self-described progressive prosecutor took a different approach than many DAs, taking public stances on injustice and what he views as flaws in the legal system. Hummel declined to seek a third term, and just days before his departure he sat down with the Source Weekly for a chat about his time in office. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity, but you can listen to it in full on the Bend Don’t Break podcast.

Source Weekly: You're embarking on this new chapter of your life. I hear you recently got married, what are you excited about as this next chapter begins?

John Hummel: Number one, I'm excited to start my life with Juliana, my wife. We're moving to Portland, but it is sad to leave here. I'm moving for Juliana. So, moving for love. That way was easy, but it's still hard. I moved to Bend in 1995. I did leave for a few years; I worked overseas and in Liberia and came back and I came back because I love this place. A little piece of me is removed when I leave here, but I'm certainly happy to start my life in Portland with Juliana.

SW: You've been called a progressive prosecutor. Can you tell us if you if you accept that nomenclature, and what does that mean to you?

JH: I'll absolutely accept it. I think everyone should be progressive. I want progressive doctors and I want progressive plumbers and electricians and engineers. Progressive, to me, means you're always looking for a better way to do things. If the way we're doing it is perfect, well, you don't need anyone to be progressive, but progressive is always trying to make progress. I think it's safe to say that the way we've been doing criminal justice in our country hasn't worked. Why? Because our recidivism rate is sky high.

That means people who have committed crime and are arrested or convicted or sentenced, then they do it again. And they do it again. And they do it again. So how we're doing it isn't working. So, we need to come up with a new way. So as a progressive District Attorney, my view was, ‘Hey, let's work together as a community to figure out what we can do to provide people who commit crimes with the incentives and tools they need to be successful in the future,’ because that's good for them. And it's good for our community because there'll be less crime.

SW: Sometimes progressive prosecutors get blamed for increases in crime rates. How would you respond to that claim?

JH: I reject that. But I will say this, prosecutors can lead to an increase in crime, progressive and traditional. I mean it; here's the deal. Nine years ago when I first ran for office, I was asked, ‘Hey, if you win this race and you get elected, how can we judge whether you were successful?’ I thought about and I said, ‘Ultimately, you should judge me on whether we're a safer community because that has to be the ultimate goal.’ And so if you're a DA or a sheriff or police chief, and the crime rate goes up in your community, you should be blamed for it. Why are you in there if not to make the community more safe? Some progressive prosecutors, crime has gone up in their community, some tough on crime, traditional prosecutors, crime has gone up in their communities, and some progressives have

reduced crime in their community and some tough on crime prosecutors have reduced crime, but much fewer tough-on-crime prosecutors have reduced crime than progressive prosecutors.

SW: What are the steps that you take when you're tackling something as large as reducing recidivism? So much of that seems like it would stem from environmental and cultural factors. How do you take on a goal like that?

JH: It's not to suggest anyone can do it on their own. Most of the drivers of crime are way outside the paygrade of a DA — housing, poverty, addiction, mental health. But that doesn't mean you throw up your hands and you say, what can you do about it. I convened a group of community members in Deschutes County in late 2015 called Deschutes Safe and we spent a year digging into data, and we had help from the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance. And we looked at what the root drivers of recidivism were in Deschutes County. We saw clearly it was addiction issues that was the number-one driver.

So, I worked with others to develop Deschutes Safe, and that diverted people from the criminal justice system into the medical system. And we saw that people who went through that program had a significantly lower recidivism rate than people who went through traditional prosecution. And then once that program got up and running and stood on its feet, then we developed other programs in the office, like our veterans intervention program and our emerging adult program.

SW: Does being a progressive prosecutor present challenges coordinating with law enforcement?

JH: Some officers are resistive to the term because of what it means to them. Cops are under attack now a lot and sometimes justifiably, sometimes not. But they'll hear anyone who comes around who has a label of ‘progressive,’ they will equate that to anti-cop, and I'm not anti-cop. So I have to spend more time developing relationships with police than maybe someone who came up through the more traditional ranks. Most elected DAs started out at a law school as a deputy district attorney, worked there 20 years, the elected DA retires, and they ascend to the position. So they

already have the relationships with the cops, they came from Team Cop, so to speak. I came from Team Defense Attorney, public defender, all terms that gets many officers’ hackles up — but not all, many were supportive right away. But some weren't. I am proud that over time, I've developed relationships with many of the officers, but initially it was difficult.

SW: Looking back at your time as the DA, are there any regrets or anything you wish you would have done during your tenure?

JH: Yeah, this might come as a surprise to some people, but I stayed in my lane early. Too often, some people would say, I didn't stay in my lane. I talked earlier about going upstream to focus on the root causes of crime, which are addiction and poverty. And I worked within my office, to the greatest extent possible to address that. But I should have gone out of the office even more, and homelessness is one issue that I think about. I see that that's an issue that's increasing in Deschutes County. And I figured, that's the city councilor issue. That's county commissioner issue, and it certainly is for them, but I could have been part of that. Looking back, I regret that I should have been more of a community leader. I have a bully pulpit. I could have used it.

SW: I know you're moving to Portland, but what are you going to do now?

JH: There was speculation in that article that I'm running for Congress. I've been recruited in the past year to run. I'm not running for Congress because I'm moving to Portland. I don't know. I'm in a nice place where I can take a few months and just, reflect, exhale. I have two phones, always. I mean, I call one the murder phone. It's the work phone, when this thing rings bad things have happened. So I'm going to enjoy living with one phone. I'm going to take some time, but I'm not retired. I'm going to take a month or two. We’re still moving in. I got to meet the neighbors. But I'll be working in Oregon on making our community as good as possible. How do you define community? Is it Portland? Is it statewide? Oregon? I don't know. So I don't have anything locked down yet.

John Hummel took a different approach to the District Attorney’s Office with a media-savvy approach and progressive priorities.

Courtesy John Hummel

Campamento Hunnel en previsto para clausurarse

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

El 28 de diciembre la ciudad de Bend anunció que el campamento ubicado en Hunnell Road era inseguro y que sería desmontado en marzo. Es el campamento más grande para las personas que viven fuera de una casa común y corriente en Bend y en el punto pico de residencia en el verano había más de 100 campamento sobre la calle. El número disminuyo en el invierno a cerca de los 65.

Victoria McKenzie dijo que el frío es la parte más dificil al vivir en la calle, un poco más arriba de los robos. Ella ha estado viviendo allí por casi cuatro meses en un remolque que no puede mover porque se descompuso su carro. Comentó que el remolque es demasiado viejo para que lo admitan en el estacionamiento de RVs en caso de que hubiera un espacio vacante. No está segura a donde irá por ahora.

“No tengo [un plan]. Sigo buscando oportunidades y cuando se prensente alguna aprovecharla,” dijo McKenzei. “Estoy registrada en todo, pero eso no

significa nada. Ya ha pasado un año desde que me registre en la Sección 8 y no pasó nada.

McKenzie tampoco ha tenido suerte para registrarse en programas de estacionamiento seguro o para las aldeas de casas pequeñas de la zona. Espera que el tener un trabajo de medio tiempo aumente su posibilidad para ser elegible a un programa para el apoyo de la vivienda o que pueda suplementar sus pagos de seguro social lo suficiente para formar parte de un programa de vivienda a largo plazo.

“Mudarse es horrible. Mudarte constantamente no te ayuda a ser estable. Cualquier antropólogo te dirá que si una persona no está en una situación estable por seis meses o más, no van a progresar, no será productiva,” comento ella.

La ciudad declaró inseguro el campamento después de haber llevado a cabo una evalucación entre el 15 de agosto al 15 de noviembre. Concluyó que los vehículos y las cosas personales están

obstruyendo la calle, que hay impactos ambientales relacionados a los vehículos y reportes de incendio, y un gran número de llamadas de servicio en el área. Unas 33 personas fueron arrestadas en las 218 veces que llamaron a la policía durante un periodo de tres meses.

La ciudad dijo que la evaluación fue conducida en parte por el el departamento de projectos de construcción del Ayuntamiento de Deschutes y por la Secretaría de Transporte de Oregon del área. Se espera que el campamento cierre antes de que comience la construcción.

La nueva oficina de Respuesta Coordinada para personas sin hogar ayudará a organizar a los gobiernos, las organizaciones sin fines de lucro y al departamento de Salud Conductural del Ayuntamiento del Deschutes para ayudar a la gente que se muda y para ofrecer servicios para las personas que viven en la calle. El Ayuntamiento de Deschutes es uno de ocho ayuntamientos en Oregon que crearon una oficina coordinada

bajo el Proyecto de Ley 4123 de la cámara con el el objetivo de aprovechar todos los recursos disponibles en el ayuntamiento para manejar de mejor manera la falta de vivienda. En los próximos tres meses, llevara a cabo un “aumento de apoyo” en Hunnell Road en lo que se espera pueda ser un modelo para futura dispersión de campamentos.

“El [aumento de apoyo] incluye una evaluación sobre las necesidades personales de los clientes para determinar cuáles son sus planes y objetivos y cualquier recurso necesario para acceder a cuidados, ingresar a centros de rehabilitación, levantar vehiculos, reparar vehículos, atención médica. La idea es que haya una respuesta coordinada para el alcance y eveluación y para un aumento de recursos entre colaboradores,” dijo Cheyenne Purrington, directora ejecutiva de Coordinated Houseless Response Office (Oficina de Respuesta Coordinada para personas sin hogar).

SOURCE PICKS

THURSDAY 1/5

SATURDAY

LEFTSLIDE AND LURK & LOITER PUNKY PARTY

Rock out with these two high-energy bands as they carry the ultimate punk vibe through the night. Leftslide and Lurk & Loiter are known for lively performances. Grab a pint and listen to some punk! Sat., Jan. 7, 7-11pm. Silver Moon Brewing, 24 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend. $10 SATURDAY

ERIC LEADBETTER FIRESIDE SHOW

GHOSTLY ECHOES OF THE GOLDEN AGES OF ROCK

Leadbetter plays gigs all around Central Oregon, and he is making his way to Suttle Lodge for a relaxing night by the fire. Suttle Lodge’s Fireside Series provides listeners with a cozy environment and top-notch entertainment. Check out its menu for food and a drink for the show! Thu., Jan. 5, 6pm. The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse, 13300 Hwy 20, Bend. $10.

STORMING THE CAPITOL: A ROAST OF AMERICA

A ROAST REGARDLESS OF POLITICAL STANCE

This comedy set is full of jokes and laughs about what it means to live in America — the absurdity, the privileges, the craziness and all. Comedians will take on roles like Lady Liberty, Tim McGraw, The Capitol Grandma and Amy Coney Barrett. Fri., Jan. 6, 7-9pm. The Capitol, 190 NW Oregon Ave., Bend. $15/adv., $20/door. SATURDAY 1/7

LAINEY WILSON’S COUNTRY WITH A FLARE TOUR

COUNTRY ROCKSTAR AT MIDTOWN

This singer-songwriter was named ACM New Female of the Year 2022 winner. Over the course of her country music career, Wilson has performed with many talented artists like Luke Combs, Jason Aldean and more. Get your dancing boots on and head out to the Country with a Flare Tour. Sat., Jan. 7, 8:30pm. Midtown Ballroom, 51 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend. $25-$99.

BACKCOUNTRY BREW: COFFEE WITH THE HUNTING CURIOUS NOT SURE WHERE TO BEGIN WITH HUNTING AND FISHING?

NATURAL HISTORY PUB:

VOLCANOES OF CENTRAL OREGON

KNOW THE LAVA FLOW

The Cascade Range is full of active volcanoes. Join Dr. Daniele McKay, instructor in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Oregon, to explore ancient volcanoes and dive into fun facts about the earth that surrounds us. Mon., Jan. 9, 7-8pm. McMenamins Old St. Francis School, 700 NW Bond St., Bend. Free.

WEDNESDAY 1/11

KNOW SUSTAINABILITY:

Backcountry Hunters and Anglers of Central Oregon hosts a monthly meeting to answer questions about hunting and fishing in Central Oregon. The group is full of friendly, ethically minded hunters who will provide knowledge, connections and relationships to get out there in the outdoors. First Saturday of every month, 9-10am. The Commons Cafe & Taproom, 875 NW Brooks St., Bend. Free.

HANNAH SIGLIN

MUSIC FROM NATURE

Hannah Siglin is a singer-songwriter who performs with a flowing, down-to-earth energy. Drawing from nature in her compositions and lyrics, Siglin’s original music displays power and delicateness at the same time. Enjoy relaxing tunes with this Spokane-based artist! Wed., Jan. 11, 6-8pm. Crosscut Warming Hut No 5, 566 SW Mill View Way, Bend. Free.

SUSTAINABLE

FARMING IN THE HIGH DESERT

WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE FARMING?

There is no better way to learn about sustainable farming than by hearing from local farmers. Do you think about how food gets to your plate? The group will investigate farming practices, certifications and labels, the local food system and more. Sat., Jan. 7, 11am-Noon. Downtown Bend Library, 601 Northwest Wall St, Bend. Free.

XC OREGON LEARN-TO-SKI DAY

START 2023 WITH A NEW SPORT

Drive up the mountain a few minutes and get some free lessons on how to cross-country ski. This sport offers health benefits, breathtaking views and an opportunity to get outside. With mini clinics running every 30 minutes, skiers of all levels can learn something to further their abilities. Sun., Jan. 8, 1pm.

Virginia Meissner SnoPark, Century Dr., Bend. Free.

SHEJUMPS X STIO: AVALANCHE AWARENESS

EMPOWERING FEMALES IN THE BACKCOUNTRY

Staying safe with avalanche awareness and preparedness is important whether you’re on a split board, ski, or snowshoe setup. Listen and learn if it’s your firsttime introduction to avalanches or if you’re needing to brush up on knowledge. Meet fellow female athletes and network, as well! Wed., Jan. 11, 6:30-8pm. Stio Mountain Studio, 844 NW Bond St., Bend. Free.

Courtesy Adam Mosbrucker

Courtesy High Desert Food & Farm Alliance

Courtesy Lainey Wilson Facebook

Courtesy Hannah Siglin Instagram

Courtesy Leadbetter Music Facebook

The Billionaire’s Press Dominates Censorship Beat

Project Censored’s Top 10 stories show just one pattern dominating all others this year

By Paul Rosenberg

Since its founding in 1976, Project Censored has been focused on stories — like Watergate before the 1972 election — that aren’t censored in the authoritarian government sense, but in a broader, expanded sense reflective of what a functioning democracy should be, censorship defined as “the suppression of information, whether purposeful or not, by any method — including bias, omission, underreporting, or self-censorship — that prevents the public from fully knowing what is happening in society.” It is, after all, the reason that journalism enjoys special protection in the First Amendment: Without the free flow of vital information, government based on the consent of the governed is but an illusory dream.

Every year, I note that there are multiple patterns to be found in the list of Project Censored’s stories, and that these different patterns have much to tell us about the forces shaping what remains hidden. That’s still true, with three environmental stories (two involving fossil fuels), three involving money in politics (two dark money stories), and two involving illicit surveillance. But the dominance of this one pattern truly is remarkable. It shows how profoundly the concentration of corporate wealth and power in the hands of so few distorts everything we see — or don’t — in the world around us every day. Here then, is this year’s list of Project Censored’s top 10 censored stories — abbreviated for length in this print edition. See the longer versions online at bendsource.com.

1) Fossil Fuel Industry Subsidized at Rate of $11 Million per Minute

published by the International Monetary Fund, or IMF in September 2021, that were reported in the Guardian and Treehugger the next month, but have been ignored in the corporate media.

No national government currently prices fossil fuels at what the IMF calls their “efficient price” — covering both their supply and environmental costs. “Instead, an estimated 99 percent of coal, 52 percent of road diesel, 47 percent of natural gas, and 18 percent of gasoline are priced at less than half their efficient price,” Project Censored noted.

“Efficient fuel pricing in 2025 would reduce global carbon dioxide emissions 36 percent below baseline levels, which is in line with keeping global warming to 1.5 degrees, while raising revenues worth 3.8 percent of global GDP and preventing 0.9 million local air pollution deaths,” the report stated. The G7 nations had previously agreed to scrap fossil fuel subsidies by 2025, but the IMF found that subsidies have increased in recent years, and will continue increasing.

back wages since 2005.”

We’re talking about some major companies. Halliburton, G4S Wackenhut and Circle K Stores — were among “the worst offenders,” they reported.

That report kicked off the center’s “Cheated at Work'' series, which showed that “U.S. employers that illegally underpaid workers face few repercussions, even when they do so repeatedly. This widespread practice perpetuates income inequality, hitting lowest-paid workers hardest.”

Lack of resources is largely to blame for the lax enforcement, Project Censored explained: “As of February 2021, the Wage and Hour Division employed only 787 investigators, a proportion of just one investigator per 182,000 workers covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act, Campbell and Yerardi noted. For comparison, in 1948 the division employed one investigator per 22,600 workers, or eight times the current proportion.”

3) EPA Withheld Reports on Dangerous Chemicals

that ‘very small doses of PFAS have been linked to cancer, reproductive and immune system harm, and other diseases. For decades, chemical companies covered up evidence of PFAS’ health hazards.’” Their spread throughout the world’s oceans, along with microplastics, was Project Censored #5 story last year.

It wasn’t just the public that was kept in the dark, Lerner reported. “The substantial risk reports have not been uploaded to the databases used most often by risk assessors searching for information about chemicals, according [to] one of the EPA scientists… They have been entered only into an internal database that is difficult to access and search. As a result, little — and perhaps none — of the information about these serious risks to health and the environment has been incorporated into the chemical assessments completed during this period.”

4) At Least 128 Members of Congress Invested in Fossil Fuel Industry

Globally, the fossil fuel industry receives subsidies of $11 million per minute, primarily from lack of liability for the externalized health costs of deadly air pollution (42%), damages caused by extreme weather events (29%), and costs from traffic collisions and congestion (15%). And two-thirds of those subsidies come from just five countries — the United States, Russia, India, China and Japan. These are key findings from a study of 191 nations

In 2017, the FBI reported the cost of street crime at about $13.8 billion, the same year that the Economic Policy Institute released a study saying that just one form of wage theft — minimum wage violations — costs U.S. workers even more: an estimated $15 billion annually, impacting an estimated 17% of low-wage workers.

One reason it’s so rampant is that companies are seldom punished, as Alexia Fernández Campbell and Joe Yerardi reported for the Center for Public Integrity in May 2021, drawing on 15 years of data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division. “The agency fined only about one in four repeat offenders during that period. And it ordered those companies to pay workers cash damages — penalty money in addition to back wages — in just 14 percent of those cases,” they wrote. In addition, “The division often lets businesses avoid repaying their employees all the money they’re owed. In all, the agency has let more than 16,000 employers get away with not paying $20.3 million in

In January 2019, the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA stopped releasing legally required disclosures about chemicals that present a “substantial risk of injury to health or the environment.” They had previously been posted in a searchable public database called ChemView.

In November 2021, as part of the Intercept’s “EPA Exposed” investigative series, Sharon Lerner reported that EPA had received “at least 1,240 substantial risk reports since January 2019, but only one was publicly available. The suppressed reports documented “the risk of chemicals’ serious harms, including eye corrosion, damage to the brain and nervous system, chronic toxicity to honeybees, and cancer in both people and animals,” Lerner wrote.

“The reports include notifications about highly toxic polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, chemical compounds that are known as 'forever chemicals' because they build up in our bodies and never break down in the environment,” Project Censored noted. “The Environmental Working Group explains

At least 100 U.S. representatives and 28 U.S. senators have financial interests in the fossil fuel industry — a major impediment to reaching climate change goals that’s gone virtually unmentioned by the corporate media, despite detailed reporting in a series of Sludge articles written by David Moore in November and December of 2021.

Moore found that 74 Republicans, 59 Democrats, and one independent have fossil fuel industry investments, with Republicans outnumbering Democrats in both chambers. The top ten House investors are all Republicans. But it’s quite different in the Senate, where two of the top three investors are Democrats, and Democrats’ total investments, $8,604,000, are more than double the Senate Republicans’ total of $3,994,126.

Topping the list is Joe Manchin (WV), with up to $5.5 million of fossil fuel industry assets, while John Hickenlooper (CO) is third, with up to $1 million. (Most reporting is in ranges.) Many top investors are Texas Republicans, including Rep. Van Taylor, with up to $12.4 million worth of investments.

2) Wage Theft: U.S. Businesses Suffer Few Consequences for Stealing Millions from Workers Every Year

5) Dark Money Interference in U.S. Politics Undermines Democracy

declined, spurring a federal investigation.” That investigation is ongoing, but meat conglomerates Tyson Foods, Perdue Farms, Smithfield Foods and JBS have paid just over $225 million to settle related civil suits in the poultry, beef and pork markets.

8) CIA Discussed Plans to Kidnap or Kill Julian Assange

The same group of conservative dark money organizations that opposed President Joe Biden’s Supreme Court nomination — Judicial Crisis Network [JCN], The 85 Fund and their affiliated groups — also funded entities that played a role in the Jan. 6 insurrection, according to a report by the watchdog group Accountable.US. They’re closely linked to Leonard Leo, co-chair of the Federalist Society, with money coming from Donors Trust (a dark-money group backed by the Koch network) and the Bradley Foundation.

“These dark money groups not only funded Leo’s network of organizations to the sum of over $52 million in 2020, but also funded entities in 2020 that played a role in the insurrection to the sum of over $37 million,” Accountable. US reported.

While there has been coverage of dark money spending on Supreme Court nominations, Igor Derysh at Salon was alone in reporting this — the related involvement in Jan. 6.

6) Corporate Consolidation Causing Record Inflation in Food Prices

That’s just part of the problem. A July 2021 joint investigation by Food and Water Watch and the Guardian “reported that a handful of ‘food giants’ — including Kraft Heinz, General Mills, Conagra, Unilever, and Del Monte — control an average of 64 percent of sales of sixty-one popular grocery items,” Project Censored noted. Three companies own 93% of carbonated soft drink brands; while another three produce 73% of the cereals on offer, and a single company, PepsiCo, owns five of the most popular dip brands — 88% of the market. Altogether, “four firms or fewer controlled at least 50% of the market for 79% of the groceries,” the Guardian reported.

7) Concerns for Journalistic Independence as Gates Foundation Gives $319 Million to News Outlets

The CIA seriously considered plans to kidnap or assassinate WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange in late 2017, according to a September 2021 Yahoo News investigation, based on interviews with more than 30 former U.S. officials, eight of whom detailed U.S. plans to abduct Assange and three of whom described the development of plans to kill him.

If it had been up to CIA Director Mike Pompeo, they almost certainly would have been acted on, after WikiLeaks announced it had obtained a massive tranche of files — dubbed “Vault 7” — from the CIA’s ultra-secret hacking division, and posted some of them online.

9) New Laws Preventing Dark Money Disclosures Sweep the Nation

contribute to other organizations that make independent political expenditures, such as Super PACs), effectively shielding the ultimate source of political funds from public scrutiny,” Project Censored summarized. “‘These bills are about making dark money darker,’ Aaron McKean, legal counsel for the Campaign Legal Center, told Shaw.”

10) Major Media Outlets Lobby Against Regulation of “Surveillance Advertising”

“Corporate consolidation is a main driver of record inflation in food prices, despite claims by media pundits and partisan commentators to the contrary,” Project Censored reports. “The establishment press has covered the current wave of inflation exhaustively, but only rarely will discuss the market power of giant firms as a possible cause, and then usually only to reject it,” as they did when the Biden administration cited meat industry consolidation as a cause of price increases in September 2021, “treating administration attempts to link inflation to consolidation as a rhetorical move meant to distract from conservative critiques of Biden’s stimulus program.”

But as Food and Water Watch reported in Nov 2021, “while the cost of meat shot up, prices paid to farmers actually

The list of billionaires with media empires includes familiar names like Rupert Murdoch, Warren Buffett, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and, most recently, Elon Musk. But, “While other billionaires’ media empires are relatively well known, the extent to which [Microsoft co-founder Bill] Gates’s cash underwrites the modern media landscape is not,” Alan MacLeod wrote for MintPress News in November 2021.

MacLeod examined more than 30,000 individual grants from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and found it had donated “more than $319 million to fund news outlets, journalism centers and training programs, press associations, and specific media campaigns, raising questions about conflicts of interest and journalistic independence,” Project Censored summarized.

“Recipients of this cash include many of America’s most important news outlets, including CNN, NBC, NPR, PBS and The Atlantic. Gates also sponsors a myriad of influential foreign organizations, including the BBC, The Guardian, The Financial Times and The Daily Telegraph in the United Kingdom; prominent European newspapers such as Le Monde (France), Der Spiegel (Germany) and El País (Spain); as well as big global broadcasters like Al-Jazeera,” he reported.

Since the Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United relaxing campaign finance regulations, dark money spending has exploded, and now Republican lawmakers across the U.S. are pushing legislation to make it illegal to compel nonprofit organizations to disclose who the dark money donors are. Recently-passed laws in Arkansas, Arizona, Iowa, Oklahoma, Mississippi, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah and West Virginia are based on model legislation from the American Legislative Exchange Council, or ALEC, which brings together corporate lobbyists and conservative lawmakers to advance special-interest business-friendly legislation.

“ALEC is deeply enmeshed with the sprawling political influence networks tied to billionaire families like the Kochs and the Bradleys, both of which use non-disclosing nonprofits that help to conceal how money is funneled,” Donald Shaw reported for Sludge on June 15, 2021. “Penalties for violating the laws vary between the states, but in some states could include prison sentences.”

“Shaw explained how these bills create a loophole allowing wealthy individuals and groups to pass ‘dark money’ anonymously to 501(c) organizations which in turn can make independent expenditures to influence elections (or

“Surveillance advertising” — collecting users’ data to target them with tailored advertising — has become a ubiquitous, extremely profitable practice on the world’s most popular social media apps and platforms — Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, etc. But now, as Lee Fang reported for the Intercept in February 2022, the Biden administration’s Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, is seeking to regulate user data collection. Lobbyists for the Interactive Advertising Bureau, or IAB are pushing back.

“In a letter, IAB called for the FTC to oppose a ban on data-driven advertising networks, claiming the modern media cannot exist without mass data collection,” Fang reported.

“The IAB represents both data brokers and online media outlets that depend on digital advertising, such as CNN, The New York Times, MSNBC, Time, U.S. News and World Report, The Washington Post, Vox, the Orlando Sentinel, Fox News, and dozens of other media companies,” Fang explained. “The privacy push has largely been framed as a showdown between technology companies and the administration,” but “The lobbying reveals a tension that is rarely a center of the discourse around online privacy: Major media corporations increasingly rely on a vast ecosystem of privacy violations, even as the public relies on them to report on it.”

As a result, “Major news outlets have remained mostly silent on the FTC’s current push and a parallel effort to ban surveillance advertising by the House and Senate by Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Calif., and Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J.,” Fang concluded.

— Paul Rosenberg is a Los Angeles, California-based writer, senior editor for Random Lengths News, and a columnist for Salon and Al Jazeera English.

See the stories in full at our website, bendsource.com.

S SOUND

After 20 Years of Playing Oregon, Railroad Earth Returns to Bend

The band returns with a new record and a new bassist

By Doone Lupine Williams

ailroad Earth returns to Bend after a year and change. Formerly playing Volcanic Theatre Pub in September with Northern California Bluegrass band Boot Juice, Railroad Earth’s upbeat and worldly sounds and interchanging genres — Americana-folk rock, bluegrass with deep Celtic undertones — graces our presence on the Midtown Ballroom stage Jan. 14. Its 2023 lineup — Todd Sheaffer (vocalist/guitarist/ songwriter), Tim Carbone (violinist/ vocalist), John Skehan (mandolinist), Carey Harmon (drummer/vocalist), Dave Speranza (bassist) and multi-instrumentalist, Andy Goessling — is looking forward to being back and playing for the people of Bend once again.

Not only has the band consistently performed with former bassist of the Grateful Dead, Phil Lesh, Railroad Earth has sold out Red Rocks Amphitheater and recorded with Warren Haynes, longtime guitarist of the Allman Brothers, and more recenly, Govt. Mule. Its colorful in-person presence on stage (which you can see in live concert videos on YouTube) noticeably moves, shakes and swings virtually everybody in attendance.

In a video interview with Paste Magazine in 2011, lead singer/songwriter Todd Sheaffer stated, “Over the years we’ve had folks come around from the Dead community that believe in a certain kind of magic that attends the band and their amazing following. We’ve been touched that those fans tend to like our music and that energy and spirit.” When I asked drummer Harmon how the band would describe its sound, he replied, “RRE seems to always be evolving in how we can support the songs that Todd writes. What started as a string band at times now is unrecognizable as such. It’s a lot of fun to be a part of.”

For the band, each show is a chance

to change someone’s day.

“I would hope we change someone’s experience and state of mind from however they walked in the door — for the better,” shared drummer/vocalist Harmon. And for Bend attendees of this upcoming Midtown show, there will be a lot of new stuff this time around. The band welcomes its latest edition to RRE — bassist Speranza, as well as sharing new songs from its new record, “All For The Song” released last year. “We are still working our way through those new songs as they find their place in a live setting,” Harmon said.

Touring in Oregon is something of a homecoming on the opposite coast from the band’s actual home.

“We love this part of the country and have missed playing for people in Bend and for Oregon in general.” The New Jersey-based group has been playing Oregon for over 20 years. The band’s first introduction to Bend was the 4 Peaks Festival in 2014, and Harmon told the Source back in 2016 that the band takes its name from the Jack Kerouac prose poem, “October in the Railroad Earth.” The band also has a song of the same name.

The band got its big break after performing at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, where Nashville-based Sugar Hill Records offered a record deal on the spot. Prior to recording with Sugar Hill, the band had only recorded one demo and had only rehearsed together for three weeks.

Tickets are available at midtownballroom.com. Railroad Earth Sat., Jan. 14. 7pm Midtown Ballroom 51 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend General Admission $30

Railroad Earth is now on tour with its newest member, bassist Dave Speranza.

Ashley Tishgart

Wednesday

AVID Cider Co. Taproom Bingo with a Brit Join with the favorite bloke Michael as MC, and win prizes, swag, gift cards, weekly cash prize and an end-of-the-month cumulative cash jackpot. $10 per booklet (5 games/booklet). 6:30-8:30pm.

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.

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.

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 karaoke 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 knowledge 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.

McMenamins Old St. Francis School Fractal Fractal was formed in the winter of 2019 in Bend. Five local musicians who have all been around the Bend music scene for years decided to get together and play with the sole intention of bringing a dance party to town. 6-9pm. 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.

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 productions 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 musician’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.

5 Thursday

Austin Mercantile Live Music Every Thursday 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! Brews, ciders, mixed drinks, pizzas and food truck options. Indoor and outdoor seating. 6-8pm. Free.

Downtown Bend Public LibraryBrooks Room Folk Music from Around the World Enjoy folk songs from around the world played by Da Chara Duo. This is an in‐person program. Kimberly Rogers and Steve Thorp make up Da Chara Duo and play an effortless blend of folk, pop and originals: old and new, up tempo and mellow. Noon-1pm. 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 karaoke 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 beverage from Big E’s Sportsbar menu. Original music or covers. A warm and friendly environment to share those precious creative moments. 6-9pm. Free.

River’s Place Jackson Browne Tribute Mark Quon, Terence Neal and Mike Potter pay homage to the great Jackson Browne. 6-8pm. 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 Oregon! Every Thursday at Porter! 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.

The Lot Paul Eddy With trusty Bedell and tunes that tell, the troubadour croons under the westside moon. Heated space, local brews and tasty eats at this popular gathering spot. Covers and originals. 6-8pm. Free.

The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse Eric Leadbetter Fireside Show Eric Leadbetter lives in Central Oregon and plays gigs constantly in the Pacific Northwest. Whether solo, duo or full band, he is always gigging, as well as teaching guitar and songwriting. Eric’s music is very unique and original, with ghostly echoes of the golden ages of rock. 6pm. $10.

6 Friday

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. Hoodoo Ski Area Friday Night Lights Enjoy bonfires, live music and more every Friday night at Hoodoo, thanks to Ablis CBD. 5pm. Free.

M&J Tavern Dead Nettle & Livid Kings Dark and heavy groove rock, Livid Kings bring local rising noise metal to tavern for an evening of good times and hard chords. 9pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Necktie Killer and Poolside Leper Society Ska punk Necktie Killer and punk rock ‘n’ rollers Poolside Leper Society take the stage at Silver Moon Brewing! 7-11pm. $10.

The Capitol Storming the Capitol: A Roast of America Presented by Tease Bang Boom Productions, this comedy roast is for everyone, no matter your political stance. Everyone will laugh at the absurdity everyone has experienced in the U.S. of A.! 7-9pm. $15/adv., $20/door.

7 Saturday

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.

Midtown Ballroom Lainey Wilson’s Country With A Flare Tour With a rockstar stage presence, her artistry has taken her across the globe, performing for sold-out crowds throughout the U.S., U.K. and Germany with notable names like Jon Pardi, Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Hardy, Jason Aldean, Ashley McBryde and more. 8:30pm. $25-$99.

Northside Bar & Grill Heller Highwater Band Heller Highwater Band rocking the Northside starting at 8pm. Do you like to dance? From rock to R&B, to some swinging country, the band is going to play it for you. Excellent vocals and guitar. 8-11pm. Free.

The Outfitter Bar at Seventh Mountain Resort Quattlebaum Join in the speakeasy for free live music with Quattlebaum! Armed with banjo, guitar and a dream, southern-fried troubadour, Austin Quattlebaum, spreads around his wildly swampy blues and backwoods folk. 4-7pm. Free.

River’s Place Saturday Jazz Sessions Jefferson Hope Trio—Elise Franklin, Scott Harris and Mark Karwan —are self professed “suckers for a ballad.” The trio tint their vocal forward selections from the jazz songbook with R&B, pop and Americana. 6-8pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Leftslide and Lurk & Loiter Leftslide and Lurk & Loiter bring the high energy punky party to Silver Moon Brewing! 7-11pm. $10.

8 Sunday

The Astro Lounge Local Artist Spotlight

Sundays This is a chance to listen to Central Oregon’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! Free to play! Get a group together, and come get nerdy! Awesome prizes and as always, delicious food and drinks! 4-6pm. Free.

River’s Place Trivia Sundays at Noon Trivia Sundays at Noon, with UKB Trivia, at River’s Place. 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.

Craft

Kitchen and Brewery

Comedy at Craft: Showcase Ryan Danley will headline the show. He is a Portland-based comedian, writer for “The Hard Times” and co-host of “Another Goddamn Horror Podcast.” He was a semi-finalist in the “Portland’s Funniest Person” competition along with being a featured performer in “The Savage Henry Comedy Festival”. 8-10pm. $15.

Faith, Hope and Charity Vineyards

Live in the Tasting Room: Lilli Worona & Mike Biggers Mike Biggers of Anvil Blasters and Lilli Worona of Dry Canyon Stampede are two well known folk/Americana musicians on the Central Oregon music scene. This concert they will join up for a dynamic singer/songwriter duo to kick off the 2023 music series. Both write original music that is light hearted! 5-8pm. $15/adults, free/children 12 and under.

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.

9 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.

Courtesy Leftslide Facebook

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 Productions. 7-8:30pm. Free.

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. 7-9pm. Free.

10 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 categories 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.

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 important stellar craft beers! 6-8pm. Free.

The Cellar—A Porter Brewing Company Music Night at The Cellar, Featuring Central Oregon Music & Musicians Grab a pint, sit back, relax and enjoy live music by Central Oregon musicians! Second Tuesday of every month, 6-8pm. Free.

The Commons Cafe & Taproom Storytellers 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.

11 Wednesday

Crosscut Warming Hut No 5 Hannah Siglin Relax with a pint and enjoy great local music! 6-8pm. Free.

McMenamins Old St. Francis School

Pete Kartsounes This local artist will take the stage for some familiar favorites and stellar originals! 6-9pm. Free.

MUSIC

Open Hub Singing Club Sing in community for the simple joy of creating meaning and beauty together! All voices and experience levels welcome. The group believes singing is a birthright 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.

Sounds of the Seasons Choir Concert

The Redmond Community Choir will perform its Sounds of the Seasons concert at Redmond High School. The concert will include traditional and contemporary choral works, as well as fresh arrangements of traditional carols and holiday music from all around the world. The Redmond Community Choir is a COCC Community Education Program. Jan. 8, 4pm. Redmond High School Auditorium, 675 SW Rimrock Way, Redmond. Free.

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

Line and Swing Dancing Lessons Line and swing dance lessons every Thursday night at The Cross-Eyed Cricket! Thursdays, 7-9pm. Cross-Eyed 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 Saturdays, 11am-Noon. Bend Hot Yoga, 1230 NE 3rd St. Unit A320, Bend. Contact: yoga@bendhotyoga. com. $20/drop-In.

Salsa Classes Bring on the SPICE! Sexy, sassy Salsa classes are just what you need for the new year. No rhythm needed. Two left feet are acceptable. Beginning class at 6:30pm. Beginning plus at pm. 4-week series starts Wed., Jan. 4. Register in advance with Victoria. Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30pm. Through Jan. 25. Bend Dance, SW Porcupine Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-410-0048. salsavictoria@yahoo.com. $50/ person/month.

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. Mondays, 7-9pm. Sons of Norway Hall, 549 NW Harmon Blvd., Bend. Contact: 541-508-9110. allely@bendbroadband.com. $5.

West Coast Swing Classes Sultry and smooth, this is not yo’ grandma’s swing! This is done to late night R&B or acoustic, hip-hop or dirty blues. Grab a partner or come solo because you don’t need experience for this! 4-week series starts 1st Tuesday every month. Register in advance with Victoria. Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30pm. Through Jan. 24. Bend Dance, SW Porcupine Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-410-0048. salsavictoria@ yahoo.com. $50.

FILM EVENTS

Outside Movie Night Join every Friday evening for the live outside movie night. The movies will differ each week, and if you enjoy classic and current outdoor movies, come join at the cafe starting at 7pm. Happy hour beverage pricing is also featured during LOGE’s movie nights. Fridays, 7pm. Through Jan. 14. LOGE Bend, 19221 SW Century Dr, Bend. Free.

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.

Downtown Bend First Friday Art Walk Stroll around downtown Bend, check out local art and chat with artists about their creative processes. Fri, Jan. 6, 6-9pm, Fri, Feb. 3, 6-9pm and Fri, March 3, 6-9pm. Downtown Bend, Bend. Free.

Old Mill First Friday Art Walk Chat with artists and makers about art in the Old Mill District. Learn about the creative process and expand creativity in the community. Fri, Jan. 6, 3-6pm, Fri, Feb. 3, 3-6pm and Fri, March 3, 3-6pm. Old Mill District, 450 SW Powerhouse Dr. Suite 422, Bend. Free.

First Friday: Lilli Worona, Mike Bigger & Emilee Reynolds Come find High Desert Music Hall on one of your stops in Downtown Redmond for 1st Friday Art Walk! Featuring live music, artists and vendors. Jan. 6, 4pm. High Desert Music Hall, 818 SW Forest Ave., Redmond. Contact: 541 527-1387. highdesertmusichall@gmail.com. Free.

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

Redmond First Friday Art Walk Meet with local artist while walking Downtown Redmond. First Friday of every month. Sixth St., Redmond. Free.

Unity Event Vision Board Playshop Create a vision board for 2023. Includes tips for getting started; meditation and sharing time. Materials provided as well as snacks and beverages. Jan. 4, 1-4pm. Jan. 7, 10:30am-1:30pm. Unity Community of Central Oregon, 63645 Scenic Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-280-5040. cylvia@cylviahayes.com. $30.

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 Archie Briggs Rd., Bend. Contact: 805-234-2048. jkreitze@icloud.com. Free.

PRESENTATIONS + EXHIBITS

SheJumps x Stio: Avalanche Awareness On the second Wednesday of each month, SheJumps will be presenting female speakers on a variety of adventure topics. Wed, Jan. 11, 6:30-7:30pm. Stio Mountain Studio, 844 NW Bond St., Bend. Free.

Hannah Siglin is a singer, songwriter and guitarist from the Inland Northwest. Her music flows from nature and performs with strength and grace. Listen to Siglin perform at 6pm on Wednesday, Jan. 11 at Crosscut Warming Hut No. 5.

Courtesy Hannah Siglin Instagram

MENTORING MONTH

Bigs of the Year

In 2022, we honored two mentors in Central Oregon (Bigs) who are making a difference in the lives of the youth they mentor (Littles). Big Brother Les Adams and Big Sister Kelly McKinney are igniting the potential within their Littles, and having a wonderful time doing just that!

At the time they were matched, Les’ Little was being raised by his grandmother and his parents were not involved in his life. Knowing the impact a caring adult male can have in the life of a boy, she enrolled him in Big Brothers Big Sisters. As a match, they

found many adventures to share. Les told us, “(My Little) had always wanted to go skiing. I’ve been skiing long enough that I was able to get him started skiing and off on the right foot, and he’s really enjoyed that!” The two have also kayaked on lakes and rivers in the region. Les’ own children are grown, and it has been a while since he was directly involved in the life of a teenager. He shared that it’s been very satisfying to be doing something meaningful for someone who deserves it. He also feels supported in his role: “I’ve had a lot of good guidance and support from the staff at Big Brothers Big Sisters, who know more about this than I do.” Les concluded, “I think it’s great for kids

Dozens of youth in Central Oregon are waiting for someone

over we have Just and and lot of Talking Little the sister

to

to know that somebody can be available who really cares and can help them take on life.”

When Kelly first saw her Little’s profile, she knew they would be a great match, they had so many similar interests, like playing hokey, being outside, and doing art. She says “We complement each other very well and have a lot of fun together. (My Little) has grown tremendously over the last seven years have been together. being able to connect do activities together be there has added a of joy to my life.

Talking about Kelly, her Little says “She gave me sister figure I’ve never

MENTORING IMPROVES LIVES

really had in my life. We do a lot of things, we bake together, we go on hikes because it’s fun. I’ll remember my times with Kelly for a long time. One of the first times we got together, we painted ducks.”

About the program, Kelly says “I would encourage anyone who’s interested in being a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters. There is a lot of support along the way, and it’s fairly easy to make time in your schedule to make time for a kid and do activities together.”

We thank Les and Kelly and all of our Big Brothers and Big Sisters for the impact they have on the lives and futures of their Littles!

Improved Academic Outcomes

Improved Social Outcomes

More likely to aspire to or attend college

More likely to report participating in sports

More likely to take on leadership roles in school

More likely to volunteer in their communities

DEFENDERS OF POTENTIAL ank You

G5, a digital marketing company based in Bend, donated 23 bikes to Littles in our program. In December, G5 hosted a holiday party for Littles, Bigs, and parents or guardians to pick up this gift of joy on wheels. Littles were nominated for bikes by their Match Specialists, and also received a helmet from Trinity Lutheran Church’s K.I.D.S. program

The Oregon FBI office and FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association adopted 20 BBBSCO youth for the holidays. Their goal was to provide each youth with new clothing items they need, a book, toys, games or item on his/her/their wish list. They also hosted an event for Littles and their families to pick up the gifts and share hot cocoa and holiday cheer.

Snowdays has partnered with us for the coming season! Their goal is to engage young people through the challenge of learning to snowboard and empower them to apply their on-mountain wins in their everyday lives.

They will take 25 Littles with their Bigs snowboarding 4 times at Hoodoo. All gear, rentals, lift tickets are provided by Snowdays.

GUNG HO

By Allie Noland

Live Music with Hoodoo’s Friday Night Lights

Know Sustainability: Sustainable Farming in the High Desert Hear from local farmers from Boundless Farmstead about their sustainable practices. There is a wide spectrum of what we call sustainable farming. We will explore farming practices, certifications and labels, the local food system and more. Jan. 7, 11am-Noon. Downtown Bend Library, 601 Northwest Wall St., Bend. Jan. 7, 3-4pm. Redmond Proficiency Academy, 657 SW Glacier Ave., Redmond. Contact: 541-312-1032. lizg@dpls.lib.or.us. Free.

Know Sustainability: A Sociological Journey with the Amish Learn how the Amish have sustained their traditional lifestyle. This is a live webinar. Receive the Zoom link by registering online at deschuteslibrary.org. This program will not be recorded. Join sociology professors John and Maria Jose Tenuto as they share their 20 years of research on Amish communities. Jan. 8, 2-3:30pm. Contact: 541-3121063. paigef@deschuteslibrary.org. Free.

Know Sustainability: The Electric Future of Cars, Bikes, & More The world is in the middle of a transportation revolution! Come join The Environmental Center’s Electric Mobility expert, Neil Baunsgard, to learn about affordable and used options, current and upcoming incentives, e-bikes and what is yet to come in future electric vehicles. Jan. 11, Noon-1pm. Downtown Bend Public Library - Brooks Room, 601 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-312-1029. laurelw@deschuteslibrary.org. Free.

Hello! Storytime: Lunar New Year Hello, and welcome to Roundabout Books Storytime: “Lunar New Year.” Roundabout Books is looking forward to sharing stories, movement and a touch of music with 0-5 year olds, geared toward those younger ages. There will be a heavy emphasis on fun, so bring your listening ears and a smile. Jan. 11, 10:30-11am. Roundabout Books, 900 NW Mount Washington Dr., #110, Bend. Contact: 541306-6564. 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: us02web.zoom.us/j/87648931984?pwd=eHN4VjRIOVkyck5DL092OE9Nakd2QT09. Wednesdays, 10:30am. Roundabout Books, 900 NW Mount Washington Dr., #110, Bend. Contact: 541-3066564. julie@roundaboutbookshop.com. Free.

Badminton Night! Beginners and experienced players welcome. Extra racquets and shuttles provided. The $10 fee helps pay for the facility. Saturdays, 5-7:30pm. Through Feb. 25. Bend Hoops, 1307 NE 1st St, Bend. Contact: jimwinkle@gmail.com. $10.

Bend Adult Volleyball Bend Hoops adult open gym volleyball sessions offer players a chance to get together and enjoy some competition. To sign up, go to meetup.com and RSVP. Bring exact change. Sundays, 7-9pm. Bend Hoops, 1307 NE 1st St, Bend. $10.

Bend Area Running Fraternity The group will run, maintaining social distance, along the Deschutes River and then receive discounted drinks from the cidery after the run! Mondays, 5 and 5:30pm. Through Feb. 7. AVID Cider Co. Taproom, 550 SW Industrial Way, Bend. Contact: bendarearunningfraternity@gmail.com. Free.

On Friday night at Hoodoo for just $39, people can ski, listen to live music, meet pro skiers and snowboarders, sit around bonfires and mingle. For those who stay off the slopes, it’s free.

Hoodoo partnered with Ablis CBD for its Friday Night Light series, hosting live music with rotating artists every Friday from 6-9pm, all winter long. From local favorites to significant artists, Hoodoo and Ablis CBD are featuring a variety of sounds this year on the mountain.

“Hoodoo is bound to wow you,” said Jennifer Davis, marketing director of Hoodoo Ski Area.

Daniel and the Blonde will take Hoodoo’s stage this Friday, Jan. 6, upstairs in the lodge. This Americana duo is known for layering harmonies, vocal purity and folk instrumentals. Many of the duo’s songs delve into observation, speculation and pondering on life. Playing everywhere and anywhere, Daniel and the Blonde find inspiration for new songs from life on the road.

Stay tuned for future live music announcements each week on Hoodoo’s website, Instagram and Facebook.

Though Hoodoo is open from Wednesday through Sunday, Friday night is when the most magic happens.

With major help from Ablis CBD, Hoodoo hosts photo sessions with pro skiers and snowboarders on these Friday nights, along with massive bonfires to warm up between ski runs.

“We got to give it up to ODOT,” Davis said. “They have been doing a really good job keeping the roads clear. As long as people drive safely and responsibly, you should be able to make it up here on a Friday night and feel safe.”

Friday Night Lights with Ablis CBD Friday nights, 6-9pm

Hoodoo Ski Area

27400 Big Lake Rd., Sisters skihoodoo.com

Natural History Pub: Volcanoes of Central Oregon From explosive eruptions to quiet lava flows, the volcanoes scattered throughout Central Oregon make up one of the most active sections of the Cascade Range. Join Dr. Daniele McKay, instructor in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Oregon, to explore ancient volcanoes. Jan. 9, 7-8pm. McMenamins Old St. Francis School, 700 NW Bond St., Bend. Free.

Third Thursday Open Mic at the High Desert Music Hall Spoken word open mic night for all poets, storytellers and writers. This is an in-person program. Join at the High Desert Music Hall for a spoken word open mic night the third Thursday of the month. All writers and readers and word-lovers invited to attend and read. Every third Thursday, 6-8pm. Contact: 541312-1063. paigef@deschuteslibrary.org. Free.

THEATER

The Fantasticks: The Longest Running Musical in History The Fantasticks is a funny and romantic musical about a boy, a girl and their two fathers who try to keep them apart. A timeless fable of love that manages to be nostalgic and universal at the same time, The Fantasticks is the longest-running musical in the world. Learn more or get tickets at cascadestheatrical.org/the-fantasticks/. Thursdays-Saturdays, 7:30-10pm and Sundays, 2pm. Through Jan. 31. Cascade Theatrical Theatre, 148 NW Greenwood, Bend. Contact: 541-389-0803. ctcinfo@cascadestheatrical.org. $39/adults, $36/ students and seniors.

WORDS

Current Fiction Book Club Please join for Current Fiction Book Club. The group will discuss “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin. Jan. 4, 6-7pm. Roundabout Books, 900 NW Mount Washington Dr., #110, Bend. Contact: 541-306-6564. julie@roundaboutbookshop.com. Free.

2023 Season of Nonviolence Community Book Discussions Join COCC’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, The Nancy R. Chandler Lecture Series and other community organizations for the 2023 season of nonviolence book discussions. This year’s selection is Kim Johnson’s “This is My America.” There are in-person and remote options throughout Central Oregon. All of the dates included are start dates for different groups. Folks should email the corresponding email of the group they wish to participate in. Mon, Jan. 9, Noon-1pm, Wed, Jan. 11, 5-6pm, Tue, Jan. 17, 12:30-1:30pm, Thu, Jan. 19, 10-11am, Tue, Jan. 24, 2-3 and 5-6pm, Wed, Jan. 25, 3-4pm and Mon, Jan. 30, 4-5pm. COCC, 2600 NW College Way, Bend. Contact: cwalker2@ cocc.edu. Free.

Not Your Average Bookclub

Please join for Not Your Average Book Club. Intergenerational for ages 14 and up! All are welcome! The group will discuss “The Silence of the Girls” by Pat Barker. Jan. 9, 6-7pm. Roundabout Books, 900 NW Mount Washington Dr., #110, Bend. Contact: 541-3066564. julie@roundaboutbookshop.com. Free.

Raging Writers Writing Workshop &

Open Mic Raging Writers is a free, inclusive and respectful creative writing opportunity and open mic. No food or beverage available, but plenty of inspiration and energy on tap. Second Sunday of every month, 3:30-5:30pm. Spork, 937 NW Newport Ave., Bend. Contact: icooper435@ gmail.com. Free.

Writers Writing: Quiet Writing Time

Enjoy the focus of a quiet space with the benefit of others’ company. This is an in-person program. 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 available. Tuesdays, 1:30-4:30pm. Deschutes Public Library-Downtown, 601 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-312-1063. paigef@deschuteslibrary.org. Free.

ETC.

Exhibition Closing: “Survival Architecture and the Art of Resilience” Don’t miss the final day of the traveling exhibit curated by Artworks for Change. The exhibition explores adaptable and sustainable housing in the age of climate change. The design innovations featured in the exhibit—high-tech and low-tech, extravagant and affordable—can help individuals survive during turbulent times. Jan. 8, 10am-4pm. High Desert Museum, 59800 S. Highway 97, Bend. Free with museum admission.

OUTDOORS + ATHLETIC EVENTS

Bend Rock Gym BIPOC Climb Night

Join Vamonos Outside and the BRG for its monthly BIPOC climbing night. Second Tuesday of every month. Bend Rock Gym, 1182 SE Centennial Ct., Bend. $15.

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, Jan. 10, 6-8pm. General Duffy’s Waterhole, 404 SW Forest Ave., Redmond. Contact: 541-527-4345. eventsbreakingfree@ gmail.com. Free.

Scones on the Cone! Stop by for hot coffee and homemade scones at the top of the cinder cone. Sunrise ski/snowboard! Woooooo! Saturdays, 7:15-8am. Through March 31. Mount Bachelor Ski Resort - West Village, 13000 SW Century Dr., Bend. Suggested $2 donation.

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.

XC Oregon Learn-To-Ski Day

Learn to Ski is hosted by XC Oregon. It’s a great opportunity for any level skier to get some tips to further their ability. Mini-clinics start every 30 minutes. Plan to arrive a few minutes before your preferred start time (1pm, 1:30pm or 2pm). Meet outside the lodge at Virginia Meissner Sno-Park. Classic cross country skiers of any level are welcome. It is preferred that skate skiers have had a least one day on their skis prior to this event, however. The entire event is free but donations to Meissner Nordic Ski Club are encouraged. Jan. 8, 1pm. Virginia Meissner SnoPark, Century Drive, Bend. Free.

VOLUNTEER

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: wildflowerbunnylove@gmail.com. Ongoing. Ember’s Wildflower Animal Sanctuary and Bunny Rescue, 2584 SW 58th St., Redmond. Free.

Ablis CBD partnered with Hoodoo to bring live music and more to the mountain

Lindsey Wall, under the moniker "Dead Nettle," is all about fierce folk music with a touch of grunge. Wall’s music incorporates metaphors and focuses on relationships in her life. Catch Dead Nettle performing with the Livid Kings at M&J Tavern at 9pm on Friday, Jan. 6.

Courtesy Dead Nettle Instagram

Courtesy Hoodoo

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 existing businesses in the community. To apply, call 541-316-0662 or visit centraloregon.score.org/ volunteer. Ongoing. Contact: 541-316-0662.

Thrive Moving Volunteers Support your neighbors by helping them move to their new home. If interested, fill out the volunteer form or reach out! Ongoing. Contact: 541-728-1022. TCOmoving22@gmail.com. Free.

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.

Volunteers Needed for Humane Society Thrift Store Do you love animals and discovering “new” treasures? Then volunteering at the HSCO Thrift Store is a great way to combine your passions while helping raise funds to provide animal welfare services for the local community. For more information visit the website at hsco.org/volunteer. Ongoing. Humane Society Thrift Shop, 61220 S. Highway 97, Bend. Contact: 541-241-3840. abigail@hsco.org. Free.

GROUPS + MEETUPS

Backcountry Brew: Coffee with the Hunting Curious Are you curious about hunting, but not sure where to begin? Backcountry Hunters and Anglers of Central Oregon is chock full of friendly, ethically-minded hunters and the group is eager to meet you! Dress warm, grab some morning caffeine and come about the outdoors and what it takes to get started. First Saturday of every month, 9-10am. The Commons Cafe & Taproom, 875 NW Brooks St., Bend. Contact: oregon@backcountryhunters.org. Free.

Bend Ukelele Group (BUGs) 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! Tuesdays, 6:30pm. Big E’s Sports Bar, 1012 SE Cleveland Ave., Bend. Contact: 206-707-6337. Free.

Bev & Biz’s Professional Mingle S.E.A Crab House is taking the professional mingle on. It is opening up for Central Oregon to mingle with some folks that like beverages, mingling and building the roots of our economy. Jan. 4, 4-7pm. SEA Crab House, 335 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-819-0443. beveragesandbusinesscards@gmail.com. $5.

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. rickyticky1954@gmail.com. $2-$18.

Death Cafe Eat tasty treats, drink tea and discuss death. Free of agenda or ideology, the aim is to increase awareness of death to help people make the most of their (finite) lives. Facilitated by End of Life Doula, Cheryl Adcox. Ages 16+. Jan. 11, 6-7:30pm. Downtown Bend Public Library - Brooks Room, 601 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-3121029. laurelw@deschuteslibrary.org. 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.

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.

League of Women Voters of Deschutes County Meeting

Jarrod Penttila, associate director of capital planning and construction at OSU-Cascades, will discuss OSU-Cascades business partnerships with the local community and campus development plans. Jan. 5, Noon1pm. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon, 61980 Skyline Ranch Rd., Bend. Contact: info@lwvdeschutes.org. Free.

Mountain Muskrats Monthly Meeting

Your unexpected Central Oregon dive experience begins here. The Mountain Muskrats is an independent dive club set on exploring Central Oregon’s waterways. Join the club! First Saturday of every month, 5:30pm. The Den Dive Shop, 56881 Enterprise Drive, Sunriver. Contact: 541-600-9355. thedendiveshop@hotmail.com. $100 annual club fee.

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

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: 541292-6177. garyae@gmail.com. $60 for 6 months.

FAMILY + KIDS

Couples Massage Classes Learn to connect and relax with your partner through nurturing touch. Taproot Bodywork offers 2- or 4- hour couples massage classes in Tumalo. One couple per session. Additional days/times are available, prices vary. Visit www.taprootbodywork.com for more info. Ongoing. Taproot Bodywork Studio, Tumalo. Contact: 503-481-0595. taprootbodywork@gmail.com. Price varies.

FOOD + DRINK

Sunday Brunch Please join on Sunday mornings for the new brunch in the cozy tasting room. Faith, Hope and Charity will have a special rotating menu that will be different every week. Sam and Jerry, the chefs will be creating the amazing buffet! Sundays, 11am-2pm. Through Feb. 12. Faith, Hope and Charity Vineyards, 70450 NW Lower Valley Dr., Terrebonne. Contact: 541526-5075. events@fhcvineyards.com. $32/adults, Free/children 12 and under.

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.

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

Head Games Trivia Night Join for live multi-media trivia every Tuesday night. Win prizes. Teams up to 6 players. Tuesdays, 7-9pm. Worthy Beers & Burgers, 806 NW Brooks St #110, Bend. Contact: 541-678-6268. Free. Live multi-media trivia every Thursday at Spoken Moto. Win prizes. Teams up to 6 players. Thursdays, 6:30-8:30pm. Spoken Moto, 310 SW Industrial Way, Bend. Contact: 541-306-6689. mike@headgamestrivia.com. Free.

Locals’ Night with The Bluegrass Collective 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 barrel-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. 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@peppertreeinns.com. Free.

HEALTH + WELLNESS

Beginner Indoor Sprint Triathlon

Training Train for a sprint-distance triathlon - a shortened version of a triathlon- with elite multisport athlete, Cherie Touchette. She will prepare to participate in BPRD’s noncompetitive triathlon, held on March 5. All training sessions held at Juniper Swim & Fitness. Reg. deadline 1/6/23. First session 1/10/23. Register online. Tuesdays, 2-3pm. Through Feb. 28. Juniper Swim & Fitness Center, 800 NE Sixth St., Bend. Contact: 541-3897665. $100/in-district, $120/out of district.

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.

Cacao Ceremony Experience a heart-opening, intimate cacao ceremony. For thousands of years, Mayans have cultivated a deep and healing relationship with this master plant. Savor the history, science and magic of cacao. Each month offers a unique theme/experience, including sound, guided meditation and traditional wisdom practices. Guided by medicine woman Michelle Ericksen. Sun, Jan. 8, 6-7:30pm, Sun, Feb. 12, 6-7:30pm and Sun, March 12, 6-7:30pm. Michelle Ericksen, 1410 SW Juniper Ave., Redmond. Contact: 541-603-8485. drmichelle.ericksen@gmail.com. $40.

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@blissful-heart.com. Donation based.

Ease the Winter Blues Crystal Bowl

Sound Bath Shake off those winter blues in a gentle, compassionate and loving way with the Fairylike tones of seven quartz crystal singing bowls. Join Sirah at Hanai as she plays harmonies and disharmonies to help you shift from heavy to lighter and brighter. Jan. 11, 6-7:30pm. Hanai Foundation, 62430 Eagle Rd., Bend. Contact: 541668-1716. sirahkreitzer@gmail.com. $33.

Guided Forest Bath Forest bathing is the practice of immersing yourself in the forest through sensory connection. This practice will slow you down and deepen your relationship with nature and others. It is a great practice for friend groups and families. This guided experience is hosted by Missie Wikler, a certified forest therapy expert. Saturdays, 10am-Noon Through March 25. Shevlin Park, 18920 Shevlin Rd., Bend. Contact: 541-316-9213. missie@romingyogabend.com. $35.

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-$20.

Nia Introductory Workshop

The Nia Technique is healing fitness for body, mind, spirit and emotions drawing from the wisdom of dance arts, martial arts and healing arts like yoga. With rhythmic movement and music, Nia makes fitness fun and healing! Discover Nia’s key principles and 52 moves. All levels welcome. Come experience JOY! Jan. 8, 12-1:30pm. Bend Hot Yoga, 1230 NE 3rd St. UnitA320, Bend. Contact: yoga@bendhotyoga.com. $10/BHY members, $20/non-members.

Preventing Migraines w/ Dr. Megan

Daly Join for a fun, engaging event, and learn how to get rid of migraine attacks by getting better sleep. You will learn about hidden triggers and get easy-to-implement tips to help you get shortterm and long-term relief from your migraine episodes. Prevention is the best medicine. Jan. 11, 6:30-7:30pm. The Peoples Apothecary, 19570 Amber Meadow Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-728-2368. classes@thepeoplesapothecary.net. $20.

Lainey Wilson is an American country artist who sings with deep soul. Wilson’s lower tone makes her stand out in the industry. She will perform at Midtown Ballroom on her “Country With A Flare” tour on Saturday, Jan. 7 at 8:30pm.

Courtesy Lainey Wilson Facebook

FILM SHORTS

By Jared Rasic

OPENING THIS WEEK!

CORSAGE: A fictionalized account of a short period of time in the life of Empress Elizabeth of Austria as she has a midlife crisis after turning 40. Surprisingly funny and touching, “Corsage” is an irreverent and heartfelt look at a world we can only imagine. Expect lead actress Vicky Krieps to win several awards. Tin Pan Theater

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 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 this was also a loving and heartbreaking tribute to the late, great Chadwick Bozeman. Regal Old Mill

WHITNEY HOUSTON: I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY: These types of biopics are really hit and miss, but Houston really had such a remarkable life that this is one life story very much worth telling. Just having a movie packed with her music will make it worth watching. Regal Old Mill

EO: This Polish film about a big-eyed donkey is one I’m abnormally excited for in 2023. Director Jerzy Skolimowski is an absolute legend, (co-writing the dialogue for “Knife in the Water,” directing “The Shout” and acting in “The Avengers” are just a few of his credits) and this appears to be his most deeply resonant and emotional film so far. Sisters Movie House

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 has the vibes of one of those old dimestore sci-fi paperbacks that I collect like bad habits. Regal Old Mill

PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH: Some of my favorite film critics are calling this second entry into the “Puss in Boots” franchise not only an action-packed game changer when it comes to animation, but also a touching fable about death. I love me some sad cartoons and Antonio Banderas has never let me down (not even in “Spy Kids 3,”) so I’m here for it. Regal Old Mill, Sisters Movie House, Odem Theater Pub

M3GAN: Look, I love an evil doll movie as much as the next person, but kind of preemptively hate this movie just for making me spell it “M3GAN.” I’ll see it because I’m an easy mark, but I won’t be happy about it. Regal Old Mill, Sisters Movie House

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?) "Dead Snow.” I’m pretty sure David Harbour was also born to play Santa and he definitely delivers.

Regal Old Mill

AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER: I know it’s easy to joke that no one really wanted a sequel to a movie that came out in 2009 that basically had the same plot as “Dances With Wolves” and “Fern Gully,” but James Cameron does tend to change the game every time he releases a new movie. With “Terminator 2,” “The Abyss” and even “Titanic,” the man creates spectacle on a level that theaters were designed to show. Regal Old Mill, Sisters Movie House, Odem Theater Pub, McMenamins

THE ETERNAL DAUGHTER: The great Tilda Swinton plays a mother and daughter staying at an old country manor turned hotel in England where the mother grew up as a child. What could have just been a creepy ghost story is also a haunting trip through memory and the connection we have with our parents. It’s a gorgeous film that feels pulled directly from the great British films of the 1960s.

Tin Pan Theater

THE FABELMANS: Steven Spielberg’s newest film (his first that’s autobiographical) is not just a love letter to filmmaking, but one of the best movies of the year. Michelle Williams is always incredible and movies about movies are my kryptonite, so this felt like a deeply personal film that I’ll be watching many more times to come. Regal Old Mill

BABYLON: Wait, a three-hour-long look at Hollywood as it transitioned from silent films to talkies in the 1920s starring Brad Pitt as an aging ex-silent film star and Margot Robbie as a wild flapper gal from Damien Chazelle, the director of “Whiplash?” I’m not saying this movie was made directly for me, but you can’t prove that it wasn’t. Seriously, I’m moving into the theater to watch this over and over.

Regal Old Mill

THE OLD WAY: Nicolas Cage stars in the first western of his career, which I hope allows him to delve into his Nouveau Shamanism acting style. The film appears to be a fairly straightforward western, which is shocking for those of us expecting him to do something post-modern and bonkers. Sisters Movie House

Photo courtesy of IMDB

SCREEN

SC 2023 and Me

The Source looks ahead at the films to be excited for this year

By Jared Rasic

I’m not sure if my ever-encroaching sense of mortality is making time go by quicker, or if there’s something in the water that’s making each year seem about three weeks long, but I really do feel like I just wrote the article about the movies I was looking forward to in 2022. Looking back at the preview I wrote last year, some of the movies I was excited for were definitely worth the wait (“Everything Everywhere All at Once” and “Decision to Leave) and some were decidedly not (Don’t Worry Darling” and “Blonde”).

It’s always a crapshoot when previewing upcoming releases, but it’s also a blast when you end up correctly calling how good something will be months before it comes out. So, with that said, let’s take a look at some of the wide release movies I’m really looking forward to in 2023.

Feb. 27 “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” Yeah, I know, I’m a Marvel stan, but even more than Marvel, I just love me some Paul Rudd, and if the preview is to be believed, this entry in his Ant-Man series will see him going darker as he shrinks down to the Quantum Realm to take on Kang the Conquerer (played by the always excellent Jonathan Majors). The imagery in this looks breathtaking.

Feb. 24 “Cocaine Bear” A bear in Kentucky ingests several pounds of cocaine and goes on a chaotic rampage of murder and insanity. The trailer looks bonkers in the very best of ways. I want this to be like “Sharknado,” but with legit talent behind the camera.

March 24 “John Wick- Chapter Four” I know prevailing opinion is that this series has been nothing but an escalating franchise of diminishing returns, but I thought Chapter Three had the best action sequences of the series by far. If Chapter Four follows that trend then I’m stoked. I want Keanu Reeves to put these movies out for decades, so I’m here for wherever the series goes.

May 19 “Fast X” I will never be able to explain why I love this deeply stupid series, but I just do. Each one of the films after “Fast Five” have been so ludicrously (hehe) entertaining that they’re two+ hours of giggles and forehead smacks. The movies are much weaker without The Rock and Paul Walker, but since this is supposed to be the second-to-last entry, I guess I’ll stay on board until the wheels fall off.

June 2 “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” Considering the first in this series changed the game not only with the animation style but also by proving you can tell a superhero story that’s completely character-driven, I’m very excited to see how big this one goes. Miles Morales has long been my favorite incarnation of Spider-Man, so more adventures with him are a complete joy.

June 30 “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” The last movie in this series was arguably the worst film of Steven Spielberg’s career, so we can only go up from there, right? The very early teaser has some lovely throwback vibes reminiscent of “Raiders,” and with James “Logan” Mangold directing and the luminescent Phoebe Waller-Bridge co-starring with Harrison Ford, this could be a nice final chapter on a series that deserves a good one.

July 14 “Mission Impossible: Dead ReckoningPart One” I don’t know about you guys, but I think these movies just keep getting better and better, with 2018’s “Fallout” being the finest action movie of the entire year. I’m not a big fan of Tom Cruise and company splitting this latest entry in half (Part Two will be released June 2024), but at this point they’ve earned the benefit of the doubt.

I have a feeling this isn’t going to be what anyone expects. I want candy-colored insanity.

Oct. 13 “The Exorcist” David Gordon Green just finished directing the new “Halloween” trilogy and now sets his sights on “The Exorcist.” He’s also doing exactly what he just did: by making his new “Exorcist” film a direct sequel to the original and pretending like none of the other movies exist. A bold move that (sort of) paid off with “Halloween,” so maybe he knows what he’s doing.

Nov. 3 “Dune: Part Two” The design and scale of Part One was gorgeous, so hopefully this second half of one giant film deepens the characters and creates an unforgettable whole. Even if it’s just eye candy it’ll probably work, but we’d better get something of uncommon depth and resonance.

TBD: “Beau is Afraid” The new film from Ari Aster. The writer/director describes this Joaquin Phoenix-led flick as a “four-hour-long nightmare comedy.” If it has the humor of “Midsommar” and the scares of “Hereditary,” then this will be unstoppable.

TBD: “Asteroid City:” The new Wes Anderson film has his most ambitious cast yet featuring Margot Robbie, Ed Norton, ScarJo, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston and a dozen more and is set at an astronomy convention in the 1950s. Not everyone loves Anderson, but those people can be wrong, it’s OK.

Check back with us next week when we’ll have a preview of the indie and arthouse releases of 2023.

April 14 “Renfield”

July 21 “Oppenheimer” I mean, Christopher Nolan makes pretty good movies even when he makes bad ones, so I’m excited to see Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon and more teach me about the bomb.

Nicolas Cage is playing Dracula in this horror comedy from the director of “The Lego Batman Movie.” I just imagined this movie in my head, and it’s bananas.

Also July 21 “Barbie” I don’t know. Greta Gerwig is a great filmmaker and this looks like a pretty fascinating satire, so

Move over, "Snakes On a Plane." Make room for the crazy antics of the "Cocaine Bear."

Here's hoping that “Oppenheimer” really is the bomb!

Photos courtesy of Universal

CHOW

Southside Sweet and Savory

Meadowlark impresses without pretense

By Jared Rasic

Normally I have my finger fairly close to the pulse of any new restaurants opening, but this one completely slipped past me. Once I found it, I figured out why instantly: it’s in a neighborhood I never patronize, which is pretty inexcusable in a town the size of Bend.

Meadowlark, opened by the folks who brought us Boxwood Kitchen, is nearby C.E. Lovejoy’s Market in the Brookswood Meadow Plaza and definitely feels like the kind of dining option that has been missing on the south side of Bend. Even though the price points and atmosphere are fairly upscale, I was impressed that Meadowlark doesn’t feel stuffy or pretentious. Instead, the vibe is a mellow one, welcoming and chill. The Sinatra piping through the medium-lit room gives the entire space the feel of an East Coast neighborhood Italian restaurant.

The cocktail menu is surprisingly adventurous, separating the signature drinks between “Bubbly and Refreshing,” “Balanced with Fruit and Herbs” and “Robustly Crafted.” The choices are deeply varied, ranging from Elderflower Spritzers to a Pepper Maple Old Fashioned to a stacked bench of wines. I started with the Old Bajan, a tart and sweet blend of aged Baja rum, Persian lime, raw sugar, herbs and sparkling wine. Whatever you imagine from that description isn’t anywhere near as complex and stiff as what you get with the Old Bajan.

My friend and I started with the lamb meatballs, made with mouth-wateringly tender Spanish merguez meatballs, lamb sausage, piquillo pepper sauce, tzatziki and couscous. The meatballs were surprisingly spicy; the piquillos and the tzatziki combining to give the flawlessly prepared lamb some mild but still legit heat. A lesser chef would have overly complicated everything too much, leaving the sauce a flavorless mess, but the combination of the tart tzatziki, the layered heat of the sausage and peppers plus the texture and palate opener of the couscous made the meatballs a surprisingly awesome opener.

By then my poor Old Bajan was all gone, so I went with the Abscission, a very wintery concoction featuring bourbon, lemon, pumpkin pureé cinnamon, curry and egg white. The bourbon pour was a healthy one, leaving me buzzed enough to describe the drink to my friend as having the flavor of an alcoholic Santa, whatever the hell that means. It’s like Christmas in your mouth but without the awkward silences between estranged family members.

For the mains, we went with the pasta and snagged a small pizza just to try as much as possible, in the interest of scientific thoroughness. My friend ordered the Carbonara which was light and unpretentious. A lot of restaurants in Bend tend to over-prepare Carbonara by gussying up the bacon and drowning it in pecorino, but this felt like a simple and unassuming approach to the dish that wanted to draw the attention to the freshness of the linguine.

I ordered the Bolognese which also took a much more straightforward approach. The tagliatelle was house made and very fresh, soaking up a hearty combination of ground beef, pork and tomato sauce beautifully. So many newer restaurants try to elevate their pasta in a way that feels gimmicky, so it was nice to be assailed with comfort food flavors like your grandma might make.

In fact, aside from the daily specials of steak and lobster, almost every selection on the menu is a classic take on comfort food. With the Bend staple of fish and chips, pizza and a happy hour that dramatically reduces the prices of most of the menu, Meadowlark knows what Central Oregon likes to eat and comes at it from a relaxed angle.

The Fig and Prosciutto pizza was another highlight for me, with the dry-cured ham bringing savory, salty notes directly into balance with the creamy sweetness of the figs and a lightly tart balsamic drizzle. The small pizza was bigger than I expected but so delicious that, even after all the pasta, we finished every slice. I want to come back and try some different styles of pizza, like the Wild Mushroom and the Calabrian (salami, ricotta, egg, oregano and chili flakes).

For dessert we split a slice of the Basque cheesecake, which I think legit might have been the best piece of cheesecake I’ve ever had. Basque cheesecake doesn’t have the wet density of New York cheesecake; instead

it has the inner texture of a souffle with the exterior of a creme brûlée or an egg pie. It looks like it’s going to be dry, but as soon as it hits your mouth it explodes into a creamy, nutty richness.

The service at Meadowlark was friendly and mellow, never intrusive. When they knew our main courses were going to take a bit longer, they brought us delicious house-made sourdough bread with marinara and a cilantro jalapeño creme dipping sauce that was to die for. Meadowlark is a great spot for people looking for elevated Northwest cuisine without snooty service or a pretentious menu. At the end of the day, it’s all beautifully prepared and plated, Italian-forward comfort food. Now send me another cheesecake, please.

Meadowlark

Unpretentious, yet upscale dining hits south Bend with boozy cocktails and bomb Basque cheesecake.

Photos courtesy of Jared Rasic

Local Pro Mountain Biker Releases Book for Kids

The book on etiquette is not only for kids, it's for anyone in the mountain biking community, author Lindsey Richter says

By Becca Murphy

Longtime Bend local, pro mountain biker and skills coach Lindsey Richter just released her first children's book, "Mountain Biking Adventures with Izzy: Etiquette is a Big Word." The book is aimed at teaching trail etiquette and how bikes can bring joy, confidence, community and more.

It all came about when aeronautical engineer Heidi Ashwell reached out to Ritcher on social media.

"I write about how bikes and life relate and how I dealt with mental health issues," said Ritcher. "So Heidi approached me. She said that she just realized that there's no handbook on etiquette. And all these mountain bikers are coming out here and trashing the trails, passing people without saying, widening the trails, riding off the trails and littering. So she asked me if I would be interested."

A book on etiquette is not only for kids, it's for anyone in the mountain biking community who wants to understand the rules of the road, meant to show how the joy of riding a bike can help people work through fear, believe in themselves and trust in their abilities.

The art was created by fellow mountain biker Kristina Wayte.

"It's got a lot of messages about self-preservation, camaraderie, taking

care of yourself, but also taking care of others, taking care of the places that we play, being mindful that these trails don't build themselves," said Ritcher.

Ritcher has been a part of the bike industry for 20 years, traversing the country as a racer and a program manager. Not being able to find women who wanted to ride for fun, in 2010, she created the Ladies AllRide community. Since then, she has been a voice for women and girls helping them work through fear, believe in themselves and trust in their abilities on and off the bike.

"I want to help kids find like-minded kids at an earlier age, so they feel like they fit in because I didn't feel like I fit in anywhere until I found mountain

bike women," Ritcher said. "And that's why I run the company I do because I wanted to create a space around this country —s o women knew that if they came to our camps, they belong. So that's really why we do this. And I feel like this book is an extension of that. Another way to capture another audience using etiquette because right now, let's be real, no one has that."

While etiquette is the focus of the book, the word itself doesn’t show up until the end.

"Etiquette is like an unwritten rule for being good," said Ritcher. "It means taking care of your friends when they get hurt. Telling that stranger to slow down, that uphill has the right of way, cleaning up the trail if you see trash."

Beyond those core actions, however, are a set of values.

"People forget that our core values should be loving, kindness and lifting each other instead of tearing each other down. This book has a lot of big messages," said Ritcher. Ideally, she wants to see the book in as many schools, libraries and bookstores as possible. She would also like to do live readings and get them into local bike shops everywhere. For now, the book is available for purchase online and at local bookshops.

GO HERE

By Allie Noland

Track Your Ski Days with the Mt. Bachelor App

As a skier or snowboarder, have you ever gone up to ski or snowboard and had the toughest time meeting up with your friends and family? Ever catch yourself trying to find which lifts/ runs are open? Ever wonder how many days, lifts and runs you fit into a season?

The Mt. Bachelor app, released last season, takes care of the most common problems on the mountain with its tracking and status features. The app is broken up into four sections—resort, status, mountain map and stats.

In the “Resort” section, find the full real-time snow report, live webcams, road conditions and things to do on the mountain. Before skiers/snowboarders put on their base layers and throw their gear in the car, checking this tab can save time and prepare winter athletes for conditions. It helps people choose the right layers and goggle lenses before even getting up there.

In the “Status” section, skiers/snowboarders can view the list of lifts along with real-time operating status, wait times and trails lists. For example, if there is a 20-minute wait at Pine Marten Express, skiers can know before they head down, and pop over to Outback Express or Red Chair for a 2-minute wait instead.

The middle tab of the app is a map of Mt. Bachelor. Users can see their location on the mountain and are able to create a group session.

“Create your own private group to stay connected with friends on the mountain. See exactly which run or lift each person in your group is riding, in real-time, including the run difficulty rating and their percentage down the trail, as well as their current location on the resort map,” explains the Mt. Bachelor website.

This section is for the lovers of tracking — you know, those who use Strava for everything.

In the “Stats” section, skiers/snowboarders can see how many days they’ve skied, total runs skied, total lifts taken, total vertical, total miles, total hours and more. New this season, riders have the potential to unlock 23 medals and achievements by tracking days on Mt. Bachelor. “Bird Call” is an achievement skiers can unlock when they ride the trails with bird names—Bluebird, Clark’s Jay, Osprey Way, Roostertail and Thunderbird. With many fun medals and achievements, riders never have an excuse to be bored on the mountain.

A young reader gets into the new book, "Mountain Biking Adventures with Izzy: Etiquette is a Big Word."

Author Lindsey Richter at her first book signing.

Photos courtesy Ladies AllRide

Allie Noland

SMOKE SIGNALS

Oh So Very Much Weed

Oversupply and the staggering rise in illegal cannabis grows in Oregon

By Josh Jardine

Like any state, Oregon has its problems, and for cannabis producers, 2022’s biggest problem was oversupply. Our Adult Use cannabis program, established in 2014, moved cannabis from an illicit drug to a heavily taxed and regulated commodity. And as with any commodity, supply and demand drives rising, or falling, prices.

In 2022 we saw historic lows for wholesale prices, resulting in lower con sumer prices through dis pensaries. This resulted in some year-old flowers hitting the shelves for $30 per ounce, which after trying, I would pass on a second ounce. But the days of $3,000 wholesale pounds are gone, and no one knows when the market may rebound for growers.

With Oregon’s population of 4.39 million people, we continue to grow more cannabis than we smoke, eat and vape. (In 2022, I did my share, several people’s share TBH, the rest of all y’all need to pull your weight and fatten up those fatties.) As of December 2022, the OLCC had licensed over 1,500 producers, which seems excessive in light of how many variations I saw of Ice Cream Cookies/Cake for sale last year.

But overproduction from licensed producers is only part of the problem. Oregon’s illicit cannabis industry has not only remained active, it’s grown to a record-breaking size that isn’t helping move what’s on the shelves of dispensaries.

Activity is underway on two fronts to both curtail unlicensed cannabis production and find out-of-state cannabis consumers who would welcome our oversupply. Both have questionable outcomes.

Let’s start with unlicensed grows, which excludes the four adult plants Oregonians are allowed to grow for personal use.

In 2019, the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force reported over 9 million pounds of illicit cannabis seized by law enforcement. In 2022, that amount jumped to over 105 million pounds. In October, a single bust in Yamhill County netted nearly 77,000 pounds.

When the Oregon legislature convenes on Jan. 17, a new bill will target those producing an illicit grow with more than 100 plants, and/or exceed the personal possession limits by 32 times

or more. (Those limits are up to 2 ounces in public, 8 ounces in your residence.) The bill looks to double the fines and penalties, up to $250,000 and 10 years.

Even those adamantly opposed to seeing another human caged for the crime of growing a plant, including me, recognize that large-scale illicit grows often have devastating ecological and humanitarian consequences through the exploitation of a largely undocumented workforce. The groups behind the grows are often criminal gangs, not old-school comparatively chill growers. To what end increased legal and financial penalties will have an impact remains to be seen, but it’s leaning toward War-onDrugs thinking.

A different approach: suing to create a change in the rules and regulations for cannabis exports. In November, a Southern Oregon-based licensed cannabis wholesaler, Jefferson Packing House, LLC, filed a lawsuit challenging Oregon’s ban on exporting cannabis to other states.

Portland-based cannabis law firm Green Light Law issued copies of a letter sent to Gov. Kate Brown, the State’s Attorney General and the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission when they filed the suit, writing that “... the federal Congress is given exclusive legal authority to regulate commerce between the States…the States are prohibited from enacting laws regulating interstate commerce, because it is the exclusive purview of Congress.”

They go on to say they recognize federal law also prohibits cannabis exports to other states, and requests that the state make no effort to defend their own laws against cannabis exports.

Supporters say it could happen, but I have doubts. Winning the suit would entail prevailing in other courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. Other states would need to change their own laws to accept Oregon cannabis, and any producers in those states wouldn’t be thrilled with the competition.

Federal legalization remains the only way to remove all barriers to deal with oversupply and other issues, but that’s still a few years off. Fallout from the current market is further consolidation, and the loss of small craft producers.

In 2023, resolve to keep supporting growers and products you know and trust, because every sale counts.

Courtesy Pexels

By Brendan Emmett Quigley

ASTROLOGY

By Rob Brezsny

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “I’m homesick all the time," writes author Sarah Addison Allen. "I just don’t know where home is. There's this promise of happiness out there. I know it. I even feel it sometimes. But it’s like chasing the moon. Just when I think I have it, it disappears into the horizon.” If you have ever felt pangs like hers, Capricorn, I predict they will fade in 2023. That's because I expect you will clearly identify the feeling of home you want—and thereby make it possible to find and create the place, the land, and the community where you will experience a resounding peace and stability.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Storyteller Michael Meade tells us, "The ship is always off course. Anybody who sails knows that. Sailing is being off-course and correcting. That gives a sense of what life is about." I interpret Meade's words to mean that we are never in a perfect groove heading directly towards our goal. We are constantly deviating from the path we might wish we could follow with unfailing accuracy. That's not a bug in the system; it's a feature. And as long as we obsess on the idea that we're not where we should be, we are distracted from doing our real work. And the real work? The ceaseless corrections. I hope you will regard what I'm saying here as one of your core meditations in 2023, Aquarius.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): A Chinese proverb tells us, "Great souls have wills. Feeble souls have wishes." I guess that's true in an abstract way. But in practical terms, most of us are a mix of both great and feeble. We have a modicum of willpower and a bundle of wishes. In 2023, though, you Pisceans could make dramatic moves to strengthen your willpower as you shed wimpy wishes. In my psychic vision of your destiny, I see you feeding metaphorical iron supplements to your resolve and determination.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): "My life was the best omelet you could make with a chainsaw," observed flamboyant author Thomas McGuane. That's a witty way to encapsulate his tumultuous destiny. There have been a few moments in 2022 when you might have been tempted to invoke a similar metaphor about your own evolving story. But the good news is that your most recent chainsaw-made omelet is finished and ready to eat. I think you'll find its taste is savory. And I believe it will nourish you for a long time. (Soon it will be time to start your next omelet, maybe without using the chainsaw this time!)

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): After meticulous research of 2023's astrological omens, I have come to a radical conclusion: You should tell the people who care for you that you'd like to be called by new pet names. I think you need to intensify their ability and willingness to view you as a sublime creature worthy of adoration. I don't necessarily recommend you use old standbys like "cutie," "honey," "darling," or "angel." I'm more in favor of unique and charismatic versions, something like "Jubilee" or "Zestie" or "Fantasmo" or "Yowie-Wowie." Have fun coming up with pet names that you are very fond of. The more, the better.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): If I could choose some fun and useful projects for you to master in 2023, they would include the following: 1. Be in constant competition with yourself to outdo past accomplishments. But at the same time, be extra compassionate toward yourself. 2. Borrow and steal other people's good ideas and use them with even better results than they would use them. 3. Acquire an emerald or two, or wear jewelry that features emeralds. 4. Increase your awareness of and appreciation for birds. 5. Don't be attracted to folks who aren't good for you just because they are unusual or interesting. 6. Upgrade your flirting so it's even more nuanced and amusing, while at the same time you make sure it never violates anyone's boundaries.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): When she was young, Carolyn Forché was a conventional poet focused on family and childhood. But she transformed. Relocating to El Salvador during its civil war, she began to write about political trauma. Next, she lived in Lebanon during its civil war. She witnessed firsthand the tribulations of military violence and the imprisonment of activists. Her creative work increasingly illuminated questions of social justice. At age 72, she is now a renowned human rights advocate. In bringing her to your attention, I don't mean to suggest that you engage in an equally dramatic self-reinvention. But in 2023, I do recommend drawing on her as an inspirational role model. You will have great potential to discover deeper aspects of your life's purpose—and enhance your understanding of how to offer your best gifts.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Are the characters in Carlos Castañeda's books on shamanism fictional or real? It doesn't matter to me. I love the wisdom of his alleged teacher, Don Juan Matus. He said, "Look at every path closely and deliberately. Try it as many times as you think necessary. Then ask yourself, and yourself alone, one question. Does this path have a heart? If it does, the path is good; if it doesn't, it is of no use." Don Juan's advice is perfect for you in the coming nine months, Leo. I hope you will tape a copy of his words on your bathroom mirror and read it at least once a week.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Teacher and author Byron Katie claims, "The voice within is what I'm married to. My lover is the place inside me where an honest yes and no come from." I happen to know that she has also been married for many years to a writer named Stephen Mitchell. So she has no problem being wed to both Mitchell and her inner voice. In accordance with astrological omens, I invite you to propose marriage to your own inner voice. The coming year will be a fabulous time to deepen your relationship with this crucial source of useful and sacred revelation

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Libran philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche offered advice that is perfect for you in 2023. It's strenuous. It's demanding and daunting. If you take it to heart, you will have to perform little miracles you may not yet have the confidence to try. But I have faith in you, Libra. That's why I don't hesitate to provide you with Nietzsche's rant: "No one can build you the bridge on which you, and only you, must cross the river of life. There may be countless trails and bridges and demigods who would gladly carry you across; but only at the price of pawning and forgoing yourself. There is one path in the world that none can walk but you. Where does it lead? Don’t ask, walk!

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): How might you transform the effects of the limitations you've been dealing with? What could you do to make it work in your favor as 2023 unfolds? I encourage you to think about these question with daring and audacity. The more moxie you summon, the greater your luck will be in making the magic happen. Here's another riddle to wrestle with: What surrender or sacrifice could you initiate that might lead in unforeseen ways to a plucky breakthrough? I have a sense that's what will transpire as you weave your way through the coming months in quest of surprising opportunities.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Sagittarian singer Tina Turner confided, "My greatest beauty secret is being happy with myself." I hope you will experiment with that formula in 2023. I believe the coming months will potentially be a time when you will be happier with yourself than you have ever been before—more at peace with your unique destiny, more accepting of your unripe qualities, more in love with your depths, and more committed to treating yourself with utmost care and respect. Therefore, if Tina Turner is accurate, 2023 will also be a year when your beauty will be ascendant.

AWAKENING YOUR INNER HERO

By Burt Gershater

From Darkness to Light, Again

This is the season of Christmas, Chanukah and the New Year, for celebrating the power of light over darkness. Every day is now moving inexorably closer toward the light. We count on it. We’ve heard it said many, many times, that light conquers darkness. One little matchstick is able to bring light to a pitch-dark room. At our darkest times and even in our brightest times we forget about light’s ultimate power, and we give over this power to the easily accessible darkness. This is the season to truly celebrate and honor the Light.

My wife Wendy and I are now in Longmont, Col orado, about 15 miles northeast of Boulder. We are “celebrating” this holiday season with our entire family at the home of our dear daughter, Jennie, and our dear son-in-law, Louie. I put celebrating in quotes, which I’ll explain as we go on. But I do want you to know, before your brain begins to get creative (dark, in this context) that this gathering has been the best holiday gathering ever!!! Everyone has been welcomed in. All of our wonderful children and grandchildren, two former wives, cousins, their children…the love never ends. Multiple faiths celebrated. At some point we had 25 of us enjoying the cozy woodstove, the hot tub, the workout room, walks around the nearby ponds, food, food, food, tearful, heartfelt conversations, prayers, candles and sweet gifts. And I’m positive there have been many miracles going on since our arrival. Truthfully, prior to our arrival.

Before you start thinking Burt’s getting too gush-gushy, and lives in some fairyland (which I’ve unabashedly been known to do) please read on.

Two nights ago, yes, only two nights ago, I was in the Emergency Room at the Longmont Hospital and should have gone sooner. I had been coughing, was so weak and wobbly, and every muscle and bone in my body was on fire. Wendy and I arrived at the ER around 5pm. Over three hours later, I had had enough. “Let’s go, Wendy, I can’t do this anymore.” She was stubborn and she also had the keys to our rental car. Not much later, a nurse came out and called my name, “Burt.” Wendy knows.

They put me in a gown, stuck a needle

in my arm and began filling me up with water. Chest X-rays, a few blood tests, more tests, took my temperature and asked a lot of questions. I was exhausted. Dr. Hall had to wake me up when he came back into the room 20 minutes later. He truly admired my sleeping ability. I had a bad case of Influenza A with a103+ degree temperature. With my diagnosis clarified, they asked some procedural questions, unplugged me and said we could go home if we wanted.

It was the best option. They were phenomenal health care folks. Every one of them. Down to earth. Connecting. Thorough. Answered every question. I know I wasn’t, but it sure seemed like I was their only ER patient that evening.

This is three days later.

I am sitting in one of Jennie and Louie’s bedrooms downstairs, typing this for you and am still weak and wobbly. A new low for me. More than half of the house is sick. Sore throats, coughing, achy bodies and high temperatures. Wendy moved out of our room when we returned from the hospital.

We are both wearing masks. No one else is. Sure, we’re the parents but as most of you can relate, we’re all adults now.

Here’s one of the miracles. There has not been one argument the entire time we’ve all been together. Differences of opinion, obviously. Discipline to manage our tongues, for sure. But not a single clash. Thank you, Lord, and thank you everyone for learning how to bring peace into our home, especially when we’re stressed out. This is maybe the best possible present we could have received, and each one of us has been both a giver and a receiver of this priceless holiday gift.

Our Lesson:

We are all recipients and creators of the ever-powerful light.

Thus, we must give endless appreciation as recipients, and ask for endless support as co-creators.

Happy Days to all.

Blessings…

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

A column to help people live a kinder and more meaningful life

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By Debbie Martorano Licensed broker, RE/MAX Key Properties

The holidays have come and gone.

For some of us, it is a relief that the overwhelm of the season is over. For others in our community, the end of the holiday season also means the end of the giving season. But our community needs us all year long.

Did you know that the need for organizations such as the Giving Plate has doubled since the pandemic? There are more families and children in need than ever before. For those of us fortunate enough to have a warm place to live and enough food to eat, I believe it our duty to continue giving back and not save our efforts for the holiday season alone.

You might be asking, how do I get involved and give back in a meaningful, consistent way? I’ve made giving back a central mission in my life. I’ve spent a great deal of time volunteering and raising funds for organizations that help the less fortunate in Central Oregon. Here are some tips I’ve learned along the way.

Keep your community giving local.

It's important to keep your giving and volunteer time local. This community does so much for us. Look at where we live! We live in a beautiful place, and we're lucky to be here. I believe it is important to give back to our neighbors and friends right here in Bend. It helps us know our hometown better. It also helps to make the future brighter for everyone who lives here.

Pick an organization that is in serious need or just needs a helping hand.

When I'm out there looking at the different charities that are in need, I think about those that have serious need, and then I think that there are others that just need a little bit of a helping hand. I try to divide my time and resources based on the real need that is there. So, whether it is the Giving Plate or the Bethlehem Inn or another local charity, I may change depending on their current situation. Give the organization a call. Ask

them about their current level of need and whether it has changed recently.

Encourage coworkers, friends, and family members to join you.

Volunteering and giving back is fun! And it can really be a blast when you rally a group of people you love to give together. One year, I got our real estate office involved in cooking at the Bethlehem Inn, and that was a blast. Now our office is a Miracle Office, meaning we give as a whole to the Children’s Miracle Network every year. It really helps when you crowdsource your efforts. You make a bigger impact, and you accomplish something meaningful together.

Volunteer your time if budget is tight.

The new year and shifting economy may have you reevaluating your budget. When thinking about ways to give back, it’s important to remember that it doesn’t always have to include signing a check. You can read to a kid. You can work at the Boys and Girls Club. You can cook at the Ronald McDonald House or the Bethlehem Inn. You can volunteer for fun runs that benefit an organization you care about. At the end of the day, what’s important is making a difference in someone’s life.

Stay grateful and present in all the gifts you have.

By staying present and being grateful for your own security and comfort in life, you come to recognize how important seemingly simple things are to others that may not have the means. A pair of socks on a cold winter day. A warm bowl of soup. A new pair of shoes for the start of school. A new sleeping bag to get through the night. We can help our neighbors with these things if we take the time to notice and understand the need.

Bend is a wonderful place to live, 365 days a year. Let’s keep giving throughout the year to help our neighbors experiencing tough times. Together, we can make the future brighter.