The Source Weekly Febrary 6, 2025

1St courSe mixed greens

toasted pine nuts, fromage blanc, pickled cranberries, tarragon sherry vinaigrette

2nD courSe

seared diver scallops parsnip puree, huckleberry, black truffle

3rD courSe filet of beef

whipped potatoes, charred rapini, cremini mushrooms, port wine demi glace — or —

seared salmon GF

Herb roasted potatoes, lemon green beans and lemon herb butter sauce

February 14, 2025 5pm - 8:30pm

4th courSe

devil’s food cake

dark chocolate mousse, kirsch cherries

On the Cover: Wretched and rancid, smelly and sick, Éva R. Lund is a master of quick wit.

Drenched in goo, and slobbery spit, the artist creates images of the exact opposite.

Bubbly figures of pastel hues, dancing around in such wonderful moods, a happy little figure with a sparkling tush, and aquatic mystics with bright red blush.

This piece was created hunched over at 3am, scribbling and scrawling with an expensive iPen. Love is in the air, and it’s the cupids’ time to shine — but they’ve started to quarrel after sharing a bottle of red wine. Steadying their bows, both are very aware that this can either end in heartbreak, long lasting love or a fleeting affair.

See what else Éva is up to via Instagram @evasblulagoon or her website evasblulagoon.com

EDITOR’S NOTE:

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Nicole Vulcan - nicole@bendsource.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Chris Young - editor@bendsource.com

FEATURES AND INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER

Jennifer Baires - features@layitoutfoundation.org

REPORTER

Julianna LaFollette - reporter@bendsource.com

REPORTER / CALENDAR EDITOR

Savannah Mendoza - calendar@bendsource.com

COPY EDITOR

Richard Sitts

FREELANCERS

Jared Rasic, Josh Jardine, Burt Gershater, Katey Trnka, Marina Richie

SYNDICATED CONTENT

Rob Brezsney, Brendan Emmett Quigley, Jen Sorensen, Pearl Stark, Tom Tomorrow, Matt Wuerker

PRODUCTION MANAGER / ART DIRECTOR

Katie Ball - production@bendsource.com

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Ben Irish - design@bendsource.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Ashley Sarvis

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Ban Tat, Chad Barnes

advertise@bendsource.com

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Sean Switzer

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Angela Switzer - angela@bendsource.com

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WILD CARD

Paul Butler

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Whether you’re already deeply devoted to someone (or something) or looking for romance in all the right places, it’s February and love is in the air in Central Oregon. In our Valentine’s issue, we spoke with local couples who are partners at home and in business, balancing life and love while working alongside each other. We’re also all about self-love and -care and crowdsourced your thoughts on how you’d spend $100 on yourself. Jared Rasic dug into the area’s restaurant and event calendars to offer plenty of ideas for outings with significant others and friends alike, plus a list of 11 romantic movies, providing options so you can find one specifically tailored to the type of relationship you’re in. There’s a love letter to an old tree from guest contributor Marina Richie in Natural World, and calendar editor Savannah Mendoza offers ideas for romantic activities, indoors and out.

In local news, Jennifer Baires investigates what will happen to the region’s houseless people when encampments throughout Deschutes County are closed in an effort to build fire resiliency, and Julianna LaFollette checks in with Cascades East Transit as it seeks to expand services and increase ridership in 2025 and beyond. As James Keane writes in Take Me Home, change is the only constant. Life is busy and there’s a lot to do, but remember to take time to stop and smell the roses. We hope this issue reminds you that it’s important to tell those around you that you love them — and tell yourself, too, while you’re at it.

Thank you so much @duncanjatwood for tagging us in this fun photo of the Sunriver K9 Keg Pull. The pups were off to the races over the weekend and we love that you captured it! Don't forget to share your photos with us and tag @sourceweekly for a chance to be featured as our Instagram photo of the week.

“Sunriver K9 Keg Pull 2025.”

– THURS. 11 – 5:30

And You Thought Eggs Were Expensive

Regardless of your political affiliation, one thing holds true right now: President Trump’s blitzkrieg approach to the start of his administration is having the shocking effect it was meant to convey. The string of executive orders issued from the White House has been so fast and so far-reaching, that it can be hard to keep up with what is occurring. As we began writing this opinion, Canada was still facing a near-immediate inception of 25% tariffs on its exports to the U.S.; by the time we finished this paragraph, they, like Mexico the day prior, had been granted at least a 30-day reprieve from the tariffs that could spark a trade war.

If you thought eggs were too expensive while you were deliberating your votes in November, wait until your beloved avocado toast is subject to an additional 25% fee for the import of those avocados from Mexico. Those costs most certainly will be passed onto the consumer of said toast. And eggs? A shortage of agricultural workers — and agricultural products — can be exacerbated by immigration raids and another shutdown of even the legal forms of immigration, as happened during the first Trump presidency. Then imagine what it might be like if Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the president’s pick for health secretary, has his way and pauses infectious disease research for eight years, which could stymie research into vaccines that stand to combat bird flu — the main driver of the high cost of eggs right now.

But if these things are too abstract for the average person — too removed from the day-to-day lives of Central Oregonians — then there are plenty of overwhelming movements to consider locally as well. The administration’s immigration policies will not only affect the agricultural sector, but the construction sector as well, meaning a potential uptick in home prices that are already too high for many to afford the purchase of a home in Bend, Redmond and the rest of Central Oregon.

Recent activity by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement — some of it allegedly involving people who were admitted into the U.S. through legal, Biden-era programs — is having a chilling effect on the local economy. Information is spreading by word of mouth and social media about immigrants “on the books” being picked up, and that forces others into hiding — not shopping at stores, not participating in local activities or otherwise engaging with the local economy.

Several local businesses participated in a Day Without Immigrants on Feb. 3, shuttering their businesses in a demonstration of the contributions of immigrants. That impacts the businesses themselves, and also those who depend on migrants for goods and services.

Federal employees — those involved in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion activities, and even those who aren’t — are fearful for their jobs, making them, too, slow their spending in anticipation of layoffs. The instability ripples to the businesses that depend on a high level of consumer confidence in order to keep the lights on. The effects begin to hit every type of business, everywhere.

And to think that some voters this November were largely motivated by the mere price of eggs.

As journalists with our ears to the ground of what is happening locally, we are just beginning to understand what these impacts mean, how it might affect local communities and what the long-lasting effects of trade wars, potential pauses to government grants and immigration policies will be. These stories are just beginning to show up after the blitzkrieg, and will continue to show up in the pages of this newspaper. (The cost of paper, as it turns out, could rise exponentially in cost if tariffs from Canada do indeed go into place.)

But one thing is clear: All of this is going to go far beyond eggs and avocado toast.

Letters

ROMANCE IN SOBRIETY CAN HAPPEN SUCCESSFULLY

Romantic relationships are complex, transformative and often deeply rewarding. They bring joy, connection and growth but also come with challenges. For individuals in recovery from substance use, romance carries additional layers of complexity. Balancing sobriety with the emotional demands of intimacy requires careful attention, intentionality and self-awareness. Understanding how recovery and relationships intersect is key to fostering personal growth and healthy connections.

Fortunately, there are practical resources you can use to navigate the challenges of sobriety and romance, whether you’re newly sober or lived a sober life for many years. Romance in sobriety can happen successfully with the right mindset. One of the most significant challenges for people in recovery is maintaining the stability required to stay sober while embracing the unpredictable nature of romantic relationships. Sobriety demands focus and consistency, yet relationships often introduce emotions, conflicts and vulnerabilities that can feel destabilizing. It is also critical to recognize the risk of relapse. Many social settings associated with modern dating, such as bars or parties, can be triggering environments for someone in recovery. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 25% of adults in Oregon, 18 and over, used illicit drugs in the past month.

The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics shows that 17% of adults in Oregon over 18 binge drink at least once per

HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY?

Send your thoughts to editor@bendsource.com.

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month. Despite these challenges, romantic relationships can be a powerful source of strength and healing for individuals in recovery. A healthy partnership can provide accountability, emotional support and motivation for continued growth.

Relationships can foster resilience and emotional maturity when approached with care and intention. Practical approaches, such as prioritizing your recovery, can make this possible. Sobriety must remain the foundation of your life. Focus on building stable habits and confidence in your recovery before diving into a relationship. Moreover, be open about your recovery journey with potential partners. Sharing your story early can set the tone for a relationship built on trust, understanding and mutual respect. Discuss personal triggers and boundaries upfront to avoid potential conflicts or misunderstandings. Clear communication is essential to maintaining emotional safety.

If you are newly sober, opt for dates that do not involve alcohol or drugs. Activities like hiking, art classes, coffee dates or attending sober events provide meaningful ways to connect without temptation. Most importantly, stay connected with your support system, whether it’s a sponsor, therapist or recovery group. Having people to process emotions and challenges with can help you maintain focus and stability. Utilize resources in your state, such as the Oregon Health Authority’s Behavioral Health Division, which lists services and providers, while the Mental Health & Addiction Association of Oregon offers peer support services. Finally, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available in the state.

Beyond the commercial pressures of Valentine’s Day, it’s essential to remember that love — whether romantic or self-love — should always be nurtured with intention and respect. When grounded in sobriety, relationships can serve as a profound source of joy and inspiration, showing us what is possible when we embrace love and healing.

—Marie Garceau has been working in the field of substance use and addiction recovery for over a decade. She works at DRS and primarily focuses on reaching out to the community and spreading awareness.

SUPPORT LC 2079 TO PROTECT OREGON’S ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITIES

I urge my fellow Oregonians to support LC 2079, a crucial piece of legislation that aims to place a moratorium on permitting new and expanding large Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) in Oregon’s designated Groundwater Management Areas (GWMAs). This moratorium is essential to prevent further groundwater pollution and protect the health of our communities.

For over three decades, Oregon has struggled with significant groundwater nitrate pollution, particularly in areas like the Lower Umatilla Basin. Factory farms are a major source of this pollution, generating large quantities of waste that contaminate our water resources. The proposed moratorium is a common-sense step to prevent new CAFOs

and the expansion of existing ones in already overburdened areas. Factory farming disproportionately affects low-income people and communities of color, who have endured chronic nitrate exposure for decades. Additionally, factory farms contribute significantly to the climate crisis and threaten the survival of small family farms in Oregon. By supporting LC 2079, we can send a powerful message to state regulators and the factory farm industry in Oregon, that Oregonians take public health and safety seriously and that decades of inaction cannot continue. We can protect our environment, ensure clean drinking water for all and uphold Oregon’s humane values. I urge readers to contact their elected representative today in support of LC 2079. Together, we can make a difference for our state and future generations.

—David Ewing

Letter of the Week:

David, we have heard concern expressed by numerous readers, locally and across the state, about this issue. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on factory farms and their impact on groundwater resources.

—Chris Young

ODOT Prepares for Icy Roads During Winter

With a winter storm moving across the state, Oregon Department of Transportation crews are working to remove snow and ice to help keep Oregon highways safe. ODOT said on Tuesday that very cold temperatures overnight will create icy and dangerous conditions.

While ODOT advises that the safest place to be during a winter storm is at home, it suggests using caution on the roads and when approaching snowplows. Some tips for travelers during a snowstorm include checking road conditions along their route, driving for conditions, giving extra space for stopping and turning on headlights for better visibility.

—Julianna LaFollette

Businesses Participate

in “A

Day Without Immigrants”

In Central Oregon, and nationwide, several businesses participated in “A Day Without Immigrants” on Feb. 3. Businesses across the U.S. closed in protest against President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

According to social media posts, some of the local businesses that closed on Feb. 3 in Central Oregon included Alebrije Oaxaca, La Frontera restaurant, Chavez Market, Colima Market and Chupacabra Restaurant & Tortilleria, among others.

The call to action followed a similar protest in Feb. 2017, at the start of Trump’s first term. A protest for the community will take place on Feb. 8 in downtown Bend between 1 and 6pm.

—Julianna LaFollette

Olney Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements

The City of Bend announced that a full closure on Olney Avenue and Wall Street began on Feb. 3 in preparation for pedestrian and bicycle improvements. The changes aim to make the road safer to drive, walk, bike and roll. Construction is anticipated from February to fall 2025.

Detours are available on NW Ninth Street, Newport Avenue, NE Third Street and Revere Avenue. Southbound U.S. 97 is another detour for vehicles only.

—Julianna LaFollette

— Oregon breweries and cideries will be present at Bend Brews & Beyond this May, from the Little Bites story, “Every Central Oregon Brewery Will Be at Drake Park This Memorial Day Weekend”

“We get to wake up every day, collaborate on our visions and get excited about future projects. For us, it’s been an adventure filled with challenges, creativity and shared success.”"

—Kirsten

Bend Public Transit Set to Expand in 2025 and Beyond

With the pandemic behind us, Cascades East Transit looks to make changes in 2025 to increase ridership

By Julianna LaFollette

As Bend continues to grow, Cascades East Transit (CET), the region’s public transportation service, plans to expand services in 2025 to increase usage and plan for necessary timing and location improvements. Following major service cuts during the pandemic, CET looks ahead to 2025 to increase service hours, buses and routes.

As a result of COVID-19, decreased services led to a significant dip in annual ridership in 2020 and 2021. Since then, CET has tried to return to preCOVID ridership, according to Director Bob Townsend, who joined CET in September. While CET saw more riders in 2024, Townsend said the agency still needs to fill gaps in service.

In 2019, CET saw a total of 595,260 annual riders. With social distancing measures during COVID-19, ridership reached a low of 163,934 annual riders in 2021, according to data from CET. The total annual ridership then spiked, reaching 659,692 in 2024. But according to Townsend, overall ridership could be higher.

In 2025, CET hopes to increase its number of buses, drivers and locations. The top priority, Townsend said, is to improve its current services, offering better timing and more routes.

The agency will go back to its pre-pandemic hours, running from 6am to 7:30pm, offering more stability and convenience for people to get to and from work. As of today, buses on the Bend Fixed Route run from 7:30am to 5pm, making it not an option for some residents.

With its plan for more buses, CET hopes to focus on hiring more drivers, something it has struggled with in recent years. According to Townsend, the agency has been actively recruiting drivers for five years straight.

“We’re better off than we’ve been in the last few years, but we’re still short of where we want to be to get to a base level of service,” Townsend told the Source Weekly. “We could use five or 10 more drivers than we have right now. Last year, we could have used 15 more. So, we fill them, but until we get

to some of those positions… we’re limited on our growth.”

Despite some increases in ridership, local bus services could still improve, according to officials. The struggles with ridership, Bend City Councilor Ariel Méndez said, reflect challenges around improving services.

“The big picture, of course, is yes, transit is important for people who don’t have the option to drive, but with 50% more people moving here in the next 20 years, we don’t really have room for 50% more cars, so we have to improve transit. Transit is such a key critical component to addressing that future demand — that’s why this is so important to figure out,” said Méndez.

To continue expanding and making services more reliable, CET plans to reintroduce fares on city routes, something it eliminated following the pandemic. Before COVID-19, the rate to ride the bus was around $1 to $1.50. CET still charges for recreation routes, such as the ones that go to and from Mt. Bachelor, mountain trails and “Ride the River,” during summer months.

While agency officials haven’t decided on exact fare rates yet, they plan to reintroduce some form of payment this coming year, to help support future plans. According to Townsend, CET will still offer discounts for people who need them.

While most of its routes are free, CET’s paid routes are among the most utilized. According to Méndez, this suggests that it isn’t cost that’s a barrier to increasing ridership — it’s the quality of the service.

“That’s kind of the North Star for us, is, how do we get better quality service, which means better frequency, longer hours, more direct routes, things like that,” Méndez told the Source Weekly.

In addition to its growth, CET finished its major upgrades at its Hawthorne Station in February, improving safety and bus flow. In 2025, CET is set to receive six new buses through a grant to extend services to Mt. Bachelor and will switch to transit passes instead of cash.

Gilreath of ju-bee-lee and Jack + Millie, from the Valentine’s feature, “A Creative Duo”

Julianna LaFollette

Significant Closures Coming to Homeless Encampments throughout Deschutes County

Combined efforts by Bend, Deschutes County and

the Forest Service will result in a shutdown of thousands of acres of land where many long-term campers currently live

By Jennifer Baires

On May 1, the Deschutes National Forest will close a 34,600-acre area south of Bend, off China Hat Road, for a large-scale project to clean up hazardous materials, clear overgrown vegetation and conduct prescribed burns.

The closure will restrict all entry to the area — a location where hundreds of houseless people have camped and lived for years. After it goes into effect on May 1, anyone found violating the closure could be fined up to $5,000 and/or imprisoned for up to a year.

It will take place the same month that Deschutes County and the City of Bend are limiting access at Juniper Ridge off Highway 97, known to some as “Dirt World,” another tract of public land populated with encampments. Advocates for the area’s houseless population worry this will cause further stress on the region’s houseless services.

Both projects are an attempt to ensure greater wildfire protection for nearby housing developments and communities, according to officials involved with the closures.

In the case of Juniper Ridge, proponents say it’s also a way to bring safety and support for the hundreds of people living dispersed in makeshift shelters throughout the 1,350-acre undeveloped area on the outskirts of town. Last summer, the Mile Marker 132 fire started on a privately owned, vacant property near Juniper Ridge and led to evacuation orders for surrounding subdivisions, endangering people at encampments within Juniper Ridge. The fire proved to be a catalyst for change, with community members pressuring City and County officials to do something to ensure their safety from another fire. Following the public outcry, the City and County developed a plan for carving out a 40-acre temporary safe stay area at Juniper Ridge off Highway 97.

However, with the China Hat area closing and Juniper Ridge’s footprint being greatly reduced, questions remain about where displaced people will go and what services are available to help them resettle.

“There is no capacity,” said Kathleen Leppert, outreach manager at Central Oregon Villages, a nonprofit that runs multiple shelters in Bend and provides case management services to unhoused people. “And it will frankly overwhelm our system because they [the closures] are happening at the same time.”

Erik Kropp, deputy county administrator for Deschutes County, agreed that despite strides in services for unhoused people, there won’t be enough beds or shelters for everyone in need.

“The impact of this closure for those living at China Hat is significant, but the community is in better shape than previously to support these individuals due to a series of investments in shelter and housing options over the last couple of years. That said, there will not be enough options for all those impacted, and some living in the area may not be able or

willing to enter available housing or shelter,” Kropp said.

Two years ago, the Homeless Leadership Coalition’s annual point-in-time count found that in Central Oregon over 70% of unhoused people were unsheltered. Last year, in the City of Bend, that dropped to 55%, said Megan Perkins, Bend’s Mayor Pro Tem and a board member of the regional Coordinated Houseless Response Office.

“They were at 55%, which showed that the investments we made in shelter had started to pay off,” Perkins said. “Although 55% is still an incredibly high number, and it shows that we have a lot of work to do.”

The temporary safe stay area at Juniper Ridge is one way that Perkins says agencies are hoping to reach more houseless people.

“This is not just a place where people can camp,” Perkins said. “It will also be a place where they will be provided services with the intent that, when it does close at the end of 2026, we will have as many people as possible move to better situations.”

Among the services planned are storage and hygiene stations, housing case management support to help move people into permanent living quarters, vehicle repair and animal care. The expected cost for creating and running the temporary safe stay area until the end of 2026 is around $1.1 million, according to City estimates. The funding comes from a combination of City and County contributions — $400,000 each — and allocations from the American Rescue Plan Act, which must be used by Dec. 31, 2026. After that date, Perkins said Juniper Ridge would permanently close to the public.

For people soon to be forced out of the China Hat area, Leppert said she worries about the lack of support and funding for an effort like the one underway at Juniper Ridge.

“They’re just letting us know,” she said of the Forest Service, which last month sent law enforcement officers around to campers at China Hat notifying them of the upcoming closure. “Some people out there have been out there for years. There are vast amounts of people with disabilities out there who have income through Social Security, or jobs, and they just don’t make enough money to afford housing. It’s horrifying.”

Holly Jewkes, supervisor of the Deschutes National Forest, told the Source Weekly that the Forest Service is enlisting regional service providers to help people move out of the China Hat area. But Leppert says she has not seen coordination with organizations like Central Oregon Villages, where she works.

—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.

This is an abandoned campsite in the China Hat closure area. This image is from the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office following clean-up efforts in 2020.

Burned out cars litter the landscape at Juniper Ridge in August 2024.

Shown here is an established encampment at Juniper Ridge from August 2024.

Julianna LaFollette

Julianna LaFollette

Redmond Embraces Pod Structures

as Shelter Option

The City of Redmond approved an amendment allowing micro-shelters at safe parking sites

By Julianna LaFollette

Redmond will begin allowing micro-shelters at safe parking sites within the city, offering another shelter option for individuals taking part in the program. The City Council unanimously approved the amendment to its code on Jan. 28 following an overwhelmingly favorable public hearing.

Mountain View Community Development (MVCD), the nonprofit that operates Redmond’s safe parking program, will start with a total of eight structures at a select number of private sites. MVCD initially requested this amendment on Nov. 26 to help expand options within its safe parking program. The current program allows businesses with open parking spots to allow for a certain number of individuals to live in an RV or vehicle. This recent decision will allow these sites to offer small structures in available spots, in addition to RVs and vehicles, to shelter more individuals.

at eight locations, with a total of 33 spaces. The program served 134 people last year and helped 45 people transition into permanent housing, according to Russell. In the 2023/24 school year, it served 41 minors. The nonprofit is working on two additional sites in the city and is currently expanding operations to Bend.

JUNCTION ROASTERY’S 3RD BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

CELEBRATE WITH LIBATIONS, TREATS AND MORE!

Come celebrate Junction Roastery’s third birthday at happy hour on First Friday. Gompers Distillery will serve craft cocktails and mocktails. Check out new featured artists, enjoy tasty treats and more. Fri., Feb. 7, 4-7pm at Junction Roastery. 708 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond. Free.

According to Rick Russell, director of MVCD, a large population — those who don’t have a vehicle or have a failing or immoveable RV — would benefit from the addition of this type of shelter. The micro-shelters, or pods, are typically the size of a garden shed and can fit roughly two people. They come with a bed, storage and electricity, as well as heating and cooling. The units do not include plumbing.

With the City’s approval, it enacted size limits on structures, made clarifications about open flames and set a maximum of four shelters at a single site. The amendment also noted that the allowance of these shelters will be a pilot program through May 2026. To extend this decision past that date, the City Council will need to act before then to extend the amendment or make it a permanent part of City code.

Redmond’s Safe Parking Program currently operates

The City of Redmond will not be funding these structures, as there are funds available from the state to purchase and site these units. The funding will only be available through June 30. Russell spoke to Redmond City Councilors on Jan. 6 during a council work session and urged them to take advantage of the limited funding available for micro-shelters.

“We really appreciate the City’s support responding to the need in our community. They see how Safe Parking has delivered a lot of people out of homelessness, and this new project has the potential to help even more people,” Russell wrote in a press release.

“The exciting thing about micro-shelters is where they’ve been used, people are moving into housing more quickly than they do when they’re living in RVs. And they provide an opportunity for people who want to leave unauthorized camps but don’t have a working vehicle.”

A GRATEFUL NIGHT

PARTY WITH A PURPOSE

Celebrate 60 years of the 1960s rock band The Grateful Dead with a stacked local lineup of musicians performing the music of the legendary band. The evening is a benefit concert for NeighborImpact food bank. Sat., Feb. 8, 6:30pm at High Desert Music Hall. 818 SW Forest Ave., Redmond. $10 or 10 cans of food.

Jacqueline Berger Kevin Bryne

Redmond welcomes micro-shelters like these shown at Bend's Central Oregon Villages.

Central Oregon Villages

PARTNERS IN BUSINESS AND LOVE

How

do you balance life and love while working alongside your partner? Central Oregon couples share their love stories, the challenges they’ve overcome and some secrets to their successes — both in professional and romantic partnership.

FREE SPIRITS: LOVE, LAUGHTER AND FITNESS

How a husband-and-wife duo built a thriving fitness and play space while balancing business and family

By Savannah Mendoza

THE ROMANCE BEHIND THE PLANTS

The owners of Somewhere That’s Green share their love for the business, the community and one another

By Julianna LaFollette

The beloved plant shop Somewhere That’s Green (and its adjoining theater, The Greenhouse Cabaret) is a local gem and the successful product of co-owners and romantic partners John Kish and Matt Marson. After eight years together, the two have found a way to balance their work life and love life while maintaining a passion for their shop.

Kish started the business in 2018 when he and his partner, Marson, were living in Portland. The two had left Bend due to the high cost of living. Wanting to move back, Kish knew they needed a more stable financial plan. He’d always had the idea of a plant shop and decided it was finally time to take the leap.

Originally, Kish says, it was a plant store, coffee and tea shop and theater. Once the business was on its feet, Marson joined as co-owner in 2020, financially supporting it in their first two years of growing the business.

Bend is a special place for Kish and Marson, who are proud of their success in the community. Having had their first date at Spork and first kiss at Dogwood, the two are thrilled the business is now 100% providing for them to live in the community they love.

“I honestly don’t know if I could have started the business without having him be my rock or catch net should I have needed it,” Kish says. “Having him work with me, while it does have its downsides in the romance department, it

For couple Seth and Rachel Augustine, love and business go hand in hand. As the co-owners of Free Spirit Yoga Ninja Play in Bend, they have created a dynamic space that offers a little of everything — from yoga classes to a ninja gym plus workshops and camps, all designed for kids and adults alike.

The couple founded Free Spirit six years ago with a shared vision: to provide a space where families could focus on health and wellness through movement. Today, Free Spirit offers yoga classes, ninja warrior training for kids and open play sessions for toddlers.

“We had the idea of having a place that focused on health and wellness through movement for the whole family,” Rachel says.

Seth and Rachel met 18 years ago, both with backgrounds in art, and have been collaborating on projects ever since. Before moving to Bend, they opened their first yoga studio in San Francisco, later creating a new endeavor with Free Spirit.

Running a business together as a married couple while balancing personal and professional lives is challenging, but the Augustines have learned to set boundaries and schedule regular meetings with each other. “As small business owners, there is that feeling that you never get to turn off when it comes to work. That part is challenging, especially with family life, because we’re open seven days a week almost every day of the year,” Rachel explains.

Their business partnerships have flourished over the years as they bounce ideas off each other and utilize their unique skills. Rachel admires Seth’s organizational skills and his coaching abilities with kids. “Seth is super present with the kids he coaches. He has this amazing balance of being in charge, while keeping things fun and upbeat. He makes kids laugh, have a great time and feel more confident,” Rachel says.

Seth, in turn, appreciates Rachel’s deep connection with clients and her ability to build lasting relationships within the Free Spirit community. Over the past six years, they have welcomed families through every stage of life — from prenatal yoga to toddler play and beyond.

Free Spirit Yoga Ninja Play

320 SW Powerhouse Dr., Ste. 150, Bend freespirityoganinjaplay.com

has been so rewarding working and trusting each other and learning to communicate within the relationship.”

When it comes to running the business, the two are both very involved, according to Kish, but their day-to-day responsibilities largely differ.

“Matt is great at marketing analytics, payroll, contracts, paperwork, taxes, financial reports, etc. I’m the visionary and manicure the shop, meet makers, create events, communicate with vendors, teach plant knowledge, direct shows, etc.,” Kish tells the Source Weekly. “Our opposites are something to be celebrated honestly! It’s been a dream scenario.”

When asked about how the two balance their love life and work, Kish admits that while it was hard at first, the two are finally getting the hang of it after six years.

“Matt is way better at it than I, and for years, he tells me I need to rest. I’m finally understanding burnout and that I can’t be everything for everyone,” Kish says. “We also have the most solid crew working, and it truly helps us step away and have a few days to rest every week. Also, having our Berner, Hygge (Hooguh), is great for snuggles and endless love cuddles to heal any work trauma.”

Seth Augustine

Pattie Gonia

A LEGENDARY PARTNERSHIP

Through communication and

recognizing each other’s strengths, the couple behind Legend Cider has learned to divide and conquer

By Chris Young

In the early twenty-tens, Tyler Baumann was going to school at Southern Oregon University in Ashland where his future wife, Adrianne, was from. The pair moved to Bend a couple of years later and decided to start a business together, a food cart — “which was the third food cart in Bend, so it was a long time ago,” she laughs. The Hawaiian barbecue cart was called Mauna Kea Grill and was first located at The Lot (touted as Bend’s “original food cart pod,” according to its website) before moving to Crux.

“[We] started out as just good friends,” Adrianne recalls, “and after a while, just realized that we were each other’s soulmate, and have been best buds and together ever since.” So, it’s all been happily ever after since, right?

The food cart experience “was really the true test of our resilience as a couple and business owners,” Adrianne tells. The cart was small (“about 10 feet by 20 feet”) and “we ran it with his brother as well, and we all lived together. So that was our first huge relationship challenge — all living together and working together in the food cart on a daily basis in such small quarters. Somehow, we managed to get through it.”

“There were highs and lows,” she says, as well as “frustrations and growing pains as we figured out our respective roles and how to communicate with each other.” In the end, the business wasn’t a turnoff, though. It was a catalyst to go bigger and better.

“Fast forward to 2016, we opened Legend Cider Company,” Adrianne says. “Through our experience working at the food cart, we realized that the way that we manage a business with success, without conflict, is we basically just divided roles.” They now understood each other’s strengths and let that person run with those tasks. “We really are careful to communicate with each other and get opinions,” she says. “We have different ways of dealing with problems or opportunities, and so that helps

A CREATIVE DUO

IBy Savannah Mendoza

n the heart of downtown Bend, two thoughtfully curated stores — ju-beelee and Jack + Millie — reflect the creativity and vision of husbandand-wife entrepreneurs Abraham and Kirsten Gilreath. Their journey as business owners has been one of passion, perseverance and plenty of fun along the way.

ju-bee-lee, a boutique filled with unique and whimsical finds, was Kirsten’s dream project, launched 14 years ago to bring her creative vision to life. Five years ago, the couple saw an opportunity to expand their ideas, leading to the opening of Jack + Millie, a stylish men’s and women’s clothing store. “Our stores Jack + Millie and ju-bee-lee each have distinct emotions and creative visions behind them,” Abraham says. “A lot of that comes from Kirsten’s eye for merchandising, interior decorating and design.”

us a lot. Basically, [a] divide and conquer technique,” she sums up.

With two locations — in La Pine and Talent — and numerous employees, there’s no shortage of tasks. Adrianne handles front of house duties like sales, taproom management and marketing, while Tyler runs the back of house, working closely with the production team and creating recipes. “He is the one that creates the concepts, and then I take them to market,” she says.

There’s no question that there are times when their relationship takes a backseat to the business. Right now, Adrianne says, “we’re in a period where I have to make some sacrifices on the family and relationship side, to really focus on the work side and get it where it needs to be for the family.”

During these times, Tyler’s picked up the slack on the household side, whether that’s caring for their 5-year-old daughter or just reassuring Adrianne that she’s spending her energies where she should be.

“He’s really stepped up to the plate in all those ways, which just makes it so much easier for me to focus on work and not feel like I’m letting my family down,” she says. “It really takes that partnership and understanding that there’s times when work requires his focus and his skill set… and then there’s times that I need to focus. Through all of our years of working together, we really have realized that that’s not something to make someone feel bad about; it’s something to support that they’re going out and spending time and energy and focus on the business.

“Once a couple realizes that everything that they do is for the other person and for the family and for the business as a whole, it just becomes so much easier to support that and not fight it,” Adrianne says. “Once you have that genuine support from your partner to focus on work, to do what needs to be done, it just makes everything go so much smoother, and it’s so much more enjoyable, too.”

They still prioritize time for each other outside of work, and for family time. The Baumanns have also had the luxury of creating a La Pine taproom that’s a family-friendly space where they’d want to spend their time outside of work. Featuring an indoor play area, “We basically built the bar that we wanted to be able to go to with our little one,” she says, a place for family time that’s “super fun for everybody.”

Not all couples could run a business together, but Adrianne says “we’re super lucky because… we genuinely are one of those couples” who “love to be together 24/7. He’s my best friend, and he is who I want to be with the most for any given activity or time. We really prioritize each other in a genuine way, which makes everything so much easier.”

Legend Cider Company

16481 Bluewood Pl., La Pine legendcider.com

Married for 33 years, the duo has been building businesses together since their 20s, first with a snowboard apparel company in California called Mission Six before planting roots in Bend. While Kirsten leads the creative direction and product duration, Abraham brings the ideas to life — quite literally — by building displays and fixtures for the shops. “We both get so excited to go on a trip to go find new merchandise [and] check out stores, and that’s something we share that has been a great foundation for the businesses,” Kirsten says.

Like any business owners, they’ve had their share of challenges, from store closures, economic downturns and even a fire at the Jack + Millie’s location in the past. “It’s incredibly difficult for any small business owner and entrepreneur to find a good work-life balance,” Abraham admits.

“But we’ve navigated when to put on our ‘work hats’ when needed and take them off when it’s time to just be together,” Kirsten adds.

For couples considering going into business together, Abraham offers simple advice: “Give it a shot and see how it works. And if it doesn’t, that’s not necessarily a reflection on your relationship.”

For this pair, the best part of running businesses as a team is sharing in the creative process. “We’re lucky — we get to wake up every day, collaborate on our visions and get excited about future projects,” Kirsten says. “For us, it’s been an adventure filled with challenges, creativity and shared success.”

ju-bee-lee

903 NW Wall St., Bend instagram.com/jubeeleebend

Jack + Millie

929 NW Wall St., Bend jackandmillie.com

Kirsten Gilreath IG

Legend Cider

HOW TO TREAT YOURSELF ON VALENTINE’S DAY

SOURCE PICKS

WEDNESDAY 2/5

VALENTINE’S DAY CARDS

CUT PAPER DESIGNS AT FREAK’N ART

Craft your own cards this Valentine’s Day. Learn how to make beautiful, hand-made cards using cut paper designs that are sure to brighten someone’s day. In the workshop, you’ll explore techniques for creating both 3D and simple pop-up cards, perfect for spreading love and joy. Wed., Feb. 5, 5:30-7pm at FREAK’N ART. 1265 NW Wall St., Bend. $45.

WEDNESDAY 2/5

EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH ADVENTURE

A SPEAKER SERIES AT THE EMBARK COWORKING COMMUNITY

Join SheJumps, AdventurUs and Between Evergreens for this month’s “Empowering Women Through Adventure” speaker series. At “Women in Wildfire,” learn all about women who battle wildfires, parachute into dangerous terrain and educate the public on fire prevention in Central Oregon. Wed., Feb. 5, 6-8pm at The Embark Coworking Community. 2843 NW Lolo Dr., Bend. Free.

PROHIBITION PARTY: SIDECAR SWEETHEARTS

PARTY LIKE IT’S 1925 AT THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM

Get ready to rev your engines for this year’s Prohibition Party! With live music, dancing, a costume contest and plenty of roaring romance, it’s your chance to party like it’s 1925 at the jazz age cocktail soirée at the museum. Fri., Feb. 7, 6-9pm at High Desert Museum. 59800 S Hwy 97, Bend. $35-$50.

TYLOR & THE TRAIN ROBBERS

WITH BILLY AND THE BOX KID

For the past decade, Boise’s Tylor & the Train Robbers have been blazing trails with its country roots and Americana music. Catch an electrifying performance along with Bend locals Billy and the Box Kid opening. Sat., Feb. 8, 7pm at Silver Moon Brewing. 24 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend. $12.

“ORIGIN”

A FILM SCREENING AT COCC

In recognition of Black History Month, COCC presents a film screening of “Origin,” written and directed by Academy Award nominee Ava DuVernay about the tragedy and triumph of Isabel Wilkerson as she investigates a global phenomenon of epic proportions. Sat., Feb. 8, 4-7pm at COCC Campus Center. 2600 College Way, Bend. Free.

SUNDAY 2/9

VERTFEST

A BACKCOUNTRY FESTIVAL FOR ALL

Mt. Bachelor’s Vertfest race may be challenging but it’s meant to be fun as well. Participants include everyone from the superhuman skimo racers to recre ational backcountry enthusiasts in costumes. Slog it out with some friends, don your most insane costume and come celebrate! Sun., Feb. 9, 8am-2pm at Mt. Bachelor. 13000 Century Dr., Bend. $40-$75.

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY WALK

PHOTOGRAPH ANIMALS IN THE WILD

Join a wildlife photography walk along the Deschutes River Trail and discover the beauty of Central Oregon through your lens, whether it’s your camera or even just your iPhone. For beginner or experienced photographers, wildlife educator and photographer Becca LiPuma will provide advice on composition, lighting and capturing elusive wildlife moments. Sun., Feb. 9, 4-6pm at Farewell Bend Park. 1000 SW Reed Market Rd., Bend. Free (donations accepted).

SUNDAY 2/9

DANIEL DONATO’S COSMIC COUNTRY

HONKY-TONK AND ROCK MUSIC

Daniel Donato brings his cosmic country to Bend, a music style that blends the best of Nashville honkytonks with an improvisational spirit rooted in melodic music. Sun., Feb. 9, 8pm at Volcanic Theatre Pub. 70 SW Century Dr., Bend. $30.

TUESDAY 2/11

AN EVENING WITH DARK STAR ORCHESTRA

GRATEFUL DEAD COVER BAND

Dark Star Orchestra brings its Grateful Dead live concert experience to Bend, performing a show based on a set list from the Grateful Dead’s extensive catalog of Tue., Feb. 11, 7:30pm at Midtown Ballroom. 51 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend. $39.50.

Tylor & The Train Robbers FB

Freak'N Art

Westbadin

Jason Stoltzfus

By Fat Tony’s Chef Roberto Cardenas

S SOUND Building Community from Behind the Mic A musical jack of all trades looks to connect people through Open Mic at The Commons

By Katey Trnka

On any given Tuesday evening, you can find Mason James hosting Open Mic at The Commons Cafe and Taproom, a gig he’s proudly managed for about two years. “It’s one of the most humbling and fulfilling experiences I’ve had in my career,” he says. That’s a bold statement for a guy who’s always up to something in the local scene. Between playing solo gigs at wineries, community events like the Moonlight Market with his band Double Jump and running sound for events around town, he’s managed to do the impossible: make gigging a full-time job. Even on the Saturday afternoon the Source Weekly reached him, he was getting ready to play a house show with a friend’s band.

Having grown up in the San Diego area, James landed in Bend around 2019 in search of community — and he found it. In his experience, Bend is all “just people loving each other and wanting to be supportive of each other and [their] craft… always trying to share music with people who don’t know it, or just have fun.”

The Commons has proven emblematic of this communal spirit. James says he personally gets “a lot of life and energy from [the space] — as a coffee shop or a place to bring dates or to work or just sit.” And for him, that’s contributed to shaping a more unique open mic experience. “It’s more like a gathering spot than it is like a showcase,” he says. “A lot of people just come to watch. It’s like a show, which is not to say that other open mic nights aren’t like that… but you know, a lot of the mic nights, it’s mainly the people who are watching are also performing. The Commons gets so packed for the end, maybe more than half of [the audience] is there to support their friends, or they’re just there because they know The Commons is a great spot for a variety of music.” In

fact, it was the runner up i the Source's annual Best of Central Oregon readers’ poll last year.

When James took over the open mic, having been tapped to run it because of his reputation as a sound engineer and musician, he modeled that supportive audience member mentality — just listening and letting things run as they had for several years (with local musician and teacher Bill Powers hosting). While he took it all in, he noticed that it seemed like the same 10 folks were playing every time. And after a few weeks, he approached the owner about making some changes.

“It’s not competitive here… this is such an uplifting community. We’re all trying to do the same thing. We can all support each other.”

— MASON JAMES

“I asked: Can I change it to a lottery system? Because that would encourage more variety,” he says. Now, hopeful musicians put their names in a jar for James to draw at random. “It was scary for a lot of people. It was scary for me, too, but it’s been a really good decision. Now, you don’t necessarily know who’s going to be first or last.”

The past few weeks in particular have been especially busy, with The Commons owner Dan Baumann saying he’s never seen it this busy and signups hovering around 20 per night — sometimes more than a two-hour block can accommodate. It’s not necessarily the worst problem to have in the period

between New Year’s and Valentine’s Day, when local businesses typically see a dip in patronage. But it does have the potential to get frustrating for wouldbe performers.

“I do my best as a host to get through everybody and make sure everyone’s happy. It hasn’t been too much of an issue,” James says, especially since his friend and fellow musician, Mari (of Mari & The Dream), hosts open mic at The Cellar down the street at the same time. “We’ll text on Tuesdays, ‘Hey, how’s your list?’” If one of them is getting swamped, they’ll send acts each other’s way.

It all goes back to James’ favorite thing about the Bend music scene: “It’s not competitive here… this is such an uplifting community.” He hasn’t picked up any turf wars: “There’s no, ‘Oh, that’s our cover.’ It’s, ‘Oh, you should do it, too. Come jam with me, or join my set.’ If someone wants to do a house show just like someone else’s, it’s, ‘Do it.’ Not, ‘No, that’s my thing.’”

Soon enough, The Commons will have the benefit of longer days and outside space to accommodate the open mic’s growing popularity. But for now, James is content to lean on his community to make sure everyone gets their turn to share. “We’re all trying to do the same thing. We can all support each other.”

Open Mic at The Commons

Mason James, host of Open Mic at The Commons.

A crowd takes in a performance at Open Mic at The Commons.

Mason James The Commons Cafe

CALENDAR

5 Wednesday

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.

Crosscut Warming Hut No 5 Anderson Knight Koenig Relax with a pint and enjoy great local music from Anderson Knight Koenig. 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.

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.

McMenamins Old St. Francis School

Linda Quon & Hello Trouble Linda Quon & Hello Trouble, a dynamic six-piece band, delivers a swingy vintage roots sound infused with blues and old-school country vibes. 7-10pm. 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.

Pinky G’s Pizzeria MUSIC BINGO Join music Bingo (think Bingo and Name that Tune). Great food, cold drinks and good times. Free to play and prizes for each round winner. 6-8pm. Free.

Ponch’s Place Bingo Wednesdays Enjoy bingo at Ponch’s Place on Wednesday’s. 5-7pm. Free.

Prost! Bend Trivia Prost! UKB Trivia is now at Prost! 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 Commonwealth Pub Rob Gregerson Rob Gregerson is the premier modern day acoustic-electric one-man-band performer in Central Oregon, covering music across several genres including funk, rock, folk, bluegrass, jazz, reggae, world and blues. Over a 25-year-music career, Rob has wowed audiences across the nation as a solo performer using the art of live looping. 7:30-9:30pm. Free.

6 Thursday

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

Bridge 99 Brewery Trivia 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. 6:30-8:30pm. Free.

Bunk+Brew Karaoke Thursdays Sing your heart out at Bunk + Brew’s Karaoke Night! Thursdays from 7-10pm. Whether you’re a pro or just love the spotlight, all voices are welcome. Food carts available all evening! Located in the Historic Lucas House Living Room for winter. 7-10pm. Free.

Crave Kitchen Bend COMEDY OPEN MIC NIGHT Comedy Open Mic Night on the SW side of Bend! Adults Only Encouraged. Intimate, smaller venue, healthier food and beverages, and an interactive night of comedy every Thursday! Hosted by Hopper. 7-9pm. 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.

The Greenhouse Cabaret Liza’s Lounge

Come treat yourself to decadence and live music at the popular Liza’s Lounge. Your ticket includes entry, coat check, your first drink, petit fours all evening from Foxtail Bakery, and 2 hours of raw local talent. This is a “black tie creative event” and a taste of NYC. 7:30-10pm. $99.

Ponch’s Place Trivia Thursdays with Quizhead Games Trivia Thursdays at Ponch’s Place with QuizHead Games. 5-7pm. Free.

River’s Place Potter & Quon Mike Potter on lap steel and guitar, and Mark Quon on guitar. Potter & Quon play original songs in the classic singer/songwriter genre as well as a handful of their favorite covers. 6-8pm. Free.

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

The Commonwealth Pub Twin Engines at The Commonwealth Pub Dail Croome and Daren McGavren both have extensive touring and performance experience. They have joined forces as Twin Engines to perform a collage of rock, soul, and blues. 6:30pm. Free.

The Dez Lounge Open Mic w/ Joyful Lane Join Joyful Lane as he hosts open mic night @The Dez Lounge! Enjoy NA cocktails, Charcuterie and desserts while listening to local talent! 6-9pm. Free.

The Lot Draven Schmidt solo saxophone LIVE Lush solo saxophone ballads, and smooth R&B style. 6-8pm. Free.

Webfoot Garage at Silver Moon Brewing THE SLAP FROST TOUR feat. True Justice, Z-Man, Vocal Slick, Gabriel LTA & Sho Rilla The Slap Frost Tour feat. True Justice, Z-Man, Vocal Slick, Gabriel LTA & Sho Rilla. Indie Hip-Hop at its best. 7pm. $10.

7 Friday

Craft Kitchen and Brewery What’s So Funny About Happiness? A Comedy Show Anthony “Never Tony” Poponi is the founder of Focus on the 40 and Humore.us Productions, is a standup comedian, international professional speaker, author and an expert in human happiness. “What’s So Funny About Happiness” covers Anthony’s comedic journey from a youth born in New Jersey to his current day home of Bend. As you’ll learn there’s plenty of humor (and happiness, mostly humor) in Anthony’s acts of “adulting,” the act of being an adult. 8-9:30pm.

Ticket and promote your events with BendTicket! >

Desert Inn Sports Bar & Grill Chasin’ Bandits feat Christie Strode Chasin’ Bandits plays country, rock and southern rock tunes. Christie Strode adds her vocal talents to many of your favorite songs. The Desert Inn has a great menu w/ Prime Rib Fridays. Catch this talented band first Friday monthly all season long. Great vibes off the Culver Hwy! First Friday of every month, 7-10pm. Free.

The Greenhouse Cabaret Liza’s Lounge Come treat yourself to decadence and live music at the popular Liza’s Lounge. Your ticket includes entry, coat check, your first drink, petit fours all evening from Foxtail Bakery, and 2 hours of raw local talent. This is a “black tie creative event” and a taste of NYC. 7:30-10pm. $99.

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

High Desert Museum Prohibition Party: Sidecar Sweethearts – Driving & Dating in the Jazz Age Get ready to rev your engines for this year’s Prohibition Party! With live music, dancing, a costume contest and plenty of roaring romance, it’s your chance to party like it’s 1925 — when the business of romance became an increasingly public affair! 6-9pm. $35 non-drink/$50 drink tickets.

Junction Roastery Junction Roastery’s 3rd Birthday Happy Hour Celebration Junction Roastery is turning 3! Join us for a Happy Hour Celebration during Redmond’s First Friday on Feb. 7 from 4-7pm! Gompers Distillery will be serving up craft cocktails and mocktails! Come meet our new featured artist & enjoy tasty treats! 4-7pm. 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.

Silver Moon Brewing Superball (classic rock cover band) Local musicians combine powers to deliver energy packed renditions of some of your favorite classic rock tunes. 7pm. $10.

Silver Moon Brewing So Much House: Fluffy Stuff & Luxo SoMuchHouse: Bend debut DJ set by Fluffy Stuff with support by Luxo. B2B set by Its Fine & MStarkDJ. Dance, community, house music. Join for this special night! First Friday of every month, 8pm-2am. $15.

Stihl Whiskey Bar The Brandon Campbell Trio Live Gypsy Swing with The Brandon Campbell Trio at Stihl Whiskey Bar! 7-9pm. Free.

The Commonwealth Pub Rod De George Trio at The Commonwealth Pub “It seems today that the respect for guitar virtuosos has been going the way of the buffalo. Thankfully, we may have our savior in Rod DeGeorge, a prodigy from the Philadelphia area. 8pm. Free.

The Dez Lounge DJ Preet (@preet2d2) DJ Preet serves as your in-house resident DJ for First Fridays at the DEZ. Spinning diverse and eclectic sets featuring global artists & his own original compositions. Dress festive and come prepared to enjoy vibrant beverages accompanied by spicy beats and luscious soundscapes. First Friday of every month, 6-9pm. Free. Webfoot Garage at Silver Moon Brewing Greenneck Daredevils & More What do you get when you blend the genres of Americana, folk, country, and rock from all over the U.S. and infuse it into the Pacific Northwest? We consider ourselves defined by not one genre but a collective of thoughts and influences from all over. That’s the secret sauce here. 7pm. $13.

8

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.

Boss Rambler Beer Club Ultimate Après Dance Party with DJ Robert Planet It’s party number two of our featuring an APRÉS DJ SET by @ djrobertplanet ! You know it’s going to be WIIIIIILD, so grab all your friends, throw on your best NEON (obnoxious ski dress encouraged!), and join us for the raddest post-shred party intown! 6-9pm. Free.

Craft Kitchen & Brewery Comedy Night at Craft Kitchen & Brewery Join Bits N Skits Productions for a night of comedy at Craft Kitchen & Brewery. Come eat, drink, and be made merry while laughing along with Bend’s most talented comedians. · 21+ only recommended due to explicit content · $15 online/$20 at the door Craft Kitchen & Brewery: 62988 Layton Second Saturday of every month, 8-9:30pm. $15 online/$20 at the door.

American rock duo The Black Keys comes to Bend with its blues and alternative rock vibes; Hermanos Gutiérrez opens. Sat., May 31, 7pm at Hayden Homes Amphitheater.

The Black Keys FB

Sweetheart

This romance-filled escape includes:

♥ Overnight accommodations for Friday, February 14th

♥ Five-course Valentine’s Day dinner at Lodge Kitchen

♥ Chocolate-covered strawberries and a bottle of Stoller Pinot Noir waiting in your room

♥ Voucher for two at the Stoller Wine Bar in Bend for a future wine tasting

Package

VALENTINE’S DAY PACKAGE starting at $399

Extend your stay with 20% off additional nights

The Greenhouse Cabaret Liza’s Lounge Come treat yourself to decadence and live music at the popular Liza’s Lounge. Your ticket includes entry, coat check, your first drink, petit fours all evening from Foxtail Bakery, and 2 hours of raw local talent. This is a “black tie creative event” and a taste of NYC. 7:30-10pm. $99.

High Desert Music Hall A Grateful Night Hey now! Come celebrate 60 years of the Grateful Dead with a stacked local lineup of musicians performing the music of the greatest touring band of all time! Lights & visuals from Trippy Lights. *Benefit for Neighbor Impact food bank. $10 or 10 cans of food, party with a purpose! 6:30pm. $10 or 10 cans of food.

Pangaea Guild Hall Celestial Celebration - Aquarius A celebration of those born under the star sign of Aquarius. Join a night of bespoke cocktails, fine food, and more! 6-11pm. Free.

River’s Place Saturday Jazz Sessions Jack Krouscup Trio 6-8pm. free.

Silver Moon Brewing Tylor and the train Robbers & Billy and The Box Kid For the past decade, Tylor & the Train Robbers have been blazing trails, carving a path through the heartland with their roots country and Americana music. With boots worn thin from relentless touring, they’ve crisscrossed the country, honing their craft and delivering electrifying performances, leaving a trail of devoted fans. 7pm. $12/$15.

The Ale Apothecary Tasting Room Live music w/ Long Operators & Sungrater Kickin’ off February with some alternative/psych rock from local bands Sungrater and Long Operators. Beat the darkness and support your local musicians and brewers! All Ages welcome! 6-8pm. Free.

The Commonwealth Pub Superball at The Commonwealth Pub Superball, featuring Kye Kennedy and Dan Larsson from Juju Eyeball, brings the sounds of the late 60s to 80s, rocking iconic hits and original music. With guitarist David Miller and drummer Sean Rule, they’re ready to boogie in bell bottoms. Dust off your LPs and join the fun! 8pm. Free.

Volcanic Theatre Pub Catch Your Breath w/ ARCHERS, The Funeral Portrait, and If Not For Me Catch Your Breath is a fresh, burgeoning Hard Rock band based out of Austin, Texas.Comprised of vocalist Josh, guitarist Teddy, bassist Cianan, and drummer Onell, Catch YourBreath injects a unique mix of synth soundscaping elements, imaginative production, and refined songwriting for an intense amount of emotion. 7pm. $20.

Webfoot Garage at Silver Moon Brewing Sandkrawler ( intergalactic doom) Doombia ( cumbia + Doom) Vacancy floor Sandkrawler ( intergalactic doom) Doombia ( cumbia + Doom) Vacancy floor. 7pm. $12.

9 Sunday

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.

High Desert Music Hall Public Rock Choir

Registration required. Doors at 1:30pm. Singing 2-4pm. All ages event. Sing Your Romantic Face Off with Central Oregon’s Public (ROCK) Choir! You (and the rest of the crowd) sing songs about romance and love with a live band - a little soft and a little loud! No experience required. 2-4pm. 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.

The Commonwealth Pub Superball at The Commonwealth Pub Superball, featuring Kye Kennedy and Dan Larsson from Juju Eyeball, brings the sounds of the late 60s to 80s, rocking iconic hits and original music. With guitarist David Miller and drummer Sean Rule, they’re ready to boogie in bell bottoms. Dust off your LPs and join the fun! 8pm. Free.

Volcanic Theatre Pub Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country He calls it Cosmic Country, a moniker that’s both self-descriptive and a statement of purpose. It’s an organic rock band aesthetic with plenty of roadhouse twang; a showcase for Donato’s instrumental virtuosity and facility for melodically infectious songcraft. Bridging Nashville and the Great West, Kentucky and mid-60s northern CA tie-dye. 7pm. $30 presale.

10 Monday

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 Mondays Show off your talent at Bunk + Brew! Open mic runs from 6-10pm, with sign-ups starting at 5:30. Stick around for open jam from 9-10pm. Enjoy food carts in our backyard while supporting local performers. Located in the Historic Lucas House Living Room for winter. 6-10pm. 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. Immersion Brewing Open Mic at Immersion Brewing - Bend Comedy - Open Mic at 7pmSign-up at 6:30pm - All performance types are welcome! - All ages are welcome to attend and perform! - All acts are eligible to audition to perform in a future Bend Comedy show! - 5 minutes spoken or 2 songs of stage time! 7-9pm. 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 Commonwealth Pub Monday Acoustic Open Mic Night Monday Acoustic Open Mic Night at The Commonwealth Pub Whether you’re performing original songs or acoustic covers, the stage is yours Monday nights at The Commonwealth Pub! With full sound and lights provided, just bring your instrument and get ready to shine! Sign-ups 5pm and music 6-10pm. Free.

11 Tuesday

Bunk+Brew Trivia Tuesdays Test your knowledge every Tuesday from 7-9pm at Bunk + Brew! New exciting themes every week. Bring your friends for a night of fun and prizes. Food carts will be open, so grab a bite or brew while you play. Located in the Historic Lucas House Dining Room. 7-9pm. Free.

The Cellar-A Porter Brewing Company Open Mic Open mic at The Cellar hosted by Mari! 6-8pm and all are welcome! 6-8pm. 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.

Midtown Ballroom An Evening with Dark Star Orchestra Performing to critical acclaim for over 20 years and over 3,000 shows, Dark Star Orchestra continues the Grateful Dead live concert experience. On any given night, the band will perform a show based on a set list from the Grateful Dead’s 30 years of extensive touring or use their catalog. 7:30-11:30pm. $39.50.

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 Ossig Karaoke with DJ Chris. 7-9pm. Free. Pinky G’s Pizzeria TRIVIA NIGHT Test your knowledge in a casual/laid-back atmosphere. Pizza, beer and trivia. Free to play and prizes for 1st and 2nd place. 6-8pm. Free.

River’s Place Bingo! Have fun, win $$, and support a local nonprofit organization! Cards $1-$5. 6-8pm. Free.

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

The Commonwealth Pub Karaoke Get ready for a night of music, singing, and nonstop fun at The Commonwealth Pub! DJ Chris is bringing the energy with top 40 hits and all your favorite karaoke tracks. Grab your friends, warm up those vocal cords, and join us for an unforgettable evening. Sign-ups 6pm Karaoke 7pm! Free.

The Lot Think Wild Trivia at The Lot! Think Wild Trivia Nights are back this fall! Test your knowledge of local wildlife, outdoor recreation, conservation news, and more! Support Central Oregon’s wildlife hospital, win fun prizes, and enjoy delicious food and beverages at The Lot! Second Tuesday of every month, 6-8pm. Free.

MUSIC

Jazz At The Oxford Saturday Morning Concerts & Educational Workshops With Jazz Artist & Series producer Patrick Lamb. The same artist who performed Friday night on the very same stage. Community members can interact directly with Patrick and band. Musicians are invited to bring their instruments, “sit-in” and be coached by the pros!. Hosted by Georges Bouhey. lessons@ desertjazz.net Feb. 8, 11am-1pm. The Oxford Hotel, 10 Northwest Minnesota Avenue, Bend. Contact: 541-771-8916. lessons@desertjazz. net. Free.

Music of the Romantic Era Learn about Romantic music with a local conductor and professor, Michael Gesme. This interactive lecture will discuss various characteristics of music from the Romantic Era, and we’ll explore reasons why the term “Romantic” has been consistently applied to this music. Questions? Contact elsah@deschuteslibrary.org, 541312-1062 Feb. 8, 10-11am. Downtown Bend Library - Brooks Room, 601 NW Wall St,, Bend. Contact: 541-312-1062. Elsah@deschuteslibrary.org. Free.

FILM EVENTS

Origin Written and directed by Ava DuVernay, “Origin” chronicles the tragedy and triumph of Isabel Wilkerson’s brilliant book, which gives a masterful portrait of the unseen phenomenon in American history shaped by the hidden caste. Feb. 8, 4-7pm. COCC Campus Center - Wille Hall, 2600 College Way, Bend. Contact: 541-330-4376. mlegrand2@cocc.edu. Free.

ARTS + CRAFTS

2025 Central Oregon Collegiate Exhibition The 2025 Central Oregon Collegiate Art Exhibition celebrates the dynamic talent of student artists from Central Oregon Community College (and Oregon State University-Cascades. This exhibition brings together a diverse collection of artworks that showcase the creativity, skill, and vision of student artists from across the region. Feb. 7, 5-7pm. The ANNEX, A Scalehouse Project, 550 NW Franklin Ave, Bend. Contact: 541-362-1288. info@ scalehouse.org. Free.

ART WALK with artist Theron McIntyre & musicians Bobby Lindstrom & Ed the Whistler Downtown Art Walk with local artist Theron McIntyre and some rockin’ blues to follow. Feb. 7, 5pm-Midnight. Velvet, 805 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-728-0303. velvetbend@gmail.com. Free.

Grateful Dead cover band Dark Star Orchestra performs the legendary band’s extensive catalog by recreating past shows based on old set lists. Tue., Feb. 11, 7:30pm at Midtown Ballroom.

Dark Star Orchestra FB

FEB FLORAL FUN: 2/8 Galentine’s Flower Arranging Workshop What could be more fun than a cozy and inspiring space to play with flowers? Price Includes a floral arranging demo, loads of time to play with the flowers, snacks and libations, and of course, all the luscious blooms. Price includes all materials, instruction and snacks and sips. Feb. 8, 4-6pm. Flowers by Eryn, 635 NW Colorado Ave, Bend. Contact: 541-977-1650. hello@flowersbyeryn.com. $150.

Let's Paint Art Class - Valentines Fox Join us for a fun relaxing evening at Bridge 99 with Let's Paint! Grab a pint and unleash your inner artist in this wonderful all ages welcome painting class. No prior painting experience is needed, as our amazing instructor will be there to help guide you along the way. Feb. 11, 6-8pm. Bridge 99 Brewery, 63063 Layton Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-480-7491. sarahanneswoffer@ gmail.com. $60.

Sip n’ Paint Spa Event! Join us for an afternoon of self-care and creativity! Facials, luscious skin products and foot soaks. Make custom bath salts and essential oil blends! Then we snack, sip, and socialize. Next we get creative with a step-by-step sip n’ paint class! It’s easy and so fun! Feb. 8, 1-5:30pm. Bend, RSVP for address, Bend. Contact: 541-728-4253. hello@brightlifecreative.com. $98.

Valentine’s Day BlacksmithingForged Hearts *2 Classes Come have fun with your Valentine and try your hand at the time-honored DIY craft of shaping, tapering, splitting, twisting, and punching steel to create a beautiful set of forged steel hearts during the two 2-hour class series. Feb. 11, 5:30-7:30pm and Feb. 12, 5:30-7:30pm. DIY Cave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 541-3882283. classes@diycave.com. $139.50/person ($279/couple).

Valentine’s Day Paint Night! Each person paints a canvas-put the 2 together and it makes one image! All materials included. Sip, snack and enjoy as you are led step-by-step from start to finish! You get to walk away with a work of art you’ve done yourself! Feb. 11, 5:30-7:30pm. Silver Moon Brewing, 24 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-728-4253. hello@brightlifecreative.com. $49.

Valentine’s Day Cards: Cut Paper Designs Learn how to craft beautiful, hand-made cards using cut paper designs that are sure to brighten someone’s day. In this workshop, you’ll explore techniques for creating both 3D and simple pop-up cards, perfect for spreading love and joy! Feb. 5, 5:30-7pm. FREAK’N ART, 1265 NW Wall st., Bend. Contact: 541-508-7438. hellofreaknart@ gmail.com. $45.

Valentine's Day Gifts - Fused Glass Pocket Hearts Create a beautiful custom pocket heart to give your loved ones for Valentine's Day this year. Handmade with love, they will be able to keep it with them all year long. No experience needed! $119/person Feb. 8, 3:30-5:30pm. DIY Cave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 541-388-2283. classes@ diycave.com. $119.

PRESENTATIONS + EXHIBITS

The Essentials of Raising Chickens in Central Oregon Registration is required. This beginner-friendly workshop is your guide to raising happy, healthy chickens in Central Oregon’s unique climate. Learn how to choose the best breeds, create a cozy coop, and keep your flock thriving year-round. Feb. 8, 11am-12:30pm. Redmond Public Library, 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond. Contact: 541312-1063. beccar@dpls.lib.or.us. Free.

First Friday Gallery Hop 2/7/25 Join us for February’s First Friday with host Carrie Elmore, featuring the stunning works of Alexa Oxenrider. Treat yourself to champagne and Goody’s Chocolates while exploring our latest gallery showcase. Feb. 7, 5-8pm. RE/MAX Key Properties, 42 NW Greenwood Avenue, Bend. Free.

WORDS

Author Talk + Sock Drive for Shepherd’s House Join us at Dudley’s Bookshop Cafe for an evening with author Stacy Kean as she presents her latest historical fiction thriller, “The Nazi Housewife of Queens, New York.” Admission is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring socks for Shepherd’s House. Feb. 7, 5-6:30pm. Dudley’s Bookshop Cafe, 135 NW Minnesota Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-749-2010. dudleysbookshopcafe@gmail.com. Free.

Local Author Saturday Join us for this free event as three Bend-based authors will be at Roundabout Books to talk about their books. Authors will be seated around the store to talk about their books at your convenience. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Feb. 8, Noon-2pm. Roundabout Books, 900 NW Mount Washington Dr., #110, Bend. Contact: 541-306-6564. julie@roundaboutbookshop. com. Free.

Love and Book Deals Registration is required. Authors Kristine Lynn and Anna Grace were two hard-working, under-published authors when they met online in February of 2020. Within six months of working together, Anna and Kristine had signed with literary agents. This presentation covers the basics of finding and working with a critique partner. Feb. 8, 3:30-5pm. Downtown Bend LibraryBrooks Room, 601 NW Wall St,, Bend. Contact: 541-312-1063. beccar@dpls.lib.or.us. Free.

What’s So Funny? - A Satire Workshop Registration is required. Some things are so ridiculous they deserve skewering. Other things are so relentlessly harmful and yet ignored that writers find another way to grab people’s attention vis-à-vis the problem. (Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal” comes to mind). Learn how satire can enhance your writing. Feb. 6, 6-7:30pm. Downtown Bend Public Library - Brooks Room, 601 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 41-312-1063. beccar@dpls.lib. or.us. Free.

ETC.

Valentine Card Making Fundraiser What better way to show your love this Valentine’s Day than through a gift that also shows your love of Central Oregon wildlife? Send a friend, family member, or sweetheart a Valentine’s gift full of local goodies and support wildlife at the same time! Learn more here: https://tockify. com/eventstw/detail/127/1737662400000 Jan. 29-Feb. 7, Noon-4pm. Think Wild Office, 150 NE Hawthorne Ave, Bend. Contact: hailee@thinkwildco.org. $60-$1,000.

OUTDOORS EVENTS

Oregon Wildlife Watch This workshop teaches the basics of recognizing tracks and signs, how to use trail cameras to document animals without disturbing them. At the end of the workshop participants will have the option to check out a trail camera to use at home! Feb. 8, 10am-1pm. High Desert Museum, 59800 S. Highway 97, Bend. Contact: 541-382-4754. info@highdesertmuseum.org. $25 Registration and prepayment required.

GROUPS + MEETUPS

Wildlife Photography Walk Join us for a Wildlife Photography Walk along the Deschutes River Trail and discover the beauty of Central Oregon through your lens. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, our Lead Wildlife Educator and photographer, Becca LiPuma, will provide expert advice on composition, lighting, and capturing elusive wildlife moments. Feb. 9, 4-6pm. Farewell Bend Park, 1000 SW Reed Market Rd., Bend. Contact: becca@thinkwildco.org. Free.

Biz & Bevs @ Subaru of Bend—February 11 Join the Bend business community for our “Biz & Bevs” event at Subaru of Bend! This will be a time for people to gather, network, and hear from our rotating venue hosts and nonprofit features. Bevs and small bites will be provided. Feb. 11, 4:30-6pm. Subaru of Bend, 2060 NE Hwy 20, Bend. Free to Chamber Members | $10 for Non-Members.

Blind Pambrun Wine Tasting Taste through a surprise selection of 4 of our small batch boutique label wines from our Pambrun Vineyard. You will be given a list of potential wines on your flight and will make your best guess as to what wine you are tasting for each pour of the flight. Feb. 6, 3-4 and 5:30-7pm. Willamette Valley Vineyards, 916 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-306-6000. bend@wvv. com. $25.

Connect W’s Munch & Mingle in Redmond Join ConnectW for an intimate, monthly noon gathering where professional women of Central Oregon connect over meaningful conversations. Held on the first Thursday of every month, this exclusive event fosters business growth, social networking, and friendships. Attendance capped at 12, Registration is required below. Feb. 6, 11:45am-1pm. Feast Food Co, 546 NW 7th St, Redmond. Contact: 541-410-1894. info@ connectw.org. Cost of meal.

Dog Adoption Event Herding dogs are great companions for your walks, hikes, running, mountain biking, skiing, and just hugging! Adopt and foster! Feb. 8, 11am-2pm. Bend Pet Express Eastside, 420 NE Windy Knolls Drive, Bend. Contact: 458-292-8362. Herdingdogrescue@ gmail.com. Free.

Grammy Award-winning and multi-platinum singer/songwriter Lainey Wilson brings her country tunes to Bend this summer on the “Whirlwind World Tour” with ERNEST and Kaitlin Butts. Thu., Aug. 21, 6:30pm at Hayden Homes Amphitheater.

Lainey Wilson FB

By Savannah Mendoza

Swing Into Romance at Sunriver Resort’s Valentine’s Dinner and Dance

Sunriver Music Festival’s annual event offers a gourmet dinner, live swing music and

Ldancing at Sunriver’s Great Hall

ove, music and fine dining come together for an unforgettable evening at Sunriver Resort’s Great Hall this Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re planning a romantic night out, celebrating with friends or making it a double date, the Valentine’s Dinner and Dance Concert offers a mix of elegance and entertainment.

Hosted by Sunriver Music Festival, the annual event on Friday, Feb. 14, features a gourmet dinner, lively swing-era music and dancing in one of Central Oregon’s historic venues.

One of the last remaining buildings from Sunriver’s early Camp Abbot days in the 1940s, the Great Hall at Sunriver Resort features soaring wooden beams, a rustic stone fireplace and a warm, intimate ambiance — a rare treat for public events as its primarily used for private events such as weddings and conventions.

“For Valentine’s, we will fill the space with toe-tapping tunes of that swing era and welcome guests to kick up their heels on the dance floor or linger in the comfort of their reserved table,” says Meagan Iverson, executive director of Sunriver Music Festival.

A year-round nonprofit dedicated to presenting world-class music in Bend and Sunriver, Sunriver Music

Festival also nurtures the next generation of musicians. Its Valentine’s concert features Blue Skies Big Band, a 17-piece ensemble bringing the classic swing sounds of the 1920s to ’40s to life.

“It’s a mix of romance and a mix of party,” Iverson explains. “A feature of this event is the option to reserve an intimate table for two in the secluded mezzanine or to join a lively table of eight on the main floor. Sometimes groups of friends go in on a full table together, which definitely adds to the party vibe.”

Blue Skies Big Band will play original arrangements from legendary bandleaders like Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Glenn Miller. Adding to the vintage charm, vocal trio The Jewel Tones will deliver tight harmonies reminiscent of The Boswell Sisters and The Andrews Sisters.

Reservations for the event can be made online at sunrivermnusic.org.

Sunriver Music Festival presents Valentine’s Dinner & Dance Concert Fri., Feb. 14, 5-8pm Sunriver Resort Great Hall 57081 Great Hall Loop, Sunriver[Street Address, City] sunrivermusic.org/valentinesdinner $140

CALENDAR EVENTS

Americana band Tylor & the Train Robbers brings an electrifying performance of country roots music to the brewery stage. Sat., Feb. 8, 7pm at Silver Moon Brewing.

SheJumps, AdventureUs, & Between Evergreens “Empowering Women Through Adventure” Speaker Series featuring “Women in Wildfire” Please join SheJumps, AdventurUs & Between Evergreens for this month’s “Empowering Women Through Adventure” speaker series - “Women in Wildfire”. Learn all about the women who battle wildfires, parachute into dangerous terrain, handle heavy equipment, coordinate air support, & educate the public on fire prevention in Central Oregon. Feb. 5, 6-8pm. The Embark Coworking Community, 2843 NW Lolo Dr., bend. Contact: cnashwebber@shejumps.org. Free.

Speed Dating & Single Min gle - Ages 21-50 excitement and connection at our Single Mingle and Speed Dating event for ages 21-50! Geared toward singles looking to make new connec tions, this event offers a blend of casual mingling and structured speed dating rounds. Engage in dynamic conversations, share laughter, and who knows – you might find that special connection. Feb. 7, 6-8pm. Bend Wine Bar & Winery Tasting Room. Contact: 541-323-0964.

FAMILY + KIDS

Cats on Mats

adoptable cats at “Cats on Mats” yoga! Led by Ulla Lundgren, this all-levels class is $30 and includes a 1-hour session. Bring your mat and wear comfy, cat-hair-friendly clothes. Space is limited—reserve your spot today! Feb. 8, 9:3010:30am. Playful Paws Cat Cafe, 1465 SW Knoll Ave, Bend. Contact: 541-728-3871. meow@ playfulpawscatcafe.com. $30.

Fencing Learn the Olympic sport of fencing! High Desert Fencing Club offers instruction in Foil and Epee for 9-year-olds through adults. We offer a one-time free trial lesson on Tuesdays with a reservation. Fencing gear provided. Please email us at HDFencing@gmail.com to arrange a date for your free trial lesson. Mondays-Thurs days, 5:30-7:30pm. High Desert Fencing Club, 61445 S. Hwy 97 Suite D, Bend. Contact: 541419-7087. hdfencing@gmail.com. Free. Kids Studio! Black History Month (4-class series)

ativity with Kids Studio! Join us this February as we learn about some amazing Black American artists! We’ll create wearable art like Nick Cave's SOUNDSUITS and make work inspired by the art of Janet Henry and Coreen Simpson. Recomend ed for artists ages 7-12, space is limited. Wed, Feb. 5, 1:30-3:30pm, Wed, Feb. 12, 1:30-3:30pm, Wed, Feb. 19, 1:30-3:30pm and Wed, Feb. 26, 1:30-3:30pm. FREAK’N ART, 1265 NW Wall st., Bend. Contact: 541-508-7438. hellofreaknart@ gmail.com. $200.

VertFest

include everything from the superhuman SkiMo racers (man those guys/gals are fast) to recre ational backcountry enthusiasts out in costume. This is a celebration of the backcountry and

winter tribe. There will also be skills clinics. Feb. 9, 8am-2pm. Mt. Bachelor, 13000 Century Drive, Bend. Contact: 503-896-9818. info@coava lanche.org. Price varies.

FOOD + DRINK

Community Pint Night! Kicking off our weekly community pint night! This month we’re

Tylor and the Train Robbers FB

BCHOW C

Romantic and Delicious A few ideas for foodies on Valentine’s Day

By Jared Rasic

end is a pretty romantic town most of the time. I don’t just mean our cute cafes, bars and private little nooks dotted throughout the city limits, but we’re also surrounded by some of the most beautiful lakes, mountains, trails and waterfalls on the planet. But, as a very dedicated food writer who eats out a lot — both alone and with friends — I think I’ve decided that the most romantic thing of all is food.

The combination of the cuisine, cocktails, vibes of the space, music, service and the person you’re with… all of it creates an alchemical breakdown where all of your senses start nuzzling each other and luxuriating in the gift of experiential pleasure. Finding those moments where all the pieces combine to create perfection is something I’m always searching for. With that said, here are a few meals coming up for Valentine’s Day that I’m sure will be special experiences, as well as a few that I love going to, anytime, whenever I need a fat plate of great vibes.

Yoli

I have had more than one of the best meals of my life at Yoli, and the multi-course pop-up meals are truly special in a way I find hard to quantify. Last year, I went to the French pop-up and not only was it insanely, decadently romantic, but easily one of the two or three most extraordinary meals I’ve ever had. For Valentine’s Day this year, the Korean-inspired menu sounds even better. Just one of the courses is Gilgeori Toast: warm brioche, foie gras mousse, Maine lobster tail, egg and sweet tomato kimchi. The menu is $150 with an extra $50 for wine pairings with each course.

1133 NW Wall St., Ste. 100, Bend Reservations: yolibend.com/menu--reservations.html

Maragas Winery

I’ve done theater with veteran actor Alastair Morley Jaques and can confirm that he’s one of the finest to ever come out of Central Oregon — his embodiment of Edgar Allen Poe is must-see. “Poe’s Twisted Love” will not only feature his embodiment of Poe, but also a fourcourse meal from the always incredible Mundrelli’s Italian Kitchen. Nothing says I love you like an achingly doomed gothic romance.

15523 SW Hwy 97, Culver Doors 5:30pm, dinner 6pm, theater 7pm // $90

Reservations: maragas.com/product/valentines-dinner-theatre

Portello Wine and Spirits

There’s something so inherently romantic about flamenco guitar, so an evening of wine, a “unique a la carte menu,” cocktails, champagne and classical guitar and flamenco from Richard Fitzgerald should be insanely sexy. With a menu featuring an ahi crudo tower and lobster ravioli (just to name a few), this sounds like a very special evening.

2754 NW Crossing Dr., Bend 4-10pm

Reservations encouraged: portellowinecafe.com

Iris at Juniper Preserve

An Asian-inspired, five-course meal out at the gorgeous Pronghorn Club sounds like a very romantic way to spend Valentine’s Day. We’ve heard some amazing things about the new food program out at Juniper Preserve, so an expertly curated Asian fusion meal — with lobster ravioli, filet mignon and chocolate-covered strawberries — sounds romantic as hell.

65600 Pronghorn Club Dr., Bend 5-9pm // $95

Reservations: juniperpreserve.com/events/ valentines-dinner-2025

Riverhouse Lodge

Leave it to the film critic to make this recommendation, but a Valentine’s dinner and movie night featuring a screening of “The Princess Bride” should make for a great evening. With cocktail seating and a multi-course meal promised to “awaken your senses,” the Riverhouse Lodge has long been one of Bend’s most romantic destinations (especially for a staycation), so this sounds like a treat.

3075 N Hwy 97, Bend 6:30-9pm // $79

Reservations: bendticket.com/events/valentines-day-dinner-a-movie-2-14-2025

Bos Taurus

One of the most decadent restaurants in Bend is curating a prix fixe dinner featuring a red shrimp crudo, a Wagyu tartare and a Sanchoku New York strip (among many other amazing plates). This will definitely be one hell of a meal for the foodie in your life. Wine pairings optional.

163 NW Minnesota Ave., Bend 5-11pm // $150

Reservations: bostaurussteak.com/upcomingevents/eventone-ct9e6

Taj Palace is doing its Valentine’s meal again, featuring vegetarian and meat dishes done with love. (I’ve gone to this several times and the lamb curry is to die for.) Flights Wine Bar is also hosting a “Lady and the Tramp” dinner featuring spaghetti and meatballs and some bubbly included.

I could go on and on with all of the events happening on Feb. 14. The romance in Central Oregon is also palpable in incredible restaurants like Ariana, Bosa, RBC, The Jackalope Grill, The Blacksmith and so many others — it really is hard to go wrong, regardless of the time of year. Make food a part of the romance in your life and you’ll always be full. Of food. And romance. You get it.

Foie Gras from Yoli

Jared Rasic

Ahi Crudo Tower at Portello

Portello

LITTLE BITES

By Chris Young

Every Central Oregon Brewery Will Be at Drake Park This Memorial Day Weekend

Thanks to the inaugural Bend Brews & Beyond, beer, cider and

N/A options will abound on May 24 and 25

When Brian Yaeger published “Oregon Breweries” a decade ago, he documented 190 breweries and brewpubs from sea to high desert. Today, we’re closer to 300 in the Beaver State, he says. Yet, the massive brew fests of the aughts and twenty-tens have gone the way of the dodo, including Portland’s waterfront Oregon Brewers Festival and the Bend Brewfest, “which became the state’s largest brew fest in recent years,” Yaeger notes, but was canceled in both 2023 and ’24.

COVID can shoulder some of the blame, but “there are constant challenges and the current trend toward people ditching beer altogether or folding in more beverages beyond beer is one of those challenges,” Yaeger says. “I always think of those challenges as opportunities.”

Introducing Memorial Day weekend’s Bend Brews & Beyond on Saturday and Sunday, May 24 and 25, a festival featuring 50 Oregon breweries and cideries — plus nonalcoholic purveyors of hop water, kombucha, cold brew and more — at Drake Park. Hosted on a similar footprint as the summertime Munch & Music series, the party will include “every locally owned Central Oregon hopped, appled and honeyed beverage producer as well as over a dozen nonalcoholic beverage makers,” according to a release.

“It’s now a beer-and-more festival with a larger focus on cider as well as an array of N/A drinks, so whether you wholly abstain from alcohol or simply want to

sample more of what’s available,” there’ll be options for all, Yaeger says.

The new location “will allow for people to float up to the fest” (yes, there’ll be tube and SUP parking), attendance will be limited to 5,000 people per day (ensuring shorter lines), and tickets will be $40 for those consuming alcohol and $30 for the sober curious, with early bird tickets $10 off if purchased by Valentine’s Day.

The area’s largest and oldest brewer, Deschutes, will be in attendance, and event sponsor Silver Moon Brewing will celebrate its 25th anniversary. “Bend’s newest and smallest, including Terranaut, Van Henion and Funky Fauna,” will be there, Yaeger says, plus “we even have a meadmaker in Sisters, Lazy Z Ranch, that will have a new sparkling honey wine. On the N/A side, Backporch Coffee Roasters will be pouring new brands of cold brew, Humm Kombucha will be supplying those probiotics, and there will be several non-alc beers as well as hopped seltzers called hop waters. If a local beverage maker off my radar hasn’t been invited yet, I encourage them to reach out.”

After chatting with countless brew fest attendees (drinkers) and vendors (beer slingers), Yaeger is “over the moon to be staging this evolved form of the brew fest that is designed to be a win-win by making Bend Brews & Beyond the best — if not the biggest — version of a celebration of local and Oregon-wide food and

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At Market of Choice, you can find what you love and grow your career, while receiving competitive pay, discounts, health insurance, and 401K.

beverage, except it’s really beverage and food.”

With 10 food trucks, live bands, DJs and activities — both informative (Meet the Makers) and silly (Drinking Pants Pageant) — there’ll even be a “Brewers Decathlon where teams of brewers get to compete… in 10 challenges designed for professional brewers only,” Yaeger says. At the end of the day, Bend Brews & Beyond is all about “what makes our local brewing and beverage-making industry so great as well as what makes communal gatherings super fun.”

Full disclosure: Brian Yaeger regularly contributes to the Source Weekly.

Bend Brews & Beyond

Dates: location:

February 19-21 at 7:00pm

February 22 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm

CULTURE C

Love to Love You

Cookies, drag and painting… what else do you need for Valentine’s Day?

By Jared Rasic

For some of us, Valentine’s Day can be less of a romantic holiday spent luxuriating in connection and more of a flashing neon sign pointing out the failure to find love. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had a lovely V-Day or two, but more often than not, I find myself unpacking what’s missing from my life more than celebrating what I have. So, here’s my new resolution starting in 2025: Let’s worry less about the state of our relationships on Feb. 14 and instead try to be a little more patient and kinder with ourselves. You can’t find love until you love yourself after all.

This goes out to you wonderful Central Oregonians: Whether you’re in something new, something ancient or nothing at all, here are a few ideas for ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day, stress-free, with love.

Naughty Valentine’s Sip and Decorate Kook’i Class

Look, most of us know there’s not too many things sexier than enjoying incredible food with your sexy partner. But you know what’s even sexier than that? The sweet stuff. Having a sinfully delicious dessert — with your lovers, friends or any combination thereof — can only be topped (see what I did there) by actually crafting those desserts together. The divine purveyor of delectable treats known as Kook’i has seven naughty cookie designs for you to decorate as well as a bar from which to sip while adding those fine details to the girthiest of desserts.

Galentine’s Bouquet Bar

Celebrating V-Day doesn’t always have to be romantic. In fact, celebrating Galentine’s Day is usually much more rewarding as spending time with your tribe and reveling in the warm vibes of friendship that nourishes the soul. Tag in with friends and build flower arrangements from recycled distillery material while sipping on cocktails and admiring how amazing all of your people are. Ticket price includes red, pink and white flowers, a vase, a welcome mini cocktail, a ticket for another cocktail of your choice and a goodie bag.

Oregon Spirit Distillers

Fri., Feb. 14, 7- 9pm

740 NE First St., Bend

Tickets: eventbrite.com/e/galentines-bouquet-bar-tickets-1131315167119

$32, ages 21 and over

Paint Your Date

It’s so damn romantic to feel seen by someone. It’s even more romantic to feel seen and then painted by that person, like you’re one of their French girls. Personally, I think this would be a blast to bring a bestie to so you can passive aggressively make them look like a hybrid baby of Picasso and Warhol. They’re serving nonalcoholic beverages, but you are free to BYOB. With only a dozen tickets available, jump on this event while you can.

luperGAYlia

If you’ve ever been to a Cult of Tuck show (which you very well should, they’re amazing!), you know that every single second is filled with some of the very best drag that the Northwest has to offer. Join them for a celebration of Lupercalia, the pagan predecessor to Valentine’s Day, as only the Cult can produce. “Kings, queens and creatures of all kinds will be taking the stage to stir up some queer magic and howl their hearts out,” says drag queen Foxy LaHound. “It’s a much more feral and primal drag show than you may have experienced before, but, as with all Cult of Tuck shows, everyone is welcome for a fun time celebrating love and community.”

The Cult of Tuck presents: luperGAYlia Silver Moon Brewing Sat., Feb. 15., doors 7pm, show 8-10:30pm 24 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend

Tickets: eventbrite.com/e/the-cult-of-tuck-presents-lupergayliatickets-1211493994149

$25, under 18 allowed with parent or legal guardian

There are just so many events to choose from. There’s A Killer Valentine: Murder Mystery at Craft Kitchen and Brewery on Feb. 14; La Bon

is putting on a Valentine’s show inspired by the musical “Chicago” on Feb. 15; Bend Burlesque is doing “My Vaudeville Valentine” on Feb. 14; and there’s a Valentine’s dinner and dance at Sunriver Resort, also on Feb. 14. There are way too many things happening and at least one is perfectly tailored to the type of Valentine’s Day you’re having. Isn’t it lovely?

Burlesque

Try your hand at naughty cookie decorating with Kook’i at La Pine’s Legend Cider on Feb. 9

Foxy LaHound performs with The Cult of Tuck at Silver Moon on Feb. 15

When writing a piece about movies to watch with your spouse, partner, significant other or all by your damn self for Valentine’s Day, I found myself focusing on the futility of such an endeavor. Every single relationship is different, obviously, but even more specific are the things that each one of us defines as romantic or sexy or intimate. Defining what makes a great Valentine’s Day movie is like trying to define what makes a perfect cloud or a flawless sunset. There are many different things that can make one great, but true perfection is only recognizable when you see it.

SCREEN SC My Specific Valentine 11 movies to love each other by

By Jared Rasic

For those discovering their queerness for the first time: “But I’m a Cheerleader” — Sometimes a repressive environment doesn’t allow us to be our truest self and that will usually stunt our growth into our best selves. It can take coming face-to-face with what really gets our butterflies flying in order to unapologetically accept ourselves. “But I’m a Cheerleader” gave an entire generation of LGBTQ+ youth a chance to feel seen and heard and remains one of the greatest queer movies of all time.

With that said, there are lots of romantic movies to watch with your person, people or wonderful self. Here are 11 perfect ones, specifically tailored to the type of relationship you’re in, curated by yours truly… with love.

For that new relationship where you’re gonna ignore the red flags for a bit longer because the sex is fire and you both like watching movies together: “True Romance” — While this movie is genuinely romantic with truly incendiary chemistry between Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette, many lives could have been saved if they would have walked away from each other after the opening scene. Still, it’s hard not to root for those crazy kids.

For that couple that keeps breaking up and getting back together because they’re terrified of change: “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” — There are a lot of reasons Clementine and Joel find themselves together again. Maybe it’s because they’re truly each other’s soulmates. Or maybe it’s because they’re afraid they won’t find the kind of love that they’re really looking for. Either way, this love is doomed and beautiful and I’m here for it.

For the couple that hides their remarkable levels of kink beneath a fairly square exterior: “Phantom Thread” — You know that couple. Are you that couple? The one that’s conservative in the streets and freaks in the sheets? P.T. Anderson’s underrated romantic classic gives permission to those that are a touch ashamed of their fetishes and says that the only way to truly find happiness is to be proud of the person you are, in public and in private.

For the single person needing a good cry: “Her” — While on the surface “Her” is about a nerd that falls in love with an OS, it’s all in service of the idea that sometimes when we’re in love, our partner evolves past us into someone we don’t recognize anymore… and that’s OK. We’re not all with our person right now, but that doesn’t mean they’re not out there waiting for us.

For those two people that we see conversing across the room and we know they’re falling in love in real time: “Before Sunrise” — You’ve seen it, maybe you’ve experienced it — where you’re in a conversation with someone that’s so profoundly life changing that you’re willing to burn your life down to keep it going. This movie is simply two people walking around, having a conversation and falling for each other and it’s absolutely perfect.

For the shy, single person who unapologetically remains a hopeless romantic: “Amélie” — There’s something about the very French “Amélie” that makes it look like the actual act of falling in love is the grandest adventure one can have, and there’s something quite beautiful about that. Remaining uncynical about romance is a gift and “Amélie” shares it with all of us.

For the sub in search of a dom: “Secretary” — This movie ran so “Fifty Shades” and “Babygirl” could walk. Intense, erotically charged and probably problematic, “Secretary” (all the way back in 2002) tried to show the world that consent is sexy and that yucking other people’s yums is never the right choice.

For the queer bohemian hustlers on a path of self-discovery in the Pacific Northwest: “My Own Private Idaho” — This is pretty specific, but if you’ve been in Portland enough, it’s still pretty relevant. While romance is barely a thought in the film, the trust and

friendship intrinsic in Mike and Scott’s relationship is a very special kind of love.

When you’re both radical leftists: “My Beautiful Launderette” — Watch it with those you love and get riled up all over again. Boy that feels good.

For those just wanting to vent about their ex: “Tangerine” — Two trans sex workers walking across L.A. to get to a doughnut shop becomes a true odyssey of human emotion. This movie does a beautiful job reminding you that the no-good ex you keep thinking about isn’t worth another moment of your life.

Yes, there are obviously movies specifically designed for the holiday like “Valentine’s Day,” “The Notebook” and “About Time,” but all of us are different, and a lot of times Hollywood’s vision of romance is a little too broad for the singular sensation that is you. Find the movies that speak to your specificity and, whether you’re spending this V-Day alone or with your partner, know that you are loved, seen and oh-so very special.

Mubi

"Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" is the greatest romance of this generation.

"But I'm a Cheerleader" remains a queer classic over 25 years later.

Reverence of Crows A tree’s last stand in Old Bend

By Marina Richie

I’m with photographer Nancy Floyd in Old Bend on Congress Street, lined with trees fronting stately homes dating to the early 1900s. As part of her longterm project “For the Love of Trees,” she’s focusing on a ponderosa pine lofting above all others. The upper trunk arcs slightly to the northwest. The long branches swirl on all sides like arms akimbo. Every needle on the tree is dead. Only recently did the great tree succumb. Across the narrow street is the stump of a smaller companion cut down several years earlier.

Pygmy nuthatches flit among the limbs as I watch Floyd aim her camera. She is practiced, focused and spontaneous as light shifts and the shadow of a branch curves over the plated bark. While I’m taking notes and she is clicking photos, first one curious neighbor and then another come out to join us.

Hildur Schmidt tells us she had been sending silent messages of love to the struggling ponderosa last fall when some 200 crows began streaming in at dusk to roost in the tree that had begun to die from the top down. She wondered if the crows had answered her. In mornings, she would walk beneath the tree and pick up a feather or two in gratitude.

Scott Graaf is nodding in agreement, noting that never had they seen crow flocks come to their street and to that tree. “It felt like a reverence of crows,” he says.

As we cluster not far from the tree, cedar waxwings give their high-pitched “seet seet” calls. There are robins, flickers, chickadees, finches and nuthatches. We feel ringed in their music and a kinship with trees. But the days are numbered for the ponderosa to remain standing and life-giving to woodpeckers, owls and all who would come here. The tree will be cut down and the street, houses and people will be safer, and neighbors will feel the loss.

“If I lose my house to fire or something else, I can rebuild,” Graaf says. “But if a 100-year or older tree falls, I can’t replace that.”

While on the surface it might appear the centuries-old pine died strictly from lack of water, the tree’s fate was

likely set long ago when the city widened Congress Street around the pine. When I sent a photo to arborist Avery McChristian, he pointed to the street almost touching the tree and pavement suffocating about 70% of the drip line (the outer edge of branches where rain falls and soaks in to feed roots that extend far from the trunk). Paving compacts the soil and damages roots, which can lead to pathogens entering through the wounds. Over time, the tree could not uptake enough water and nutrients to survive. While more watering likely would have helped, it would not have saved this vulnerable tree from what arborists call a “spiral of decline.”

Only a couple blocks away in Drake Park, Bend Park and Recreation District recently cut down a historic ponderosa pine after constructing a wide, paved bike path too close to the tree in 2023 and severely damaging the roots. I had joined a group of women in Feb. 2020 protesting the plan to log as many as 60 trees for the accessible trail close to Mirror Pond. We held a green ribbon protest, gained local media attention and saved some of the trees. “Don’t cut me down, go around” was our statement on the ribbons tied around each threatened tree. But going around means honoring the root system.

How much room are we willing to give to keep big trees standing, trees that give so much to us every day?

They capture and store far more carbon than younger trees, offer shade and coolness in the record-breaking heat of climate change, and they are havens for birds.

Through Floyd’s creative lens, this ponderosa will live on in photography. With every click, she teaches us the meaning of the word “reverence.” There are lessons, too, in the power of neighbors and community coming together for their love of trees. Look around the place you live. What do you care deeply about? What will you do to show and share your love?

Isn’t it past time we paid attention to the intelligence of crows and the wisdom of ancient trees? Can one towering ponderosa in the city become a portal to the wild forests and lead to more people caring about threats from logging and the value of standing dead trees for wildlife? Many questions swirl into the roost from this one outing on a mild day at the end of January.

Why did the crows come to roost? Some questions are best left to the heart. I picture Schmidt picking up a black feather as she gazed upward into the whorl of branches.

—Bend’s Marina Richie is the author of “Halcyon Journey: In Search of the Belted Kingfisher,” winner of the 2024 John Burroughs Medal for distinguished nature writing. Read her blog at marinarichie.com

A dying tree still has value in nature, especially for this downy woodpecker.

Death from the top down.

Marina Richie Nancy Floyd

By Savannah Mendoza

Romance and Adventure Collide on Valentine’s Weekend Snowshoe Tour

Wanderlust Tours hosts a weekend full of activity, romance and connection

What’s more romantic than stargazing under a snowy sky? How about a guided, moonlit snowshoe trek through the Cascade Mountains, complete with a crackling bonfire, champagne and sweet treats? Over Valentine’s Day weekend, Wanderlust Tours is offering couples, friends and adventure seekers a chance to celebrate love — and Oregon’s statehood, admitted to the union on Feb. 14, 1859 — in a magical winter setting with Romance on the Snow.

The tours take place on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 14 and 15 from 7 to 11pm. Participants will trek through the snow-covered mountains west of Bend, winding their way to a hand-carved amphitheater, illuminated by the glow of a crackling fire. Along the way, special touches await, like steaming hot cocoa, champagne toasts and locally made desserts.

“We wanted to create an experience that allows people to celebrate both Oregon Statehood Day and Valentine’s Day in a way that combines their love for others — whether friends, family or partners — with their love of place, whether it be stargazing, snowy landscapes or the mountains,” explains Courtney Braun, owner and naturalist guide at Wanderlust Tours.

During the journey, participants will pass through an old-growth hemlock forest, pausing to admire towering trees, wind-sculpted snowdrifts and animal tracks imprinted in the powder. If luck is on their side, they may even spot a pine marten or a rare Sierra Nevada red fox.

“The atmosphere of the evening is magical — twinkling tea lights, glowing bonfire, shimmering snow, the Milky Way stretching overhead and delicious treats,” Braun says.

While the naturalist guides love sharing knowledge of the wilderness, the tour is also an opportunity for connection. “The Valentine’s weekend snowshoe tour is a chance to appreciate partnership, friendship and the simple joy of being together in nature,” Braun adds.

Whether coming with a loved one, a group of friends or solo, guests are encouraged to embrace the stillness of the forest and dress in layers for the adventure. And for those looking to warm up even more, the bonfire will feature a special treat: Hazelnut Espresso Vodka from Crater Lake Spirits.

Valentine’s Weekend: Romance on the Snow Fri., Feb. 14 and Sat., Feb. 15, 7-11pm Wanderlust Tours

61535 S Hwy 97, Ste. 13, Bend wanderlusttours.com/valentines-weekend

$150 per person

Photos Courtesy of Wanderlust Tours

By Joshua Jardine

Elevate Your Cannabis Experience with These 3 Products

Ditch your high on command, properly dose your brownie batches and enjoy a more sanitary smoke sesh

Arguably the worst part of using cannabis is when the effect, often from an edible, greatly exceeds your intentions, moving you into a temporary state doctors call “being high AF.” Although it doesn’t inflict any permanent damage, too much THC can result in effects ranging from uncomfortable to terrifying. Aside from an IV of Valium, there aren’t many options to help with the ride. Until now.

A new liquid “wellness shot,” HighNot offers an intriguing solution. Each 2-ounce bottle, in regular and extra strength, comes in four flavors and contains a blend of terpenoids, amino acids and electrolytes that regulate and diminish the effects of the THC.

The company’s founder tried to help his mother-in-law’s insomnia with a weed gummy, only to have her overdose and rack up an $11,000 ER bill. He developed High-Not with a compounding pharmacist. The website breaks down the science, sharing how terpenes impact both the duration and intensity of THC.

The formula is vegan, non-GMO, water soluble and contains just seven main ingredients that work in reducing or eliminating an existing high. A third-party study found 87% got relief, with 60% of users ending their high within 15 minutes. I used one after a particularly lengthy and gluttonous rosin session and can attest to its effectiveness.

You can use the shot immediately when too high, the morning after an edible if waking up high or as a tool to help reset your THC tolerance levels. I plan to keep several on hand for friends who don’t always mind their edibles — highly recommended when you are too high.

Speaking of edibles, the biggest drawback of homemade ones is not really knowing how strong they are, leading to guesstimates as to strength levels and serving sizes. A new product aims to correct that in the form of a boxed double chocolate brownie mix, pre-infused with THC.

Benevolent Bakery is an Oklahoma-based company that makes two types, one with 100mg of hemp derived

Delta-9 THC per box, another with 250mg of non-hemp derived Delta-8 THC. Just add water, bake and by cutting into 10 even pieces, you have edibles with a 10 or 25mg per dose, fresh from the oven. I ate both boxes by myself. Don’t you judge me.

The Benevolent part comes from the bakery donating a portion of its proceeds to The Homeless Alliance in Oklahoma City. While they are not (yet) available in Oregon, the hemp-derived Delta-9 option is legal to ship outside of Oklahoma. Or ask a Tulsa-based friend to grab a couple boxes of the Delta-8 before flying out to see you.

For many years, my favorite consumption choice was smoking through a freshly cleaned, ice-filled bong with a diffused downstem. Joints, one hitters and apple pipes all have their charms, but a bong rip hits the hardest and fastest.

But the resulting coughing moved me toward my current preferred method of vaporization of flower and rosin. (The pandemic didn’t really help matters, as sharing things you and others touched with their mouths fell out of favor.)

I’ve been using my bong more often lately with the MouthPeace by Moose Labs, a washable, reusable filter that offers the cleanest bong hits I’ve ever tried, while making for a safer shared smoking experience.

A multi-colored silicone mouthpiece securely fits on most bongs. Inside, a replaceable, triple-layered activated carbon filter (or corn fiber) traps resins, contaminants and tar. THC and terpenes pass through, and airflow is not restricted. The sight and smell of a well-used filter should turn anyone into a convert.

An included lanyard clips onto the filter, allowing multiple users to toke up, each using their own MouthPeace, creating a shareable but sanitary smoking session. They come in a variety of bright, swirling colors and cost just $10. Filters come in packs of 10 for about $8, although discounts for first-time customers, and subscription options, can bring that down to sub $6.

High-Not

MooseLabs

Pearl’s Puzzle

“Introducing Some Ancient Greek Heroes”

By Brendan Emmett Quigley

tan?

52.  Some are frozen in labs

53.  Eastern ideal

54.  Reflexology businesses

57.  Extra serving of bacon?

61.  Album with tracks by a lot of artists

65.  Ancient Greek on the job?

68.  Bit of slapstick

69.  Have a bone to pick?

70.  Many-headed monster

71.  Exhibiting carelessness

72.  Turn green, say

Skating jumps

1.  Barbecue vegetable, perhaps

Days of Ancient Greeks, say

Citrus fruit

Straight-laced

5.  “___ Fearful Symmetry (Audrey Niffenegger book)

6.  Ctrl-Z command

7.  Language of Pandora

8.  Crude cartel

9.  “Check this out,” initially, on memos

10.  David Bowie or Freddie Mercury, e.g.

11.  Source of a message in a bottle

12.  Threw off

13.  Sloppy greeting, perhaps

18.  Tie things?

19.  Liver problem, briefly

24.  Agcy. with a Stem Cell information page on its website

26.  Ant.’s opposite

27.  Song’s pace

28.  “We’re recording!”

29.  City east of Syracuse

30.  Grab hold of

31.  Greet respectfully

32.  Like some freemium purchases

33.  Like farmer’s market produce

34.  Etsy transaction, e.g.

35.  Some barkers

40.  Winter equipment where the feet face forward

42.  One checking for poison

45.  French high-speed rail inits.

47.  Member of the familia

50.  Bring home

51.  Tailbone

54.  Competed in an IM event

55.  Bread sometimes served with chili

56.  Liberal ___

58.  On in years

59.  “Let me get back to you”

60.  Building location

62.  Adjective in some gift shoppes

63.  Puzzlemaker Reagle

64.  “Click It or Ticket” and “It Can Wait,” e.g.

66.  Hardly forthcoming

67.  Word said while snapping one’s fingers

Puzzle for the week of February 3, 2025

Difficulty Level:

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

G L A D T E R M S exactly once.

The highlighted letters read left to right and top to bottom will complete the quote: “Love can change a person the way a parent can change a baby awkwardly, and often with of ” - Daniel Handler

Answer for the week of January 27, 2025

ANSWER TO LAST WEEK'S PUZZLES

“Without Valentine's Day, February would be... well, January.” —-Jim Gaffigan

“Without Valentine's Day, February would be... well, January.” - Jim Gaffigan

ASTROLOGY

By Rob Brezsny

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Born under the sign of Aquarius, Clyde Tombaugh discovered the heavenly body known as Pluto in 1930. This was years before he earned advanced degrees in astronomy. His early education was primarily self-directed. The telescopes he used to learn the sky were built from tractor parts and old car components from his father’s farm. During the coming months, I surmise there will be elements of your life resembling Tombaugh’s story. Your intuition and instincts will bring you insights that may seem unearned or premature. (They’re not!) You will garner breakthroughs that seem to be arriving from the future.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): One of the world’s deepest caves is Veryovkina in the nation of Georgia. At its lowest, it’s 7,257 feet down. There are creatures living there that are found nowhere else on earth. I propose we make it your symbolic power spot for now. In my astrological opinion, you will be wise to dive further into the unknown depths than you have in quite some time. Fascinating mysteries and useful secrets await you. Your motto: “Go deeper and deeper and deeper.”

ARIES (March 21-April 19):

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): It's your unbirthday season, Leo—the holiday that’s halfway between your last birthday and your next. During this interlude, you could benefit from clarifying what you don’t want, don’t believe, and don’t like. You may generate good fortune for yourself by going on a quest to discover rich potentials and stirring possibilities that are asyet hidden or unexpressed. I hope you will be bold enough to scan the frontiers for sources of beauty and truth that you have been missing. During your unbirthday season, you will be wise to gather the rest of the information you will need to make a smart gamble or daring change.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Austrian playwright Elfriede Jelinek won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2004, and Romanian-German author Herta Müller earned it in 2009. But garnering the world’s most prestigious award for writers did not provide a big boost to their book sales. In some markets, their famous works are now out of print. In 2025, I hope you Virgos do in your own spheres what they only half-accomplished in theirs. I would love for you to gather more appreciation and attention while simultaneously raising your income. According to my reading of the astrological omens, this is a reasonable expectation.

The world's largest mirror isn’t an actual mirror. It’s Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni salt flat, a vast area that’s almost perfectly flat. After a rain, a thin layer of calm water transforms the surface into a perfect reflector that can be used to calibrate observation satellites. In these conditions, it may be almost impossible to tell where the earth begins and the sky ends. I foresee metaphorically similar developments for you during the coming weeks. Boundaries between different aspects of your world—professional and personal, spiritual and practical—might blur in interesting ways. A temporary dissolution of the usual limits may offer you surprising insights and unexpected opportunities for realignment. Be alert for helpful clues about how to adjust the way you see things.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): From day to day, glaciers appear static. But they are actually slowmoving rivers of ice that have tremendous creative power. They can make or reshape valleys, moving tons of dirt and rock. They pulverize, grind, and topple trees, hills, and even mountains. New lakes may emerge in the course of their activity. I invite you to imagine yourself as a glacier in the coming months, Taurus. Exult in your steady transformative power. Notice and keep track of your slow but sure progress. Trust that your persistence will ultimately accomplish wonders and marvels.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In recent weeks, have you stirred up any dynamic fantasies about exotic sanctuaries or faraway places or mercurial wild cards? Have you delivered enticing messages to inspiring beauties or brave freedom-fighters or vibrant networkers? Have you been monitoring the activities of longshots or future helpers or unification adepts who might be useful to you sooner than you imagine? Finally, Gemini, have you noticed I’m suggesting that everything important will arise in threes—except when they come in twos, in which case you should hunt for the missing third? PS: When the wild things call to you, respond promptly.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Archaeologists found two 43,000-year-old flutes in Germany. Constructed of mammoth ivory and bird bone, they still produce clear notes with perfect pitch. They were located in a cave that contains ancient examples of figurative art. Some genius way back then regarded art and music as a pleasurable pairing! I propose we make these instruments your power symbols for the coming weeks, Cancerian. May they inspire you to resuscitate the value of your past accomplishments. May you call on the help of melodies and memories that still resonate—and that can inspire your future adventures! Your words of power are regeneration, revival, and reanimation.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): By day, Libra-born Forrest Bess (1911–1977) worked as a commercial fisherman in Texas. By night, he created visionary paintings inspired by symbols that appeared to him in states between sleeping and waking. Other influences in his art came from alchemy, the psychological philosophy of Carl Jung, and Indigenous Australian rituals. His life was living proof that mystical exploration and mundane work could coexist. I’m hoping he might serve you as an inspirational role model. You are in a phase when you have the power to blend and synergize seemingly opposing aspects of your world. You would be wise to meditate on how to find common ground between practical necessity and spiritual aspiration. Are there ways you can unite the desires of your head and heart? Of your need for safety and your longing for adventure? Of your craving for beauty and your fondness for usefulness?

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): The first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, arranged for himself to be buried after death with an army of 8,000 soldiers made from terracotta, which is a clay ceramic. Joining the gang below the earth’s surface were 770 horses and 130 chariots. For over 2,000 years, this assemblage was lost and forgotten. But in 1974, farmers digging a new well found it accidentally. In this spirit, I am predicting that sometime in the next five months, you will make interesting discoveries while looking for something other than what you find. They won’t be as spectacular as the terracotta army, but I bet they will be fun and life changing.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Author Zora Neale Hurston said, "There are years that ask questions and years that answer." I will adjust that counsel for your use, Sagittarius. According to my astrological analysis, the first half of 2025 will ask questions, and the second half will answer them. For best results, I invite you to gather and polish your best questions in the next five months, carefully defining and refining them. When July begins, tell life you are ready to receive replies to your carefully wrought inquiries.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Hemoglobin is an iron-bearing protein that’s crucial to most life. It enables the transportation of oxygen in the blood. But one species, the icefish of the Antarctic seas, lacks hemoglobin. They evolved other ways to obtain and circulate enough oxygen in the frozen depths, including larger hearts and blood vessels. The system they’ve developed works well. So they are examples of how to adjust to an apparent problem in ways that lead to fine evolutionary innovations. I suspect you’re now in the midst of your own personal version of a comparable adaptation. Keep up the good work!

AWAKENING YOUR INNER HERO

A COLUMN TO HELP LOCALS LIVE A KINDER AND MORE COURAGEOUS LIFE

Do What You Love

Love is not just a romantic word: It’s the word that connects us to our very essence

By Burt Gershater

Like any title for an article, book or movie, there are many layers — both higher and deeper — than its literal meaning. Another equally instructive title for today’s message could be: Don’t Always Do What You Love to Do. But we’ll leave that one for another time.

Living a full life includes figuring out how to understand what initially appear to be paradoxes. In reality, each is equally true in its own context, and the context is often simply our state of mind.

When I was growing up, my dad was a sports fan. Not just a fan, but an active athlete till the day he died… which was on a tennis court when he and his doubles partner were winning 5-2. He never got up after hitting his last serve. Blessedly and thankfully, I can say I have done my best to follow in many of dad’s footsteps.

He taught me how to play tennis when I was in elementary school and took me to U.S. Open tennis tournaments many times to see the best players in world. I loved tennis, and sports of every kind: running, basketball, hiking, football, baseball, golf, badminton, rock climbing, skiing… you get the point.

Just last week, Wendy and I attended the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia. Dad would be happy I am continuing our tradition.

Q: How did this come to be in my 79th year of life?

A: By doing what I have always loved to do — this is the ultimate answer.

When I began my private practice in counseling 50

years ago, I was looking for clients in my little town of Flagstaff, Arizona, so I reached out everywhere. One of those places was the athletic coaches at Northern Arizona University. Maybe I could help them do better at what I had always loved to do.

Do what you love simply means to follow your essence. When we have the courage and the discipline to do this, miracles happen.

One of my earliest contacts was the cross-country and track and field coach. Flagstaff’s 7,000-foot elevation helped draw many of the best young athletes from around the world, and I might have the opportunity to work with them. It happened, just as I had dreamed! I have been blessed to work with many nationally and world-ranked athletes and teams over my career.

Fifteen years ago, I was asked by his coach to work with David McNeill, a promising young Australian long-distance runner.

The short version of the story goes like this: I helped him become better focused. The mental nuances required for running at the highest level are as critical as the physical aspects. A few years later, being his mentor and coach transitioned into just being good friends.

David won two national championships and many other awards while running at NAU. His training only increased after graduation. He subsequently competed in three Olympics for Australia, and a fourth has not been eliminated from his ever-refocusing vision.

Running at his highest level is interwoven into David’s being. Have there been challenges and potentially career-ending injuries along the way? Of course. Has he learned to listen better to his own body’s wisdom and to his healers? He has. He says that developing patience has been the biggest challenge of his competitive running career.

We, together with our families, have stayed in regular contact over the years, even with the many miles and time zones that separate us.

A few months ago, I got a call from David. “Would you come down to Australia and perform our wedding ceremony? Chloe and I are getting married in early January. We can’t think of anyone else who we’d want to do it.”

We returned last week from our trip to Melbourne. The wedding and family gatherings were the highlights. I was even able to help a few runners David coaches with their focus.

Do what you love. You will go places you never dreamed.

Blessings.

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

By James Keane Broker

Factoring in the Factors

The many things

at play in a local real estate market

Folks, let’s be honest: The real estate market is a living, breathing thing. It’s not static; it’s constantly in flux, ebbing and flowing like the tides. What was true yesterday might be completely different today, and that’s why it’s crucial to stay informed and work with a seasoned professional who understands these shifting sands. I’ve been in this business long enough to see the market go through its fair share of cycles, and let me tell you, one thing remains constant: change.

What drives these constant shifts? Several key factors are at play. Interest rates, for example, have a massive impact. When rates are low, borrowing becomes more affordable, fueling demand and often driving prices up. Conversely, when rates rise, affordability decreases, potentially cooling the market. We’ve seen this play out time and again, and it’s a powerful lever that influences buyer behavior.

Beyond interest rates, the overall economic climate plays a crucial role. A strong economy with low unemployment generally leads to increased consumer confidence and a willingness to invest in real estate. On the flip side, economic uncertainty, job losses or recessionary fears can dampen demand and put downward pressure on prices. It’s all interconnected.

Another significant factor is supply and demand. This is basic economics. In a seller’s market, inventory is low, and buyer demand is high, leading to bidding wars and escalating prices. Conversely, a buyer’s market sees more homes available than buyers, giving purchasers more negotiating power and potentially leading to price reductions.

3

Listed by Val Maxwell of

Understanding the current supply and demand dynamics in your specific area is critical.

Local market conditions also play a huge role. Real estate is inherently local. What’s happening in one city might be completely different from what’s happening just a few miles away. Factors like local job markets, school districts, infrastructure development and even community amenities can significantly impact property values and demand. That’s why it’s so important to work with a local expert who understands the nuances of your specific market.

And let’s not forget about seasonal variations. In many areas, we see predictable trends based on the time of year. Spring and summer often see increased activity as families look to move before the school year starts. Fall and winter can sometimes be slower, although this isn’t always the case. These seasonal fluctuations can influence both inventory and buyer behavior.

What’s the takeaway here? The real estate market is dynamic and constantly evolving. Trying to time the market perfectly is a fool’s errand — see my Dec. 24 article “Timing the Market.” Instead, focus on your individual needs and financial situation. Work with a qualified real estate professional who can help you navigate the complexities of the current market and make informed decisions. We can provide you with up-to-date data, analyze market trends and help you develop a strategy that aligns with your goals. Whether you’re buying or selling, having a trusted advisor by your side is more important than ever in today’s ever-shifting real estate landscape.

Listed by Anthony Levison of