Source Weekly March 7, 2024

The Source Weekly 704 NW Georgia Ave., Bend, OR 97703 t. 541-383-0800 f. 541-383-0088

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On the Cover: Cathrine

Edlinger-Kunze was born and raised in Germany, and credits her father’s creativity and artistic talent for inspiring her love of painting.

Cathrine’s paintings have a subtle elegance and quiet depth that shimmers with brilliance and lingers with the viewer long after the encounter with the piece. She devotes most of her time to drawing and painting the human figure, explaining, “The human face and body always fascinated me; the body for me is perfection in form, showing emotions in movement and expressions.” See this piece and more of her work currently hanging in the PCA Gallery, downtown Bend. Call for Artists: If you're interested in being a SW featured artist, email: production@bendsource.com.

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Oregon made headlines back in 2020 when voters approved a landmark drug and decriminalization bill. In 2024, that program gets a major overhaul. Read that update in this week’s News, and then check out Julianna LaFollette’s feature story on the “ridealong” she did with Deschutes County’s new mental health crisis team, helping divert calls away from law enforcement. Suffice to say that the experience was an eye-opening one. Meanwhile, Armando Borrego updates you on some of the events starting this week for Winter PrideFest, and in Culture, learn about the new exhibit at the High Desert Museum that delves into the folklore surrounding one of the Pacific Northwest’s most famous, and elusive, residents. Thanks for reading!

LIGHTMETER:

PRESENTED BY HARVEST MOON WOODWORKS INSIDE

THIS ISSUE:

Courtesy @makinitlocal Instagram HARVESTMOONWOODWORKS.COM CUSTOM. CABINE

Huge shoutout to @makinitlocal for highlighting Central Oregon artists, and for tagging us in this beautifully delicate art work!!

Don’t forget to share your photos with us and tag @sourceweekly for a chance to be featured as Instagram of the week and in print as our Lightmeter. Winners receive a free print from @ highdesertframeworks.

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OPINION

Oregon's Land Use Laws Needed a Little Loosening

Among state policies, two things have made Oregon make national headlines in recent decades: One, of course, is Measure 110 and its attempt at a new path for drug decriminalization and treatment – a measure that got something of a reversal this week when legislators passed HB 4002. The other policy that has made Oregon unique in recent decades is its land-use laws, championed by Gov. Tom McCall and passed in 1973, that aimed to preserve farmland and keep cities from sprawling. One need only look at the stark contrast between a city like Boise, Idaho and Bend — both fast-growing in recent years — to see how the policy differences between Oregon and Idaho play out. In Boise, sprawl. In Bend, a more compact city. But according to data from RentCafe, the average rent for an 882-square foot apartment in Bend is $1,874. In Boise, it’s $1,602 for an average of 874 square feet.

“The package grants qualifying cities a one-time expansion of their Urban Growth Boundaries. Cities under 25,000 people can expand by 50 acres, while cities over 25,000 people can expand by 100 acres. In the Metro area, the cap is 300 acres. 30 percent of housing in any expanded areas must be affordable, one of the highest requirements in the nation. Cities must display that they have done comprehensive planning and permitting before expansion and demonstrate need for both housing and land,” the press release explained. The package also creates a new $75 million revolving loan fund to make interest-free loans to local governments to help finance production of affordable housing and moderate income housing projects.”

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Oregonians are a pioneering lot, and we could be commended for adopting policies and laws that attempt to do something better than it’s been done before. Yet, with that tinkering sometimes comes a need to recalibrate when something isn’t working how it was intended. In the case of Measure 110, the flood of fentanyl in the streets made a bad problem worse, and made total decriminalization no longer palatable to many voters and the majority of the Oregon State Legislative Assembly. In the case of our land use laws, we’re seeing a similar tweaking of the recipe in the name of affordability and availability.

Going beyond black-and-white solutions is what seems to be the recipe with a new slate of bills that just passed the Oregon House and Senate. The Emergency Housing and Production Package, or SB 1530 and SB 1537, “doubles down on last session’s $2 billion housing package,” according to a press release from the House Majority Office. Among its big provisions is a relaxing of the land-use laws put in place in 1973.

Bend got a one-time expansion of its UGB in recent years, through another pilot program that adds 261 acres to the city’s total land at the Stevens Road Tract. Like the new program just passed in the legislature, a portion of that land must be developed for affordable housing. With the new program, Bend is eligible to add yet another 100 acres, and to see 30% of that go toward affordable housing. Presumably, that new 100 acres will also be on the east side of Bend, where instead of fertile farmland, we have sandy soils and junipers. Here in Central Oregon, conservatives have spent a lot of time griping about the state’s land use laws and how the “farmland” we’ve protected around the city isn’t really viable farmland at all. While those lands still hold value for wildlife, what we’re seeing now from Salem is a reasonable relaxing of hard-and-fast, black-and-white rules. While we don’t want to see the sprawl of Boise happen here, it’s nice to see an embrace of the grey.

There are no black-and-white solutions to issues as important as housing. Preserving farmland — and wild spaces, to boot — is important, but so is providing the adequate level of housing for all of the people who are now here, and the many more who care to enjoy our “state of enchantment.”

Correction: Last week’s story, “Over Bend’s Dead Bodies” was incorrectly labeled as News. It should have been labeled as Commentary. We regret the error.

GUEST OPINION: ONGOING CONCENTRATION OF POVERTY IN BEND

We are a group of concerned neighbors trying to shine a light on the issue of Economic Segregation in Bend. City of Bend and Deschutes County governments appear to be concentrating poverty in the Larkspur neighborhood on the east side of Bend. While we support more facilities and services for the poor, we do not feel that a single neighborhood, especially one that is the poorest and most diverse in the city, should repeatedly be targeted for those facilities. The most recent activity includes the city selling two lots (sold for ~ $20k each) in Larkspur for “affordable” housing and the county trying to establish a “low-barrier” shelter for male parolees, to include level 2 & 3 sex offenders, at 640 SE Wilson Ave. On our website, eastsidevotes.org, we’re trying to outline specifics and provide facts about what’s happening. On our Economic Segregation page, there’s a map that shows the concentration of facilities in Larkspur.

This has happened in other cities. Consider Old Town in Portland, the Tenderloin in San Francisco, and Skid Row in Los Angeles. As we’ve seen in these cities, this concentration of services for the poor is a recipe for failure, not success. When government intentionally concentrates poverty in a single geographic area, it reinforces the generational cycle of poverty, and it negatively impacts the socio-economic makeup of targeted neighborhoods and their schools. It perpetuates, rather

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than solves the problem! There is a lawsuit moving forward in San Diego which addresses exactly this issue: “San Diego housing policy worsens poverty, segregation,” in the San Diego Union-Tribune. We can do better than this in Bend and Deschutes County! This article from The New York Times suggests that a real solution lies somewhere outside the world of segregation: “Vast New Study Shows a Key to Reducing Poverty: More Friendships Between Rich and Poor.”

What’s happening in Bend is complex and multi-layered. It partially involves what the City Council has done to exclude public input from the process of siting shelters and other housing for the poor. It also involves the city’s propensity for repeatedly targeting the Larkspur neighborhood for every type of facility for the poor imaginable. It involves what the county is trying to establish at 640 SE Wilson Ave. It also involves a decades-long history of neglect and marginalization of neighborhoods on the east side of Bend.

We believe dispersing shelters and transitional/affordable housing into all parts of the city will create a healthier and more sustainable future for all. We don’t have to keep doing what’s been tried before and failed elsewhere. Let’s work together to end the status quo that is concentrating poverty in Larkspur. We can start by relocating the county’s new sex offender-centric shelter on SE Wilson to a location that is not inside 1,000 feet of two park facilities and not within 60 yards of the homes of approximately 12 children. What do you think? Please share your thoughts & ideas with the Bend City Council and Deschutes County Commissioners.

—Thomas Gugg & Ashley Schreiber, Volunteers, eastsidevotes.org.

RE: OVER BEND’S DEAD BODIES. COMMENTARY, 2/29

It is stated in the article that Greenwood Cemetery was dedicated in perpetuity in 1925 for exclusive use as a cemetery. In perpetuity means forever, now and in the future and that condition extends to any and all present and future owners. And that condition would encompass all of the property included in the original perpetuity agreement. It would seem that any zoning change would not change the perpetuity clause. The River’s Edge golf course mediation case is a good example of the use of the perpetuity implication and the resulting success of enforcing that implied use.

The cemetery has been used as a cemetery since 1925 which that alone establishes an implied zoning status similar to easements established by uncontested community use. Not only is it a cemetery, but an established green space also. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a green space and leaving it as a space. It is a carbon cleansing space, a wildlife space, a climate mitigating space, a moisture gathering space, a calm space. It is a cruel myth that Bend will ever have so-called affordable housing. The thin veil of this developer that they have no plans to build is laughable and will not fool anyone. Ultimately their plan is to make money and affordable housing is not a money maker for any developer in this town.

—Joselyn Houk

SLOW THE F@#% DOWN

I’m not sure who ran this ad, but thank you. Very visual, and it needed to be said. Hope it runs again.

—Tracy McGill

SUSTAINABILITY IN SCHOOLS

Guess what?!? I just found out that the Bend-La Pine Schools district has a Sustainability Coordinator! I was absolutely thrilled to hear this "news," which apparently has been underway for two years. As a taxpayer in the District, I applaud this sensible approach to management of district resources. There is strong evidence that sustainability measures result in cost savings over time, meaning more money for direct educational services. District-wide reductions in energy demand, water use and consumer waste are smart, and demonstrate a commitment to the future of the children served by the District. I'm stoked to hear about these current efforts in our schools, and eager to see more innovation in sustainable practices in the years to come. Bravo, Bend-La Pine!

—Kevin Tanski

Letter of the Week:

Kevin: Thanks for sharing a bit of positivity in the Letters section this week. Letter of the Week!

—Nicole Vulcan

E-Bike Legislation Passes

Oregon Senate Legislation that updates definitions of e-bikes in the Oregon Vehicle Code passed the Oregon Senate. Trenton’s Law, named after Trenton Burger, the teen who was struck and killed by a vehicle this summer while riding a Class 2 e-bike in Bend, was introduced by Rep. Emerson Levy, D-Bend.

HB 4103 creates three classes for electric assisted bikes and states that only those 16 and older may operate a Class 2 and Class 3 e-bike. It also creates offenses for unsafe e-bike riding.

“This bill is just the first of many steps. Trenton’s Law is more than HB 4103, it’s a commitment to work on this for as long as it takes to make our infrastructure stronger for families, to support educational programs in our community, and to ensure everyone is safe on the road no matter their form of transportation,” said Levy.

Oregon’s Right to Repair Act Passes House

Oregon legislation requiring manufacturing companies to make tools, information and parts available to consumers and third-party repair shops passed the Oregon House. The Right to Repair Act will give Oregonians the

opportunity to more affordably fix products, such as phones, computers and appliances.

“As many Oregonians are struggling to make ends meet, this legislation is an opportunity to give people more choice on how to repair their devices, create pathways to saving consumers money, and reduce the harmful environmental impacts of our increased reliance on technology and the waste we create when we cannot repair,” said Rep. Courtney Neron (D-Wilsonville), a chief sponsor of the legislation.

The

City of Bend and The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Set to Sign Historic Agreement

On March 6, the Bend City Council will review and vote to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Bend and The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon. The MOU sets out to strengthen government-government relationships.

“As the original stewards of this land, we know that caring for and preserving our shared natural resources requires strong partnerships with other governments,” said Jonathan W. Smith, Sr., chairman of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Tribal Council.

—Julianna LaFollette

$500 million

— The estimated cost of standing up an adequate number of behavioral health treatment beds in Oregon to meet the demand for mental health treatment in the state. From this week’s Feature story, “A Day With the Community Crisis Response Team.”

Bend Continues Transportation Fee Deliberations

The controversial new fee that may be hitting Bend residents continues public feedback before further consideration

By Julianna LaFollette

The City of Bend continued deliberations around a controversial fee that could charge residents a monthly fee for street operations and maintenance. The Bend City Council offered two listening sessions at the end of February, where the public had an opoortunity to share comments and feedback.

The Council will discuss feedback at a March 6 work session and is planning to vote on implementing the fee at its March 20 meeting. The fee is expected to start appearing on utility bills after July 1.

The City proposed the transportation fee in September, stating how it would help to support, operate and maintain Bend’s transportation system. The transportation fee was listed as a rec ommended fund ing tool when the City updated its transportation system plan in 2020.

The fee would go toward maintaining roads, sidewalks and bike lanes, while also improving and expand ing street services such as snow plowing and street sweeping. The City estimated the fee would cost about $15 a month for a single-family home and about $11 a month for a unit in a multi-family complex.

1. The City has not yet published the amounts businesses would pay in later phases.

The fee is proposed to be phased in over three years, according to the transportation fee draft code and fee schedule, to allow for additional data collection, and lessen the financial impact to community members in the short-term. Several people complained about this fee adding onto the several other increases in fees and costs in Bend.

While some praised the phasing-in fee schedule, several small business owners shared their frustrations about this fee hurting their businesses.

One resident mentioned how the City is calculating the fee amount and recommended the City take into consideration the number of people in a house, the number of vehicles per household, the types of vehicles and the impact that those factors have on the transportation system.

“The whole idea is for us to be able to give the police resource back to the community as much as possible.”

—Case Manager Krista Brown, from this week’s Feature story, “A Day With the Community Crisis Response Team.”

The City’s recent listening sessions offered residents a chance to review and provide comment on the draft code and fee schedule. According to Ben Hemson, the City of Bend economic development manager, the feedback suggested that people want a phased-in approach, allowing businesses to improve and clarify the fee structure.

Phase 1 of the fee structure, ranging from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, would charge a monthly fee of $5.60 for single-unit residential households and a minimum of $6.25 for non-residential property, depending on square footage. A 5,000-square-foot non-residential property, for example, would be charged $31.25 per month in phase

Some residents complained about the unsustainability of the current transportation system and how the wider streets will result in higher costs for transportation. Others complained about the lack of information and oversight on exactly how and where the money will be spent.

Other common arguments against the new fee note the City’s other funding tools that support transportation. A video played during the beginning of the listening sessions explained one reason: costs are increasing and the funding the City has relied on is no longer keeping up with the need.

“The gas tax revenue used to fund transportation maintenance is predicted to flatten or drop in coming years,” said Councilor Mike Riley. The transportation fee, according to Riley, would complement the GO Bond, passed in 2020, which only funds new projects, not maintenance.

CourtesyCityof Bend

Oregon to Roll Out New Drug Use Policies

A bill modifying parts of Oregon Measure 110 recriminalizes drug possession and increases treatment options

By Julianna LaFollette

Abill modifying components of Oregon’s controversial Measure 110 calls for recriminalizing drug possession and investing more money into new treatment programs. House Bill 4002 passed the Oregon House on Feb. 29 and the Oregon Senate on March 1.

HB 4002 aims to help Oregon’s drug crisis by changing the policies around drug use, drug prevention and access to treatment laid out by 2020’s Measure 110.

On Sept. 29, lawmakers announced the creation of the Joint Interim Committee on Addiction and Community Safety Response to serve as a legislative hub determining steps to address Oregon’s drug crisis.

Key components of HB 4002, beyond what Measure 110 laid out, include further expansion of drug treatment and behavioral health facilities, increasing access to medication-assisted treatment and intervening on public drug use while connecting Oregonians to treatment via deflection programs.

The bill creates a new unclassified misdemeanor, resulting in an arrest or citation for possession of a controlled substance. Those who are arrested or receive a drug-related citation will receive a direct referral for treatment.

AdobeStock

support in a letter of committment. “Once developed, funded and stood up, our law enforcement partners commit to divert individuals who are facing a PCS-U charge based off objective evidence-based national standards,” read the letter.

The bill’s reversal of the drug policy set forth by 2020’s Measure 110 has sparked debate from numerous individuals and groups, including Joy Alise Davis, the executive director of Oregon nonprofit Imagine Black, who worries about the predicted impacts of this bill.

“We know that this bill would undoubtedly be added to a long list of bills passed in Oregon that historically signals to the world that Oregon doesn't care about folks in crisis,” said Davis. A racial and ethnic impact report from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission predicts that the bill would directly impact Black and African American individuals.

If they are successful in completing their treatment, their case is dismissed. Those who are unsucessful in following through with treatment could be convicted and placed on probation. An individual will only recieve jail time if they violate their probation and refuse treatment.

According to Rep. Jason Kropf (D-OR54), a representative for Bend and the co-chair of the joint committee, this would create an immediate connection between individuals and treatment options.

Kropf told the Source Weekly that Measure 110 was helpful in expanding treatment centers and access to recovery, but challenging when it came to intervening with drug use.

The idea with HB 4002 is to introduce, connect and push people into treatment as an alternative to going to court and jail, being mindful of the impacts of going through the criminal justice system. “We want treatment and recovery when it comes to this charge, not jail time,” said Kropf.

This will be done through the bill’s creation of deflection programs, a collaborative program between law enforcement and behavioral health systems that helps connect individuals with substance use disorders and/or behavioral health disorders with community-based treatment.

In counties that intend to create deflection programs, law enforcement refer or divert an individual to these programs, in lieu of an arrest or prosecution in a drug-related charge. HB 4002 allows, but does not require, counties to create their respective deflection programs.

According to Kropf, 23 counties, including Deschutes County and Crook County, have signed on. District Attorney Steve Gunnels showed his

According to Davis, research shows that Black Oregonians are prosecuted for possession at double the rates of white Oregonians, even though usage rates are comparable. “It’s going to further deepen the disparities we already have around over-criminalization in the state,” Davis told the Source Weekly.

A component of HB 4002 intends to monitor law enforcement interactions for racial and other demographic disparities. “I am committed to tackling racial disparities that exist in this charge, if we see that, and in other charges that we have,” said Kropf. “There are ongoing conversations that we’re having and work that needs to be done to mitigate the disparities in the criminal justice system.”

According to Kropf, this will occur through increased oversight and data collection. Task forces and oversight committees that come along with this bill will keep track of anyone who has contact with law enforcement or who goes to a deflection program.

“I think those who are struggling with addiction, they need support. They need the help,” said Davis. “When I was listening in on the Senate hearing last week, I heard folks say over and over again that this bill was good for Oregonians and I could ask myself, how could this be if the racial impact study says that it will deepen racial disparities for Black people who call this place home?”

The other part of this proposal is the funding bill, HB 5204, which will invest over $200 million in behavioral health treatment, medication treatment, addiction prevention programs, deflection-to-treatment programs and court programs.

Many of these investments will go toward shovel-ready projects, or projects that can be built up in the next 12 months, said Kropf.

“This package builds on the work the legislature has been doing over the last several years to make treatment more available and address the gaps in our public safety system,” said Sen. Elizabeth Steiner, co-chair of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means.

Senate Passes Housing Production Package

The Oregon Senate passed two bills, prioritized by Gov. Tina Kotek, that will allocate over $350 million in funds to house Oregonians and support housing production

By Julianna LaFollette

The Oregon Senate passed a package on Feb. 29, aimed at creating affordable housing and housing individuals experiencing houselessness. The Emergency Housing Stability and Production Package, a top priority for Gov. Tina Kotek, will support housing production and makes it easier for Oregon cities to create infrastructure.

Senate Bill 1537 and Senate Bill 1530, along with HB 4134, will create programs and commit $376 million to support renters, encourage housing production and infrastructure, fund homeless shelters and create safe and healthy homes.

On Jan. 10, 2023, Gov. Kotek issued Executive Order 23-04, establishing an annual housing production target of 36,000 homes. The Housing Production Advisory Council’s Jan. 2024 report recommended that SB 1537 should include a one-time urban growth boundary amendment, funding for affordable housing and adjustments to land use standards.

SB 1537 was created at the request of Kotek to assist local governments with housing production, making interest-free loans to local governments for affordable housing production, supporting local governments’ efforts and granting qualifying cities the ability to undergo a one-time urban growth boundary amendment – a controversial component to the bill.

Corie Harlan, the Cities and Towns Program director of Central Oregon LandWatch, opposed the bill early in February due to the UGB amendment. While the organization said it strongly supports many parts of the package, like funding the production of affordable and moderate-income housing projects, it opposes the expedited UGB expansions.

“Central Oregonians want to manage our rapid growth well and with intention. UGBs and our land use laws are vital to ensuring that happens; they are at the heart of Central Oregon’s livability,” Harlan told the Source Weekly. “The UGB portion of the bill isn't a necessary or effective housing policy. It won’t help urgently tackle our housing crisis in ways that improve livability, human health, and the environment.”

Also part of the package, SB 1530 makes significant investments toward immediate housing needs, appropriating $258 million for the implementation of various state programs. The investments will give $131 million toward housing and homelessness, $123.55 million for housing infrastructure and production, and $24.5 million for healthy and safe homes.

The package includes HB 4134, which would give infrastructure grants to specified cities to support housing development.

"This package is an incredible, bipartisan accomplishment that will make real progress on one of the toughest challenges facing our state. I’m really proud of the work we did to put forward smart solutions that will deliver urgent relief to Oregonians who need it,” said Sen. Kayse Jama (D-Portland), chair of the Senate Housing and Development Committee.

Join us for US Bank’s Foodie Crawl, presented by Cascade Natural Gas, in downtown Bend on Sunday, April 28th from 2-4pm & at the After Party at McMenamins Old St. Francis School from 4-6pm. This popular annual pub-crawl-meets-progressive-dinner is a celebration of local food and drink. Guests sample small plates and beverage pairings from a select group of chefs and restaurants in downtown Bend. All for a good cause! Tickets sell fast, so act now!

Participating Restaurants: J-DUB, Hola!, Roam, Bend Brewing Company, Zydeco, 900 Wall, and more to come!

Just 10 minutes from Downtown Bend!

Oregon pone en marcha la nuevas

Por Julianna LaFollette Traducido por Jéssica Sánchez-Millar

Un proyecto de ley que modifica los elementos de la controversial Medida 110 de Oregon exige repenalizar la posesión de drogas e invertir más dinero en nuevos programas para el tratamiento por drogas. El proyecto de ley 4002 fue aprobado por la Cámara de Representantes de Oregon el 29 de febrero y por el Senado de Oregon el 1 de marzo.

HB 4002 tiene como fin ayudar con la crisis por las drogas en Oregon al cambiar las políticas en relación al uso de drogas, a la prevención y al acceso para el tratamiento por lo establecido por la Medida 110 en 2020.

El 29 de septiembre, los legisladores anunciaron la creación del Comité Interino Conjunto sobre las Adicciones y Respuesta de Seguridad Comunitaria para servir como un centro legislativo que determina los pasos para abordar la crisis de drogas en Oregon.

Los componentes clave de HB 4002, aparte de lo establecido por la Medida 110, incluye una ampliación del tratamiento de drogas y de los servicios para la salud conductual, aumentando el acceso al tratamiento asistido por medicamentos e interviniendo con el

uso público de drogas mientras que se derivan a los habitantes de Oregon con los servicios de tratamiento por medio de programas de desvío.

El proyecto de ley crea un nuevo delito no clasificado, que resulta en un arresto o citatorio por posesión de una substancia controlada. Aquellas personas arrestadas o que reciban un citatorio debido a la relación con las drogas, recibirán una derivación directa para recibir tratamiento.

Si completan su tratamiento, su caso se destituye. Aquellos que no lleven a cabo el tratamiento podrían ser sentenciados y estar bajo libertad condicional.

Según el Representante Jason Kropf (D-OR54), representante de Bend y vicepresidente del comité conjunto, esto crearía una conexión inmediata entre las personas y las alternativas de tratamiento.

Kropf le comentó a the Source Weekly que la Medida 110 ayudó ampliar los centros de tratamiento y el acceso a la recuperación, pero fue retante al tener que intervenir con el consumo de drogas.

La idea de HB 4002 es presentar, conectar y presionar a la gente a recibir tratamiento como una alternativa en vez

de ir a los tribunales o a prisión, teniendo en cuenta el impacto que crea el ser parte del sistema jurídico penal. “Queremos que haya tratamiento y recuperación en cuestión a esta acusación, no la prisión,” comentó Kropf.

Esto se hará por medio de la creación del proyecto para programas de desviación, un programa en colaboración entre las fuerzas policiales y el sistema de salud conductual que ayuda a conectar a las personas con los centros de tratamientos comunitarios para los trastornos por el uso de sustancias y/o por trastornos de salud conductual.

En los condados que intentan crear programas de desvío, las autoridades derivan o desvían a una persona a estos programas, en lugar de arrestarlos o enjuiciarlos por un cargo relacionado con las drogas. HB 4002 permite, pero no requiere, que los condados generen sus respectivos programas de desviación.

Según Kropf, 23 condados, incluyendo en Condado de Deschutes y el de Crook se han registrado. El fiscal del distrito Steve Gunnels mostró su apoyo por medio de esta carta de compromiso.

La revocación del proyecto relacionado con la política de drogas expuesto

por la Medida 110 en 2020 ha desatado debate por parte de varias personas y grupos, incluyendo a Alise Davis, directora ejecutiva de la organización sin fines de lucro de Imagine Black en Oregon, a quien le preocupan las repercusiones de este proyecto de ley.

Un reporte de impacto etnico y racial de parte de la Comisión de Justicia Penal de Oregon predice que el proyecto repercutirá directamente en las persona Negras y AfroAmericanas.

Según Davis, estudios muestran que los habitantes Negros de Oregon son enjuiciados el doble por pocesión de drogas comparado a los habitantes blancos, aunque el índice del uso es similar.

Un componente de HB 4002 pretende monitorear la interacción de las fuerzas policiacas para ver si se presentan desigualdades raciales y demográficas. Según Kropf, esto sucederá por medio de una mayor supervisión y de recopilación de datos. Las fuerzas de trabajo y los comités de supervisión que se presentan junto con este proyecto de ley realizarán un seguimiento de todo aquel que interactúe con las autoridades o que asista a un programa de desvío.

Some things never get old—supporting families to live their best lives in retirement is one of them!

A Day with the Community Crisis Response Team

A new Deschutes County program responds to those experiencing a mental health crisis, lightening the load on law enforcement

By Julianna LaFollette

It was 8am on a Wednesday when I arrived at the one-story building where the recently created Community Crisis Response Team operates. I had requested to spend half a day with the team to see how the program works. I had no idea what to expect during my visit.

Program Manager Adam Goggins greeted me once I was buzzed into the locked entryway and sat me down with the case manager I’d be spending the day with, Krista Brown.

Having worked as a 911 dispatcher for six years and serving in the U.S. military, Brown is well-equipped to deal with phone calls and people – important skills to have in this program.

The Community Crisis Response Team was created in May 2023 as an improvement to a previous program, the Mobile Crisis Response Team. MCAT was a program that would send a therapist to a 911 call that was more mental health related.

In these cases, law enforcement would reach the caller, then call for MCAT if they thought they were needed. A therapist would then head to the scene, where law enforcement would remain. CCRT’s program allows the team to better respond to mental health crises while freeing up time for law enforcement.

“With our program, we wanted to be able to get them off the call, so they can go to other calls a little faster,” said Brown. “The whole idea is for us to be able to give the police resource back to the community as much as possible.”

CCRT can also offer more well-rounded care, connecting someone in crisis with a therapist, a case manager to help them locate resources or a peer support — someone who has lived experience who can help them deal with day-to-day challenges.

This is done through consistent communication and cooperation between the team and law enforcement. A 911 dispatcher will get a non-emergency mental health or crisis call and immediately loop in members of CCRT, explained Brown.

The crisis team then fields the call to see who it is, what’s going on and assess how they should help. The team looks at whether CCRT has a history with the individual, looking at medical records, or looking at notes the dispatcher has left about the caller and the situation.

Sometimes the team will be able to simply talk to someone over the phone, and other times they will

either drive to the person in crisis or refer them to the in-office stabilization center, which serves individuals who need short-term mental health crisis assessment and stabilization.

As I sat in the office, I asked what we’d be doing while I was there.

“Every day is different,” said Brown. “I feel like it’s hit or miss on if we’re super busy or not. It’s like the saying, ‘crickets or chaos.’” Shortly after, a call popped up.

"Too many Oregonians are struggling to get the help they need for a mental health or addiction challenge, and the state needs to lead with a strategic approach to addressing these gaps in health care."

— Gov. Tina Kotek

On the Scene

It was about 30 minutes into the day. After assessing the call, the team decided we were hitting the road. Brown was in the passenger seat and therapist Maryssa Nohr was driving. Aside from me sitting in the back seat, asking questions, this was how a typical crisis response went.

There’s a two-person approach with each response. On a typical call, the therapist is the first to make contact with the caller having a crisis. The case manager is there to connect people to resources. Having both respond to a person in crisis offers the most effective care.

Nohr, who took the call from this individual, was familiar with this person. She had seen them recently and after assessing the state of this individual, decided to respond in person.

The person in crisis was in a manic, overwhelmed and overstimulated state. While the team determined he was not an immediate threat to himself or others, Nohr and Brown decided to have law enforcement come along.

Due to the nature of this call, Nohr planned to do a “director's custody.” In these cases, the team is advocating for involuntary commitment for the person in

crisis, which, in most cases, means they transfer them to the hospital to put them on a hold.

These circumstances occur when the team determines that the person needs help or they are a threat to themselves or others. In this case, Nohr was worried about the individual’s well-being.

Law enforcement will typically go on a call if the team feels they need to be present. By assessing the call, therapists and case managers can determine whether they need law enforcement – if someone is super escalated, if they are aggressive or seem threatening or simply because the caller is someone they’ve never dealt with before.

“We definitely take the time to figure out what’s going on, so we’re safe about it. The team is linked to law enforcement pretty intensively, so even if they do show up and the situation is worse than they thought, they can always, in the moment, call for law enforcement to come to the scene,” said Brown.

Since the team planned to enforce a “director's custody,” they called law enforcement to the scene to transport the individual to the hospital. After the person in crisis agreed to go, we followed in the car to meet them at St. Charles Medical Center. “I'm hoping that we can advocate with the hospital that he stays for a while,” said Nohr.

Hospital Visits

At St. Charles, Nohr immediately spoke with the charge nurse, who oversees the operations in their unit, to let them know a patient was arriving. Nohr, who knows the staff well, explained the situation – why the patient was there and why they should be placed on an involuntary hold. An involuntary hold lets a patient stay at the hospital for up to five days to receive care.

On this particular day, the hospital was very busy and the patient had to wait for a bed. While we waited, Nohr continued her normal routine. She walked over to the hospital’s psych team, to coordinate about the incoming patient.

The psych team can help recommend that a patient be kept at the hospital or decide whether they are sent to a stabilization center or an involuntary care facility. If none of these are an option, the psych team will make a safety plan for the individual – outlining a plan of action to help support an individual in crisis.

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When it comes to options for patients experiencing a crisis, every patient's needs are different. Some may just need a safety plan that will help them calm down, while others need more long-term care. This is why Nohr’s job, as a therapist, is so important. The majority of the time, the patient doesn’t have the ability to advocate for the level of treatment they need, so Nohr does that for them.

Most patients who need more care are referred to a respite center, a short-term voluntary crisis stabilization program, or an inpatient psychiatric facility, providing solution-focused therapy. Nohr advocated for the latter. “He just needs a higher level of care right now,” she said.

condition to the hospital psych team and doctors and felt inpatient care was necessary.

Nohr was informed that the facility she felt was best for this person, Sage View Psychiatric Center, the only inpatient psychiatric center east of the Cascades, was full. This, she said, was not uncommon.

Since there were no beds at Sage View, the patient, according to Nohr, would have to stay in the hospital room until a bed became available in the inpatient center. The hospital would be able to release the patient only if they were able to de-escalate and create a safety plan everyone believed in. “In this very state, they’ll just stay in the room until something comes available,” said Nohr.

When it comes to available beds in the hospital and

Mental Health in Oregon

After taking these calls, lunchtime was approaching, and we headed back to the office. On the ride back, we discussed the program and the idea of having a team of people dedicated to mental health crises.

Coming from being a dispatcher in Texas, Brown noted the major differences in how mental health is discussed and dealt with in Oregon. “Here, it’s so different because we have mental health resources that were not available in Texas.”

People here are also more open and honest with their struggles, she said. “They're just kind of raw about what they're feeling and what they're experiencing. I think that's the biggest thing that's so different — the culture of people being honest about their mental health struggles,” said Brown. “Then, we actually have resources here to help people, so I feel like that makes a big difference, too.”

The job is also a lot different from being a dispatcher, according to Brown. As a case manager with CCRT, Brown can talk to individuals and be honest about her own experiences. She admitted that she, too, had her own struggles with mental health.

“I did not reach out for help for anything,” she said. “Working for law enforcement, you’re not supposed to share that stuff. Here, I can. I get to be open and honest. Being raw and open with them helps build rapport as well,” said Brown.

After spending the day with CCRT, it became clear why this program exists. “I think we have law enforce-

Nohr then went out to find the patient’s doctor and continued to recommend involuntary care. “It’s just a lot of advocating that they need a higher level of care, because they won’t be able to articulate that they need help right now,” said Nohr.

Once a hospital bed was available for the individual, the team received another call.

Access to Care

We drove to the next person in crisis, who was experiencing severe symptoms. On the way to the call, the team assessed the situation and felt that they needed to do another “director’s.” The individual, who the team also had prior experience with, was having delusions, paranoia and suicidal thoughts. The team met law enforcement on the scene.

This person in crisis was refusing to go to the hospital. Considering the individual was aggressive and agitated, the team advised that I stay back in the car. Nohr explained that she tried to make a safety plan with this person, but the individual did not de-escalate.

In attempting to involuntarily commit the person, the individual became aggressive with law enforcement. The team knew it was necessary for this person to get help, so law enforcement was forced to restrain them to bring them to the hospital.

We arrived back at the hospital and went through the same routine. Nohr explained the individual's

local psychiatric centers, it comes in waves, according to Brown. “We know that with the system, we don’t have enough beds available,” she said. “There are so many obstacles to get support.”

Oftentimes, the more escalated a person in crisis is, the better it is for them in terms of accessing care. People with worse mental health symptoms are more likely to get the first available beds in a treatment center.

A report, released on Feb. 1, found that Oregon has a gap in statewide behavioral treatment beds. According to the report, Oregon needs nearly 3,000 adult residential mental health and substance use treatment beds to close gaps in the system and to meet the future demand for treatment. The state currently has 4,819 residential beds to treat people with behavioral health disorders.

Closing the gap would represent more than a 70% increase in Oregon’s current treatment capacity and cost more than $500 million over five years to meet the demand. The results of the report come from a preliminary study that Gov. Tina Kotek directed the Oregon Health Authority to commission, according to a press release.

“Too many Oregonians are struggling to get the help they need for a mental health or addiction challenge, and the state needs to lead with a strategic approach to addressing these gaps in health care,” said Gov. Kotek. Over the past four years, the Oregon legislature has invested more than $1.5 billion to expand behavioral health treatment capacity.

ment who are way more educated than they've ever been in the past on how to handle these calls, but they are not therapists, and they are not social workers,” said Brown. “This program is needed everywhere. I think it’s more appropriate to have a mental health professional responding to a mental health crisis.”

After four hours of following Brown and Nohr around, asking questions and experiencing the team’s roles and duties, I felt I had a good grasp on what CCRT is all about.

Still, spending just a few hours with the team doesn’t offer the full breadth of the experience. CCRT is consistently making judgment calls, assessing situations, and figuring out what is best for a person in crisis. “One day just doesn’t show enough,” said Nohr.

The Community Crisis Response Team works out of this building, responding to multiple calls daily.

Julianna LaFollette

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SOURCE PICKS

THURSDAY 03/07

FARM TO WARM SPRINGS FUNDRAISER

FARM TO FORK FUNDRAISER

Around the Bend Farms is a growing local nonprofit founded on sustainable and accessible farming solutions. The Farm to Warm Springs fundraiser provides attendees a chance to enjoy fresh food from local growers and learn about the ways to support the project. All donations made help to cover the cost of supplies and labor involved in transporting fresh produce to Warm Springs. Thu., Mar. 7, 5-8pm at Aspen Hall. 18920 NW Shevlin Park Rd., Bend. $45.

FRIDAY 03/08

CLICHÉ: A QUEER DANCE NIGHT CELEBRATING WINTER PRIDE

BORN THIS WAY!

Cliché is celebrating its one-year anniversary at the Volcanic Theatre Pub on Mar. 8! This all-night dance party will have DJ Aloso and DJ Big Ugly providing the music while all members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community are invited to celebrate Winter Pride in a safe and welcoming environment starting at 8pm. 70 SW Century Dr., Bend. $15.

FRIDAY 03/08

BIG BAND JAZZ - CENTRAL OREGON COMMUNITY COLLEGE

BOSSIN’ THE BLUES

Big Band Jazz has been a thriving piece of the Central Oregon Jazz scene for over three decades. This upcoming concert features the music of saxophonist Oliver Nelson, who has performed with Duke Ellington, Quincy Jones and other noteworthy jazz musicians. Donations encouraged. Fri., Mar. 8, 7pm at Wille Hall, COCC Coats Campus Center. 2600 NW College Wy., Bend. Free.

SATURDAY 03/09

JESHUA MARSHALL AND THE FLOOD TOUR KICKOFF PARTY FEAT. DEAD NETTLE, CHIGGI MOMO AND VIDA

START THE PARTY!

Eclectic indie-group Jeshua Marshall and The Flood kicks off a new tour with the help of local musicians Chiggi Momo and Dead Nettle. This rocking live show features some of Bend’s best new artists and Baltimore-born hip-hop performer Vida. Sat., Mar. 9, 7pm at Silver Moon Brewing. 24 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend. $12.

SATURDAY 03/09

GOLDEN EAGLES: INSIGHTS INTO ECOLOGY, BEHAVIOR AND CONSERVATION

TWILIGHT TALK

This free lecture is part of a conservation series sponsored by the Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory. Learn more about the great Golden Eagle and its regionally specific habits and behaviors. Lecture is held in a hybrid format, offering both an in-person and online experience, event is free while registration is required at, snco.org. Sat., Mar. 9, 7-8pm at Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory. 57245 River Rd., Sunriver.

SUNDAY 03/10

SHE'S SPEAKING LIVE - A CONCERT CELEBRATING WOMEN SONGWRITERS

A NIGHT OF MAJOR MUSIC

“She’s Speaking Live!” grew from a community YouTube channel that began amid the pandemic. Phenomenal singer/songwriters from Oregon will take the stage for a night of songs by women, about women, for everyone. Backed by a killer band, the artists will share distinct artistry and voices, while also paying tribute to the songwriters that serve as inspirations. Sun., Mar. 10, 7:30pm at the Tower Theatre. 835 NW Wall St., Bend. $21-$41 (plus $4 Historic Preservation fee.)

SUNDAY 03/10

COMEDIAN RODNEY NORMAN

A BUCKET O’ LAUGHS

Stand-up comedian Rodney Norman packs a punch with his unique brand of unassuming humor. With a knack for weaving humor into the fabric of everyday life, Norman promises an unforgettable night of laughter that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds. Sun., Mar. 10, 8-11pm at The Domino Room. 51 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend. $20.

SUNDAY 03/10

NATURAL PERFUME BLENDING CLASS

IT MUST BE IN THE AIR

Head to Faith Hope and Charity Vineyards for an informative class with instruction on creating a signature perfume scent to bring home. Learn valuable information and skills about discerning notes, blending oils and tinctures for your very own natural perfumes. Sun., Mar. 10, 1:30-3:30pm. 70450 NW Lower Valley Rd., Terrebonne. $110.

TUESDAY 03/12

EXHIBITION ON SCREEN: PAINTING THE MODERN GARDEN - MONET TO MATISSE

ART FOR ART’S SAKE

This special film presentation transports its audience to The Royal Academy in London for a stunning viewing of art exhibitions held by the institution in 2016. The “Exhibition on Screen” features master works by renowned artists such as Van Gogh, Pissaro, Matisse and more. Tue., Mar. 12, 7:15pm, at Sisters Movie House. 720 Desperado Court, Sisters. $16.

Courtesy Sunriver Nature Center

Sean Lawrence

Courtesy @rodenynorman Instagram

The Fabulous Thunderbirds

Musicians Inspired by Everyday Miracles

Two classically trained musicians, Sherry Finzer and Julie Hanney, muse on the healing power of meditative music and look ahead to a showcase concert in Bend

By Armando Borrego

Heart Dance Records is an independent record label that specializes in ambient, electronic, and new age music with its main HQ in Phoenix, Arizona. Initially a label started by classically trained flutist, Sherry Finzer, Heart Dance Records has grown into a nationwide recording company with countless talented artists recording and distributing original music as part of the Heart Dance family.

“I started recording music back in 2009. It was definitely more in the new age genre, but I like to just call it relaxing instrumentals,” explained Finzer. “I collaborated with some other artists along the way and when they started coming to me and asking for help, I decided to expand my label. I think we’ve released music from probably over 90 artists and it's all about helping them get their music out in the world.”

Since 2015, Finzer has had her eyes on building a diverse lineup of musicians that understand the spirituality held within the world of music. “I look for artists that are interested in helping other people through their music,” she said. “That has been the most rewarding part of my journey. Having people reach out and let me know how the music is helping them.”

One of these artists is Bend local, Julie Hanney. An avid author/teacher/ composer, Hanney had released music as a self-produced artist for years before signing with Heart Dance Records. “The label heard my self-released albums and reached out to me,” recalled Hanney. “I listened to their music and read the label’s mission statement, and I was like, ‘this is where I’m at, and I want my music to make a difference in the world.’”

“I listened to their music and read the label’s mission statement, and I was like, ‘this is where I’m at, and I want my music to make a difference in the world.’”

—Julie Hanney

Hanney’s 2023 album, “Everyday Miracles,” masterfully blends the intricacies of contemporary classical with the deep sense of peace found in new age music. “Creating something that can facilitate peace and connect to your heart and promote healing, I think that's the highest use of music,” Hanney said.

While the pianist’s passion and abilities are undeniable, Hanney admits that Heart Dance has been instrumental in helping her grow. Leaning into the foundations of the record label, Hanney found herself empowered to explore the world of grief and remembrance, imbuing feelings of her mother’s recent passing into her piano pieces. “That was a really tender time in my life, and it felt really lovely to pair up with a record company that's about healing and grieving and connecting with the heart,” said Hanney. “It was totally organic, I was

just grieving and celebrating her life.”

The upcoming Heart Dance Records showcase on Saturday, Mar., 16 is a diverse array of talented artists, each contributing unique mastery to the genre. The show will feature Julie Hanney, Don Latarski and Cass Anawaty. “I have three amazing artists up there in Oregon and I am really excited to be doing this showcase with them,” Finzer offered.

Heart Dance Records Showcase Concert

Sat., Mar. 16, 7pm

Grace First Lutheran Church

2265 NW Shevlin Park Rd., Bend Heartdancerecords.com

Suggested Donation $10-$20

Sherry Finzer is a classically trained flutist and serves as President and CEO of Heart Dance Records.

Julie Hanney believes her journey with piano is a lifelong experience and is inspired by what we experience as a society and community.

Julie Hanney

Ashley Hathaway

6 Wednesday

Blacksmith Public House Head Games

Trivia! A fun night of trivia hosted by Head Games Trivia! Put your thinking caps on every Wednesday night and bring a team of your smartest friends, free to play! 7-9pm.

The Cellar-A Porter Brewing Company

Wednesday Jam Sessions Drink some fine cask or imported beers and try some amazing British pies while listening to some local musicians jam out. 6:30-8:30pm. Free.

Corey’s Bar & Grill Karaoke Sing your heart out at Corey’s! Grab friends and drinks for some Coreyoke. 9pm-Midnight. Free.

Craft Kitchen and Brewery Comedy Open

Mic Sign-up 7:30pm. If you’ve ever wanted to try stand-up comedy, this is where you start! 8-10pm. Free.

Crosscut Warming Hut No 5 Alex Winters Relax with a pint and enjoy great local music every Wednesday from 6-8pm.

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. Win prizes. Teams up to six. 6:30-8:30pm. Free.

Kobold Brewing / The Vault Taphouse

Trivia Night Trivia Night at The Vault! Come test your knowledge and drink top notch local beer! 6:30-8pm. Free.

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

McMenamins Old St. Francis School

Fractal EP Release Party Fractal heads back to Father Luke’s Room for the release party of their new EP “Into the Stratosphere." Come join the dance party! Free, all-ages show, 6-9pm. Free.

Northside Bar & Grill Acoustic Open Mic and Jam Performers and listeners are encouraged to join! Musician sign-up begins at 6:30pm, music starts at 7pm and sound is provided.

“Mellow Wednesday” Acoustic Open Mic and Jam for 10 years and counting. Hosted by DMM Music LLC. 6:30-9pm. Free.

Pour House Grill Last Call Trivia Wednesday Last Call Trivia Wednesdays, bring your smartest friends and win free food and drink. 6:30-8:30pm.

The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse Jazz at the Suttle Lodge Dirty Jazz with Wolfe House Records, first Wednesdays of the month, all winter long! RSVP required for overnight lodging guests to claim complimentary seats. Doors at 5:30. Show starts at 6pm.Food and drink available from Skip Restaurant during the show. 6-8pm. $15.

Volcanic Theatre Pub Coco Montoya The self-taught, left-handed Montoya mastered his craft under Albert Collins’ tutelage. 7-11:59pm. $20-$35.

7 Thursday

The Ballybogs and Friends Grab a pint, relax and enjoy live music by an amazing group of artists that brings the best Irish trad music in Central Oregon. Every Thursday at The Cellar. 6-8pm. Free.

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.

Bend Elks Lodge #1371 Bingo Bingo at the Elk’s Lodge. Win cash prizes. 6-9pm. $23.

Blacksmith Public House Karaoke! A fun night of karaoke with DJ Chris! Grab a drink, sing a song, have some tasty food and unwind after a long day. 6pm.

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.

Corey’s Bar & Grill Karaoke Sing your heart out at Corey’s! Grab friends and drinks for some Coreyoke. 9pm-Midnight. Free.

Elements Public House Trivia Night at Elements Public House with QuizHead Games Come be all you can be with Trivia Night every Thursday from 6-8pm! Featuring QuizHead.games Trivia is every Thursday night! Located at the north end of Redmond. Full bar and great food! 6-8pm. No Cover Charge.

Eqwine Wine Bar Open Mic Got a musical bone you’d like to share? Come to open mic night at Eqwine every Thursday at 7pm. Your first beer/ cider is on the house if you take the stage. 7-9pm. Free.

M&J Tavern Big Treble This crew is back to fiddle around and bring the treble for a silly evening of song and laughter. 8pm. Free.

Northside Bar & Grill Switchback Local quartet playing classic and alternative rock. 7am-9pm. Free.

River’s Place Kolby Knickerbocker Soulful-Americana is a starting point for describing Knickerbocker’s genre, but it merely scratches the surface of the emotional depth and musical complexity that his music exudes. 6-8pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Trivia on the Moon 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.

Silver Moon Brewing The Sam Chase and the Untraditional with Johnny Bourbon The Sam Chase and the Untraditional hail from San Francisco. 7-10pm. $20.

Sisters Depot Dean Mueller and Pete Kartsounes - Nashville Comes to Sisters Nashville Comes to Sisters at Frankie’s Room in Sisters, featuring Dean Mueller, fresh from recording with John Prine’s band and Pete Kartsounes. Enjoy an enchanting evening of heartfelt music. 7-9pm. $20.

The Bend Wine Bar & Winery Tasting

Room Trivia Night Trivia Night! Hosted by Quiz Head Games every second and last Thursday of every month. Cheers! Every other Thursday, 6-8pm.

The Lot Live Music with Faisal Live music with Faisal Abu-Nawwas. Country, reggae, rock, soft stuff, and ‘80s and ‘90s covers promising a little bit of everything to please the masses! First Thursday of every month, 6-8pm. Free.

Waypoint Ladies Night Ladies Night is here! Music by @djfreely Flash Tattoo from @bladeandglam and drink and food specials. 5-8pm. Free.

8 Friday

Bend Poker Room Friday Night Poker Tournament Come on in for the Friday night poker tournament! $80 entry with unlimited rebuys for the first hour and an optional add-on for $40 at the first break. Patrons pay a $10 entrance fee. No money bet in any game is collected by the Bend Poker Room. 6-11pm. $80.

Big E’s Sports Bar Karaoke Night Central Oregon’s most fun karaoke venue! Karaoke is hosted by A Fine Note Karaoke Too and DJ Jackie J. Delicious food and drink and a friendly staff. Come join the show where you are the star! 8pm. Free admission.

M&J Tavern Mougli and The Blues with Mari and the Dream An evening of fresh vocals and eclectic sound rounds out the first week of March 2024. 9pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing North by North, Hello Traitor and Gold Rey Touring extensively since 2017, sharing stages with a diverse array of noteworthy artists ranging from Eagles of Death Metal to Tegan and Sara, and have released 3 full-length LPs under the band’s own label, Double Hex Records. 7-11pm. $10.

Silver Moon Brewing Biscuit Brigade Organ Trio The group takes a unique, improvisational approach to arrangements of classic hiphop instrumentals mixing and mashing jam band and dance music sensibilities. 7pm. $7.

The Oxford Hotel Dear Amy Band at Jazz at the Oxford The Oxford Hotel and the Bend community welcome Dear Amy Band to the 2023-2024 Jazz at the Oxford music festival! 6-8pm. $102.

Unity Community of Bend The Stardust Jazz Ensemble A talented sextet of jazz artists pay tribute to the Classic Jazz Era of the ‘50s and to the Great American Songbook. $20 online and $25 at the door. 7pm.

Volcanic Theatre Pub Cliché: A Queer Dance Night Celebrating Winter Pride Come celebrate in an inclusive and safe space where you can dance the night away with the Central Oregon 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Supported by PDX’s own DJ Aloso and Seattle’s DJ Big Ugly! 8pm-Midnight. $15.

Wille Hall, COCC Coats Campus Center Big Band Jazz - Central Oregon Community College Central Oregon Community College’s Big Band Jazz concert featuring music by Oliver Nelson. Free event! Donations encouraged if able. 7pm. Free.

9 Saturday

Austin Mercantile Saturday Afternoon Live Music Austin Mercantile is now adding live music on Saturdays! Serving wine, beer, lite happy hour menu, gifts and home decor. Hope to see you soon! 4:30-6:30pm. Free.

Barrel Room @ Immersion Brewing Blackout Techno Immersion Brewing and Unrealgods presents Blackout Techno, a late night techno party featuring Pacific Northwest local artists. All black dress code encouraged! Event is 21+, 10pm, $10 at the door.

Blacksmith Public House Sleepless Truckers Coming To The Blacksmith! Enjoy live music with Sleepless Trucker at Blacksmith Public House, a night of rhythm, food and fun! 6:30-10pm.

Bridge 99 Brewery Stage 28 Karaoke Come out for a night of all ages Stage 28 Karaoke with your host Miss Min! What’s your go-to karaoke tune? 6pm. Free.

Craft Kitchen and Brewery Pub Talk:

Bystander Effect Discuss the application of the bystander effect information is being applied to help prevent bullying, increase advocacy of others and even prevent campus acquaintance assault. 3-4:30pm. $20.

Craft Kitchen and Brewery Comedy at

Craft: Less Drama, More Comedy A comedy show can definitely be a great way to unwind and have a good time. Featuring some of your favorite local comedians! Doors open at 7pm. $10 online, $15 at door. 21+ Strong content expected. 8-9:30pm.

Faith, Hope and Charity Vineyards

Heller Highwater Band Heller Highwater Band rocking the Vineyard with R ‘n’ B, and rock dance covers. Enjoy great music and wine at this beautiful venue in Terrebonne. 5-8pm.

Legend Cider Company The Jugulars The group plays multiple genres of everyone’s favorite songs from the ‘70s through contemporary. Put on your dancing shoes and join! 6-9pm.

Northside Bar & Grill The Substitutes An amazing night of modern and classic rock. 8-11pm. Free.

Hailing from the North Carolina countryside, 6-piece rock group, Big Something, has steadily become one of the most unique and exciting rock bands to emerge from the Southeast. Catch the show on Thu., Mar. 14, 7pm at Volcanic Theatre Pub.

Courtesy Big Something Facebook

On Tap Eric Kallio Live music with Eric Kallio, free and welcome to all ages. 6-8pm. Free.

Pine Forest Grange Hall Bend Community Contra Dance “Trees are for Hugging,” an excellent local Traditional Old-Time band will set toes to dancing while Ron Bell-Roemer and David Stewart will team up to do the calling to lead you through the dances. 6:45-9:30pm. $10.

River’s Place Saturday Jazz Sessions Elise Franklin Trio plays jazz standards with vocals. 6-8pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Jeshua Marshall and The Flood Tour Kick Off Party Feat. Dead Nettle, Chiggi Momo and Vida Jeshua Marshall and The Flood never cease to deliver an energy drenched fun and eclectic mix of generes in one show. 7-11pm. $12.

The Barrel Room at Immersion Brewing Blackout Techno Night A late night techno night. All black dress code. 21+ 9-10pm. $10.

The Oxford Hotel Dear Amy Band at Jazz at the Oxford Truly one of the hottest bands to come out of LA, they sell out everything they do and epitomize the experience of the late great Amy Winehouse. 5-7pm and 8-10pm. $102.

The Round Butte Inn Chasin’ Bandits The former Whiskey Bandits are back together playing a honky tonk-style of party music. The RBI offers a great menu and dance floor. 7-10pm.

Volcanic Theatre Pub Toubab Krewe Parallel 44 Presents Toubab Krewe live in Bend at Volcanic Theatre. Doors 7pm. Show 8pm. All ages welcome. 7-11:30pm. $20.

10 Sunday

The Astro Lounge Local Artist Spotlight

Sundays This is a chance to listen to Central Oregon’s newest and upcoming local artists. Support local top notch talent! 7-9pm. 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. Presented by Tease Bang Boom Productions. 7-8:30pm. Free.

The Bend Wine Bar & Winery Tasting

Room Bottles and Boards - Game Night Pair a bottle of wine with a selection of charcuterie boards and get $5 off whites or $10 off reds. Fun times and great wines! Cheers! 2-9pm. Free.

Worthy Brewing Head Games Trivia Night Head Games multi-media trivia is at Worthy Brewing Co. in Bend every Monday. Win prizes. Teams up to six. 7-9pm. Free.

12 Tuesday

The Cellar-A Porter Brewing Company

She’s Speaking Live - A Concert

Celebrating Women Songwriters

Eight phenomenal Oregon women songwriters take the stage for a night of songs by women, about women, for everyone. March 10, 7:30-10pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-317-0700. info@towertheatre.org. $21 - $41 (plus $4 Historic Preservation fee).

Watkins Glen March 7, 7pm. Open Space, 220 NE Lafayette, Bend. $15-$20.

Way Back Whensdays - Live vendors and vintage shopping "Tiny Desk" performance put on by a rotation of local musicians. Ten percent of all sales go to the performers! First Wednesday of every month, 6-9pm. Through Dec. 4. Revival Vintage, 1824 NE Division St, Bend. Contact: 503-702-3552. shastabrook@gmail.com. Free.

DANCE

The Commons Cafe & Taproom Trivia

Night Sunday Funday Trivia with Sean. Gather your team, or roll solo and find a spot early in the cafe, knowledge tests begin at 6pm. Prizes for 1st and 2nd place. Free. 6-8pm. Free.

Corey’s Bar & Grill Karaoke Sing your heart out at Corey’s! Grab friends and drinks for some Coreyoke. 9pm-Midnight. Free.

The Domino Room Comedian Rodney

Norman His videos have garnered millions of views worldwide and his style, or lack thereof, is catching on. Honest and unassuming, his humor catches you off guard and leaves you laughing days later. 8-11pm. $20.

River’s Place Sidney Joseph Rock and soul infused with the blues. 5-7pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Open Mic at the Moon

Get a taste of the big time! Sign-up is at 4pm! Come check out the biggest and baddest open mic night in Bend! 5-8pm. Free.

11 Monday

Bevel Craft Brewing Bingo with Bren Supporting a new local charity each month! $2 per bingo card, 50% goes to the charity and 50% goes to cash prizes every round! Visit bevelbeer. com to view all the beneficiaries supported this year! 6-8pm.

Bridge 99 Brewery Trivia Mondays Brews, ciders, mixed drinks, pizzas and food truck options. Indoor and outdoor seating. 6-8pm. Free.

Elements Public House Open Mic with DMM Music Musician sign up at 6pm. Sound and PA provided by DMM Music LLC Located at the North end of Redmond. An award-winning full bar and great food! 6:30-9:30pm. No Cover Charge.

Elixir Wine Locals Music Night and Open Mic All genres welcome. Oregon and international wine, beer and tapas menu available all evening. 6-9pm. Free.

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 Domino Room The Record Company, Sarah Rogo Grammy-nominated rock band will take the stage at the Domino Room for a night of amp-blarin’ rock ‘n’ roll. 8pm.

Greg’s Grill The Harris Blake Band “Playing songs people know” Listen to the soulful sounds of the Harris Blake Band. 6-8pm. Free.

Northside Bar & Grill Karaoke with DJ Chris Ossig Karaoke with DJ Chris. 7-9pm. Free.

Open Space Event Studios Improv Class at Bend Institute of Comedy Improve all your relationships through better listening, strengthen your focus and decision-making skills, lower your social anxiety and become your full powerful self! Have a blast doing it! 6:30-9pm. $250.

The Lot Think Wild Trivia at The Lot Join Think Wild for a monthly Trivia Nights at The Lot on 745 NW Columbia Street! Excellent raffle prizes, tickets can be purchased with cash or via Venmo. Second Tuesday of every month, 6-8pm.

Volcanic Theatre Pub The Thing The Thing started playing shows and creating a buzz around New York City in the Winter of 2022. Shortly after, the band embarked on small tours up and down the east coast. 7-11:30pm. $18.

Worthy Beers & Burgers Head Games

Trivia Night Join for live multi-media trivia every Tuesday night. Win prizes. Teams up to 6 players. 7-9pm. Free.

MUSIC

Cascade Chorale Presents A Concert of “Serenity” to Welcome Spring

The Chorale invites the audience to a musical conversation about hope, reassurance and a recognition that ultimately, everything is going to be ok. March 9, 7pm and March 10, 3pm. Nativity Lutheran Church, 60850 Brosterhouse Road, Bend. Contact: 541-419-5227. jwknox@cocc. edu. Free.

Bachata: The Forbidden Dance Must know the basics. Four-week series $60/person. No partner needed. Call/text to register. Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30pm. . Bend Dance, SW Porcupine Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-410-0048. salsavictoria@yahoo.com. $60.

Line Dance Lessons All ages, all skill levels welcome, no charge. March 12, 7-8pm. Blacksmith Public House, 308 SW Evergreen Ave., Redmond. Contact: 541-604-8878.

Soul in Motion Movement & Dance Wednesdays, 6-7:15pm. Continuum, A School of Shadow Yoga, 155 SW Century Drive, Suite 112, Bend. Contact: 541-948-7015. soulinmotionbend@gmail.com. $20.

Soulful Sunday Community Dance Sunday is a perfect time to step on to the dance floor. $20 if registered online, $25 drop in. Pay what you can. Sundays, 10-11:30am. Through June 17. Continuum, A School of Shadow Yoga, 155 SW Century Drive, Suite 112, Bend. Contact: 541-948-7015. soulinmotionbend@gmail.com.

FILM EVENTS

Exhibition on Screen: Painting the Modern Garden - Monet to Matisse The works of Monet, Van Gogh, Pissarro, Matisse and Sargent all feature in this major 2016 exhibition Painting the Modern Garden from The Royal Academy, London. March 12, 7:15-8:45pm. Sisters Movie House, 720 Desperado Court, Sisters. Contact: 541549-8833. inquiries@sistersmoviehouse.com. $16.

The Psychedelic Mindscape: Film and panel discussion Come learn about psilocybin and the truth about its possible benefits! Suggested donation $25-35 March 7, 5:30-9pm. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 61980 Skyline Ranch Rd, Bend. Contact: 907-947-4025. hello@ victoriacoaches.com. $25-$35.

ARTS + CRAFTS

Natural Perfume Blending Class

Learn about notes, blending oils and tinctures, and go home with a new skill that you can use in future blending projects. March 10, 1:30-3:30pm. Faith, Hope and Charity Vineyards, 70450 NW Lower Valley Dr., Terrebonne. Contact: 541-5265075. tastingroom@fhcvineyards.com. $110.

World musician group Pimps of Joytime blends classic New Orleans funk with the eclectic sound of Bay Area alternative for a genre-blurring performance. Fri., Mar. 15, 7pm at Volcanic Theatre Pub.

Courtesy @pimpsofjoytime Instagram

GUNG HO

By Armando Borrego

A Look Ahead to Summer 2024: Musicians Descend on Bend

An update on some of the amazing concerts

Hayden Homes Amphitheater is offering in the upcoming months

With the recent rounds of snowfall, I’ve found myself daydreaming of spring and summer. Sure, there’ll be plenty of time for paddle boarding and biking when the dog days of summer come around, but there’s no better way to spend a summer night than by enjoying an amazing live concert. Luckily, from post-grunge and pop-rock, to oldies anthems and old-school guitar, Hayden Homes Amphitheater has an upcoming concert for everyone’s music taste. Here's what’s on tap for Bend’s biggest venue so far this summer.

Latin Rhythms with Gipsy Kings

Experience the mesmerizing sounds of the Latin-rhythm group Gipsy Kings. Revel in the passion and energy of this renowned group, known for vibrant performances that fuse traditional flamenco with pop and world music influences. Tickets are available now for a flamenco-filled night on Sunday, Aug. 4. $54.35-$419.40.

The Kinda Tour with LCD Soundsystem

LCD Soundsystem is renowned for its genre-blurring sound that seamlessly blends dance, punk and electronic elements. The Brooklyn-based group was founded in 2002 and performs Tuesday, May 14. Tickets are available for an epic night of pulsating beats and infectious energy as LCD Soundsystem takes the stage. $89.

Iconic Anthems with Third Eye Blind

Journey headfirst into '90s nostalgia with Third Eye Blind on the group’s latest tour. Tickets are now up for grabs to experience the band's classic chart-toppers, “Jumper,” and “How’s it Going to Be.” Get ready for a trip down memory lane as Third Eye Blind delivers a night of post-grunge hits on Friday, Jun. 14. Tickets starting at $62.95.

Energetic Rock with Cage the Elephant

With a dynamic stage presence and raw, energetic sound, Grammy-winning band Cage the Elephant is set to perform a night of high-energy hazerock. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, Mar. 8 at 10am. Witness the explosive live performance, featuring songs that seamlessly blend alternative, garage and punk influences. Show is set for Monday., Jun. 24. $79.50.

Good Vibrations with The Beach Boys

There’s no group that screams “Summer” quite like 60’s rock outfit, The Beach Boys. Dive into timeless harmonies from the creators of Calisurf-rock on Saturday., Aug. 24. Tickets are now on sale to join the celebration of eternal summer. $67.20-$600.

Jamming with Dave Matthews Band

The Dave Matthews Band's signature mix of rock and world music influences is guaranteed to excite all listeners. Immerse yourself in the improvisational brilliance and soulful ballads that have come to define the Dave Matthews Band experience as the group descends on Bend on Tuesday, Aug. 27. $162.

There are so many more to choose from this summer — head to bendconcerts.com for a full list of upcoming concerts.

Ticketmaster

Ticketmaster

Dave Matthews Band Instagram

CALENDAR EVENTS

PRESENTATIONS + EXHIBITS

Golden Eagles: Insights into Ecology, Behavior and Conservation These lectures are offered in a combination of an in-person and online format. March 9, 7-8pm. Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory, 57245 River Rd., Sunriver, Sunriver. Contact: 541-5934394. Free.

THEATER+WORDS

Readers Theater Join the second Saturday morning a month and explore new, original and classical plays, drink coffee and get to know others in the local theatre community. 10am-Noon. Cascade Theatrical Company, 148 NW Greenwood, Bend. Contact: 541-389-0803. Free.Mar. 9

Tick, Tick...Boom! Containing 14 songs, 10 characters three actors and a rock band, “Tick, Tick... Boom!” takes you on playwright/composer Jonathan Larson’s journey that led to the Broadway blockbuster, “Rent.” Thursdays-Sundays, 7:30pm. Through March 30. The Greenhouse Cabaret, 1017 NE 2nd St., Bend. Contact: 541-699-2840. greenhousecabaret@gmail.com. $50-$75.

Author Event: “Ghosts of Saint-Pierre” at Dudley’s Bookshop Join Portland-based authors, Duane Poncy and Patricia J McLean for an author event on Sunday, March 10 from 2-3:30pm! Dudley’s Bookshop Cafe, 135 NW Minnesota Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-749-2010. dudleysbookshopcafe@gmail.com.

Raging Writers Writing Workshop & Open Mic Located every 2nd Sunday at Spork. Second Sunday of every month, 3:30-5:30pm. Spork, 937 NW Newport Ave., Bend. Contact: icooper435@gmail.com. Free.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer: Help Businesses Prosper!

Your experience and knowledge is valued by both new and existing businesses in the community. To apply, call 541-316-0662 or visit centraloregon.score.org/volunteer. Fri, Aug. 26 and Ongoing. Contact: 541-316-0662.

GROUPS + MEETUPS

Challenges and Opportunities for Agricultural Water Delivery Challenges and Opportunities for Agricultural Water Delivery. Speakers Phil Chang, Deschutes County Commissioner, Phil Fine, Deschutes River Conservancy, NUID Presentation, then Q and A. Free and open to the public March 7, Noon-1pm. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon, 61980 Skyline Ranch Road, Bend. Contact: 541-9319096. Free.

International Women’s Day Event Come meet Robin Chaurasiya, founder of Kranti, an India-based organization that empowers women from Mumbai’s red light areas to become agents of social change and freedom. March 8, 5pm. 20832 SE Sotra Loop, Bend.Free.

Central Oregon Winter PrideFest Since 2018, OUT Central Oregon has hosted Winter PrideFest to celebrate Pride, Inclusivity, and a combined love of the outdoors. Growing from 150 participants in 2018 to over 1,400 participants in 2023, Winter PrideFest offers a full weekend of fun and inspiring Winter events. Thu., March 7, Fri., March 8, Sat., March 9 and Sun., March 10. Ticket price varies. Old Mill District . 450 SW Powerhouse Dr., Bend.

Masculine Embodiment Nights Come as you are, leave more connected. A space to be seen. Please RSVP for head count and be punctual. $15-25 - No man turned away Tuesdays, 5:30-7pm. Sons of Norway Hall, 549 NW Harmon Blvd., Bend. Contact: 541-668-7518. adam.j.tutor@gmail.com.

Spring Break Camp In partnership with Upper Deschutes Watershed Council, kids in grades K-5 explore ecosystems through hikes, scientific studies and creative arts. Join on March 25-29 for hands-on learning and environmental stewardship. Each camper receives an official certificate and patch! Register at https://campcreate.campbrainregistration.com/

PFLAG Central Oregon Monthly

Meeting Each meeting discusses connection, education and support for LGBTQIAA friends and family. Second Tuesday of every month, 6:308pm. Nativity Lutheran Church, 60850 Brosterhous Road, Bend. Contact: pflagcentraloregon@ gmail.com. Free.

FUNDRAISING

Bend International School Mexico Trip

Fundraiser An evening of community and entertainment with student musicians. Sat., Mar. 9, 4-9pm. Open Space Event Studios, 220 NE Lafayette Ave, Bend. $10-$40 at the door.

Farm-to-Warm Springs Fund -

raiser Support of food security for the Warm Springs community. Admission includes a full tasting menu and one beverage. $45. March 7, 5-8pm. Aspen Hall, 18920 Northwest Shevlin Park Rd., Bend. Contact: 541-668-2443. aroundthebendfarmsinc@gmail.com.

Not’cho Grandma’s Bingo Bingo cards are $25 per person. Family friendly fundraising! $10 early entry. Sundays, 10am-Noon. Silver Moon Brewing, 24 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-639-1730. hello@younimovement.com. $10-$200.

FAMILY + KIDS

Cosmic Jump Night Wear white or bright clothing for the full effect, ages 12 and up recommended. Saturdays, 7-9pm. Mountain Air Trampoline Park, 20495 Murray Road, Bend. Contact: 541-647-1409. info@mountainairbend. com. $23.

BEER + DRINK

$16 Fish Taco and House Margarita

Fridays Join for 3 fish tacos and a house margarita for only $16 every Friday at Cascade Lakes Pub on Reed Market. Fridays, 11am-9pm.

Cascade Lakes Pub on Reed Market, 21175 SE Reed Market Road Lot #2, Bend.

Elevenses Tea Sip on some exquisite English teas while enjoying scrumptious pastries and savory bites. March 9, 11am-1pm. The Cellar-A Porter Brewing Company, 206 NW Oregon Ave. #2, Bend. Contact: 541-382-1645. avara@porterbrewingco.com. $30.

Pint Night with Pink Boots Society! Cheers to supporting women and non-binary individuals in the beer industry! March 8, 5-7pm.

Cascade Lakes Pub on Reed Market, 21175 SE Reed Market Road Lot #2, Bend.

Pray for Snow The Pray for Snow Pray kicks off at 5pm on Mar. 9, 5-10pm. 10 Barrel Brewing Co. Pub & Brewing Facility, 62950 NE 18th St., Bend.

Trappist Tuesdays Every Tuesday, honor these exceptional ales with a $1 off Belgian Bottle Beer Flights. 11:30am-9pm. Monkless Belgian Ales Brasserie, 803 SW Industrial Way, Bend. Contact: 541-797-6760.

Trivia and Wing Wednesday! 75-cent wing special and trivia every Wednesday night at JC’s! Winning team wins Happy Hour pricing for the week! Wednesdays, 7-9pm. Through April 24. JC’s Bar & Grill, 642 NW Franklin Ave., Bend. Free.

HEALTH + WELLNESS

All About Skin! Taking a Look at Acne, Eczema, Dermatitis and Psoriasis from an Holistic View Make DIY seaweed masks and an herb infused face oil. All materials will be provided. March 8, 6:30-8pm. The Peoples Apothecary, 1841 NE Division Street, Bend. Contact: 541-728-2368. classes@thepeoplesapothecary.net. $56.

Amba: Embodied Movement for Women Heal your nervous system, be less caught in thought loops, more grounded in your body and learn to deeply enjoy movement. Thursdays, 6pm. Through May 3. Hanai Center, 62430 Eagle Road, Bend. Contact: 541-668-6494. Hey@ ambamethod.com. $25.

Celebrating 50 Years of The Vance Stance! Spring Series: 3 classes (your choice of time!) for $50. Get to the root of pain: tightness, and standing behind the flow of gravity. Call to register and for information. Mondays-Sundays. Through May 2. The Vance Bonner Studio, 21173 Sunburst Court, Bend. Contact: 541-330-9070. vancebonner@juno.com. $50.

Introductory Aikido Class Includes instruction in dojo etiquette, history, ukemi (rolling), and basic techniques. Mondays-Wednesdays, 5:30-6:45pm. Oregon Ki Society, 20685 Carmen Loop, Suite 110, Bend. Contact: 541350-7887. cfhc@hotmail.com. Free.

Start Again Stronger Start again stronger by scheduling your 1-hour “Release The Pressure Session” Tuesday or Friday between 2-7pm. Tuesdays-Fridays, 2-7pm. Start Again Stronger, 1011 SW Emkay Dr UNIT 101, Bend. Contact: 518-3061190. nicole@startagainstronger.com. $175.

Yoga Nidra -”Sleep Yoga” Guided Meditation Come experience transformative rest! Bring a mat and anything to be comfortable laying down. March 8, 7-8:15pm. Bend Hot Yoga, 1230 NE 3rd St. UnitA230, Bend. Contact: yoga@ bendhotyoga.com. $20.

Soulful American singer/songwriter Karyn Ann uses her lyrics to craft narratives and explore universal human emotions. Enjoy the intimate fireside show on Thu., Mar. 21, at 6pm. The Suttle Lodge and Boathouse.

Courtesy @cbruyaphoto Instagram

CHOW

LITTLE BITES Shakshuka with Goat Cheese & Avocado Recipe

Great for any meal of the day

By Donna Britt

Shakshuka is a traditional North African dish that is also popular in the Middle East. The dish features eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, olive oil, peppers and onions spiced with cumin, paprika and cayenne pepper. It’s super simple to prepare and as good for lunch or dinner as it is for breakfast.

Shakshuka

Makes 4 to 6 servings

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• ½ yellow onion, thinly sliced

• ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 1 small pinch cayenne pepper

• Kosher salt & fresh ground black pepper, as desired

• 1 (28-ounce can) whole, plum tomatoes, coarsely chopped or crushed by hand

• 4 to 6 large eggs

• Crumbled feta cheese, for garnishing

• Chopped cilantro, for garnishing

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Heat olive oil in a medium to large cast iron skillet on medium heat. Add onions and peppers and lightly sauté until softened. Stir in garlic. Season with cumin, paprika, lemon juice, cayenne, salt and pepper. Add tomatoes and bring to a simmer.

Crack eggs in a side bowl one at a time and add one at a time to the top of the warm tomato sauce. Place skillet in oven for 10 to 15 minutes until egg white is cooked through but yolk remains runny. Remove from the oven and top with crumbled feta and chopped cilantro.

By Nicole Vulcan

Pinky G’s Pizzeria Opens on Third Street

The former Sergeant’s Cafe on Third Street is now officially a New York style pizzeria. Pinky G’s Pizzeria opened its doors Feb. 25, serving up whole pies and pizzas by the slice, as well as calzones, chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks, salads and more.

Fans of Guy Fieri’s “Diners, DriveIns and Dives” may recognize the brand, as it’s appeared three times on the Food Network show, said Bend Pinky G’s co-owner Adam Hoff. The first Pinky G’s opened in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, in 2011, Hoff said, on the ground floor of a historic theater building called the Pink Garter Theatre, hence the naming of the pizzeria as “Pinky G’s.”

Other locations include Big Sky, Montana, and Victor, Idaho. The former general manager of the Jackson Hole location, Hoff, and his wife Emily, moved to Bend in 2016, hoping to open a branch of the restaurant here, and to run it as owner-operators, along with partner and Pinky G’s founder Tom Fay. Eight years later, they’ve opened the pizzeria in the former cafe along Third Street, where the Hoffs, coincidentally, ate one of their first meals upon moving to Bend.

“We’ve tried to keep some of the same charm,” that Sergeant’s had, Hoff told the Source Weekly, while also updating and remodeling the space to accommodate a pizza joint.

On the menu, Hoff recommends the “Abe Froman,” named after a character in the 1986 film, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” who was the “Sausage King of Chicago.” The pizza features Italian sausage, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, and for a slight upcharge, a balsamic glaze.

“It’s the best $1.50 you can spend, in my opinion,” Hoff said.

Also recommended: the “Funky Chicken,” featuring basil walnut pesto, mozzarella, ricotta, roasted chicken, artichoke hearts and red onions, as well as the “Guy’s Pie,” named in honor of the guy who’s featured this place on three of his shows, and who helped design the pie. On that pizza, get mozzarella, ricotta, blue cheese crumbles, roasted chicken and pepperoni, topped with blue cheese dressing and Frank’s hot sauce. Sounds Fieri-licious.

Pinky G’s is open 11am to 9pm Wednesdays through Mondays, with plans to add Tuesdays in soon. Also look for later-night hours starting in summer, and the possibility of in-house delivery.

719 SE Third St., Bend Wed-Mon 11am-9pm pinkygs.com

Pinky G’s Pizzeria

Pinky G’s in Bend is the fourth location for the brand that began in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Photos courtesy Pinky G’s Pizzeria Facebook

CCULTURE

In Oregon we take Sasquatch (also known as Bigfoot) seriously. It’s one of the main legends associated with this state — so much so that when I travel and tell people I’m from Oregon, they ask if I’ve seen Bigfoot. I haven’t, but I also don’t spend that much time in the forest, to be honest. I’ve also never really given much thought to the legend of Sasquatch itself and what its real-life roots are in this region. The High Desert Museum also realizes that Oregon’s knowledge base on Sasquatch is limited, specifically through an Indigenous lens.

Sensing Sasquatch is an exhibit that will run at the High Desert Museum through Jan. 12, 2025, and shares the mythical creature’s relationship to the high desert through the lens of five indigenous artists: Phillip Cash Cash, Ph.D. (Nez Perce, Cayuse), HollyAnna CougarTracks DeCoteau Littlebull (Yakama, Nez Perce, Cayuse, Cree), Charlene “Tillie” Moody (Warm Springs), Frank Buffalo Hyde (Nez Perce, Onondaga) and Rocky LaRock (Salish).

High Desert Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw Ph.D. helps explain a little of the history of Sasquatch and the indigenous artists: “Since time immemorial, Native peoples of the High Desert region have encountered and told stories about Sasquatch,” says Whitelaw. “The exhibition is all through the voices of the artists, and they each have their own contribution to this exploration of Sasquatch’s importance. Artist HollyAnna CougarTracks, for instance, calls Sasquatch a protector of people and place. Artist Phillip Cash Cash shares that Sasquatch has agency and chooses when to appear to and interact with people.”

The Museum has always made bold choices when curating new exhibits and this one will be no different. Taking the mainstream view that culture has always had of Sasquatch and giving it some regional and historical context is not something that most people would have expected of the museum, but it’s brilliant to approach something that has been treated with such kitsch in the past with seriousness and respect.

“We like to explore these intersections of culture and art, people and landscape — they make for rich storytelling and unexpected experiences for visitors,” Whitelaw told the Source Weekly. “Centering an exhibition on Native art and knowledge about Sasquatch creates an engaging experience — we all have seen Bigfoot imagery on everything from coffee mugs to t-shirts. This is different,

Sasquatch Seriously

The High Desert Museum exhibits Sasquatch through the work of Indigenous artists

By Jared Rasic

and visitors will encounter new and unexpected ideas with the focus on Indigenous worldviews that will spark conversation and connection.”

The otters at the High Desert Museum are my happy place, so I don’t need an excuse to go there, ever, but with Sensing Sasquatch, the Andy Warhol Endangered Species exhibit and the traveling Timber Culture exhibit, I’m not sure there’s been a better time to check out the museum…especially for non-otter obsessives like myself.

“The High Desert Museum shares the stories of the High Desert region by weaving together art, cultures, history and the natural world,” explains Whitelaw. “We create immersive experiences that evoke wonder and engage visitors of all ages. We do so through indoor and outdoor permanent and changing exhibitions, ranging from Andy Warhol artwork to Indigenous knowledge and voices. We also care for more than 120 animals, from fish to porcupines, who serve as ambassadors for their species that educate visitors about the High Desert landscape.”

Also expect Sensing Sasquatch to attract all your, ahem, senses, as it’s also a multimedia exhibit. “Sensing Sasquatch” engages the senses,” says Whitelaw. “Video and projections are layered into the gallery, as are sounds and even smell — an olfactory station invites visitors to transport themselves into place with a few sniffs. The exhibition is truly an immersive experience.”

Seeing Sasquatch through an indigenous lens is just one more reason why we’re lucky in Central Oregon to have the High Desert Museum. It’s one of the first places I visited when I moved here almost 25 years ago, and the thoughtfulness of the curation has never let me down in any of my visits. The staff cares about educating people about this region, and helped teach me the importance of being an Oregonian. Sasquatch is waiting; go check it out.

High Desert Museum 59800 HWY 97, Bend 541-382-4754

Open Daily 9am-5pm Exhibit runs through Jan. 12, 2025

Photos by Bill Jorgen

Art, culture, history and Sasquatch collide at the High Desert Museum as guests of all ages take in a wide assortment of exhibits.

SC Fear is the Mind Killer

SCREEN

“Dune: Part II” is a work of epic scope and imagination

By Jared Rasic

Look, Frank Herbert’s “Dune” was such a large part of growing up for me that I was always going to be obsessed with any cinematic attempt to capture the weird desert magic onscreen. While there have been many terrible adaptations of books that I love (the “Golden Compass” and “Dark Tower” movies come to mind), none of them negatively impact the source material in any way.

Luckily filmmaker Denis Villeneuve is fearless enough to latch onto properties millions of people love and then play with them brilliantly in his directorial sandbox. After making a sequel to what is inarguably one of the most influential scifi movies ever made with the underrated and underseen “Blade Runner 2049” and then diving right into an adaptation of the (widely considered unfilmable) “Dune” shows that Villeneuve is either a visionary or a crazy person.

When “Dune: Part I” was released in 2021, there was no guarantee that we would ever get “Part II.” I’m not sure what the dollar amount the first part had to make for Villeneuve to get the green light for the next part, but he obviously reached it, which is great considering “Part II” isn’t a sequel, but very much the second half of a single movie.

“Dune: Parts I & II” mostly faithfully adapt Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel of the same name, while if “Part II” makes enough money, Villeneuve wants to then adapt 1969’s “Dune: Messiah.” Let me just say really quick: “Messiah” is one hell of a novel, so if you want to see Villeneuve get very trippy and let completely loose with some bonkers visuals, that’s where it will happen.

I know a few people who were completely underwhelmed by “Part I,” but then completely spellbound by “Part

II,” so your sandworm mileage may vary. The adventures of Paul “Muad’Dib” Atreides, his mother Lady Jessica, his Fremen lady friend Chani and his BFF Gurney as they participate in a galaxy-spanning holy war aren’t for everyone, but those who like some moral ambiguity with their space operas will have fun here.

My biggest issue with the first “Dune” was actually its star Timothee Chalamet. I don’t think he’s remotely a bad actor, but his range is very specific and his charisma serves that specificity. Paul Atreides has an otherworldly presence that I’m not sure Chalamet possesses, but he honestly does a much better job in “Part II” conveying the darker path he must go down. I’m still not sure the perfect actor has been cast to play Paul yet, but I respect Chalamet’s work in “Part II” enough to not have him subtract from the film.

Honestly, it’s Zendaya who brings more to the Fremen Chani than I thought possible, and Rebecca Fergusen, whose Lady Jessica hits those otherworldly and ethereal notes with ease. They find all of the emotional beats throughout the story and give “Dune: Part II” its soul. Austin Butler also does the greatest Stellan Skarsgård impression I’ve ever heard. It’s amazing.

Villeneuve truly is a visionary. The desert world of Arrakis, the brutalism of Harkonnen architecture on Giedi Prime, the ships, the space travel… all of it is so specific and well-developed that for the first time, “Dune” feels grounded in reality — something I never thought was possible. The scale of this story is unmatched by most (the novel is what inspired Lucas to make “Star Wars”) and Villeneuve, along with Hans Zimmer’s soaring score, Greig Fraser’s

transportive cinematography and the best sound design I’ve heard since the first film, has succeeded in making something truly epic.

My biggest complaint is that I know it could be weirder. I don’t necessarily know that “Dune” needs to be grounded in reality. As flawed as David Lynch’s “Dune” was and as impossible to make as Jodorowski’s “Dune” turned out to be, they both attempted to tell Herbert’s story in a way that was so alien that our own visual vocabulary had nothing Earthly with which to compare them.

The original “Dune” is an inversion of the white savior narrative and a deeply cynical look at the possible poison fundamentalist religion can contain. “Dune: Messiah” and “Children of Dune” are much crazier, sci-fi fantasy books, so if Villeneuve gets a chance to attack the material, I hope he goes brazenly batshit.

See this on the biggest and loudest screen possible. I saw it in IMAX and the score and sound design rattled my eyes in their sockets. Also, make sure to watch “Part I” first, or else you’ll have no idea what’s going on, as this really is just the second half of that movie. “Dune: Part II” will absolutely transport you to another galaxy if you’re on its particular wavelength, and even if you’re not that into sci-fi, is a pretty spectacular place to visit.

“Dune: Part II”

Timothee Chalamet wanders the desert in “Dune: Part II.”

Courtesy of Warner

GO HERE

By Armando Borrego

Central Oregon’s Winter PrideFest is Here!

A conversation with organizers ahead of the largest Winter PrideFest in Central Oregon

The upcoming Central Oregon Winter PrideFest promises an unforgettable blend of entertainment, outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, uniting the community in a celebration of diversity and inclusion.

“This is the sixth year we’ll be having it,” OUT Central Oregon Board President Brayan Gonzalez explained. “It’s four days of indoor/outdoor events and is a huge point of visibility for the community and in winter sports.”

Similar to traditional summer Pride events, this Winter PrideFest strives to provide an inclusive and welcoming eniviroment for all members of the LGTBQ+ community and its allies.

“For me, it's personal. Bend is my hometown, I grew up here and moved back to the area in 2019,” said Gonzalez. “Not only am I a person of color, I'm also a gay man who is living and working here in Bend and I want the community to be better here than when I was growing up.” In addition to his duties as board president, Gonzalez also works full time as a teacher in the Bend-La Pine Schools District. “I work with students who are impacted every day by what happens in our society,” he said. “Now that I’m an adult back in my community and I’m in a place where I can effect some sort of change, I’m trying to do that.”

Winter PrideFest boasts an array of experiences that reflect the vibrant and diverse spirit of the Central Oregon LGBTQIA+ community. Kick off the festivities on Thursday, Mar. 7,

with the Welcoming 'Snocial,' an eve ning of mingling and connection in the heart of the Old Mill District. The highlight of the night includes a rivet ing drag performance by the renowned RuPaul’s Drag Race star, Willam.

After that, prepare for a night of unapologetic and side-splitting com edy with Dana Goldberg, one of the top LGBTQ comedians in the coun try. Joined by Oregon's Sarah Levy and Logan Escobar, this event at the Mid town Ballroom promises laughter and entertainment.

Over the weekend, the commu nity can keep the energy and advo cacy going with a lodge party at the West Village Lodge on Mt. Bachelor. PrideFest also offers multiple affiliat ed events simultaneously at Campfire Hotel. “We have amazing partner ships with Mt. Bachelor, Campfire Hotel, Waypoint Hotel and the Old Mill District,” Gonzalez boasted. “It's this full-circle moment for the organi zation, because every dollar we raise goes back into the community one way or another.”

Central Oregon Winter PrideFest

2024

Thu.-Sun., Mar. 7-10

Old Mill District, Mt. Bachelor and various locations

Winterpridefestcentraloregon.com

Ticket Prices Vary

The attendees from a past event smile their approval.

CRAFT

Boxwood Kitchen Becomes Mill Works Pub

Name and menu change for Old Mill eatery

By Nicole Vulcan

An Old Mill District restaurant is now a pub. After a short closure and a rebrand, the space formerly known as Boxwood Kitchen recently opened under the name Mill Works Pub. Boxwood closed in late January to undergo a rebrand and redesign. The space reopened March 4, with a new look, more beer taps and a focus on the history and culture of the Old Mill — once the site of two lumber mills that drove Bend’s economy for decades.

“The Old Mill has a really rich and interesting history,” owner Riane Rud told the Source Weekly. “We've had a lot of fun leaning into that, incorporating the old (historic photos from the mill on a large gallery wall, old rusty lumber saws) with the new (expansive mural by Chalked Creative which celebrates Bend's beer culture + iconic points of interest) creating a vibrant yet nostalgic ambiance.”

Among the menu standouts, Rud recommends the Porchetta and OpenFaced Prime Rib sammies, the Baja Fish Tacos, the Hot Spinach & Artichoke Dip and the Cobb Salad.

“We're really excited about Mill Works Pub, and we hope the community embraces our chef-driven take on the

Bend Pub experience with elevated pub fare, local beer, craft cocktails & mocktails with fresh juices, and several regional wines,” Rud wrote in an email.

Currently on tap at Mill Works Pub are a number of Oregon favorites, including taps from pFreim Family Brewers, Barley Brown’s Beer, Double Mountain Brewery and Tumalo Cider Company. There’s also a full bar and a list of specialty cocktails. Going with a theme, I opted for the Irish Goodbye, the pub’s take on a Manhattan featuring Irish whiskey, sweet vermouth, bitters and Grand Marnier, and a plate of

Throughout opening week, Mill Works Pub is also offering a $10 burger special — though, word of warning, it sells out fast.

Mill Works Pub is open from 11am to 9pm daily.

Mill Works Pub

Corned Beef Pretzel Sliders, rich with salty goodness from the corned beef, and paired nicely with a yellow mustard — great pub fare.

The space underwent a redesign, including the addition of a new mural by Bend resident Kristin Buwalda of Chalked Creative.

Corned Beef Pretzel Sliders from Mill Works Pub, with an Irish Goodbye to wash it down.

Photos by Nicole Vulcan

fresheners fortified with vitamin B?

35.  Sweetie

36.  Get better over time

37.  Talk one's ear off

40.  "Geometry problem about a circle's width? Gimme!"?

44.  Rather stylish

46.  Center of Dallas?

47.  It ends in the abdomen

48.  Stored

50.  Company logo

51.  Phrase showing full support, and an alternate title for this puzzle

55.  Huge mouth

56.  Play space?

57.  Metaphorical desire

61.  Military sch. with the motto "Ex Scientia Tridens"

62.  Takes off the job

63.  Gutter's location

64.  Part of a hammer

65.  In need of a massage, say

66.  Austin music festival

By Brendan Emmett Quigley

Puzzle for the week of March 4, 2024

Difficulty Level:

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

The

exactly once.

DOWN

1.  Hit with a taser

2.  Tours agreement

3.  Mined-over matter

4.  Sicilian wine

5.  Tool in a shop

6.  Greek cream

7.  Boygenius, e.g.

8.  Effrontery

9.  Jump at a half pipe

10.  Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes, for two

11.  Oil-rich peninsula

12.  "We've got plenty of time"

13.  ___ burger

21.  Chowder chunk

22.  Too many

23.  Sum thing?

24.  Número de lados en una señal de alto

25.  Harness part.

28.  "The Boy and the Heron" genre

29.  Urge on

30.  What losers go on

33.  Vehicle for seniors?: Abbr.

34.  Tokyo-to-Sapporo dir.

37.  Birth announcement word

38.  Money on the table

39.  Huge smile

40.  Suds holder in the kitchen

41.  Cold drink brand

42.  Oscar-winner Malek

43.  Family connections?

44.  Lacking grace

45.  Showing sympathy

48.  Ask for cash

49.  Raw writing

50.  Remove all trace from

52.  Presque Isle State Park lake

53.  Plant in a cubicle

54.  Snake eyes numbers

58.  Luxury ___ (Monopoly square)

59.  Walgreens rival

60.  Chop (down)

“The

ANSWER TO LAST WEEK'S PUZZLES

The highlighted letters read left to right and top to bottom will “The hour I lost today was the hour I was planning on - Unknown author

for the week of February 26, 2024

Answer for the week of February 26, 2024

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ASTROLOGY

By Rob Brezsny

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): I invite you to entertain the following theory: Certain environments, companions, and influences enhance your intelligence, health, and ability to love—while others either do the opposite or have a neutral effect. If that’s true, it makes good sense for you to put yourself in the presence of environments, companions, and influences that enhance you. The coming weeks will be an excellent time to test this theory. I hope you will do extensive research and then initiate changes that implement your findings.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): "Everyone has talent. What is rare is the courage to follow talent to the dark place where it leads." So wrote Aries author Erica Jong. Is that true? Is it hard to access the fullness of our talents? Must we summon rare courage and explore dark places? Sometimes, yes. To overcome obstacles that interfere with ripening our talents, there may be tough work to do. I suspect the coming weeks and months will be one of those phases for you, Aries. But here’s the good news: I predict you will succeed.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In October 1879, Thomas Edison and his research team produced the first electric light bulb that was viable enough to be of practical use. In September 1882, Edison opened the first power plant on the planet, enabling people to light their homes with the new invention. That was a revolutionary advance in a very short time. Dear Taurus, the innovations you have been making and I hope will continue to make are not as monumental as Edison’s. But I suspect they rank high among the best and brightest in your personal life history. Don’t slack off now. There’s more work to be done—interesting, exciting work!

on this guidance right now, Virgo. Why? Because I believe you are in urgent need of re-dedicating yourself to your heart's desire. You have a sacred duty to intensify your imagination and deepen your willpower as you define what kind of love and tenderness and togetherness you want most.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Author Adam Alter writes, "Perfect success is boring and uninspiring, and abject failure is exhausting and demoralizing. Somewhere between these extremes is a sweet spot that maximizes long-term progress." And what is the magic formula? Alter says it's when you make mistakes an average of 16 percent of the time and are successful 84 percent. Mistakes can be good because they help you learn and grow. Judging from your current astrological omens, Libra, I'm guessing you're in a phase when your mistake rate is higher than usual—about 30 percent. (Though you’re still 70 percent successful!) That means you are experiencing expanded opportunities to learn all you can from studying what doesn't work well. (Adam Alter’s book is Anatomy of a Breakthrough: How to Get Unstuck When It Matters Most.)

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): I watched as the Thai snake charmer kissed a poisonous cobra, taming the beast's danger with her dancing hands. I beheld the paramedic dangle precariously from a helicopter to snag the woman and child stranded on a rooftop during a flood. And in my dream, I witnessed three of my Gemini friends singing a dragon to sleep, enabling them to ramble freely across the bridge the creature had previously forbidden them to traverse.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): The horoscopes you are reading have been syndicated in publications all over the world: the US, Italy, France, Japan, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Netherlands, Russia, Cambodia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Venezuela, Ireland, and Finland. Yet it has never appeared in a publication in the UK, where there are over 52 million people whose first language is English—the same as mine. But I predict that will change in the coming months: I bet a British newspaper or website will finally print Free Will Astrology. I prophesy comparable expansions in your life, too, fellow Cancerian. What new audiences or influences or communities do you want to be part of? Make it happen!

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Author Jean-Dominique Bauby wrote, "Today it seems to me that my whole life was nothing but a string of small near misses." If you have endured anything resembling that frustration, Leo, I have good news: The coming months won’t bring you a string of small near misses. Indeed, the number of small near misses will be very few, maybe even zero. Instead, I predict you will gather an array of big, satisfying completions. Life will honor you with bull’s eyes, direct hits, and master strokes. Here’s the best way you can respond to your good fortune and ensure the arrival of even more good fortune: Share your wealth!

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Virgo advice expert

Cheryl Strayed wrote some rather pushy directions I will borrow and use for your horoscope. She and I say, "You will never have my permission to close yourself off to love and give up. Never. You must do everything you can to get what you want and need, to find ‘that type of love.’ It’s there for you." I especially want you to hear and meditate

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Sometimes you Scorpios are indeed secretive, as traditional astrologers assert. You understand that knowledge is power, and you build your potency by gathering information other people don’t have the savvy or resources to access. But it’s also true that you may appear to be secretive when in fact you have simply perceived and intuited more than everyone else wants to know. They might be overwhelmed by the deep, rich intelligence you have acquired—and would actually prefer to be ignorant of it. So you’re basically hiding stuff they want you to hide. Anyway, Scorpio, I suspect now is a time when you are loading up even more than usual with juicy gossip, inside scoops, tantalizing mysteries, taboo news, and practical wisdom that few others would be capable of managing. Please use your superpowers with kindness and wisdom.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Here's a little-known fact about me: I am the priest, wizard, rabbi, and pope of Parish #31025 in the Universal Life Church. One of my privileges in this role is to perform legal marriages. It has been a few years since I presided over anyone’s wedding, but I am coming out of semi-retirement to consecrate an unprecedented union. It’s between two aspects of yourself that have not been blended but should be blended. Do you know what I’m referring to? Before you read further, please identify these two aspects. Ready? I now pronounce you husband and wife, or husband and husband, or wife and wife, or spouse and spouse—or whatever you want to be pronounced.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “You don’t have to suffer to be a poet,” said poet John Ciardi. “Adolescence is enough suffering for anyone.” I will add that adolescence is enough suffering for everyone, even if they’re not a poet. For most of us, our teenage years brought us streams of angst, self-doubt, confusion, and fear—sufficient to last a lifetime. That's the bad news, Capricorn. The good news is that the coming months will be one of the best times ever for you to heal the wounds left over from your adolescence. You may not be able to get a total cure, but 65 percent is very possible. Seventy-five percent isn't out of the question. Get started!

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): A psychic once predicted that I would win a Grammy award for my music. She said my dad and mom would be in the audience, smiling proudly. Well, my dad died four years ago, and I haven’t produced a new album of songs for over ten years. So that Grammy prophecy is looking less and less likely. I should probably give up hope that it will come to pass. What about you, Aquarius? Is there any dream or fantasy you should consider abandoning? The coming weeks would be a good time to do so. It could open your mind and heart to a bright future possibility now hovering on the horizon.

Homework: What’s one way you wish you were different from who you are? Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com

AWAKENING YOUR INNER HERO A COLUMN

TO HELP LOCALS LIVE A KINDER AND MORE COURAGEOUS LIFE

By Burt Gershater

How to “Make” Love

Iapologize from the very beginning if you began reading today’s message because you thought it was going to provide some enlightenment about the art of sexual love-making.

But hopefully today’s message will be one of the most life-impacting you’ve ever read on this eternally compelling topic.

I never was comfortable with these common words for a sexual interaction—making love. It’s a joke. And I wish it wasn’t a joke, and I wish more of our sexual interactions were about making love than I believe they are. I am a 77-year-old fellow with considerably fewer sexual hormones than many of my dear younger readers, but hopefully my ever-decreasing hormones come along with some valuable elder perspectives.

Let’s start with some definitions of love. What is it? We say the word love a lot, but what does it mean? Can we even define it?

According to one of the dictionaries I looked at:

“Love is an intense feeling of deep affection.”

I think that’s a very shallow perspective on the topic of love.

The Urban Dictionary defines love as:

“The act of caring and giving to someone else. Having someone's best interest and well-being as a priority in your life. To truly love is a very selfless act.”

I love this one!

In the Old Testament, it is stated that:

“Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered and it keeps no record of right or wrongs.”

Beautiful!

This commonly used word has many definitions. All the way from a deep feeling inside of me, to how I choose to treat you.

Me? You?

You? Me?

Is love how you make me feel or is it how I do my best to help you feel loved? Can it be both? Is love just a heavenly feeling or is love a choice we can make every day?

And let’s not forget to define our word “make.”

The title of this message is HOW TO MAKE LOVE. My favorite definition of make is: “To create or to make something come about.”

You and I can actually “Make” Love. Think about it. We can be love makers. We already are. When we wake up in the morning, we can make it. When we go to the grocery store, we can make it. Even when we feel lousy, we can still make it. Maybe not quite as good as when we feel great, but we can still make it. “Make” is as important as “Love” in this title. Maybe even more important.

If we can “Make” Love, can anyone ever take it away from us? Can there ever be a limited amount to go around? Or can we keep creating more love when we want it or need it? We are love chefs.

I am about to ask you three key questions required to dedicate yourself to this challenging Love Maker pathway. After each question, I will intuitively give our answer.

Q: Would you like to be a serious Love Maker in your lifetime?

A: Yes, of course I would.

Q: Are you already a Love Maker?

A: Yes, I am, some of the time.

Q: Would you like to become the best Love Maker you can be in this precious, time-limited lifetime of yours?

A: Hmmm. That’s a big one, but yes, I absolutely would. Never thought of it quite that way before.

How did I do?

We are in. We do want to be the best Love Makers we can be in this lifetime. This is very exciting. I just have a few guidelines to get us to vigilantly stay on our pathway.

First, let’s remind ourselves, every day, that we have pledged to be the best Love Makers we can be. Upon waking and before closing our eyes at night would be good times. Anytime in between would help, too. Every single day, for the rest of our lives.

Second, choosing to “Make” Love may be the most important decision in our lives. It is a challenging and rewarding pathway. Maybe the most challenging and the most rewarding pathway we can ever choose.

Love on!

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

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By James Keane Broker RE/MAX Key Properties

Buying a home is a thrilling milestone in life, representing independence, stability and a place to call your own. However, amid the excitement of house hunting and envisioning your dream space, it's crucial to understand the financial landscape that accompanies it. Beyond the actual price, prospective homebuyers must grapple with myriad upfront and/or out-of-pocket costs.

First and foremost, the down payment looms large as a substantial upfront cost. People often talk about putting down 20% to avoid private mortgage insurance as well as obtain better loan terms. For many first-time homebuyers, scraping together such a sizable sum can feel overwhelming, necessitating careful budgeting and potentially exploring options through government-backed programs or down payment assistance programs. I am including earnest money in the “down payment” category, as once the earnest money is deposited with escrow it is essentially part of the down payment, unless the transaction is canceled, in which case the contract itself specifies how the earnest money funds shall be returned.

Closing costs represent another significant out-of-pocket expense. Typically, in the state of Oregon, unless specified in the contract, the buyers and sellers pay for their own closing costs. These fees include title insurance, administrative costs and property taxes as well as escrow accounts. Closing costs typically amount to 2%-5% of the purchase price. The exact figure can vary based on location, time of the year and month closing occurs, as well as

lender requirements. Be aware of these expenses and have the needed funds to avoid last-minute financial strain.

Also consider the costs associated with obtaining a mortgage, including loan origination fees, application fees and credit report fees. While these may seem nominal, they can add up quickly, further increasing the financial burden.

Home inspections represent another expense that buyers should budget for when beginning to look into making a home purchase. While not typically required by lenders, home inspections provide invaluable insight into the condition of the property, identifying potential issues that may not be apparent during a walkthrough. From structural concerns to hidden defects, a thorough home inspection can save buyers thousands of dollars in unforeseen repairs down the line, which makes it money well spent. Typically, $400-$800 is common for inspections in Central Oregon, depending on the property.

While the prospect of homeownership is undoubtedly exciting, it’s essential for prospective buyers to enter the market with a clear understanding of the upfront and out-of-pocket costs involved. From the down payment, closing costs, mortgage fees and home inspections, purchasing a home demands careful financial planning and foresight. By budgeting diligently and accounting for these expenses upfront, buyers can navigate the homebuying process with confidence, ensuring their dream home remains within reach without breaking the bank.