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EDITOR’S NOTE:
While you’re lounging around eating — oh, I don’t know, turkey and stuffing or something — get in the holiday groove by letting this week’s Gift Guide give you some inspiration for local items found in local people’s closets. It's a fun “what I wear” feature to kick off the holiday shopping that will soon commence in earnest. Our Gift Guide coverage continues in the Craft section, where Brian Yaeger updates you on great beer-related items for the holiday gift-giving, and in Go Here, Savannah Mendoza introduces you to another fun holiday market coming soon to the local area. In Culture, Cassie Clemans has a roundup of books that the reader in your life can look forward to this season. There’s plenty more beyond our Gift Guide stories, too — so get reading and enjoy your holiday week!
LIGHTMETER:
“Full send! This is Finnegan’s world. We’re just spectators in it.”
Thank you so much @jensen4130 for tagging us in this iconic photo of Finnegan the goat exploring Smith Rock State Park.
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.
Courtesy @jensen4130 IG
OPINION
A Half-Connected Project on Hawthorne Avenue Undercuts the Vision of a United Central Bend
Don’t get us wrong: The vision for the Hawthorne Bridge is a good one. The design is beautiful, and it will be the conversation piece that city leaders hope it will be, when locals and visitors alike are going to and fro along Highway 97.
It will be a nice showpiece, but those of us who plan to actually use the new bridge and the new connectivity that it will create between downtown Bend, the Bend Central District and the east side have concerns — ultimate connectivity being chief among them.
When the bridge is built, people will be able to ride, walk or roll from downtown Bend into the newly revamped, up-and-coming area of the Bend Central District. There, they’ll soon find fun amenities like the new Dogwood-meets-Spoken Moto and the popular Portland-transplant wing place, Fire on the Mountain. As the area grows (and gentrifies), it may very well offer an increased level of connectivity with downtown that will better serve the people who live and visit there.
But that’s where the connectivity stops. If someone who lives on the east side wants to access this newly revamped part of town, they’ll start their journey into the Bend Central District by crossing Third Street — among the busiest streets in town — at a lighted crosswalk that’s hardly a pillar of safety. City leaders say there are some plans in the works to address this safety issue, but none of that is forthcoming any time soon, and it’s not part of the scope of work of the bridge project.
Those are the unfortunate optics: City leaders have gone out and secured grant funding to build a bridge to connect the west-side downtown with the BCD — a great vision for a growing city — but have stopped short on making true connectivity a reality for the many people who live and work on the east side of Bend. If you currently walk, ride or roll from the east side to the west, then you already know that the most
dangerous part of the route is not the crossing at Franklin Avenue, under the railroad tracks and Highway 97 — it’s crossing Third Street amid throngs of whizzing cars. To spend tens of millions on a bridge that dumps only into the BCD — where coincidentally, the City of Bend plans to build its own City Hall in the coming years — but to leave a safer crossing at Third Street unfunded and unplanned sends a very clear message: This is not actually about safety; nor is it about truly serving the lower-income, diverse population that lives in and around Third Street.
When city leaders sought funding for the Hawthorne Bridge, they applied for a federal grant aimed at better serving low-income people who currently live there. Census Tract 16, where the bridge is planned to go, currently has a large population of people living in poverty, as our Nov. 19 story detailed. That fact helped city leaders obtain the grant that will pay for the bridge.
Grant funding is nice and means that local taxpayers will be less burdened by the costs to build this bridge. But once it’s built, city leaders also expect some $250 million in private development to come into the area around the bridge. What will become of the many low-income people who currently call the area home? Gentrification may force many of them out.
In light of these facts, call us dubious about this project being about creating true connectivity for the people in the area. It appears it’s more about paving the way for developers to have a nice new avenue to access a historically underserved area.
We’d like to get on board with this bridge project. We want to believe in this vision of connectivity from downtown all the way to the east side. But the crossing at Third Street is a major thorn in the side of that ultimate vision. It needs to be planned for and solved sooner rather than later, so a true vision of connectivity can emerge.
SAVING GRACE/MARY’S PLACE
As a board member of Saving Grace, I proudly support all the domestic violence services that we offer to the Central Oregon community—but I specifically wanted to highlight the value of Mary’s Place and ensure that community members know about this program.
Mary’s Place offers supervised parenting time and safe exchanges for families coping with issues of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, stalking and/or child sexual abuse.
We are fortunate to have this national best practice model program available in Central Oregon, the only one of its kind east of the Cascades, as most regions across the nation don’t have a similar resource. In communities without a Mary’s Place, survivors must conduct exchanges in parking lots, church lobbies, or even at their own front steps, bringing them into immediate contact with the person who has harmed them and their children. Exchanges at Mary’s Place protect the safety of survivors by ensuring zero contact between parents with policies including separate parking lots, entrances, staggered arrival and departure times.
All services at Mary’s Place are provided by professional facilitators with a deep understanding of domestic violence and the risks to adult survivors and children post-separation. Supervised visits are offered in a child-friendly environment and promote positive and healing relationships between children and their visiting parents. Last year alone, Mary’s Place facilitated 1,136 safe exchanges and supervised visits. Access to safe parenting time post-separation is a critical need that Mary’s Place provides for Central Oregon’s at-risk families. For more information, please visit the Saving Grace website at saving-grace.org.
—Robin Meiners
HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY? Send your thoughts to editor@bendsource.com. Letters must be received by noon Friday for inclusion in the following week’s paper. Please limit letters to 250 words. Submission does not guarantee publication. Opinions printed here do not constitute an editorial endorsement of said opinions. Letter of the week receives $5 to Palate!
THE POLITICAL ROLLER COASTER
A prominent psychiatrist has labeled Donald Trump the epicenter of a mental health crisis that is contagious and spreading.
At first I believed that this applied only to the many people backing president-elect Trump but after the election I have realized that both sides of the political divide are equally involved. The affliction is an obsession with politics and political news.
There seems to be a daily stream of attention-grabbing political news. I call this the political roller coaster. The news stream goes round and round, up and down, up and down. Does this sound familiar?
The day after the election I decided to take a break from the roller coaster. I’ve glanced at headlines but I haven’t read or listened to political news since that day.
The roller coaster doesn’t care. It still goes round and round, up and down. But my mental health has improved significantly. It’s like those summer days when we’ve been breathing wildfire smoke for weeks and suddenly the wind direction changes and we get a day of really fresh air. I think you know what I mean.
So I invite everyone, from both sides, to take a break from the news cycle. Take a pause from talking politics with your friends. Take a mental health day, or week or month. The roller coaster will still be there, running round and round, if you decide to get back on. I’m hoping you don’t, at least for a while.
—Paul Miller
CONTRACEPTIVE EQUALITY
The New Yorker just provided an article entitled “Rushing to the Doctor Before Trump 2.0.” Basically it listed incredible statistics showing that orders
—Melinda Halpern MS, LPC PC
Letter of the Week:
Thanks for the reminder about these creative and useful holiday gifts, Melinda. Come on by for your gift card to Palate!
—Nicole
of the emergency contraceptive pill Restart have risen 9,600% in the week following the election. Planned Parenthood quoted nationwide appointments for IUDs increased 760% after 11/5, and birth control implants rose 350%. In 2016 after Trump’s election percentages also increased — but by 21% — planning and thinking women are well aware of what their futures might look like. And that’s fine. Any person of reproductive carrying ability knows at the end of the day that a baby could be living in their uterus, and if the timing is not right for them would impact their lives forever. What the article did not report was how men were preparing for changes in the reproductive world. I don’t have to go into a lecture of why this is, we are thinking people that KNOW why this is — unplanned pregnancies fall under the responsibility of the carrier, not the participant. But I also have to hope that there are men in this country who know that shouldn’t be the case. That understand they are 50% of the problem of an unplanned pregnancy, that hopefully will take their share of the responsibility to help. And I shouldn’t have to ask why they aren’t filling the carts on Amazon and Wisp for Plan B and other alternatives — but I am. This is a call to men to show they too can be proactive in preventing unplanned situations, that their support shouldn’t be “just” to their partners, but the responsibility they have to solve a solvable pregnancy that they caused. So in this time of holiday gifting, please think about a box of Plan B under your tree or your pile of Chanukkah gifts for your young man, and his friends! Equality isn’t just for women, it is also for the men to step into for reproductive responsibilities.
Vulcan
Lori Chavez-DeRemer Named Nominee for U.S. Labor Secretary
President-elect Donald Trump announced on Nov. 22 that he’s nominating Oregon Congresswoman Lori Chavez DeRemer (R-Ore.) for the United States Secretary of Labor. Chavez served as Oregon’s representative for Congressional District 5 and was the first person to hold the seat following a redrawing of the district in 2021. In November, she lost the seat to Democrat Janelle Bynum.
Gov. Kotek Calls Special Session on Wildfire
Costs
Gov. Tina Kotek announced Nov. 26 that she will call a special session of the Oregon Legislature to appropriate funds to pay for the historic 2024 wildfire season, which saw a record 1.9 million acres burned and cost more than $350 million.
According to a press release, over half of the costs will eventually be covered by disaster relief funds from the federal government, but the state needs to pay its bills by year's end. The governor is asking the Legislature to release a combined total of $218 million to the Oregon Department of Forestry and the state fire marshal to cover costs.
“The unprecedented 2024 wildfire season required all of us to work together to protect life, land, and property, and that spirit of cooperation must continue in order to meet our fiscal responsibilities,” said Gov. Kotek.
— Julianna LaFollette
65%
- The percentage of Deschutes County youth suicides (ages 10-17) who killed themselves using a firearm from 2000 to 2020.
The Push To Decrease Kids’ Access To Guns
One in five teenagers in Oregon say they can access a loaded handgun in under 24 hours. Amid rising deaths from gun violence, local advocacy groups and government agencies are working to change that.
By Jennifer Baires
On Monday, Oct. 21, a 12-year-old at Pilot Butte Middle School brought a loaded handgun to school. Police later said the child, “brought the gun to school with a plan to use it and had identified a list of targets” and the gun came from home. The child’s parent was cited for failing to secure the firearm – the first such citation issued by the Bend Police Department to a parent for their child getting ahold of their gun.
After the incident, Bend-La Pine Schools sent a district-wide newsletter about its safety measures and, at the top, provided a brief overview on the importance of safe firearm storage – reminding parents that gun cable locks could be obtained for free from Bend PD or the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.
But a recently formed gun safety advocacy group, Central Oregon Gun Safety Advocates, would like to see the district offer gun locks directly to families. Brandy Steelhammer, one of the founders of the group, said that though people can get locks from local law enforcement, some gun owners may hesitate to go to the police.
“I feel like the district has been really responsive in this moment after Pilot Butte,” Steelhammer said. “What we know is that the district didn't create gun violence problems. This is not the district's issue to solve, and unfortunately, they are the victims. Just like American children are the victims in this epidemic of gun violence.”
As a government entity and leader in the community, Steelhammer said she would like to see BLPS continue to educate families on the issue and have gun locks available at the district office and at select school events.
Resources for suicide prevention:
1. Calling the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
2. Texting a trained crisis helper at the Crisis Text Line. Text SAVE to 741741.
3. Calling the YouthLine at 1-877-968-8491.
4. An LGBTQ young people-specific line is available through the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386.
more likely those kids are hurting themselves,” Steelhammer said.
The data support her claims. Since 2020, gun violence – including suicide and homicide—has been the leading cause of death for young people across the nation. In Deschutes County, the numbers are a bit different. Unintentional injuries or accidents, mostly motor-vehicle-related accidents, is the leading cause of death, according to Bethany Kuschel, Deschutes County Suicide Prevention Program Coordinator. However, among 10-17 year-olds, death by suicide was responsible for 58% of deaths, according to the 2023 Deschutes County Suicide Trend Report, and 65% of those youth used a firearm to kill themselves. The suicide rate is startling, far outpacing the state suicide average for the same age group, 29%, and the national average of 19%. Experts say– like the child who brought a gun to Pilot Butte Middle School –children who use guns, usually get them from home or a close friend’s house.
“The Oregon Healthy School survey has data that says one in five Oregon 11th graders could access a loaded firearm within 24 hours, and we know that, that is from their homes or friends’ homes, because, of course, they can't be purchasing it,” Kuschel said.
requires photo ID, fingerprints, safety training, a criminal background check and a permit issued for the firearm purchase from local law enforcement. It also bans high-capacity magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds. However, the law was put on hold last year when a judge in Harney County ruled it violated the state’s constitutional guarantee of the right to own weapons for personal protection. The case is currently before a threejudge appeals panel in Salem.
Steelhammer said she is looking forward to stricter gun safety measures, and feels a similar pressing desire for change among the community following the incident at Pilot Butte Middle School.
“Relationships are built on genuine caring and engagement, not just a dollar.”
- Stewart Fritchman of Bellatazza Caffe, from this week’s Chow story, “Local Brew: Behind the Counter at Bellatazza Coffee,” on page 26.
After the close call at Pilot Butte Middle School, Steelhammer helped send a letter to the district acknowledging its quick action and asking staff and board members to continue talking about the importance of proper gun storage, in addition to making such messaging a district-wide policy. The letter, dated Oct. 30, was signed by over 100 community members, including healthcare professionals and local and state elected officials. In a continued effort, some group members plan to attend the next school board meeting.
“The onus is on gun owners and families that choose to have guns in their homes. If they're not locking those guns up securely, our children are finding those and not only to potentially hurt someone else, but
Children’s easy access to guns is a problem that Kuschel said the county is trying to address in partnership with organizations like the Central Oregon Suicide Prevention Alliance and the Central Oregon Secure Firearm Storage project.
At the state level, lawmakers are also looking at how they can tackle the issue and are considering legislation for the next legislative session.
“We’re starting to put together a package of gun safety measures and we’re having conversations about a variety of things from Measure 114 implementation to gun dealer licenses and regulations to what our safe storage laws should look like,” said Bend’s Rep. Jason Kropf (D-OR 54) Ballot Measure 114, passed in 2022,
“What we're seeing is an urgency in our community, of paying attention to gun violence prevention,” she said. “What can we do now on the preventative side? Because we've had some close calls.”
A representative for Bend-La Pine Schools said the Pilot Butte Middle School case is still under investigation. The 12-year-old was arrested that day on suspicion of attempted murder, first-degree attempted assault, disorderly conduct, and first-degree theft. Bend PD said the charges were passed to the district attorney’s office and the case remains open.
—This story is powered by the Lay It Out Foundation, the nonprofit with a mission of promoting deep reporting and investigative journalism in Central Oregon. Learn more and be part of this important work by visiting layitoutfoundation.org.
Courtesy Bend PD
Bend Proposes UGB Expansion Sites
The City of Bend is seeking feedback on two potential sites for its one-time UGB expansion
By Julianna LaFollette
ASenate Bill allowing an expedited expansion of urban growth boundaries for qualifying cities is moving closer to implementation in Bend. The Bend City Council presented two potential site options for consideration at a Nov. 20 meeting.
The sites considered for this UGB expansion, creating both affordable and market-rate housing, include Jasper Ridge, near the east side of Bend, and Caldera Ranch, located near the southeast part of town.
The two locations differ slightly in size and location, but both meet the requirements of the legislation allowing this expansion. In 2024, the Oregon Senate passed the Emergency Housing Stability and Production package to expedite the creation of affordable housing by making it easier for Oregon cities to create infrastructure and support housing production.
SB 1537, part of that package, gives qualifying cities the ability to undergo a one-time UGB amendment of up to 100 net residential acres. According to City staff members, a traditional UGB expansion can take several years to develop, plan and put into action. The expansion outlined in the bill would streamline the process.
According to the bill, the expansion site must include 30% of affordable units for two different households –80% of the area median income, or $83,750 annually, for rent or 130% of the annual median income, or $136,110 annually, for sale. The bill also requires the site to be adjacent to the UGB, have a diversity of housing types and sizes and have a mix of both residential and commercial development.
The Jasper Ridge Site, the larger proposal of the two, encompasses about 132 acres and sits north of Highway 20, south of Neff Road and west of Hamby Road. This concept
plan proposes 1,012 housing units in total with about 304 affordable units. The application for the Jasper Ridge proposal came from Oregon-based real estate and land acquisition firm, Crandall Group.
The sites considered for this UGB expansion, creating both affordable and market-rate housing, include Jasper Ridge, near the east side of Bend, and Caldera Ranch, located near the southeast part of town.
The Caldera Ranch site, south of Knott Road and west of 15th Street/ Tekampe Road, sits on 91.4 acres and proposes 700 total housing units with 238 reserved for affordable housing.
The proposal for Caldera Ranch came from AKS Engineering, an engineering consulting firm focused on developing infrastructure in the Pacific Northwest.
The City opened up an online open house for the public to provide input until Dec. 4 at 5pm. Community members can provide feedback, via email or in person at the Dec. 4 Bend City Council meeting. On Dec. 4, the Bend City Council will have the option to select a site and a council resolution is expected at the Dec. 18 City Council meeting.
City of Bend
Affordable housing will be included in proposed plans to expand Bend's urban growth boundaries.
INVENTORY CLEARANCE SALE
A Proposal for Low-Car Districts Sparks Excitement and Concern
A desire for safer pedestrian and bike infrastructure conflicts with concerns around parking and access
By Julianna LaFollette
Over the last several years, the City of Bend has worked to improve its transportation systems, aiming to provide more ease for pedestrians and bikers moving through town. Its most recent project, prompted by a state rule, will look at implementing low-car districts, or “people streets," by conducting a case study on Bend’s Core Area and downtown Bend.
While there are no current plans to change streets as part of the study, downtown streets like Oregon and Minnesota Avenues will be explored as potential areas for limiting or restricting car use. This generated concern from downtown business owners.
The City invited residents to learn about its plans at an open house on Nov. 15, presenting photos and posing questions to help better understand the community’s interest.
“There’s a lot of room for improvement in the transportation system to accommodate all users, so I think people streets helps set the policy, direction and vibe of how you develop these low-car or no-car areas and streets,” Matt Muchna, executive director of the community planning organization Envision Bend, told the Source Weekly at the open house.
An Oregon Administrative Rule calls for cities with a population of over 100,000 to allow for the development of low-car districts, to create safer pedestrian and biking routes. These districts, designed for people to walk, bike and roll, call for car traffic to be slowed down, reduced or restricted. An example of this in Bend would be the downtown Brooks Alley.
According to Allison Platt, the City’s core area project manager, part of the
City’s task is to define what these areas could look like and where they could go, which will be addressed in a study funded by a $150,000 grant from the Department of Land Conservation and Development. The money will go to engineering and design consultants.
The study, meant to inform future policy recommendations, will explore low-car areas along a route in Bend’s core area and downtown Bend between Juniper and Drake parks, addressing concerns about connections to and from the planned Hawthorne Bridge.
Since the City started concepting this idea over the summer, members of the Downtown Bend Business Association say they have felt left out of the conversation, noting a lack of communication and involvement in the process. McKenna Mikesell, the Downtown Bend Business Association board president, said the organization has a number of concerns about this proposal and hopes the City will include it in future planning on this topic.
Business Barriers
When the DBBA heard the pitch for low-car districts in September, which included a concept for a plaza street on Minnesota Avenue, concerns mounted about parking and access to businesses.
“Parking is such a commodity in downtown. Saying this to downtown, it immediately triggered everyone,” Mikesell told the Source Weekly. “It’s not that we’re anti-bikes and anti-people streets. Downtown just isn’t built for it.”
The DBBA, concerned about the elimination of more parking, has taken a formal stance against “people streets.”
According to Mikesell, there has already been an increase in community
members avoiding the downtown area due to its lack of parking. With a plaza or low-car district on streets such as Oregon or Minnesota Avenues, DBBA leaders fear the problems will worsen.
“We’re dependent on parking, because it’s a car society here,” Rick Johns, a downtown business owner, told the Source Weekly.
In 2021, the DBBA, under different leadership, proposed a plaza street on Minnesota Avenue, but eventually lost support from other downtown business owners.
Aside from parking, the DBBA worries that access to storefronts on the targeted streets will become inconvenient, especially in inclement weather or for elderly or disabled customers, making businesses suffer.
Since the initial concepts received negative feedback from downtown businesses, the City of Bend has planned a “reset” meeting with the DBBA on Dec. 9 to have a deeper discussion on some of the ideas highlighted in the case study.
A Larger Vision
While the DBBA hopes to work with the City, downtown stakeholders maintain that they should have been involved before the City even began developing its case study. Concurrently with its case study, the City formed a steering committee to discuss things like the design, location and key principles. The committee encompasses people from historically underserved groups and equity-based organizations, said Platt. However, none are members of the DBBA, according to Mikesell.
Corie Harlan, the Cities and Towns Program director with Central Oregon LandWatch, is a member of the committee. With “people streets,” Harlan said, the City would have the ability to connect key destinations and improve east-west connectivity, via the new non-car bridge planned across Highway 97 and the railroad tracks. Envisioning these low-car districts as a viable connection with the planned Hawthorne Bridge has prompted even more momentum and interest.
“Hawthorne Bridge can’t be a bridge to nowhere, so we have to figure out what that looks like. I think this is the start of that conversation,” said Muchna with Envision Bend.
According to Platt, a downtown street isn’t the only option for these districts, signaling some community support for connecting people to and from the Hawthorne crossing on the Bend Central District side – something to likely be explored in the case study.
The City’s case study will continue till May 2025. Policies for these districts will be adopted after the City updates its Transportation System Plan, expected in 2027.
“I think, like everything in Bend, a lot of people will hate it just because its change. For places like the Central District, where they’re really planning a complete redevelopment of that whole area, it’s a great opportunity to put some of these pedestrian-friendly design features into that district to make it more walkable, more attractive for people,” said David Brandt, executive director of Housing Works, in attendance at the Open House.
City leaders and community members learn about "people streets" at an open house on Nov. 15.
Brooks Alley is a current example within downtown of a low-car district.
Julianna LaFollette
Julianna LaFollette
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A Market with a View
Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards hosts
its
annual holiday market this weekend
By Julianna LaFollette
It’s no secret that the Redmond community loves its festive events, and holiday markets are no exception. With several exciting markets to get anyone into the holiday spirit, folks can prepare for a fun experience at Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards this weekend.
The vineyard is holding its annual Holiday Marketplace on Saturday, Nov. 30 from 9am to 4pm and Sunday, Dec. 1 from 10am to 4pm. Boasting award-winning wine, Faith Hope & Charity is located in Terrebonne and hosts a number of year-round events. For over five years, the vineyard has offered a special holiday market, inviting the community to wander through a heated tent filled with local vendors and showing off a variety of crafts and products.
In addition to its array of holiday gift options, the market offers vast mountain and vineyard views. Attendees can shop and enjoy the vineyard’s inviting tasting room, where it will serve wine, wood-fired pizza and other fresh plates all day long.
For the first time ever, the market hosts Gompers Distillery, a family-owned distillery in Redmond, sampling and selling its spirits. The family-friendly event will also offer non-alcoholic beverages.
According to Cindy Grossmann, one of the owners of Faith Hope & Charity, the number of vendors varies from year-to-year. This year, she said, the event is hosting about 20 vendors. While many are returning businesses, there are a few new ones that people can visit over the two days. Offerings range from art pieces and jewelry to goat milk candles and jalapeño jellies.
This holiday market is unique because it serves as a destination, according to Grossmann. It’s not unusual for people to come out, shop and stay a while.
Guests looking to come out and support the local vendors are asked to RSVP before attending.
Holiday Marketplace at the Vineyard
Sat., Nov. 30 from 9am-4pm Sun., Dec. 1 from 10am-4pm
Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards
70450 NW Lower Valley Dr., Terrebonne faithhopeandcharityevents.com/event-center Free
11/30 – 12/03
STARLIGHT PARADE
WITNESS THE WONDERS OF THIS HOLIDAY TRADITION
The dazzling Starlight Parade takes place in Downtown Redmond. The enchanting evening will be filled with twinkling lights, magical floats and festive music. Witness the wonders and magic of the nutcracker-themed parade and be a part of the holiday tradition. Sat., Nov. 30, 5-6pm in Downtown Redmond on 6th Street. Free.
12 DAYS OF ESPRESSO MARTINIS
COZY UP AND SIP ON A MARTINI FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Enjoy not just one, but 12 days of espresso martinis at Pangaea Guild Hall from Dec. 1-14. Each martini will be made with Thump Espresso and Gompers Distillery Vodka. Cozy up in the vintage house near Downtown Redmond and sip on some delicious espresso martinis in spirit of the holiday season. Sun., Dec.1, 4-10pm at Pangaea Guild Hall. 652 SW 6th St., Redmond. Free.
Holiday shoppers will find a plethora of gifts this weekend, along with vineyard and mountain views.
Cindy Grossmann
Cindy Grossmann
Julianna LaFollette
SOURCE PICKS
WEDNESDAY 11/28
SORRY WE RUINED THANKSGIVING! VINTAGE
BEER TASTING
DELIGHT IN SOME VINTAGE BEER FLIGHTS
Head down to The Ale Apothecary Tasting Room the day before Thanksgiving to try a hand-picked selection of some of their rarest vintage beer bottles. The Ale Apothecary team will pour flights throughout the event and will have a few vintage bottles available for purchase. Wed., Nov. 27, 2-8pm at The Ale Apothecary Tasting Room. 30 SW Century Dr., Ste 140, Bend. $45.
THURSDAY 11/28
I LIKE PIE THANKSGIVING FUN RUN
RUN FOR A GOOD CAUSE AND DELICIOUS PIE!
Kick off the holiday festivities with a double dose of goodness: Giving back and eating pie for a cause. On Thanksgiving morning, bring the entire family to the Old Mill District to run or walk a festive 1.5-mile or 5K loop. Then, enjoy a celebration with music, community and of course – pie! Thu., Nov. 28, 7:30-9:30am at Old Mill District. 450 SW Powerhouse Dr., Suite 422, Bend. $20-$40.
THURSDAY
THANKSGIVING GRAND BUFFET
INDULGE IN THANKSGIVING FOOD + MUSIC
Join a festive Thanksgiving Buffest at Riverhouse Lodge Conference and Event Center. Indulge in a mouthwatering grand buffet featuring both new and classic Thanksgiving dishes while enjoying live music throughout the afternoon. Thu., Nov. 28, 1-5pm at Riverhouse Convention Center. 2850 NW Rippling River Ct., Bend. $37.50-$87.
SATURDAY 11/30 + SUNDAY 12/01
HOLIDAY MAKERS MARKET
HOLIDAY MARKET MAGIC
Find amazing gifts during the special two-day Holiday Makers Market at The Grove. Join twice the festive fun and check out unique artisan vendors, handmade gifts and seasonal treats around every corner. Sat., Nov. 30, 11am-3pm and Sun., Dec. 1, 11am-3pm at The Grove. 921 NW Mt. Washington Dr., Bend. Free.
SATURDAY 11/30
SHOP SMALL SATURDAY
SUPPORT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
Celebrate Shop Small Saturday in Downtown Bend and give a boost to the local community. During the day from 10am-3pm, bring your receipt showing you’ve made a purchase at one of the downtown shops and be entered into a grand prize drawing – each receipt gets you one raffle. Sat., Nov. 30, in Downtown Bend. Free.
SATURDAY 11/30
BEND MOONLIGHT MARKET
KICK OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON
The Bend Moonlight Market is making an appearance for small business Saturday to kick off the holiday market season. Bring your pals for an evening of shopping, food, music, tattoos and more. Sat., Nov. 30, 4-11pm at Open Space Event Studios. 220 NE Lafayette Ave., Bend. Free.
SATURDAY 11/30
AN EVENING WITH THUNDERSTORM ARTIS
AN INTIMATE SEATED CONCERT
Spend an evening with singer/songwriter Thunderstorm Artis, listening to his music in an intimate seated concert at The Belfry. Artis’s music is a blend of poetic lyricism and heart-filled neo-soul tunes. Sat., Nov. 30, 7-9pm at The Belfry. 302 E. Main Ave., Sisters. $30.
SUNDAY 12/01
BREAKFAST & PHOTOS WITH SANTA
A YUMMY BREAKFAST + A PHOTO WITH SANTA!
Come kick off the holiday season and have breakfast with Santa at Boss Rambler. The event features $10 professional photos taken by Miryssa Lynne Photos, on-site permanent jewelry by Linked Armore, buildyour-own “Rudolph Pancakes,” by Bend Breakfast Burrito and coffee and boozy brunch cocktails by Boss Coffee. Sun., Dec. 1, 10am-Noon at Boss Rambler Beer Club. 1009 NW Galveston Ave., Bend. Free.
SATURDAY 11/30 AND SUNDAY 12/01
MAGICAL MARKETS OF MERRIMENT
4TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY EVENT
The Magical Markets of Merriment returns for its fourth annual holiday event. Come shop among a variety of local makers at the market every weekend through Dec. 22. Sat., Nov. 29, and Sun., Dec. 1, 10am-5pm at The Greenhouse Cabaret. 1017 NE 2nd St., Bend. Free.
Friday-Sunday, Dec. 20-22
Courtesy Cascade Relays
Courtesy Downtown Bend
Courtesy Kate Molletta
Courtesy STG
S SOUND Yak Attack: Chasing That Feeling
The live-looping, improvisational Portland trio returns to Bend’s Volcanic Theatre with an uplifting, funky, jazzy dance party
By Chris Young
Dave Dernovsek grew up playing competitive classical piano. In college, he picked up guitar and “started to play in the jazz-funk realm,” he says. “But I'd always had interest in the jam scene and then eventually developed a strong interest in electronica.”
Then, in the early aughts, he saw bands like Lotus and Sound Tribe Sector 9 “really take the art form to a new level and do it with live instruments — that always really appealed to me. I'd always wanted to combine that with a live-looping-type project that didn't sound like a loop.” His goal was for the loop to be “a slight tool and sort of invisible.”
He started messing around with the concept with a few friends in the basement, and once they figured out how to execute everything, Yak Attack was born. The trio started playing shows around their hometown of Portland, then toured regionally and started booking festival dates.
Today’s lineup features Dernovsek on keys and guitar, Jacob Rubanowitz on bass and drummer Julian Koell. The band just wrapped up a string of dates opening for genre-melding jam band Spafford. Next up, they’ll hit Bend’s Volcanic Theatre Pub on Friday, Dec. 6 with locals Spencer Marlyn Band kicking off the show.
While Yak Attack’s last full-length album was 2018’s “Safety Third,” the threesome put out a couple new singles in 2022 and have been steadily uploading improvisational live sets to Bandcamp and Nugs.net where there are “40 to 50 shows” available, Dernovsek says, including this past February's set at the Volcanic.
“We record almost all of our shows,” he says. On stage, Yak Attack brings the dance party with live-looped electronic
jams that are uplifting, jazzy and funky.
As far as a new studio record goes, “we’ve been in the lab a lot. We’ve got a release that's almost done — it'll probably be out spring — and we've got just tons of stuff in various stages.”
In general, Dernovsek and company have been grinding — just as they’ve been doing for more than a decade as independent musicians. “I've long held the philosophy that opportunities are fleeting. There's no recipe for success in this business, and there's really no universal definition of what success is,” he says. There’s a lot of luck or chance that could lead to an artist blowing up or not. Instead, he focuses on progress: “Let's try to just make things a little bit better than they were.”
Seeing as a lot of things are out of the musician’s control, “one of the defining missions of the group has been: focus on the musical product and see where everything else fits in. And see where success, or not, comes from,” Dernovsek says.
He says he experienced a “mental rebalancing and prioritization” coming out of Covid, recognizing that “there are very few better feelings in the world than playing your original live music on stage to people who appreciate it, so I'm gonna just chase that feeling as long as I can.” He also acknowledges the need to maintain a positive outlook when you’re engaged in “what is essentially a very competitive business of extremely hard-working and talented individuals that are all competing for a very small pie.”
Dernovsek is grateful for the people who have helped his band along the way, including Bend’s Gabe Johnson (aka Brother Gabe of Watkins Glen), also a promoter at Parallel 44 Presents.
“He's been really instrumental in the band’s growth, in both Bend and the region at large. We really can't thank him enough for all the help and all the shows that he's invested in with us over the years and elevating us.”
In the spirit of community, Dernovsek shouts out some of his favorite Pacific Northwest bands including the reggae-rock vibes of Eugene’s Spunj, the Seattle eight-piece, power funk band Cytrus, and fellow Portland acts like the psych jam band Bodhi Mojo, rock scene
mainstays The Quick & Easy Boys and jazz, funk, soul outfits Greaterkind and Outer Orbit.
To sum up the Yak Attack live experience, Dernovsek says, “We basically sound like a DJ, but we're all live instruments. There's no prerecorded backing tracks or anything. I think it bridges the gap between being a musician’s band, where there's a lot to digest in terms of technically what we're doing on stage, as well as an accessible show that’s just fun to come dance to and get down.
“We want this to be a safe space for everybody, and we want everybody to get uplifted — be able to kind of come and escape from whatever negative things are going on in the world, but also find community and empowerment and all those good things at our show.”
At the end of the day, Yak Attack wants to “ultimately be delivering good music and good vibes to our audiences,” Dernovsek says.
Yak Attack
With Spencer Marlyn Band Fri., Dec. 6
Volcanic Theatre Pub 70 SW Century Dr., Bend Doors 7:30pm; show 8pm; all ages $15 advance, $20 day of show tixr.com/groups/volcanictheatre/events/yak-attack-w-spencer-marlyn-band-116134
“We basically sound like a DJ, but we're all live instruments," describes Yak Attack's Dave Dernovsek of his trio's jammy, livetronica sets.
Photos by Marc Cregeur
CALENDAR
27 Wednesday
Bridge 99 Brewery Open Mic Night at Bridge 99 - Hosted by Oddfellow Join us for an unforgettable Open Mic Night presented by Oddfellow! Grab your friends, showcase your skills, and cheer on fellow artists! Sign-ups start at 6pm, event happens every Wednesday. Let’s make some beautiful music together! 6:03-8:30pm. Free.
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 local musicians jam out. 6:30-8:30pm. 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 Ben Johnson Relax with a pint and enjoy great local music from Ben Johnson. 6-8pm. Free.
Deschutes Brewery & Public House
Head Games Trivia Night Eat. Drink. Think. Win! Head Games multi-media trivia is at Deschutes Bend Public House every Wednesday. Win prizes. Teams up to six. 6:30-8:30pm. Free.
General Duffy’s Waterhole Wednesday Night Open Mic Join Central Oregon School of Modern Music and General Duffy’s for the Wednesday night Open Mic! Play 3 songs. Groups of up to 3. Sign-up begins at 5:30. Food trucks, 25+ taps, drink specials! 6-9pm. Free.
JC’s Bar & Grill WING-skey Wednesdays + TRIVIA Wednesdays at JC’s are a triple threat: $0.75 wings, killer whiskey specials and trivia kicking off at 7pm. Bring your A-game for our infamous “physical challenge” (think limbo and musical chairs!) and a night full of laughs and flavor. Don’t miss out - It’s the best midweek party in town! 7pm. 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.
Northside Bar & Grill Mellow Wednesday Acoustic Open Mic and Jam hosted by Derek Michael Marc Sign-up sheet is available at 6:30pm. 7-9pm. Free.
Prost! Bend Trivia Prost! UKB Trivia is now at Prost! Bend on Wednesdays at 7pm! Genuine UKB Trivia is no average trivia night! Meet up with friends, win gift card prizes for top teams! Enjoy Prost’s authentic beer and food menu. Trivia is free to play, with no buy-ins! 7-9pm. Free.
The Bite Live music at The Bite with Erin Cole-Baker Erin Cole-Baker weaves both acoustic and electric guitar to morph her folk-inspired sound into new sonic landscapes. With warm reverby Jazzmaster, her music expands into lush textures that complement her velvety vocals. Come and relax pre-thanksgiving. 6-8pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub Pete Kartsounes at The Commonwealth Pub Known for captivating audiences with his soulful voice and expert guitar skills, Pete brings more than two decades of global touring experience. Join us for an evening of great music at Bend’s newest sports pub and live music venue in the Century Center. 7:30-9:30pm. Free.
The Vault Taphouse at Kobold Brewing Trivia Night Trivia Night at The Vault! Come test your knowledge and drink top notch local beer! 6:30-8pm. Free.
LIVE MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE
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Courtesy Dana Wirth FB
Rooted in her ranch upbringing in Oregon, Dana Wirth's music resonates with authenticity, warmth a hint of nostalgia. Known for being an opera singer, Wirth skillfully intertwines her classical training with modern sensibilities. Fri., Nov. 29, 7pm at Velvet.
28 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.
Bridge 99 Brewery Trivia Thursday at Bridge 99 Brewery Trivia Thursdays at 6:30pm at Bridge 99 Brewery with Useless Knowledge Bowl. It’s no ordinary trivia night, Team up to win house gift cards! Great brews, cocktails, and more. In-house menu and food truck options available! It’s free to play. Indoor and outdoor seating available. 63063 Layton Ave, Bend. 6:308:30pm. Free.
Bunk+Brew Karaoke Thursdays Sing your heart out during Karaoke Thursdays at Bunk + Brew! Whether you’re a pro or just here for fun, join us for a night of music, drinks and laughs. Don’t miss the ultimate karaoke experience! 7-10pm. 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. Located at the north end of Redmond. Full bar and great food! 6-8pm. Free.
M&J Tavern One Mad Man Thanksgiving Shakedown Thanksgiving dinner is cool, and so is live music after everyone else goes to bed. Don’t let food coma get you down! One Mad Man will bring the master looping funk. 9pm. Free.
Silver Moon Brewing Trivia on the Moon Come down to Silver Moon Brewing for a night of trivia! Teams are welcome to show up in groups up to 8 people. Silver Moon also offers seating reservations for $20 donations that all go to F*Cancer! If you would like to reserve a table please contact the Trivia on the Moon Facebook page. 7pm. Free.
The Bend Wine Bar & Winery Tasting Room Trivia Night Tease your brain and win cool prizes. Happy Hour menu will be offered during game time. Grab your friends and enjoy an evening of fabulous wines, snacks and fun! Every last Thursday of the month. Arrive early, game starts at 6pm. Last Thursday of every month, 6-8pm. Free.
The Capitol Open Decks: 10 Live DJs 10 live DJs. Open format. 30-minute sets. Hosted by “Its Fine” & SoMuchHouse at The Capitol in Downtown Bend. Fourth Thursday of every month, 8pm-1am. $5.
Velvet Open Mic Monthly Open Mic at Velvet! Hosted by Mari every 4th Thu., of every month! Sign up starts at 6pm, and music goes until 9pm. All are welcome! Fourth Thursday of every month, 7-9pm. Free.
29 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.
Hardtails Bar & Grill Stage 28 Karaoke Come out for a night of Stage 28 Karaoke with your host Miss Min! What’s your go-to karaoke tune? Come to Hardtails for a fun Friday night and sing your heart out! 8pm-Midnight. Free.
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.
Open Space Event Studios The Roundabouts Improv Join The Roundabouts, Bend’s funniest improv troupe, for a night of unscripted hilarity. Witness the magic of improv as these quick thinking improv players transform audience suggestions into spontaneous scenes and awe-inspiring characters. Every moment with The Roundabouts is an adventure waiting to unfold! 7:30-9:15pm. $15-$20.
Silver Moon Brewing Soul’d Out Band at Silver Moon Brewing Catch Soul’d Out the day after Thanksgiving for their unique blend of R&B, soul & funk. They average over 40 shows per year in Central Oregon and they are looking forward to a first time at Silver Moon Brewing. 7-10pm. $10.
Silver Moon Brewing Comedian - Hunter Hill - Live at Silver Moon Hunter delivers heartfelt, hilarious storytelling that keeps audiences laughing. Featured at “Just For Laughs” in Montreal and Sydney, Netflix’s The Iliza Shlesinger Sketch Show, and viral on social media, Hunter headlines nationwide and tours internationally with Iliza Shlesinger and Taylor Tomlinson. Don’t miss this comedic talent! 8-9:30pm. $15-$20.
Velvet Dana Wirth; Retro Western Tunes Join us for an amazing time with our Southern Oregon gal singing some amazing country-western vibes. 7pm. Free.
Volcanic Theatre Pub Watkins Glen & The Hasbens - Watkins Glen’s Double-Decker Double-Header Super Jam Vol. II Parallel 44 Presents Watkins Glen’s Double-Decker Double-Header Super Jam Vol. II (Black Friday Edition) feat. 4 interlocking back-and-forth sets, 2 from Watkins Glen and 2 from The Hasbens on Black Fri., Nov. 29 at Volcanic Theatre in Bend. Two of Oregon’s finest jambands playing one 4+ hour nonstop show. 7:30pm. $15.
30 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.
Bevel Craft Brewing Glow Dance Party Throw on your brightest whites and come GLOW with us at this epic blacklight dance party! DJ Bevel Beard will be spinning the hottest jams to keep the patio vibes lit and cozy. The fun kicks off at 6pm—don’t miss it! 6-9pm. Free.
Bridge 99 Brewery Live Music Saturday at Bridge 99 Come enjoy live music at Bridge 99 Brewery in NE Bend. Rotating musicians, check our FB for who’s playing! Grab a beer and a pizza and enjoy our amazing local and traveling musicians! Looking for a location to play solo or with a band? Email events@bridge99brewery.com for more information. 6:30-8:30pm. Free.
Bunk+Brew Apres Ski Night Kick back after your slopes session every Saturday at Bunk + Brew! Whether you’re in gear or relaxed, join us for the perfect apres ski hangout! 7-10pm. Free.
Craft Kitchen & Brewery The Exchange Program The Exchange Program comedy show features host Liam Gibler’s favorite comedians from across Oregon. For November, it’s Eugene Edition; with co-headliners Nathan Hart and Seth Milstein, Chad Sharpe, and Bend’s Gina Marie Christopher. 8-9:30pm. $15-Online/$20-Door. Immersion Brewing La Bon Burlesque Presents: Let’s Give Em Pumpkin To Talk About Help us give back this holiday season at our sexy variety show on Nov. 30 at Immersion Brewing! As you enjoy fabulous performances, know that a portion of proceeds will be donated to Planned Parenthood. Making your night out not just a fun one, but a meaningful one, too. 6-9pm. $25-$35. M&J Tavern Dog Bite Harris & Blackflowers Blacksun The holiday is over so let's dance. Dog Bite Harris and Blackflowers Blacksun will make you glad to be out of the house and at the M&J Tavern. 9pm-1am. Free.
CALENDAR
Northside Bar & Grill Sweet Motor Classic Rock, ‘80s, ‘90s, alternative music from Sweet Motor at Northside Bar and Grill. 8-11pm. Free.
Open Space Event Studios Bend Moonlight Market Naughty or nice, we don’t judge at Bend Moonlight Market. Come indulge in the best vendors, food, music, and tattoos while supporting small businesses on #SmallBusinessSaturday. As always it’s free to attend and all ages are welcome. 4-11pm. Free.
River’s Place Saturday Jazz Sessions The Positive Side presents Jazz Jam at River’s Place. 6-8pm. Free.
The Ale Apothecary Tasting Room Live music w/ The Alicia Viani Band Get out of the house and work off those holiday goodies jammin’ out to the The Alicia Viani Band! This local group creates unforgettable musical journeys crafted with provocative lyrics and innovative instrumentation. Support your local artists and come on down! 6-8pm. Free.
Volcanic Theatre Pub Katacombs Bend’s Premier Goth Night Katacombs Bend’s Premier Goth Night at The Volcanic Theater Pub. A night of dark dancing to The Figurehead & Genre DJs from the OG Goth Nights & your resident DJ Tarantism. This event is All Ages & LGBTQAI+ Friendly. 8pm. $10.
Whiskey River The JUGULARS Classic rock from the ‘70s to contemporary. Wide variety of everyone’s favorites. Bring your dancing shoes. Free.
1 Sunday
The Astro Lounge Local Artist Spotlight Sundays This is a chance to listen to Central Oregon’s newest and upcoming local artists. They have earned their spot to perform a two-hour show, changing weekly, every Sunday. Support local top notch talent! 7-9pm. Free.
Bridge 99 Brewery Open Mic Comedy at Bridge 99 Get ready for a night of belly laughs at Bridge 99 Brewery! Join us for our Comedy Open Mic Night, hosted by the hilarious Hopper, now every Sunday! Bring your friends and your sense of humor, grab a drink and a pizza, and let’s make it a night to remember! 7pm. Free.
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. 6-8pm. Free.
River’s Place Trivia Sunday Fun at River’s Place at Noon This is no average trivia, it’s Useless Knowledge Bowl! Meet up this Sunday fornoon start to win gift card prizes for top teams! Come play and experience what sets us apart! No fee to play. Cold beverages in the taproom, and an abundance of great food truck options. Noon-2pm. Free.
River’s Place Jess Ryan Duo Powerful vocals, twang-inflected, psych-infused rock with the kind of emotional power, passion, and intensity that can only come from deep within the heart. 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.
2 Monday
Bevel Craft Brewing Bingo with Bren Supporting Central Oregon Veterans Ranch As we honor our veterans this month (and always), we are proud to support Central Oregon Veterans Ranch this month at Bingo with Bren! Central Oregon Veterans Ranch helps veterans develop their inner strength and find purpose by providing camaraderie and access to nature on our working ranch. 6-8pm. $2.
Bevel Craft Brewing Bingo with Bren Supporting Family Kitchen ‘Tis the season to support those around us and this month we are proud to support Family Kitchen which feeds those less fortunate in our community. Come enjoy some fun Bingo ($2 per card) for a chance to win cash prizes while donating to this inspiring organization! 6-8pm. $2.
Bridge 99 Brewery Trivia Mondays at Bridge 99 Trivia Mondays at 6:30pm at Bridge 99 Brewery with Useless Knowledge Bowl. It’s no ordinary trivia night, Team up to win house gift cards! Great brews, cocktails, and more. Inhouse menu and food truck options available! It’s free to play. Indoor and outdoor seating available. 63063 Layton Ave, Bend. 6:30-8:30pm. Free.
Bunk+Brew Open Mic Show off your talent at Bunk + Brew’s Open Mic Night! Whether you sing, tell jokes or play an instrument, come share your creativity with the community. Enjoy drinks, great vibes and amazing local talent - everyone’s welcome to perform or enjoy the show! 7-10pm. Free.
Crux Fermentation Project Trivia Night @ Crux Trivia Night at Crux! First place team wins a $25 gift card! 6-8pm. Free.
Elixir Wine Locals Music Night and Open Mic Bend’s friendliest open-mic! All genres welcome. Oregon and international wine, beer and tapas menu available all evening. 6-9pm. Free.
JC’s Bar & Grill Free Pool + all day Happy Hour! Free pool Mondays! All-day Happy Hour, free pool with any purchase, and unbeatable deals on drinks and bites! Enjoy delicious eats, ice-cold brews, and game day vibes with football on and the sound up. Don’t miss out- Mondays just got way better! 2pm-Midnight. 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 Beertown Comedy
Open Mic Voted #1 Open Mic and Locals Night, Beertown Comedy’s Open Mic happens every Monday at Silver Moon Brewing. Free to watch and perform! Sign-ups at 6:30pm, show at 7pm. With 20 spots available, bring your best jokes and get noticed for paid gigs. Laughter guaranteed! 6:30-9pm. Free.
The Barrel Room at Immersion Brewing Public Rock Choir Come sing your face off in a fun, no-stress group where all skill levels can get loud with a live band and group singing. Rock and pop songs only. If you love to sing, but don’t want to sing alone, we are your people! No experience or skill required. First Monday of every month, 6-8am. $20.
3 Tuesday
Bangers & Brews Redmond Tuesday Night Trivia 6:30 at Bangers and Brews Redmond with UKB Trivia This is no ordinary trivia night...it’s useless knowledge bowl! Enjoy yummy menu specials, brews, ciders and cocktails too! Plenty of game displays. Outdoor patio available(weather permitting). Team up this week, see what sets our trivia apart! Play for top team gift card prizes! No fee to participate, bring a pen/pencil. 6:30-8:30pm. Free.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend Bend Ecstatic Dance An all-out, full-on, spectacular music and free-form movement journey happens every Tuesday on one of the biggest dance floors in Bend. A no-booze and no-shoes venue. No experience required, no dance instructions given. Just really excellent music curation and a big, clean floor to explore your unique movement across. 7:45-10pm. $15-$25 sliding scale.
Bunk+Brew Trivia: The Four Elements Test your knowledge at Bunk + Brew’s themed trivia night this Tuesday from 7-9pm! This week’s theme: The Four Elements—Wind, Earth, Air, and Fire. Gather your team, grab some drinks, and see if you’ve got what it takes to master the elements. Fun, food, and prizes await! 7-9pm. Free.
The Commons Cafe & Taproom Storytellers Open Mic StoryTellers open mic nights are full of music, laughs and community. Mason James is the host. Poetry, comedy and spoken word are welcome, but this is mainly a musical open mic. Performance slots are a quick 10 minutes each, so being warmed up and ready is ideal. If you wish to perform sign-ups start at 5pm in the cafe. 6pm. Free.
JC’s Bar & Grill TACOS + TEQUILA TUESDAYS! Spice up your week with 3 tacos for $6.50 and amazing deals on margaritas, tequila, and Mexican beers like Corona, Pacifico, and Tecate! Special runs from open-close! Come join us every Tuesday-where the tacos are hot, and the drink specials are even hotter! 2-10pm. Free.
Mountain Burger Trivia Tuesday at Mountain Burger Come to Trivia Tuesday at Mountain Burger! Fun and prizes await! 7:30-9pm. Free.
Northside Bar & Grill Karaoke with DJ Chris Karaoke Night with DJ Chris 6-8pm. Free. River’s Place Movie Night! Cozy up inside our tap house for some awesome classics. Each movie we will feature a themed cocktail! 12/3- Scrooged, 12/10- Die Hard, 12/17 Office Christmas Party. 4 big screen TVs and a projector screen. No bad seats in the house. 6pm. Free.
The Lot TRIVIA TUESDAY @ The Lot Join your trivia loving peeps on the heated benches for a fun Tuesday evening out! Six categories with six questions each. Eat. Drink. Think. Prizes from food carts and local breweries. Every Tuesday from November to end of April. 6-8pm. Free.
Worthy Brewing Head Games Trivia Night Join for live multi-media trivia every Monday night. Win prizes. Teams up to 6 players. 7-9pm. Free.
MUSIC
RP WESTERN WEDNESDAYS - FREE Line Dancing Join River Pig Saloon every Wednesday for free line dancing lessons, drink specials and country music! Dancing lessons go from 7-9pm, dance floor stays open all night. Wednesdays, 7-9pm. Through Dec. 18. River Pig Saloon Bend, 555 NW Arizona Ave #40, Bend. Free. Ukrainian Night in Bend: A Community Celebration with Brothers Ivan Experience the soulful music of Brothers Ivan live at Ukrainian Night in Bend! Enjoy an evening filled with Ukrainian folk melodies, delicious authentic dishes, and heartfelt conversations with local Ukrainian families who have found refuge in Central Oregon. Join us in celebrating Ukrainian culture, community, and connection. Nov. 30, 5-8pm. Cafe des Chutes, 50 SE Scott St., Bend. Contact: 202-716-9602. milashelehoff@gmail.com. $10.
Courtesy One Mad Man Music IG
CALENDAR EVENTS
DANCE
Scottish Country Dance A chance to socialize and get a bit of exercise, too. Beginners are welcome. All footwork, figures and social graces will be taught and reviewed. Mondays, 7-9pm. Sons of Norway Hall, 549 NW Harmon Blvd., Bend. Contact: 541-508-9110. allely@ bendbroadband.com. $5.
Soulful Sundays Conscious Dance Sunday is a perfect time to step on to the dance floor being in the temple of our bodies, moving as prayer. At the altar all that is present and alive within us, between us, in the world. A facilitated and supported Soul Motion® practice of being with self, other, world, and spirit. Sundays, 10-11:30am. Continuum, A School of Shadow Yoga, 155 SW Century Drive, Suite 112, Bend. Contact: 541-9487015. soulinmotionbend@gmail.com. $25.
FILM EVENTS
Ski Film Night Join Bunk + Brew for an evening of epic ski films! Enjoy thrilling footage, good drinks, and great company. Don’t miss out! See you there! Wednesdays, 6-9pm. Bunk+Brew, 42 NW Hawthorne Avenue, Bend. Free.
ARTS + CRAFTS
Black Friday Sip &Shop: Retail Wine and Craft sale! Join us at Portello Wine & Spirits for Black Friday Sip & Shop! Enjoy $10 off retail wine bottles plus an extra 15% discount, local artisan shopping, $9 wine pours, and $5 draft beers. Nov. 29, 2-6pm. Portello Wine and Spirits, 2754 NW Crossing Drive - Suite 104, Bend. Contact: 541-385-1777. admin@portellowinecafe.com. Free.
Color and Knit Night Come on out to Tumalo for our “Color and Knit Night!” We will provide coloring books and supplies, or you can bring your own. Working on a knitting project? Bring it with you, relax with a cider, and chat with friends. Light appetizers available. Outside food welcome. Wed, Nov. 27, 5:30-7:30pm. Bend Cider Co., 64649 Wharton Ave., Bend. Contact: 541390-9587. Sarah1846@gmail.com. Free. Handmade Gift Tags Want to make holiday tags more personal? Have fun creating your own tags to put on all the special gifts for the holiday season. No artistic skills necessary! Great class for the whole family. All materials included. Recommended for ages 6 and up. With guest artist Sage Flannery! Dec. 3, 5:15-6:45pm. FREAK’N ART, 1265 NW Wall st., Bend. Contact: 541-5087438. hellofreaknart@gmail.com. $45.
Slightly Nerdy Paint Parties at Modern Games - A Jack & Sally Christmas Get into the holiday spirit with our Dec. 2- A Jack & Sally Christmas paint class at Let’s Paint. Bring out your inner artist and create a fun and festive painting to celebrate the season. Join us for a relaxing and enjoyable experience! All ages welcome with an adult. Dec. 2, 6-8pm. Modern Games, 550 SW Industrial way #150, bend. Contact: 541-480-7491. sarahanneswoffer@gmail. com. $45.
Stained Glass Ornaments Looking for a fun way to make your holiday season memorable? Come make a gift/ornament in our holiday-stained glass class! Bring yourself and your friends in to make one-of-kind stained glass ornaments for family and friends or unique ornaments for your family’s tree or window. Nov. 30, 1-4pm. DIY Cave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 541-388-2283. classes@diycave. com. $129.
Teen Wood Shop Workshop (Ages 13-17) Cut, carve, sand, create and more in the wood shop! This fun, introductory course will give you a solid foundation in woodworking techniques. You’ll learn best practices for many tools in the woodshop including both power tools and hand tools, construction techniques and finishing applications. Participants will use the table Nov. 24-27, 9am-Noon. DIY Cave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 541-388-2283. classes@diycave.com. $469.
OUTDOOR EVENTS
I Like Pie Thanksgiving Walk/ Run Giving back and eating pie for a cause! On Thanksgiving morn, bring the family down anytime between 7:30-9:30am to run or walk a festive 1.5-mile or 5K loop. Then it’s free pie! 1st 3,500 to register get knit beanies! Fundraising for Boys & Girls Club. Nov. 28, 7:30-11:30am. Old Mill District, 450 SW Powerhouse Dr. Suite 422, Bend. Contact: 541-350-4635. info@cascaderelays.com. $20+.
Winter Bird Walk Interested in learning more about bird migration and birds who overwinter here in Central Oregon? Join us for a winter bird walk led by our passionate youth volunteer and bird expert, Mason! Meet at Hatfield Ponds on Sunday, Dec 1 at 9am. Binoculars and field guides will be provided. Dec. 1, 9-11am. Hatfield Lake, 22395 McGrath Rd, Bend. Free.
VOLUNTEER
Bunny Rescue Needs Volunteers
Looking for more volunteers to help with tidying bunny enclosures, feeding, watering, giving treats, head scratches, play time and fostering. All ages welcome and time commitments are flexible — weekly, monthly or fill-in. Located at the south end of Redmond. Email Lindsey with your interests and availability: wildflowerbunnylove@gmail.com. Ongoing.
Thrive Moving Volunteers Support your neighbors by helping them move to their new home. If interested, fill out the volunteer form or reach out! Ongoing. Contact: 541-728-1022. TCOmoving22@gmail.com.
GROUPS + MEETUPS
Bingo Night at Crosscut Join Think Wild and Crosscut - Warming Hut No.5 for bingo nights Tuesday, once a month from 6-8pm! Come support wildlife and win cash and raffle prizes. Event contact: hailee@thinkwildco.org Tue, Nov. 5, 6-8pm and Tue, Dec. 3, 6-8pm. Crosscut Warming Hut No 5, 566 SW Mill View Way, Bend. Free.
Homebuyer Webinar: Learn how to get up to $21k in closing cost assistance! Learn how to get below market rates and closing cost credits up to $21k using the Oregon Bond Residential Loan Program when you purchase a home. Free weekly webinars, every other Thursday at 1pm. All are welcome, sellers, first time buyers, trading up, investors, relocating. Register at www.centralORwebinars.com Thursdays, 1-2pm. Online Event, Webinar Link Inside Confirmation Email, Bend. Contact: 503-8102723. SCASS@.
FUNDRAISING
BINGO FOR SKI PATROL Only $25 for all 5 games. Great prizes, fun music, lots of laughs. Money raised helps pay for patrol needs like 1st aid training equipment etc. Dec. 1, 9:30am12:30pm. Silver Moon Brewing, 24 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend. Contact: 415-686-6891. susan. kinney26@gmail.com. $25.
Win an Electric Bike! Food and Goods Fundraiser Raffle To mark our 16th year, Bend Electric Bikes is collecting food and goods for the Giving Plate. Plus, when you drop off any of the following items you receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a Gazelle Ultimate e-Bike! All donations must be in by 12/15/24. Nov. 20-Dec. 15, Noon. Bend Electric Bikes, 869 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-410-7408. info@bendelectricbikes.com. Free.
EVENTS + MARKETS
Annual Holiday Marketplace at the Vineyard The Fall air is crisp and it is time to come to Faith Hope & Charity for the annual Holiday Marketplace! Enjoy the beautiful vineyard views of the Three Sisters and enjoy a glass of wine while you walk through our heated tent and choose the perfect holiday gift. Nov. 30, 9am4pm and Dec. 1, 10am-4pm. Faith, Hope and Charity Vineyards and Events, 70450 NW Lower Valley Dr., Terrebonne. Contact: 541-526-5075. marketing@fhcvineyards.com. Free.
Camp Clay Bend - Grand Opening We here at camp would love to formally invite you into our new studio. We are celebrating the opening of our gallery, and we thought Small Business Saturday (Nov. 30) was the perfect day to kick off our regular, open hours! We will be here 10-5! Nov. 30, 10am-5pm. Camp Clay Bend, 147 NE Olney Ave, Bend. Contact: jess@campclay. studio. Free.
Caroling by Central Oregon Mastersingers Enjoy traditional carols and fun arrangements of holiday classics by an ensemble of the Central Oregon Mastersingers. Dec. 3, 3:30-4pm. Downtown Bend Public Library - Brooks Room, 601 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-312-1029. laurelw@deschuteslibrary.org. Free.
Holiday Bazaar VFW Auxiliary Holiday Craft Bazaar open to everyone. Chili and cornbread for $5 bowl. $10 per vendor, Register at the Bend VFW or at the door until full. Nov. 30, 11am-3pm. VFW Post 1643, 1503 NE Fourth St., Bend. Contact: 541-598-4982. julieh@btlliners. com. Free.
Singer/songwriter Thunderstorm Artis brings his music back to The Belfry for an intimate seated concert. Artis’ music is a blend of poetic lyricism and heart-filled neo-soul tunes. Sat., Nov. 30, 7-9pm at The Belfry.
Courtesy Thunderstorm Artis
Bringing Holiday Joy: Toy Drive and Benefit Concert at Silver Moon Support Central Oregon shelters with an evening of live music and giving
By Savannah Mendoza
For children in local shelters, the holidays can feel like an ordinary day — until a small act of kindness brings joy and magic to their world. The Central Oregon Toy Drive aims to create that delight by hosting its first toy drive and benefit concert at Silver Moon Brewing on Wednesday, Dec. 4, starting at 6pm.
Admission to the event is one unwrapped toy per person or the purchase of a toy through an Amazon registry, available online and at the venue. All donations will support children staying at Redmond’s Bethlehem Inn and Grandma’s House in Bend, two family shelters offering critical services during challenging times. People are welcome to bring or purchase toys such as board games, stuffed animals, toddler toys and more.
“By attending the event, that’s a toy and a helping hand to a kid who truly needs it,” says Leighton Tuttle, creator of the toy drive.
The evening will feature live music from three talented local acts: Patrick Fitzpatrick of Fitzy, known for his soulful melodies; the student rock band Hella Shy, bringing youthful energy to the stage; and singer/songwriter Eric Leadbetter, whose rich vocals and guitar skills promise to captivate
the audience. Between performances, representatives from the shelters will share stories about their work and thank the community for its support.
Local businesses including Bowen’s Pizza, Leapin’ Lizards, Premier Printing Solutions and Silver Moon Brewing have generously donated time, food, services and toys to make the event truly special.
“It’s amazing to see how many people have rallied behind this project,” adds Tyler Regan, a local musician who helped organize the benefit concert. “The community’s support is truly inspiring.”
For those unable to attend, toys can be dropped off at Central Oregon Gymnastics Academy through Dec. 23 or donated via the Amazon registry until a week before Christmas.
Central Oregon Toy Drive and Benefit Concert
24 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend instagram.com/central_oregon_toy_drive Free
Featuring Eric Leadbetter, Hella Shy and Fitzy Wed., Dec. 4, 6pm Silver Moon Brewing
Leighton Tuttle (left) and Tyler Regan (right)put together the toy drive and benefit concert to bring children living in shelters cheer this holiday season.
Photo courtesy of Tyler Regan
Holiday Makers Market- 2 days! Get ready for the Holiday Makers Market – now a two-day celebration! Join us for twice the festive fun, with unique artisan vendors, handmade gifts, seasonal treats, and holiday cheer around every corner. Don’t miss this magical event! Nov. 30, 11am-3pm and Dec. 1, 11am-3pm. The Grove, 921 NW Mt. Washington Drive, Bend. Contact: grovebendevents@gmail.com. Free.
Nancy P’s 11th Annual Handmade Holiday Pop-Up It’s time one again for the best ‘Lil outdoor holiday pop-up in Bend! Grab your puffy, favorite beverage and sweet or savory snack from Nancy P’s Cafe & Bakery and get a jump on your Holiday gifting! Find unique handmade art, ceramics, textiles, apothecary goods, jewelry and more. Nov. 30, 10am-2pm. Nancy P’s Cafe & Bakery, 1054 NW Milwaukee Ave., Bend. Free.
Silver Sage Trading Winter Sale Begins Kick-start your year-end shopping at the Silver Sage Trading Sale! You do not pay admission if your destination is Silver Sage Trading! Nov. 29, 11am-4pm. High Desert Museum, 59800 S. Highway 97, Bend. Contact: 541-382-4754. info@highdesertmuseum.org. Free.
Small Business Saturday Holiday Jubilee A celebration of gratitude for the community of Bend, and a perfect time to find extra special gifts for loved ones. Enjoy treats, drinks, fire pit s’mores, and gifts with purchase all day, along with free holiday crafting in The Cottage! Pomegranate’s annual holiday celebration is not to be missed. Nov. 30, 10am-7pm. Pomegranate Home and Garden, 120 NE River Mall Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-3833713. hello@pomegranate-home.com. Free.
Sunriver Saturday Holiday Market Celebrate the holiday season in Sunriver by attending the Sunriver Saturday Holiday Market. More than 50 Central Oregon vendors selling food, beverages, gifts and holiday decor. Visit Santa Claus from 11:30am-1:30pm. Nov. 30, 10am-4pm. SHARC, 57250 Overlook Rd., Sunriver. Contact: 541-593-8149. sunriversaturdaymarket@gmail. com. Free.
Shop Small Saturday Support our small downtown businesses by attending this much anticipated annual “Shop Small Business Saturday” event! Nov. 30. Downtown Bend. Free.
Willow Wild Black Friday Willow Wild Black Friday. $20 rack, $30 rack. Spend $75 receive $10 off. Spend $100 receive $25 off. Spend $150 receive $35 off. Come early to find more hidden discounts. Twisted peach mobile cocktail bar will serve hot buttered rums and mimosas 10am-2pm. Nov. 29, 10am-5pm. Willow Wild, 321 SW 6th St, Redmond. Contact: 541-5274320. info@shopwillowwild.com. Free.
FAMILY + KIDS
Family Movie Night Join us for this family fun movie night from 6-8pm. The kiddos can bring a pillow and blanket if they would like, to fully relax and enjoy the movie. This month’s movie is: Ratatouille. Nov. 29, 6-8pm. Craft Kitchen & Brewery, 62988 Layton Ave #103, Bend. Contact: 541-668-1766. Free.
Full-Day Baseball Camp with MacDougall Training Work through a variety of skills with elite coaches! Join us for a morning of skills, drills, and fun, followed by a scrimmage to showcase the skills everyone learned! Grades 5-8, intermediate and advanced levels, 1:10 coach to athlete ratio. Take it to the next level with MacDougall Training! Wed, Nov. 27, 10am3pm. Caldera High School, 60925 SE 15th St, Bend, OR 97702, Bend. Contact: 541-420-8048. macdougalltrainingllc@gmail.com. $100 per day, $380 for multi-day 4 pack.
Hello! Storytime Hello, and welcome to Roundabout Books Storytime! We are looking forward to sharing stories, movement and a touch of music with 0-5 year olds, geared toward those younger ages. There will be a heavy emphasis on fun, so bring your listening ears and a smile. Nov. 27, 10:30-11am. Roundabout Books, 900 NW Mount Washington Dr., #110, Bend. Contact: 541306-6564. julie@roundaboutbookshop.com. Free.
Kids Open Play - Thanksgiving Week
Welcome to our Kids Ninja Warrior gym in Bend! During Kids Open Play, toddlers, babies, and big kids can enjoy exciting obstacles, rock climbing, a giant red slide, adventure net bridge, rings, ropes, and more! Wed, Nov. 27, 9, 10:30am, Noon, 1:30 and 3pm, Thu, Nov. 28, 9 and 10:30am, Fri, Nov. 29, 9, 10:30am, 12, 1:30 and 3pm, Sat, Nov. 30, 9, 10:30am, Noon and 1:30pm and Sun, Dec. 1, 9 and 10:30am. Free Spirit Yoga Ninja Play, 320 SW Powerhouse Drive, Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 541-241-3919. info@freespiritbend.com. $18.
Rockin’ Holiday Kick-Off Bring the family out to the Village at Sunriver to kick off the 2024 Holiday Season with the 7th annual Rockin’ Holiday Kickoff! Enjoy live music, get pictures with Santa and the Grinch, and play games with Santa’s helpers. Ignite the season with us as we light the tree! Nov. 30, 3-6pm. The Village at Sunriver, 57100 Beaver Dr., Sunriver. Contact: info@ alpine-entertainment.com. Free.
Starlight Parade Join a dazzling Starlight Parade in Downtown Redmond! As Clara, the Nutcracker, and I guide you through this enchanting evening, you’ll be mesmerized by the twinkling lights, magical floats, and festive music. The magic begins at 5pm on 6th Street, so be sure to find your spot early to witness the wonders of our Nutcracker-themed parade. Sign up today, and let the magic unfold! Nov. 30, 5-6pm. Downtown Redmond, 6th Street & Evergreen, Redmond. Free.
BEER + DRINK
12 Days of Espresso Martinis Enjoy 12 Days of distinctive $12 Espresso Martinis at Pangaea, Dec. 1-14. All espresso martinis made with Thump Espresso & Gompers Distillery Vodka. Sun, Dec. 1, 4-10pm, Tue, Dec. 3, 4-10pm, Wed, Dec. 4, 4-10pm, Thu, Dec. 5, 4-10pm, Fri, Dec. 6, 4-11pm, Sat, Dec. 7, 4-11pm, Sun, Dec. 8, 4-10pm, Tue, Dec. 10, 4-10pm, Wed, Dec. 11, 4-10pm, Thu, Dec. 12, 4-10pm, Fri, Dec. 13, 4-11pm and Sat, Dec. 14, 4-11pm. Pangaea Guild Hall, 652 SW 6th St., Redmond. Free. Breakfast & Photos with Santa Come kick off the holiday season and have breakfast with Santa! $10 professional photos by Miryssa Lynne Photos, on-site permanent jewelry by Linked Amore, build-your-own “Rudolph Pancakes” by Bend Breakfast Burrito and coffee and boozy brunch cocktails by Boss Coffee. Dec. 1, 10am-Noon. Boss Rambler Beer Club, 1009 NW Galveston Ave., Bend. Free. Crater Lake Spirits’ Espresso Wars Cocktail Competition Espresso Wars is an exciting cocktail showdown featuring Crater Lake Hazelnut Espresso Vodka. Local bars and restaurants compete to craft the best coffee-inspired cocktails, each uniquely creative and packed with flavor. Voted in by the public, the top six cocktails offer a delicious way to experience this iconic spirit. Dec. 1, 1-4pm. 10 Barrel Brewing Co. Pub & Brewing Facility, 62950 NE 18th St., Bend. Contact: 541-318-0200. socialmedia@craterlakespirits.com. $18.
Football, Family, FUN Bangers & Brews
Redmond is your Family Friendly Sports bar with DirectTV NFL Sunday ticket, over 20+ artisan sausages, smash bangers, craft beer and cocktails! Opens at 9:30am on Sundays for 10am NFL games with breakfast served til noon. Dec. 1, 9:30am-7pm. Bangers & Brews Redmond, 827 SW 7th St, Redmond. Free.
Sorry We Ruined Thanksgiving! Vintage Beer Tasting Head down to the tasting room the day before Thanksgiving to try a hand-picked selection of some of our hard to come by vintage bottles. We will be pouring flights from 2-8pm and will have a few bottles available for purchase! Light snackies will be provided. Nov. 27, 2-8pm. The Ale Apothecary Tasting Room, 30 SW Century Drive, Ste 140, Bend. Contact: taryn@thealeapothecary.com. $45.
Suttle Lodge’s Thanksgiving Dinner Join us for our annual Thanksgiving Feast, served family style in the Lodge! Dinner will consist of a glass of welcome bubbles, and a multi-course menu, designed specially by our Chef. Don’t forget to book a room or cabin after purchasing your tickets! Nov. 28, 4-7pm. SKIP Bar at The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse, 13300 Hwy 20, Sisters. Contact: 541-323-0964.
Thanksgiving Dinner at Juniper Preserve Enjoy a special Thanksgiving Menu, available from 11 am-6 pm in Iris and Blue Bar | 65600 Pronghorn Club Dr Bend, OR 97701. Guests can enjoy a variety of seasonal dishes, choosing from our à la carte menu or opting for a Family Style Thanksgiving Dinner. Pricing: Adults: $95. Children (6-10 years): $45. Reservations are required and can be made through Tock as on any normal day. Nov. 28, 11am-6pm. Juniper Preserve, 65600 Pronghorn Club Dr., Bend. $45-$95.
Thanksgiving Grand Buffet
Join a festive Thanksgiving Buffet at Riverhouse Lodge Conference and Event Center on Nov. 28 from 1-5pm! Indulge in a mouthwatering grand buffet featuring both new and classic Thanksgiving dishes, while enjoying live music throughout the afternoon Don’t wait—reserve your tickets now for an unforgettable Thanksgiving celebration! Nov. 28, 1-5pm. Riverhouse Convention Center, 2850 NW Rippling River Ct., Bend. Contact: 541-323-0964.
HEALTH + WELLNESS
Free Sound Bath Introduction for Wellness Event Planners Join two complimentary sound bath sessions and learn how Soundshala can enhance your wellness offerings. Experience the benefits of sound healing. two sessions 4:30-5:30 and 6-7pm. Please RSVP to Kevin@ soundshala.com. Dec. 3, 4-7pm. Hanai Foundation, 62430 Eagle Road, Bend. Contact: 808-783-0374. Kevin@soundshala.com. Free.
Gentle Flow + Restore Yoga Series
Gentle Flow + Restore combines flowing movements with restorative poses to release tension and promote relaxation. This class reduces stress, enhances clarity, and fosters inner peace, making it perfect for all levels. Enjoy a mindful practice that balances your nervous system and supports better sleep! 6-week series. Mondays, 6:30-7:45pm. Through Dec. 2. Free Spirit Yoga Ninja Play, 320 SW Powerhouse Drive, Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 541-241-3919. info@freespiritbend.com. $128.
THURSDAY, NOV 28 AT 1PM TUESDAY, DEC 3 AT 5:30PM
Local singer/songwriter Alicia Viani captivates audiences with her storytelling music. Viani’s sound integrates jazz, funk, classical, county into her indie-folk style. Sat., Nov. 30, 6-8pm at the Ale Apothecary Tasting Room.
Courtesy Alicia Viani Music IG
Local Brew: Behind the Counter at Bellatazza Caffé
A conversation with
Stewart Fritchman, one of Bend's original craft coffee
pioneers
By Megan Baker
Step into Bellatazza and let the symphony of coffee culture envelop you: the methodical whir of grinders preparing the day's beans, the rhythmic tamp of espresso, the gentle hiss of steam transforming local milk into frothy goodness. Beyond the familiar cafe percussion, there's the warm hum of conversation and the rustle of newspapers – a soundtrack playing on Wall Street since 2003. It's not just the aroma of freshly roasted coffee that fills the air, but the sense that you're part of a community that flows through this space like the pulse of Bend itself.
Join us for a Q&A with Stewart Fritchman, owner/ founder of Bellatazza Caffé.
Source Weekly: What inspired the name Bellatazza?
Stewart Fritchman: Not that we are by any means Italian of descent or channeling an Italian-centric model... We have always been drawn to cultures in the world where conversation, coffee houses and community thrive. In most folks' minds, that's Italy or countries along the northern side of the Mediterranean. It is deeply important to note that Ethiopia seems to be the birthplace of coffee (at least myth has it so) and they have their own gorgeous coffee culture along with the countries along the Southern Mediterranean. Of the Northern Mediterranean, the languages are all of the same root: Latin. And then we dive into the origin of the name. When traveling and asking for a coffee in Italy, I once heard "..... una bella tazza di caffe." Which means that the person was requesting a beautiful cup of coffee. Not aesthetically pleasing per se, but in a broad gesture, arms open, a Latin cultural way of expressing a love for coffee. That phrase distills into Bellatazza.
SW: Bellatazza has been offering coffee in Oregon since 1993. What inspired you to open during Central Oregon's early craft coffee days?
SF: Great question! I partnered and opened an espresso cart in downtown Portland in 1993. We were the first 52-week-a-year espresso cart in Oregon. Then I moved to Central Oregon and started the development of Bellatazza. We purchased a cafe in Sunriver with an attached TINY coffee roasting operation. After two years of operating that cafe, we built a substantially larger coffee roasting facility and ultimately roasted about 100,000 pounds annually. Jan 11, 2003, the downtown cafe opened and became a central hub to the growth of downtown Bend.
SW: How has Bend's coffee culture evolved since you first opened, and how has Bellatazza adapted while maintaining its core identity?
SF: Well now, that's a heartwarming story. When we first started, we were the only roastery buying direct trade, supporting the community here in Bend as well as the community in countries we buy from. We were the first cafe to present latte art (those cute little rosettas, hearts, swans, fleur des lis, etc.) and have a deep culture that inspired others to elevate coffee in Bend to a much higher level. In the beginning, it was just Bellatazza, Starbucks and one or two now defunct operations –Royal Coffee, Leon's and Bend Mountain Coffee. Now we have absolutely stellar roasters and cafes with a wide variety of roasting styles and cafe environments. Bend is home to more coffee roasters (per capita) than any other city in the contiguous 48 states.
SW: Talk about your bean sourcing philosophy. How do you select your coffee origins and maintain relationships with farmers?
SF: People before profit, always. We do the best we can to ensure the direct trade relationships we have are providing a reasonable living in Guatemala, our foundational coffee for all our blends. Relationships are built on genuine caring and engagement, not just a dollar.
We never balk at a price the farm is requesting. If the quality is there, if the ethics are there, we simply buy the coffee. If not, we move on to find the right farm with the balance we insist upon. A few times in my life, the coffee was perfect and the ethics were spot on, yet the manager was asking too little. We agreed with their price then made a donation to their farm to help build a medical center and a small “classroom” for the kids who lived on the plantation. This wasn't only us, a few of the micro roasters like Bellatazza all joined in to provide materials, funds, human resources. We all are a part of this chain from seed to cup and a part of the community in both Guatemala and Bend. This is deeply rooted in my essence. I find it hard to believe it's not the modus operandi of all businesses. It isn't. It's far more rare than I thought.
Quick Shots
SW: Favorite drink to make?
SF: Cortado, served "for here" with a side of mineral water, chocolate and on a serving board.
SW: Most unusual customer request?
SF: To deliver their coffee, in for–here cups to their Sprinter van parked curbside then called back to have us fetch the cups when they were through. Covid created some odd situations.
SW: Best part about being a coffee shop owner in Bend?
SF: Community. Full stop, community.
—There’s lots more to this story! Read the entire interview at bendsource.com.
Bellatazza Caffé
869 NW Wall St., Bend 541-318-0606 bellatazza.com
A Personal Note from the Author
The questions in this piece were developed through conversations with my mother, owner of Keokea Farms –an award-winning coffee farm in Keokea, Maui. She and my father’s 17 years of experience cultivating coffee on the slopes of Haleakala offered valuable insight into the complexities of coffee production, from cherry to cup, helping shape this conversation about one of Bend's spearheads in the Central Oregon coffee industry.
Stewart Fritchman, who started Bellatazza in 1993, inside the shop in downtown Bend.
Megan Baker
By Nicole Vulcan
A New Menu for Neighbor Rotisserie
Neighbor Rotisserie, the restaurant on Newport Avenue that opened in May and quickly earned the “Best New Restaurant” designation by the readers of the Source Weekly, has made some changes to its menu.
While there’s still a focus on the rotisserie items that gave the space its name, the new menu includes a bowl and more sandwiches.
“With almost six months under our belt in this new endeavor, we, alongside other local businesses, are in the midst of a slow shoulder season,” Neighbor Rotisserie wrote on its Facebook page. “Times are tough, but we are resilient and have faced many challenges over the years that have prepared us to know when we need to pivot.”
“The Kimmy” bowl features organic quinoa, hummus, avocado, a seasonal veggie slaw and crispy chickpeas, with a choice of sauce and the option of chicken or pork rotisserie, fried chicken or falafel. “The Quagmire” features slow-roasted pork shoulder, grilled broccolini, sweet drop peppers,
red onion, mayo and the restaurant’s own “Chili Vin,” on an M’s Bakery ciabatta. New fries on the menu are fried in chicken fat and topped with rosemary, garlic and Parmesan cheese.
Neighbor Rotisserie rolled out its new menu as of last week.
Neighbor Rotisserie
1004 NW Newport Ave., Bend Open daily 11am-9pm 541-593-3313 neighborrotisserie.com
Revamped Digs for the Bar, Restaurant at Juniper Preserve
Two new restaurant concepts at Juniper Preserve, the resort at the Pronghorn Golf Club, are offering a reason for a locals’ staycation. Juniper Preserve introduced Iris and Blue Bar, its newest restaurant and lounge, in September.
The culinary offerings, the vision of Chef Ryan Eisert, incorporate ingredients from local farmers and purveyors and include a range of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
“At Iris, we’re transforming beloved classics with inventive techniques and artistic presentation while embracing slow food and the farm-to-table philosophy,” said Eisert in a press release. “Our strong ties with local farmers and artisans allow us to procure exceptional ingredients, from coastal tuna and locally foraged truffles to artisanal cheeses from just down the road.”
Highlights of the menu at Blue Bar — designed in rich hues, with the region’s signature juniper-berry color in mind — include a Fresh Maine Lobster Roll, a Wagyu Burger and craft cocktails. At Iris, menu standouts include Crab Cakes made with classic lump crab meat, Grilled Spanish Octopus cooked in brown butter, and an array of steak options — all which I tried on my recent visit and enjoyed. The desserts made by the resort’s fulltime pastry chef were also divine.
“Iris and Blue Bar mark a new chapter for Juniper Preserve, creating two distinct settings for residents, guests, and locals alike to enjoy elevated cuisine and good company,” said Juniper Preserve General Manager Spencer Schaub in a press release. “As a resort devoted to nurturing the mind, body, and spirit, we envisioned both dining outlets as a fusion of community, creativity, and health-forward philosophy.”
Blue Bar is open daily from 7am to 9pm, and Iris is open daily from 5 to 9pm.
Martin Sunberg
Neighbor Rotisserie FB
IC
CULTURE
t's easy to forget that the darkest time of the year is when the Earth is at its closest point to the sun. The cold days and long nights draw us inward as we reflect on the year and bring our loved ones in close. The glittering ice and twinkling lights remind us that the sun shines near and warmth surrounds us. We find it in the embrace of loved ones, the excitement of children and the flood of goodwill and thoughtful giving that abounds in December.
Is there anything more thoughtful than the gift of a book? I may be biased, but books have a way of connecting us through shared experience and conversation. When you pick out a book for someone, not only are you giving something that reflects their interests or stage in life, but you are also sharing a small piece of yourself with them. Maybe you discovered a new author this year, or read a book that resonated with you, and by sharing it, you open a window for connection. Maybe you just want to give a very busy person the gift of time. A basket filled with a book, a jar of tea and warm socks is the perfect excuse to put everything else aside and claim a couple quiet hours for oneself.
Whatever your reason for giving, the conversations that come from the exchange of books are a connecting experience, and bookstores are always here to help you find the next perfect gift for yourself or someone you love. Below are a few recommendations to get you started, but we encourage you to shop in person this year at your favorite local bookstore. We work hard all year long to make it to December, and saying hi to all our customers during the holidays is a highlight of our year.
Nonfiction is sensitive right now. Some readers want books of revolution and resistance; others want comforting reflection, historical interest or how-to books on everything from sourdough to beekeeping.
“The Message” by Ta-Nehisi Coates is part essay, part travelogue, and examines the urgent need to untangle ourselves from the destructive myths that shape our world and get to the truth of matters.
“The Center of the World” by Allen James Fromherz is a sweeping history of the Persian Gulf from the Stone Age to the present day and shows us that the contradictions that define our modern age have always been present.
“What If We Get It Right” by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson is a provocative and joyous science book that maps an inspiring landscape of possible climate futures.
In “Born of Fire and Rain,” M. L. Herring gives a passionate tribute to
Give Books for a Thoughtful Season Books connect us through shared experiences and conversation
By Cassie Clemans, Roundabout Books Cafe
the Douglas-fir forests of the Pacific Northwest, anchoring their sense of importance, ecology and survival in a world of upheaval.
“Ghosts of Panama: A Strongman Out of Control, A Murdered Marine, and the Special Agents Caught in the Middle of an Invasion” by Mark Harmon and Leon Carroll Jr. tells the story of Special Agent Rick Yell, who puts himself and his family in danger when Bush is making the decision to invade Panama in 1989.
Cookbooks are a favorite gift during the holidays and there is no shortage of new favorites this season. If you’re gifting to someone that loves a good cooking show as well, try “Matty Matheson: Soups, Salads, Sandwiches,” whom you will recognize from “The Bear.” Or pick up the new cookbook from Martha Stewart, aka our favorite person in the billionaire felon category. “Martha: The Cookbook: 100 Favorite Recipes, with Lessons and Stories from My Kitchen,” celebrates her landmark 100th book.
Fiction feels all mixed up this year. There has been an enormous surge in readers seeking cozy and comforting books in all genres. Even the literary landscape is changing, with readers interested in books that focus less on war-torn communities and time periods, and more on characters set on a journey of change and growth.
In “Intermezzo” by Sally Rooney, two grieving brothers struggle to avoid estrangement while navigating their careers and relationships. Sally Rooney is a master of writing intimacy and personal stories without cliché or sentimentality.
“Godwin” by Joseph O’Neill is a tale of family and migration as well as an international adventure story that
implicates the brothers in the beauty and ugliness of soccer, the perils and promises of international business and the dark history of transatlantic money-making.
“Martyr!” by Kaveh Akbar is a masterpiece of language and the most unique book I’ve read in years. Art, addiction, displacement, martyrdom and belonging are major themes in this extraordinary novel that explores how we find meaning in our lives.
“The Magnificent Ruins” by Nayantara Roy is a stunning debut perfect for book clubs. After unexpectedly inheriting a family estate, one woman returns to India to face secrets and resentments that haunt her past.
“Playground” by Richard Powers is a pillar of 2024 fiction and a must read. Reading a new Richard Powers novel is such a lift as you reach to understand the interwoven connections he builds between characters and context. In “Playground,” Powers examines our shared humanity between the last wild places and the future of technology and the environment.
“Long Island Compromise” by Taffy Brodesser-Aknern is an exhilarating novel about one American family, the dark moment that shatters their suburban paradise and the wild legacy of trauma and inheritance.
“Lazarus Man” is Richard Price’s first new book in almost a decade. When a five-story tenement collapses in East Harlem, intertwining stories of several characters unfold, starting with a man who survived the catastrophe after being buried for days.
I am completely out of space to discuss children’s books (and so much more adult), but you can find our entire
“Intermezzo” by Sally Rooney
—“An exquisitely moving story about grief, love, and family — but especially love — from the global phenomenon Sally Rooney.”
holiday gift guide on our website at roundaboutbookshop.com. Shopping for books is all about the anticipation, encapsulating the moment of infinite possibilities and discoveries. The magic of throwing your heart wide and broad into the giant universe and seeing where it lands. But the reading... the reading is all about moving inward, claiming an unapologetic quiet place in the world and undivided time with yourself. You deserve it, and everyone on your list this year deserves some time with a book.
I wish all our readers a very wonderful holiday season full of good memories and great books.
Courtesy Roundabout Books
This holiday season, make a charitable donation through the
Donate Between November 27 - December 3 and receive this special offer:
1 FREE 8” x 10” photo print from High Desert Frameworks
BE ENTERED TO WIN
1 month of unlimited free classes from Barre3
Must make a donation of $25 or more to receive incentive/enter drawing.
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Are We That Entertained? Gladiator II brings the bread and circuses
By Jared Rasic
“Already long ago, from when we sold our vote to no man, the People have abdicated our duties; for the People who once upon a time handed out military command, high civil office, legions — everything, now restrains itself and anxiously hopes for just two things: bread and circuses.”
—JUVENAL (100-200 A.D.)
There’s a meta textual aspect to watching “Gladiator II” (written as the gleefully ridiculous “GladIIator” in the opening credits) that I couldn’t stop thinking about throughout the entire movie. If one of the main points of pitting gladiators against each other in the Roman coliseums was to keep the masses entertained and placated so the emperors could continue ruling with strong public approval, then what exactly is the purpose of a movie that exists simply to entertain without nourishing thought and reason? Is it not ultimately the same thing?
Obviously, I don’t think Ridley Scott sat down to make “Gladiator II” for the purposes of social pacification or influencing political power, but there’s something so empty about the film that I felt actively dumber as I left the theater; entertained by the 140-minutes I spent in a dark room with strangers, but also left with absolutely nothing nourishing for my spirit, soul or mind. Which is fine, I guess? Not every movie needs to offer something more than a brief respite from the outside world. I’m pretty sure the original “Gladiator” movie did. And, if we’re not making historical fiction with the purpose of either educating modern humans on our collective past or making allegorical connections to our present
Don’t get me wrong, “Gladiator II” is fun and entertaining, with Ridley Scott once again proving why he’s Hollywood’s go-to filmmaker for epic historical movies. With a career littered with massive, spectacle-driven films like “Gladiator,” “Kingdom of Heaven,” “1492: Conquest of Paradise,” “Exodus: Gods and Kings,” “Robin Hood” and “Napoleon,” Scott can make movies like this in his sleep. But when he doesn’t find either an interesting story to hang all the expensive action set-pieces on or a lead performance grounded and relatable enough to carry the audience through the stupid bits, then he’s left with empty excitement sapped of all human emotion.
The story and structure of “Gladiator II” is basically identical to the first one. Paul Mescal’s Lucius (I won’t say how he’s connected to the original, because I think it’s a pretty big spoiler), a warrior from Northern Africa, is captured by the Romans in the first 10 minutes of the movie, enslaved and then forced to fight in the coliseum for his freedom. Denzel Washington plays Macrinus, a former slave who is now one of the richest men in Rome and only hungers for power above all else. Macrinus purchases Lucius and pits him against increasingly hazardous gladiatorial battles for the entertainment of cackling and mildly insane
emperors Geta and Caracalla (giving off strong Romulus and Remus vibes).
Here’s where “Gladiator II” makes its fatal mistake: almost the entire runtime is dedicated to different set-pieces in the arena. I love action movies, and the idea of a $200-million epic mostly dedicated to escalating battles between the great Paul Mescal and whatever next deadly horror is thrown his way sounds like an absolute blast. But Paul Mescal has so much swagger that (aside from an early scene where he cries for a few seconds) we’re never really that concerned about him being in danger. In fact, Mescal has an amused grin on his face for so much of the movie that he makes being a slave forced to fight to the death for the amusement of Rome look like it’s downright delightful. Plus, since he’s enslaved so quickly at the beginning of the film, we’re never really given a chance to become invested. We need to acutely feel what he has lost.
Which leads to the film’s other biggest problem: there is absolutely no grit, whatsoever. There was a tactile grime to the original that gave audiences a sense of place. Rome looked hot and smelly and dangerous. It looked itchy. With “2 Fast 2 Gladiator,” everything is sterile and designed to look impressive in an IMAX theater. So much CG is used to make everything bigger and more
exciting that nothing feels immersive as an audience member. On paper, gladiators fighting computer generated sharks from atop dueling ships (while inside the coliseum!!!) sounds ridiculously, insanely, stupidly fun to the point that it should be jaw-dropping to witness, but instead it looks like a video game cut scene. As entertaining as some of this is, none of it has any weight or generates any emotion.
But Denzel is making a meal of the scenery and will at least get an Oscar nomination. It makes me happy Paul Mescal is a bona fide movie star now because he’s nice and deserves it. Ridley Scott at his worst still makes compulsively watchable movies, and after “Alien” and “Blade Runner,” has a lifetime pass from me, so it’s not all bad. It’s aggressively fun, nothing more and occasionally less. If this is what you want, then “Glad2ator” has what you need. But there’s no food here, just a reminder that the circus is in town and, while there is plenty of bread to be had, it’s heels all the way down.
Dir. Ridley Scott Grade: C
Now playing at Regal Old Mill, Sisters Movie House, Odem Theater Pub, Redmond Cinema, Madras Cinema 5.
O OUTSIDE What We Can Learn from the Mountains
An essay on the lessons of resilience and change in the Central Oregon Cascade Range
By Kimberly Bowker
Growing up in Central Oregon, I always saw the mountains. They were there when I learned how to ride a bike, when I went to prom, when I experienced life and death in their shadows. Yet I don’t know a lot about these peaks other than touching the rocks on outdoor excursions and saying good morning to them while driving to work.
On a quest to learn more, I reached out to a variety of people to ask about the geology, ecosystems, and human connection with the Central Oregon horizon.
Creation
The first stop on my journey is to an office housing gorgeous rocks and pinecones and field trip equipment, including a box of overflowing hard hats. It’s the office of Hal DeShow, a Central Oregon Community College geology instructor who almost ran off the road the first time he saw the snow-covered Central Oregon Cascade Range near Madras seven years ago.
“My first epiphany with geology is that every square inch of landscape has a story,” DeShow said. “You can learn how to read that story if you can understand the rocks and the landforms.”
The story of the landforms on the Central Oregon horizon began with subduction approximately 40 million years ago (although the current peaks are much younger) when dinosaurs were long gone and the Earth was entering a time of great cooling.
About 100 kilometers down, the Juan de Fuca tectonic plate slid under the North American plate. The interaction of water rushing into Earth’s deep hot rocks lowered the melting temperature through a chemical reaction, creating magma. Magma is buoyant and rises into chambers that sometimes erupt when there are fissures in the Earth’s crust, building cones and peaks.
These regional volcanoes are part of the larger Cascade Range, spanning from northern California to central British Columbia, which in turn is part of the Ring of Fire circling the Pacific Ocean.
Central Oregon is unique because there is a second source of volcanism. The Pacific Northwest is being tectonically rotated clockwise, which causes Central Oregon to be slowly pulled apart in a process known as extension. The extension reduces the pressure on the underlying rocks, allowing them to melt into magma and erupt as volcanoes. There are 466 volcanoes from Mt. Jefferson to Crater Lake, according to DeShow.
Life
Life as humans know it in Central Oregon would not exist without the Cascade Range. The volcanoes cause precipitation and snowmelt that absorb through porous volcanic basalt rock to reemerge in springs that feed local rivers.
Springs offer a consistent water source, compared to flooding that is common in rain-fed rivers west of the Oregon Cascades, and contribute to high-quality water (as well as high-quality beer, I might add).
High-quality water helps the ecosystems, of which there are many in the varying elevations. Passes in the Central Oregon Cascades may receive 200-plus inches of precipitation, while 60 miles down the road it’s just 12 inches, according to Matthew Shinderman, senior instructor of natural resources at Oregon State University-Cascades. That can also influence food webs and ecosystems.
“Things are connected in obvious and not-so-obvious ways,” Shinderman said. “What happens in a portion of the landscape is not isolated. Interconnection is a good lesson we can learn, from this landscape in particular.”
Markers of different ecosystems are readily visible, such as changes in dominant tree species when moving up in altitude. Driving on Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, one may notice the main tree species change from ponderosa pine to lodgepole pine to mountain hemlock as elevation rises.
Diversity acts as a strong component for resilience, Shinderman added.
Diversity in biology, genetics and even human knowledge or skills can help to make a community resilient through change.
Since Broken Top and North Sister are older mountains on the horizon (Broken Top was active about 300,000150,000 years ago and North Sister was active about 120,000-45,000 years ago), erosion has rendered their outlines more craggy and rugged compared to younger volcanoes such as South Sister and Mt. Bachelor, with smoother cones.
“Central Oregon looking west, everything is really young,” said Bart Wills, geologist with the U.S. Forest Service. “Geologically we are talking thousands of years old, and usually in geology we are speaking millions of years old.”
Using dating techniques, such as paleomagnetism and carbon dating, geologists have identified Mt. Bachelor’s oldest volcanic activity about 18,000 years ago. The most recent Central Oregon lava flow is the Newberry caldera Big Obsidian Flow, formed 1,300 years ago.
Interbeing
Since this landscape is so young, it’s possible that human beings have been witness to the creation that we see today. There is evidence that humans have been in Oregon for at least 15,000 years. Human relationships intertwined with volcanic change could have been challenging, according to DeShow. Pyroclastic flows threatened lives. But on the positive side, they also formed the
In the Klamath and Modoc languages, the Cascade Range is known as Yámakisham Yína, translated to “mountains of the Northerners.”
valuable obsidian used in trade networks by Indigenous peoples.
GeorGene Nelson, an enrolled tribal member and director of the language department of the Klamath Tribes, which includes Klamath, Modoc and Northern Paiute people, said that the roads such as Highway 97 and 58 used to be trails for traveling back and forth for trade.
In the Klamath and Modoc languages, the Cascade Range is known as Yámakisham Yína, translated to “mountains of the Northerners.” Nelson said that the Klamath people have stories that only the strongest people who worked as doctors could go to some places in the mountains.
“They said spirits lived in the mountains and they would get strength or visions or abilities from the spirits in the mountains. They would be able to heal people and help people,” Nelson said. “For tribal people everything has a spirit — the rocks, the water, the wind, the fire — and so we’re taught to respect all of these things and to take care as we are considered caretakers. We have sacred spots in these mountains and so we go there to pray and to be at one with the earth.”
Many humans feel a spiritual connection when being by or in the mountains, including DeShow, who notes we should be thankful that the mountains exist and how our lifestyle and civilization here are completely dependent on the volcanoes. Trail networks, outdoor technology and roads have made it possible for humans to be present with the mountains in any season.
So what has learning about the Central Oregon mountains taught me? Story. Resilience. Change. Spirit. And for me, love.
Now the question is, what do we do in return?
Photo courtesy of Oregon State University – Cascades
Matt Shinderman and the HERS Lab team are researching pika persistence and distribution in America's wild lava lands in response to climate change.
By Savannah Mendoza
Holiday Magic at Seventh Mountain’s Festive Bazaar
A
weekend of local shopping, ice skating and holiday cheer at Seventh Mountain Resort
Whether you’re shopping for oneof-a-kind gifts or ice skating with loved ones, Seventh Mountain Resort invites you to its third annual Holiday Bazaar — a weekend of holiday shopping, seasonal sips and cozy winter fun. Nestled in the scenic Deschutes National Forest on the way to Mt. Bachelor, the resort transforms into a winter wonderland during the holidays with twinkling lights, Christmas trees and an ice-skating rink surrounded by fire pits.
This year’s Holiday Bazaar takes place over Black Friday weekend, from Friday, Nov. 29 through Sunday, Dec. 1, from 11am-6pm. Guests can ice skate, enjoy warm drinks or festive cocktails and shop for unique gifts while supporting local businesses.
The bazaar will feature over 20 vendors offering a wide variety of goods, including handcrafted jewelry, cozy apparel, home decor, sweet and savory foods, eco-friendly products and more.
Adding to the festivities, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will make afternoon appearances for photo opportunities during the weekend from noon-3pm, and Illuminate Dance Academy will also dazzle attendees with an enchanting performance on the resort’s ice rink on Sunday at 5pm.
The three-day festive event at Seventh Mountain Resort features shopping, ice skating and entertainment.
Courtesy Seventh
CRAFT CR What the Beer Lover in Your Life Wants from Sudsy Santa
By Brian Yaeger
for beer lovers as well as adventurous wine afficionados.
eer lovers are actually the easiest people to shop for, provided you don’t get them a suitcase of Michelob Ultra or an eighth pair of boxers with a bottle cap pattern. With so many local breweries, you can’t go wrong but here are a few sure-fire ways to gift right. Belgium is famous for inventing fries (suck it, France) and perfecting beer (take that, Germany). It’s a weird, wonderful place where instead of Santa Claus, they have Sinterklaas. He doesn’t fly down from the North Pole but rather sails in from Spain, and instead of elves, he’s accompanied by Zwarte Pieten, an insanely racist troupe of assistants in Black face who steal naughty kids. But let’s focus on their mastery of beer. Better yet, let’s leave out anything from Belgian Christmas traditions and support Bend’s homegrown Belgian-inspired brewery, Monkless Belgian Ales. Just in time for yuletide cheer, Monkless’ Benedictine Series’ latest offering is called Rumbbel, so called because it’s their dubbel-style Dubbel or Nothing that’s been matured in spiced rum barrels from Oregon Spirit Distillers. This 8.7% beast is a beauty and nicely fills Monkless’ new giftable specialty Teku beer glass with the design in gold. The corked and caged bottle is $15 and the logoed glass is $14.
Oregon, on the other hand, is famous for inventing tater tots (true fact) and also perfecting beer. Among its trailblazers is Bend’s very own Deschutes Brewery, founded in 1988. One of the most gift-worthy beers is Deschutes’ The Abyss imperial stout, delighting all the boys and girls on the Nice List since 2006. While it’s a treasure all its own, the brewery collaborated with Eugene’s Alesong Brewing & Blending, which is famous for spontaneous-fermented ales including ones co-fermented with wine grapes from the Valley. The collaborative effort that was released last week is called Vin to the Abyss and it’s an imperial stout made with Dutch cocoa and co-fermented with Merlot grapes from Weinbau Vineyards in Washington’s Horse Heaven Hills AVA, before resting in a combo of barrels — both Westward Whiskey and used Abyss barrels made of French Oak. At $19, this is a rare treat
For those who enjoy the tried and true, Crux Fermentation Project just released its annual treat that's as cherished as holiday screenings of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Elf, ” or “Die Hard: Tough Love.” Hailing from Crux’s Banished Series of barrel-aged beers, the 2024 vintage of Tough Love was aged in vaunted Willett Distillery bourbon barrels helping it clock in at a 14% ABV that’s sure to keep Jack Frost from nipping at your nose (and if he does, fortuitously, Crux has a few bottles of older vintages available that make for a great “vertical tasting” to invite Jack Frost and other chums to share). Wax-dipped bottles are $13 and in case it’s not warming enough, the $18 Crux beanies make great stocking stuffers. In case that’s a bit too boozy, weighing in at half the alcoholic kick is Silver Moon Brewing’s Raspberry Nights, a porter that smacks of milk chocolate-dipped raspberries. Instead of one big bottle, it’s packaged in standard six packs for $10, meaning two of ‘em cover all 12 nights of Christmas. Consider wrapping them up in Silver Moon’s new swag offerings, a black hooded windbreaker for $60 or a grey crew neck sweatshirt for $40.
And finally, Boss Rambler Beer Club gets doubly festively freaky. Sappy Holidays IPA is made for folks who love going into the forest (after purchasing the necessary permit) to cut down their own trees. Not only is it hopped with Simcoe, Chinook and Cascade, it’s spruced up, pun intended, with actual hand-cut Grand Fir. Boss Rambler’s also concocted the biggest little beer in Mochalito, an imperial stout modeled after a Mexican mocha that’s been conditioned on cinnamon, cocoa nibs, coffee and vanilla beans, along with pasilla peppers for a kick. The cerveza clambers in at a whopping 15%, which is mitigated by coming in adorable 7-ounce pony bottles a la Modelitos served by the bucketful. Except instead of a bunch, these wax-dipped nip bottles are so finite, : Fewer than 100 patrons will be able to buy one.
By Fat Tony’s Chef Roberto Cardenas
Crossword “Stay In Your Lane”
in a certain lane
39. Grabbed a chair
40. It's just for openers 41. Change for a five
Gambling mecca
Clear (of)
Foolish person, l in a certain lane
Psyche division
Tailoring job 50. Song played in ice cream trucks, in a certain lane
55. Glam band named after a dinosaur
Portal
Author who coined the phrase "belling the cat"
Hand, to Jose
Actress Skye
Hanukkah dish
Blue used in printing
By Brendan Emmett Quigley
Pearl’s Puzzle
Puzzle for the week of November 25, 2024
Difficulty Level: ●●○○
WWII hybrid vessel 2. ___ around (roughly) 3. Used to be
Custom-made
5. "The Shipping News" author
6. Mylanta rival
7. Oft-impersonated "King"
8. Fair-hiring org.
9. Jazz combo horn
10. Representative
11. Grassroots version of an "ideas worth spreading" talk
12. Summit
13. Desperate call for the drowning
21. Bike designed for tricks
22. DHL competitor
25. Bike designed for toddlers
26. "The Age of Anxiety" poet 27. "Back to the Future" costar
28. Loose
29. Connecticut River town
30. Informal appreciation
31. Rehab procedure
33. Driller's deg.
36. Literally, "dwarf dog"
37. Savory chip enhancer
38. Was in front
42. Weekend at an ashram, say
45. Heckled, as the oppositions
46. Conditions
47. Emergency room info
48. Mobil partner
49. French wine region
50. Like vision that helps one see through walls
51. Princess who throws a chakram
52. Leatherman selection
53. Piedmont city
54. Aware of important issues
55. Paramount+ subsidiary, for short
58. Battleship piece
Fill in every row, column, and 3x3 box with each of the letters S N O U
R A V E exactly once.
The highlighted letters read left to right and top to bottom will complete the quote: “It never takes longer than a few minutes, when they get together, for everyone to _____ to the of , like a party marooned by a shipwreck. That's what a family is.”
- Michael Chabon
Answer for the week of November 18, 2024
The highlighted letters read left to right and top to
ANSWER TO LAST WEEK'S PUZZLES
will “It never takes lon ger than a few minutes, when they get together, to the of , like a party marooned by a shipwreck.
- Michael Chabon
R G T A O D H C S
O C S R T H A G D
“Scratch a dog and you'll find a permanent job.” — Franklin P. Jones
“Scratch a dog and you'll find a permanent job.” - Franklin P. Jones
WELLNESS
Alcoholics Anonymous
ASTROLOGY
By Rob Brezsny
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): I invite you to get a head start on formulating your New Year’s resolutions. January 1 is a good time to instigate robust new approaches to living your life, but the coming weeks will be an even better time for you Sagittarians. To get yourself in the mood, imagine you have arrived at Day Zero, Year One. Simulate the feeling of being empty and open and fertile. Imagine that nothing binds you or inhibits you. Assume that the whole world is eager to know what you want. Act as if you have nothing to prove to anyone and everything to gain by being audacious and adventurous.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): There was a long period when many popular songs didn't come to a distinct end. Instead, they faded out. The volume would gradually diminish as a catchy riff repeated over and over again. As you approach a natural climax to one of your cycles, Capricorn, I recommend that you borrow the fade-out as a metaphorical strategy. In my astrological opinion, it's best not to finish abruptly. See if you can create a slow, artful ebb or a gradual, graceful dissolution.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): When he was young, Aquarian musician and sound engineer Norio Ohga wrote a critical letter to the electronics company now known as Sony. He complained in detail about the failings of their products. Instead of being defensive, executives at the company heeded Ohga's suggestions for improvement. They even hired him as an employee and ultimately made him president of the company at age 40. He went on to have a stellar career as an innovator. In the spirit of the Sony executives, I recommend that you seek feedback and advice from potential helpers who are the caliber of Norio Ohga. The information you gather in the coming weeks could prove to be highly beneficial.
sweet, juicy, and easy to peel. But it didn't exist until the 1820s, when a genetic mutation on a single tree in Brazil spawned this new variety. Eventually, the navel became a revolutionary addition to the orange family. I foresee a metaphorically comparable development in your life during the coming months, Gemini. An odd tweak or interesting glitch could lead to a highly favorable expansion of possibilities. Be alert for it.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Cancerian, you are a finalist for our "Most Resourceful and Successful Survivor of the Year" trophy. And if you take a brief trip to hell in the next two weeks, you could assure your victory. But wait! Let me be more exact: "Hell" is an incorrect terminology; I just used it for shock effect. The fact is that “hell" is a religious invention that mischaracterizes the true nature of the realm of mystery, shadows, and fertile darkness. In reality, the nether regions can be quite entertaining and enriching if you cultivate righteous attitudes. And what are those attitudes? A frisky curiosity to learn truths you have been ignorant about; a brave resolve to unearth repressed feelings and hidden yearnings; and a drive to rouse spiritual epiphanies that aren’t available when you're in the trance of everyday consciousness.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In my astrological opinion, you need and deserve big doses of fun, play, pleasure, and love. Amusement and enchantment, too. As well as excitement, hilarity, and delight. I trust you will schedule a series of encounters and adventures that provide you with a surplus of these necessary resources. Can you afford a new toy or two? Or a romantic getaway to a sanctuary of adoration? Or a smart gamble that will attract into your vicinity a stream of rosy luck? I suggest that you be audacious in seeking the sweet, rich feelings you require.
December will be Home Enhancement Month for you Virgos. Get started immediately! I’ll offer tips for how to proceed and ask you to dream up your own ideas. 1. Phase out décor or accessories that no longer embody the style of who you have become. 2. Add new décor and accessories that will inspire outbreaks of domestic bliss. 3. Encourage everyone in your household to contribute creative ideas to generate mutual enhancement. 4. Do a blessing ritual that will raise the spiritual vibes. 5. Invite your favorite people over and ask them to shower your abode
Libran songwriter and producer Kevin MacLeod has composed over 2,000 pieces of music—and given all of them away for free. That’s why his work is so widespread. It has been featured in thousands of films and millions of YouTube videos. His composition “Monkeys Spinning Monkeys” has been played on TikTok over 31 billion times. (PS: He has plenty of money, in part because so many appreciative people give him free-will donations through his Patreon page.) I propose we make him your inspirational role model in the coming weeks and months, Libra. How could you parlay your generosity and
According to my grandmother, I have such a mellifluous voice I should have pursued a career as a newscaster or dj on the radio. In eighth grade, my science teacher admired my work and urged me to become a professional biologist. When I attended Duke University, my religious studies professor advised me to follow his path. Over the years, many others have offered their opinions about who I should be. As much as I appreciated their suggestions, I have always trusted one authority: my muses. In the coming weeks and months, Scorpio, you may, too, receive abundant advice about your best possible path. You may be pressured to live up to others’ expectations. But I encourage you to do as I have
THE THIRD ACT
By Ellen Waterston
A COLUMN ON AGEISM AND AGEING
Standard Bearers
As it turned out, on the night of the presidential election I wound up driving south and east on Highway 205, on my way to meet with a couple whose ranch lies on the Oregon/Nevada border. Over the course of the past two years, I have been interviewing people throughout the southeastern corner of the high desert on behalf of the Oregon Desert Land Trust, a nonprofit predicated on the conservation of wild and working lands for people and wildlife.
The aim of the bimonthly “Sharing Common Ground” series is to illustrate all the ways it’s possible to love the same thing differently. As ODLT’s website explains, these interviews profile, “those who know and care deeply about this special place. Some make their living in the high desert, some seek out its rivers and canyons to recreate, still others seek solace in the wide-open spaces. Though perspectives differ, what all have in common is a love of this landscape. ODLT’s goal is to have people’s stories, insights and values resonate with others to increase the appreciation and stewardship of desert communities.”
Static Presidential Election 2024 by
Ellen Waterston
The operative word here is “love” as in win/win, what’s best for most; not my-way-or-the-highway. What ODLT has accomplished in just seven years is truly impressive. Don't believe me? Just ask critters, birds, fish and folks on both sides of the fence.
As I drove through the dark on the empty two-lane road, I frantically scrolled between radio stations, my efforts only producing static. Try as I did, I couldn’t get any radio updates on how the history-making night was going. Cell service? Forget about it.
After overnighting in Fields, I continued on to my meeting with the young, fifth-generation ranching couple. Their operation takes in carefully managed lower elevation basin grasslands as well as upper country range and healthy wildlife habitat in the Trout Creek Mountains — including high, cold streams that sustain the endangered Lahontan Cutthroat Trout.
A poet at heart, I wanted to share the poem that came to me about that night’s drive and the meeting that followed.
Remote highway in southeastern Oregon, late on a moonless November night. Here and there, my headlights might illuminate a reflective sign: wildlife refuge, wilderness area.
That’s about it. I tune in for news of my country’s fate but only get static. Who’s winning, I wonder? The road ahead looks empty and dark. But just then, out of the pitch, a mysterious single, bobbing beam coming at me, too high, too slow for anything I can name. I tell myself I’m thankful for any emissary of light. Closing in,
it turns out my redeemer’s a solo cowboy at a trot, headlamp secured above his brim, rifle and lasso strapped to the saddle horn. Maybe looking for strays? Putting venison
in the freezer? Returning home after a visit with a far-flung neighbor? Does he wonder who’s winning? I tune in for news of our shared country’s fate but only get static.
Driving the next day, I reflect on the dwindling Lahontan Cutthroat Trout; take pleasure in the golden rabbitbrush, the snow-dusted Pueblos, the skulking coyote, the Angus grazing in the meadows. I tune in for news of their habitat’s fate but only get static.
At last I’m there. The sign on the gate says their pit bulls don’t take kindly to liberals. I knock anyway and go in, only to find lap dogs and common cause with the land
we love in common. There’s no discussion of winners, of losers, only doers in the race to conserve the grand scheme of all things wild and working.
We turn off the static.
I offer this poem because, win, lose or draw, it strikes me that the critically important job for all of us who have lived more than six decades is as standard bearers of respectful and conciliatory discourse. There will be plenty of winning, losing and drawing to go around; enough fool’s gold to keep us all prospecting for years; more easily made, easily broken
Dumping $100k in Cash & Prizes
721 Desperado Ct Sisters OR Tuesday 6-8 PM Nov 12 Dec 10
piecrust promises unearthed than you can shake a rolling pin at. Boomers are old enough to know common ground is the only high ground if we hope to sur vive as a democratic, indivisible nation. What the world needs now, is...you know the lyrics. All catchphrases aside, let’s turn off the static and sing.
TAKE ME HOME
By James Keane Broker RE/MAX Key Properties
Mortgages and Amortization Schedules
The fine print
When you first sign on the dotted line for a 30-year mortgage, it can feel like you’re trapped in a financial labyrinth. Your monthly payments seem substantial, yet your equity growth feels painfully slow. This is due to a fascinating aspect of mortgage amortization: the disproportionate allocation of payments in the early years. This is part of the reason people talk about needing to live in a home for X number of years before it makes financial sense compared with renting, with the slow initial equity growth, along with the costs associated with selling a home.
Imagine starting a new workout routine. In the beginning, you may feel sore and tired, and your progress may seem minimal. However, as your muscles adapt and strengthen, you’ll find it easier to exercise for longer periods and with greater intensity. This is like how a mortgage works, so for many people who plan on remaining in one location for more than a handful of years, it typically makes sense to buy versus rent. In the early years of a mortgage, a significant portion of your monthly payment is directed toward interest. This is because the outstanding principal balance is highest at the outset. Lenders calculate interest on this balance, a process known as amortization. As a result, only a small fraction of your payment goes toward reducing the principal. This is like the initial phase of a workout, where you’re building strength and endurance.
As you continue to make regular
payments, the principal balance begins to decrease. With a smaller principal balance, the interest calculated on it also diminishes. This reduction in interest allows a larger portion of your monthly payment to be applied to the principal. If you take out a 30-year mortgage (360 months, therefore 360 payments), 15 years into your mortgage you will still owe more than half the original principal balance assuming you make the standard payment. However, after the first 15 years or so, your principal balance reduces quite quickly as less and less of your mortgage payment goes toward interest. This is where homeowners really begin to see progress in paying down their mortgage. This is similar to the later stages of a workout, where you’re able to lift heavier weights and perform more repetitions.
While the amortization schedule is a fixed path, there are strategies to expedite your mortgage payoff. Making additional payments beyond your regular monthly payment can significantly reduce the overall loan term and interest paid. This is often referred to as “extra principal payments.” By making half of your monthly payment every two weeks, you’ll effectively make an extra monthly payment each year. This strategy is known as the “biweekly payment method.” If interest rates decline, refinancing to a lower rate can reduce your monthly payment and accelerate your payoff. If you’re curious about how to reduce the overall interest paid over the life of a loan, talk to a local lender.
The Future of Mt. Bachelor
By How will the sale of Mt Bachelor impact our economy, ski community, and outdoor recreation?
Join or forum exploring the impact of potential buyers and key industry issues like ski area consolidation, workforce retention, liability standards, and climate change
