Central Oregon Living - October 2014 by Western Communications, Inc.

GO GREEN Recycling Refresher Composting Tips

2 | Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014

Sun when you want it, shade when you need it! Hunter Douglas Designer Roller Shades, Motorized

Eclipse Lateral Arm Awning

Automated Shading Systems Alustra® Duette® Architella® Honeycomb Shades

Retractable Awnings Alumawood Laguna Lattice Cover

Interior Window Treatments

Lattice and Solid Patio Covers

UP TO $100 REBATE

(per unit) on qualifying purchases of Hunter Douglas window fashions* through December 16, 2014

FREE LiteRise®

Cordless Lifting System upgrade on select products through November 4, 2014: Duette® Architella® Honeycomb Shades • Silhouette® Window Shadings Vignette® Modern Roman Shades

541-388-4418

1465 SW Knoll Avenue, Bend

541-389-9983

www.classic-coverings.com

(just off Century Drive) CCB#157822

www.shadeondemand.com

* Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 9/16/14 –12/16/14 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. A qualifying purchase is defined as a purchase of any of the product models set forth above in the quantities set forth above. If you purchase less than the specified quantity, you will not be entitled to a rebate. For each qualifying purchase, only the higher applicable rebate amount will apply. Offer excludes Nantucket™ Window Shadings, a collection of Silhouette Window Shadings. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim receipt. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 7 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. Additional limitations apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. ©2014 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of HunterDouglas.

Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014 | 3

Winner of COBA Green Remodeler of the Year award 14

EST. 1977 AN EMPLOYEE OWNED COMPANY Sun Forest has been building green for decades. We incorporate recycled timbers and hardwood floors, high efficiency heating systems, upgraded insulation, sealed duct work, as well as energy efficient appliances into our homes. We encourage our clients to use environmentally responsible products.

739 YEARS

COLLECTIVE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE IN BUILDING

www.sforest.com • 541.385.8522 803 SW Industrial Way • Bend, OR CCB #36632

4 | Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014

Central Oregon Living

FEATURES HIGH DESERT LIFESTYLES

6 7 11 14 17 20 26 29

FALL 2014

editor’s note recycling refresher green + solar tour smart glass green education at nwgreenbis a green retrofit a man with a message blueprint to success

recycling refresher

IN THE GARDEN 23

34 32 36 38

composting: nature’s way of recycling garden calendar expert advice: central oregon real estate events calendar expert advice: central oregon builders association

smart glass

Cindi & Mike O’Neil of SolAire

To subscribe or to learn more about Central Oregon Living, The Bulletin and Western Communications, including advertising and commercial print opportunities, please call 541-633-2193 or visit www.bendbulletin.com.

Central Oregon Living Spring 2014 is a product of The Bulletin’s Special Projects Division, 1777 SW Chandler Ave., Bend OR 97702. All content is the property of The Bulletin/Western Communications Inc., and may not be reproduced without written consent.

Printed by The Bulletin Western Communications Commercial Print Division. Story ideas may be submitted to editor Althea Borck for consideration. Contact hr at (541) 383-0379 or aborck@bendbulletin.com.

Staff members for The Bulletin’s special projects division include: Martha Tiller, Special Projects Manager; Althea Borck, Special Projects Editor; Clint Nye, Graphic Designer; Stacie Oberson, Special Projects Coordinator; Kari Mauser, Special Projects Editorial Assistant, Kevin Prieto, Special Projects Image Coordinator.

Cover Photo by Kevin Prieto

Published Saturday, October 4, 2014

Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014 | 5

EDITOR’S

note

A Right Way and a Wrong Way to Recycle because I had more recyclables than trash. I was doing the right thing. So it was with a guilty, disheartening feeling that I read the note that had been taped to the recycling bin in big bold letters: “NO STYROFOAM.” A few weeks later, another note was left in my mailbox that included a few recycling guidelines as well as a note about not recycling waxed cardboard. By trying to do the right thing, I had gotten a few things backward. Now, the great thing about living in Oregon is that recycling is as easy as taking out the trash, which is a pretty big deal for someone who grew up in Houston where recycling was a challenge for the greater part of my upbringing. Newspaper must go in a separate pile from the aluminum cans, and plastic bottles couldn’t

The message was taped to the commingle recycling bin when I got home from work. It was a normal spring day a few weeks after I had moved into a rental home on the east side of town. And as with all of my recent moves, I got into a bit of a buying frenzy — purchasing new home decor and appliances. Some purchases were necessary, but others were on that “I want it therefore I need it” list. The items I bought came in cardboard boxes with styrofoam packaging. Still somewhat new to the idea of recycling and curbside pickup, I considered both the cardboard and the styrofoam to be recyclable. Styrofoam has to be recyclable. I mean, putting it in the trash seemed so wrong. Right? And so, I tossed both into the recycling bin and rolled it out to the curb. I was feeling pretty proud of myself

be mixed in with the cans. There was no curbside pickup, though admittedly that has changed. The commingle bins, then, were an intriguing development in how I viewed recycling. Cardboard, aluminum and paper can be tossed in without the nuisance of sorting? How ingenious! It seemed so simple to a fairly adolescent recycler such as myself. In the months since that guilt-inducing note had been left for me, I have taken pains to be as diligent and accurate as possible when I recycle. But I am never quite sure if I’m recycling right or recycling wrong. Within this edition of Central Oregon Living, we dedicate several pages to the art of recycling because it is not as cut and dry as it might seem. The plastics

and cardboard you toss into that commingle bin aren’t always given the green light. And some things you toss into the trash bin might actually be better off in the recycle bin. And I’m sure, after you read the story, you will start to question everything just like I do. Can I recycle that shampoo bottle? Is that clamshell container that held those delicious strawberries recyclable? Do I include that greasy pizza box or individual-sized yogurt container? How do I dispose of all those used batteries? And therein lies the ultimate goal: The more people understand recycling, the more valuable recycling can be. And the less likely there will be a bold note taped to your commingle recycling bin in the future. Althea Borck is The Bulletin’s special projects editor.

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

An avid crocheter and origamist, John Cal worked as a baker, head chef, ukuleleist, and Sno-Cat driver before settling into writing. He enjoys filling his time with yoga, postcard writing, and collecting bowties as well as candy from around the world. He lives in Bend with his Clumber spaniel, Hank.

A lover of yoga, coffee and nature, Lindy Callahan feels right at home in the Pacific Northwest. When she isn’t writing or devouring a book on the alpaca farm where she lives in Bend, Lindy also enjoys hiking, paddleboarding, snowshoeing and road tripping with her husband Mike and dog Phil Collins.

Amy Jo Detweiler has been working as OSU Extension Horticulture Faculty in Central Oregon for 12 years. She provides education in home horticulture, commercial horticulture, and provides annual training for the local OSU Master Gardener™ Program.

6 | Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014

Damian Fagan is a freelance writer and COCC Community Learning instructor. He enjoys birding and botanizing while hiking in Central Oregon’s wild lands. He lives in Bend with his wife, Raven, and their big nutty dog, Thielsen.

Tara LaVelle has been writing feature stories for local newspapers in Central Oregon for more than 10 years. Most recently, she ran the fine arts program at a local youth club. She stays busy playing with her 6-year-old son and his two dogs, who she affectionately calls the “numskulls.”

Former Bulletin business reporter turned international teacher, Jeff McDonald recently spent a three-year sojourn in the Middle East. When he’s not traversing the globe, he enjoys the seasons, the laid-back culture, and the people of Oregon.

Gregg Morris is a freelance writer and musician. You can find him finishing articles at the local tea shop, performing with his band or homeschooling his daughter. Supposed free time is spent in the woods with his wife and daughter or executing his duties with the Deschutes County Search and Rescue team.

Linda Orcelletto’s fur child, Colby, is an 80-pound, not-sobright, lump-of-love golden retriever. Colby enjoys Bend’s many downtown dogfriendly breweries and restaurants, sniffing out secret camping spots in Central Oregon and exploring Oregon’s Outback with Linda and her husband, Joe.

After three decades in Seattle, Susan Stafford returned home to Oregon to put down roots in Sisters. The “dry side,” with its beauty, weather and slower pace, affords her the opportunity to pursue her gardening, hiking, and movie going.

by Tara LaVelle, for The Bulletin Special Projects photos by Kevin Prieto

Recycling

Refresher Plastics and paper and aluminum, oh my! But not everything you think is recyclable can be recycled.

here is a mountain of good intentions inside the recycling warehouse at Bend Garbage and Recycling. Newspapers, plastic bottles, tin cans, pizza boxes and magazines collected from local residents nearly reach the ceiling. From an Earth-conscience perspective, it’s encouraging to see the recycling movement in full swing. However, it may be time for a refresher course on what can and can’t be recycled. Although the majority of the materials collected from curbside bins are recyclable, it was surprising to learn that many items in the warehouse heap are not recyclable and can actually bog down the overall process. These materials are called contaminates. In Central Oregon, the process is fairly simple. Recycle trucks pick up curbside materials in commingle bins. Loads are dumped at the recycling warehouse near Empire Avenue, where everything (nothing is sorted in Bend) is fed into a baler machine and

squished into a 2,000-pound cube. The cubes are then loaded onto flatbed trucks and shipped to a materials recovery facility in Portland. Once there, the thorough and complex process of sorting begins. Sorting is done by a combination of high-tech machinery including laser optics and powerful magnets, and good ‘ole fashioned human hands. Once sorted and all contaminates removed, recyclable materials such as cardboard, acceptable plastics and aluminum are purchased and shipped to various markets, such as paper mills and aluminum can manufacturers. Contaminates are sent to a landfill.

Breaking it Down Plastic grocery bags and any plastic “film” materials, (i.e., Saran wrap or toilet paper packaging), are the number one contaminate, said Susan Baker, marketing manager for Bend Garbage and Recycling. Plastic film products can be recycled but because of the volume of

materials and the machines that sort and process, plastic film gets caught in gears and screens, slowing production and requiring workers to clean it out manually. “People want to do the right thing,” said Baker. “The better people know, the cleaner the products and the more valuable it will be in the end for recycling.” All plastic film should either be taken separately to a grocery store that has a plastic bag bin, or simply put in the garbage. Another common contaminate is certain types of food containers, such as cardboard coffee tubs or tubes that hold stackable potato chips, such as Pringles. These types of containers are made of waxy, wet-strength paper designed to hold in moisture and retain freshness, making it extremely difficult for the fibers to breakdown and make new cardboard. Big pet food bags? Nope, you’re better off finding a way to reuse them. Again, these are wet-strength type bags and the fibers won’t break down. Cardboard pizza boxes are recyclable, but if they Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014 | 7

RECYCLING DO’S: WHAT GOES IN THE BIN PAPER PRODUCTS: Newspaper, junk mail, computer paper, wrapping paper (no foil), shredded paper (strips only, inside a paper bag), cereal and cracker boxes, paper egg cartons, soda and beer cartons, shoe boxes, toilet and paper towel tubes, phone books, magazines, catalogs, paper bags, corrugated cardboard. PLASTICS: Plastic bottles and tubs six ounces or bigger, plastic buckets five gallons or less, milk jugs (no need to flatten), planting pots of rigid plastic four inches and bigger (not the thin, flimsy plastic). Please remove lids and caps, empty all liquid and rinse containers clean. TIN AND ALUMINUM: Cans, jar lids, beverage cans, foil, pie tins, TV dinner trays (clean of food and waste.)

Soda Cans are soaked with too much grease or oils from the pizza, it inhibits the fiber breakdown process. Napkins are not accepted in the recycling cart because they are at their end of use for the paper fibers. It’s easy to assume commingle bins are chock full of cardboard and paper the week after Christmas. Most of it’s acceptable, but some forethought by consumers is needed. Let’s say you’re tossing away a cardboard display box that held a fire truck or baby doll. Any small plastic ties and or wires should be removed before it goes in the recycle bin. Wrapping paper is recyclable but not foil-type paper. As far as gift bags, only craft paper types are recyclable. Any bags that have a glossy, plastic coating won’t break down. Any paper product or recyclable materials should be put directly into the commingle bin or a paper bag, not plastic garbage bags, as this will be considered a contaminate and taken to a landfill. Aluminum foil is acceptable, as long as it’s not stuffed inside another container such as a coffee can or cardboard cereal box. Try to separate items so they don’t get lost.

8 | Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014

Non-Greasy Pizza Box The Problem with Plastics I must admit that as I looked over the shoreline of commingle mountain, I saw many things that I personally have tossed into the curbside bin that can’t be recycled. For instance, small plastic pots used for starter plants, plastic baby bottle liners and clear plastic bakery containers (also referred to as clamshells). Thin plastics such as the small starter pots and bakery containers are not considered a “durable” plastic. It’s the same for those nearly-impossible-to-open clear plastic bubble packages often used for small electronics. Even though it is a rigid plastic, bubble packages are not recyclable in the Central Oregon market. Shampoo and soap bottles, on the other hand, are recyclable — as long as they are six ounces or greater. But even if it is recyclable, most plastics have a reincarnation limit. “Plastic has a short shelf life in terms of how many times it can be recycled,” said Denise Rowcroft, sustainability educator for The Environmental Center. Any plastic lids (coffee can, sour cream tub, milk jug and water bottle lids, etc.) and single-serving snack con-

Plastic Bottles (>6 oz.)

tainers for applesauce, pudding, gelatin etc. should be tossed into the garbage. These items are too small to survive the sorting process and like plastic film, get caught in the machinery. So what about the recycling symbol and numbers still stamped on plastic containers? Don’t those mean it’s recyclable? Not necessarily, said Rowcroft. “The numbers and recycling symbol were invented by the plastic industry to identify what type of plastic it is,” said Rowcroft. When it comes to plastic, ignore the numbers and consider the physical structure of the plastic item. Any rigid bottle or tub six ounces or bigger is OK to put in the commingle curbside bin. Anything smaller tends to get lost and stuck in the sorting equipment.

The Contaminates About 5 percent of all materials collected in commingle curbside bins are considered contaminates, said Brad Bailey, president of Bend Garbage and Recycling. That number may sound small, but it can add up when it’s going to the wrong place. “When the mill buys the fiber and

there is plastic film in there, it clogs up their screens,” said Bailey. “It’s important that what we send them (materials recovery facility) is as clean as possible,” said Bailey, and he acknowledges that people are trying to do the right thing by recycling as much as possible. “A lot of people may move here from other communities where certain things were acceptable in the commingle bins but aren’t accepted here. So when in doubt, always revert to the guide we send in our mailers, not what’s labeled on the product,” he said. “And if you’re still not sure whether to toss it or recycle it, call us.” Metal can be recycled indefinitely and glass bottles of all colors are recycled. Don’t put any dinnerware such as plates, mugs (even clear glass ones) or ceramics in with the glass. They are not recyclable. A recycling bin that contains contaminates, however, is not brought to the landfill right off the bat. When customers take the time to put materials they assume are recyclable into the blue recycle bin, it ends up getting sorted first before being thrown away.

RECYCLING DON’TS: WHAT STAYS OUT OF THE BIN GARBAGE, Styrofoam, plastic bags, saran wrap, plastic film, frozen food packaging, pet food bags, plastic clamshells, bakery containers, foil wrapping paper, ribbon, paper and plastic plates and cups, plastic utensils, lightbulbs, glass bottles and jars, waxed cardboard, plastic lids and caps, batteries. GLASS should be placed in the smaller, open top red and blue recycle bins for collection. Clear and colored glass is OK, as well as bottles and jars. Glass should be empty, rinsed and cleaned. Labels are OK. No need to separate by color. No dishes, dinnerware, glasses or mugs, ceramics or window glass.

Clam Shells Reducing Waste So what about this whole recycling effort anyway? Is it helping? Does it make a difference on the environment? The answer is yes, but there is a lot of room for improvement. “We are making more stuff and buying more stuff and creating more garbage,” said Rowcroft. “Now we are just trying to keep pace. More and more things are becoming disposable and made to break quicker — cheaply made products. Recycling is needed to keep pace with providing materials for these new items. “As a consumer, usually something with recycled content tends to be more expensive. There is more infrastructure involved in recycled materials and a lot of steps along the way.” Although the overall process of recycling is expensive and uses natural resources and energy, it is helping. Trees have been conserved as well as energy and natural materials, but now the focus is shifting to reducing waste. The Environmental Center hosts pre-

Plastic Caps sentations at local schools and businesses to educate people about ways to be “greener.” Most people today know what the three R’s mean (reduce, reuse and recycle), but it’s the concept of reduce that both children and adults have a harder time with, said Rowcroft. “That’s a really abstract thing that takes a little bit of planning and forethought,” she continued. “The point of contact of reducing waste is at the store when buying things.” She suggests people ask themselves a few questions before making a purchase. Questions such as, “Do I really need that item? Is it over packaged? Do I have other options?” Now that most of us are actively recycling, the next steps are looking at waste prevention, said Rowcroft. “Yes, people should recycle as much as possible, but that’s still looking at the item afterwards. Where we really have to get is to the before stage.” An excellent example of reducing waste is when buying snack products. Apples, for instance, can be purchased

OTHER TIPS

MOTOR OIL (residential only) can be picked up curbside. Pour oil into an unbreakable, leak-proof container with a tight fitting lid. Label it “motor oil” and place next to your recyclables. E-WASTE (electronics such as computers, cellphones, printers, laptops, monitors, televisions), large appliances, propane tanks, automotive batteries, household batteries, lawnmowers, tires, antifreeze and aluminum framed windows can be recycled at the Deschutes Recycling facility at Knott Landfill, 61050 S.E. 27th St., Bend. For information, collection hours and fees, call 541-388-1910. separately and taken home in a paper bag, then sliced up and stored in a reusable container. Oftentimes busy consumers choose to buy the pre-sliced apples in individual plastic bags, resulting in

Paper Cups non-recyclable garbage and more money at the checkout. Not to pick on apples, but applesauce is another example. Rather than buying the small lunch-box size containers of applesauce, buy one large glass jar and put the applesauce in smaller reusable containers. Rowcroft admits that when traveling with her toddler, the “squeezy” pouches of baby food were very convenient, but again, resulted in unnecessary garbage. So she searched online and found reusable baby food pouches that work the same way as the disposable ones. “The more it’s packaged, the more you’re paying for it. In some cases when you pay for things that are convenience foods, they are more expensive,” she said. Overall, recycling our waste has become increasingly easier, and with creative websites loaded with ideas for reusing stuff, it’s a win-win situation. It makes us feel good to be thoughtful of our Earth, and hopefully will have a noticeably positive result for future generations.

RETHINK WASTE: FEELING CHARGED:

THE REPAIR CAFE

BATTERY SAFETY & STORAGE TIPS

Of all the potential fire dangers we might spot around the home, most of us see a pile of old batteries in a junk drawer as pretty harmless. But the potential fire threat is real. Earlier this year, a Colorado man watched his house burn down when a pile of old 9-volt batteries sparked and ignited a fire. Ironically, the man had replaced the 9-volt batteries in his smoke detectors, then put the old ones in a paper bag for later recycling. Apparently, terminals on two of the batteries touched and had just enough juice left in them to spark a fire. With 9-volt batteries, if a metal object such as a key or a paper clip comes in contact with the terminals, it could spark and ignite other flammable materials nearby. To be safe, take some simple precautions when storing loose batteries. When storing or disposing of batteries with lithium or greater than 9 volts, put tape over the terminals to prevent them from touching other metal or each other. The batteries should be placed in a separate container, away from other batteries that don’t require tape. Other household batteries (A, AAA, C, D, 6-volt) don’t need tape unless their packaging identifies them as lithium-based, which are most commonly found in cellphones, digital cameras and laptops. Batteries for hearing aids, watches and keyless

remotes usually are button cells and contain lithium. Cordless power tools use battery packs greater than 9-volts and/or are lithium based. Single use alkaline batteries including 9-volt alkaline batteries can be recycled. Residents can take them to Deschutes Recycling (located at Knott Landfill) and drop off at no charge for recycling. Single use batteries can also be disposed of in the trash because they no longer include the toxic metal mercury, said Susan Baker, marketing manager for Bend Garbage and Recycling. But again, cover any exposed terminals in batteries 9-volt or stronger. Don’t put batteries in the commingle recycling bin. Do not put lithium and rechargeable batteries in the trash. They should be brought to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility at Knott Landfill for recycling. They are open the first and third Friday and Saturday of each month, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents can also drop lithium and rechargeable batteries off at Deschutes Recycling. Businesses must register before bringing lithium/rechargeable batteries to the HHW Facility for recycling (they cannot go to Deschutes Recycling). For more information, call Deschutes Recycling at 541-388-1910.

10 | Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014

What better way to reuse and recycle than to fix it and keep it! Three times a year The Environmental Center, together with The Gear Fix in Bend, hosts Repair Cafe — a free event that brings people with broken stuff together with people who like to fix stuff. Volunteers share their tinkering and sewing skills with the community and fix broken items such as vacuums, bicycles, small appliances, zippers, shoes, clothing and even furniture. “Repairing instead of replacing prevents waste and conserves resources,” said Denise Rowcroft, Rethink Waste Project manager. “But what really makes repair

cafes great is that doing it with other people makes it fun and cultivates community.” The first Repair Cafe started in 2009 in Amsterdam and has since spread around the globe. Locally, The Environmental Center organized the first Repair Cafe in November 2013, and since then more than 100 items have been repaired and spared from the landfill. The most recent cafe was held Sept. 16. The Rethink Waste Project is a program of The Environmental Center in partnership with Deschutes County Department of Solid Waste, Bend Garbage & Recycling, Deschutes Recycling, High Country Disposal and Cascade Disposal. Its mission it to raise awareness about the impact of waste and to engage people and businesses in reducing, reusing and recycling waste. The next Repair Cafe is planned for spring. For more information, call 541-385-6908, or visit www.RethinkWasteProject.org and click on “Reuse.” In the drop down menu, select “Dare to Repair.”

Green Building in

PRACTICE

by Jeff McDonald, for The Bulletin Special Projects photo by Kevin Prieto

Green + Solar Tour showcases commercial and residential sustainable buildings in Bend and Redmond.

host of sustainable buildings and technologies will be on display Saturday, Oct. 11 for the High Desert Green + Solar Tour in Bend and Redmond. Education is the focus of the tour, which comes on the heels of the Northwest Green Building Industry Summit held Friday, Oct. 10. Many different aspects of Friday’s summit will be shown in practice at the all-day event Saturday, including homes featuring net-zero and sustainable building technologies, said Jody Howe, a volunteer with Cascadia Green Building Council, which is putting on this year’s event. “People who are interested can go right from the classroom to seeing those in practice,” Howe said. “That may give them a better understanding of what they want to look for.” Dr. James Hollis, a University of California San Diego professor who speaks nationally on building more walkable and healthy communities, will kick off the tour Friday night with a keynote address at The Environmental Center in Bend, Howe said. No time has been set for the lecture, which is free and open to the public. Saturday’s tour, which lasts from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Bend and Redmond, will feature four public educational buildings and five residential properties, Howe said. On the commercial side, one of the highlights of the tour is Central Oregon Community College’s $12.5 million Redmond Technology Education Center, which opened in August. The building boasts multiple sustainable features including electrochro-

mic, or smart-glass, windows, which tint automatically or manually based on the building’s needs. (For more about electrochromic glass, see story Page 14). Other public buildings featured on the tour are Redmond’s Ridgeview High School, the Cascade Academy on Tumalo Reservoir Road in Bend and the Bend Park & Recreation District building on Southwest Columbia Street, Howe said. “It’s going to be interesting to see the schools built on sustainable stewardship model,” she said. “At Cascade Academy, we have kids learning about this in the first grade.” On the residential side, the tour will feature four new homes and one 1920s-built home on Northwest Hartford Avenue in Bend, which has been deep-energy retrofitted to achieve a two-thirds energy reduction in the last year, she said. Another highlight on the residential side will be a net-zero home at 61076 S.E. Ruby Peak Lane in Bend that will showcase the ultimate in building insulation as well as an efficient heating source, water system and solar panels. “The whole idea basically is that they’re producing what they need,” Howe said. The net-zero energy home, which includes solar power and ductless heat pumps, was built as a showcase for sustainability with proceeds from its sale going toward the St. Charles Foundation for cancer support services, Howe said. For more information on the Green + Solar Tour, visit: http://living-future.org/greenandsolar. Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014 | 11

CASCADIA HIGH DESERT BRANCH PRESENTS

14TH ANNUAL

Green+Solar Tour PRESENTING 9 SITES PACKED WITH FEATURES IMPROVING THE SUSTAINABILITY OF OUR REGION

Free Tour of Homes and Buildings Saturday, Oct. 11th, 2014 | 10:30AM - 5PM

Keynote and Cocktail Reception Friday, Oct. 10th, 5:30pm at The Environmental Center F o r a f u l l g u i d e v i s i t : w w w. g r e e n a n d s o l a r t o u r. o r g 12 | Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014

2014 Green and Solar TOUR

Tour Sites 1

COCC Tech Center 2324 College Loop

Redmond, 97756

Ridgeview High School

Redmond, 97756

Cascade Academy Reservoir Rd.

Bend, 97701

Bend Parks & Rec 799 SW Columbia St.

Bend, 97702

4555 SW Elkhorn Ave. 19860 Tumalo

Net Hope

61076 Ruby Peak Lane Bend, 97702

Woodcraft

1890 NW Hartford Ave. Bend, 97701

Taylor

22470 McArdle Rd.

Bend, 97702

Millar

1618 NW Fresno Ave.

Davies Retrofit

1235 NW Hartford Ave. Bend, 97701

Bend, 97701

Green at a Glance

Commercial Buildings

✕ ✕ ✕ ✕ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

3rd Party Certified

PLATINUM

✓ ✓

Building Envelope Wall R-Value

21 34-50 35

Ceiling R-Value

Floor R-Value

1.8

Window Average U-Value

0.28 0.61 0.45 0.36 0.23 0.22 0.28 0.32 0.40

Blower Door Test ACH@50

Floor Space square feet

5.0

TBD TBD NA

3.6

4.9

34.3K 277K 38.7K 21K 1489 2257 2317 2040 1249

Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Photovoltaic (PV) System kW or Solar Ready (S/R) HE Heating System/Management Passive Solar Design HE Water Heater or Tankless Ductless Heat Pump Hydronic Radiant or Convection Slab

Thank You To Our Green Sponsors!

Lighting CFL or LED/Sensors Designed for Daylighting Energy Monitoring System ENERGY STAR® Appliances

500 63 Solar 42.9 6.72 3.1 Solar Solar kW kW Ready kW kW kW Ready Ready

✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ HE HE HE HP HP ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ VRV

✓ ✓ ✓ T

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Indoor Air Quality and Health Ventilation System Low/No-VOC Products Hard Surface Flooring Reduced Formaldehyde Cabinets, Insulation

✓ HRV HRV HRV HRV ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ VRV HRV

Water Conservation

GOLD

Low Flow Fixtures Efﬁciency Irrigation Permeable Hardscapes Xeriscaping/No Lawn Rainwater Retention/Harvesting Tree & Soil Preservation

BRONZE

FCS Certiﬁed Wood Salvaged/Sustainable Material Locally Sourced Materials

Deschutes Brewery • DOWA Heart Springs Landscape Design Humm Kombucha • W.H. Hull Company The Environmental Center

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Resource Conservation Fly Ash Concrete

GREEN ADVOCATES

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Construction Waster Reduction Building Durability-Continuous weather barrier. Vented rain screen

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Community Pedestrian Friendly Inﬁll Development Financial Incentives

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014 | 13

Central Oregon Community College’s Redmond Technology Education Center uses electrochromic glass.

SMART GLASS

When officials at Central Oregon Community College were designing and building a new Redmond Technology Education Center, they were interested in including the latest energy-saving products. While researching building materials, the architects in charge of design, Bend-based BBT Architects, stumbled across SageGlass, or electrochromic glass with the ability to tint according to the building’s needs. “We became aware of the product through an advertising email that came across Kevin’s (Shaver) desk,” explained Al Levage, senior associate of BBT Architects. “He did a little research on the product, and eventually, Del Bankston of SageGlass came down and did a presentation for us.” The “smart glass” utilizes a glazing technology that controls the amount of sunlight passing through the window, thus reducing energy consumption. Essentially, it allows in more light and heat during colder months, and less light and heat during the warmer months. The smart glass was installed on most of the windows on the east, south and west sides of the building. There are sensors on the building monitoring the sun’s activity and relaying the information to a control panel. 14 | Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014

Electrochromic windows follow the sun’s activity, tinting automatically in order to save energy. by Gregg Morris, for The Bulletin Special Projects / photo by Kevin Prieto In instances where less light is desired, such as during presentations, there are also manual controls in the room to manage the amount of light coming through the windows. It usually takes five to seven minutes for the glass to tint, longer if it is cold outside. SageGlass, manufactured by SAGE Electrochromics Inc., is fabricated into industry standard insulating glass units to be able to fit into a wide range of windows and skylights. “The biggest challenge was working with the manufacturing, delivery and installation scheduling,” said Mike Taylor, project manager for Kirby Nagelhout Construction Company and the builders of the new COCC building. “The glass itself doesn’t differ from regular glass.” While scheduling, and a little extra work for the electricians, may add to the project’s planning and initial costs when installing electrochromic

windows, the benefits ultimately outweigh those considerations. When taking into account the elimination of the need for shades and larger HVAC systems, as well as the decrease in energy usage and peak demand charges, the cost of electrochromic windows over time works out to be the same or lower than traditional glass windows. “It has the ability to control solar heat gain and light rendering, such as glare, while at the same time maintaining your view and connection to the outdoors,” explained Bankston, Western Regional Sales Manager of SAGE Electrochromics. “In addition, the glass is dynamic and activates according to the external environment. But, it’s not passive, so you actually have control over it.” The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory estimates that dynamic glass reduces the peak load of heating and cooling systems up to 30 percent, reduces the building’s lighting needs by up to 50 percent. The glass allows architects to design buildings with more glass without having to consider additional sun-control products, such as interior blinds and exterior overhangs. The increase in window-towall ratios helps the designers create aesthetically pleasing structures while still maintaining the project’s buildability. When the glass is in its tinted state, it blocks 98 percent of the solar radiation that causes fading to carpets, wall coverings and furniture. All of the benefits are achieved without creating a visual barrier between the building’s occupants and the outside environment. The new Redmond Technology Education Center is located on the corner of

Veterans Way and Salmon Drive, across from the Redmond Airport. As of this fall, the 34,000 square-foot building houses the Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence and Development and programs for Automotive Technology in Electronics and Diagnostics and nondestructive testing and nondestructive inspections. Kirby Nagelhout Construction began work on the $12.5 million project in April of 2013 and finished in July of this year. Certified Earth Advantage, the tech-

“Just as there are industry standards regulating typical windows, I believe this technology will be the industry standard in 10 years.” — Del Bankston of SageGlass Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014 | 15

SAGE GLASS IGU (CLEAR STATE)

SAGE GLASS IGU (TINTED STATE)

More information on SageGlass can be found at www.sageglass.com nology center also features a heat recovery system in the HVAC, in which air is taken out of exhausted air and added to incoming air as an energy-saving mechanism. They are also planning on adding a solar photovoltaic system in the future. The Redmond project has created a buzz for the technology in typically sunny Central Oregon. SageGlass is cur-

rently in negotiations for other local projects. In addition, Bankston will speak on the technology at the Northwest Green Building Industry Summit in Bend this October. “Just as there are industry standards regulating typical windows, I believe this technology will be the industry standard in 10 years,” said Bankston. SAGE Electrochromics, based out of Faribault,

Minn., is a subsidiary of the international conglomerate, Saint-Gobain. The 25-year-old company has been selling and installing SageGlass internationally for the past 11 years. While their focus is mainly commercial applications, they are beginning to break into the high-end residential market as well.

Specializing in outdoor kitchens and fire tables. Let us do the measuring for you! Our qualified professionals will measure to construct the custom outdoor kitchen of your dreams. From small modules for limited space areas to large bar entertainment areas, our units are customer designed and quality built at our facilities—no wear and tear to your property. When finished, the unit is delivered, set up, and ready to use the very same day!

An outdoor kitchen or fire table not only enhances the social time at your events and gatherings, it increases the value of your home.

Call for your custom quote today! SUNSET OUTDOOR LIVING, LLC · Specializing in outdoor kitchens. Call: 503-831-4677 · Visit us online: www.sunsetoutdoorliving.com · CCB#200298 16 | Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014

GREEN Education

The Northwest Green Building Industry Summit educates homeowners and industry professionals alike. by Lindy Callahan, for The Bulletin Special Projects

The Northwest Green Building Industry Summit (NWGreenBIS) has become an important annual event held each fall in Central Oregon, and for the first time, registration is free to the public. With more than 20 workshops and presentations, all focusing on the newest and best innovations in sustainable and energy efficient home and commercial building, this event is not to be missed. The summit, held this year on Friday, Oct. 10, will provide information about many of the materials and methods in green building, which will be demonstrated during the 14th annual High Desert Green + Solar Tour on Saturday, Oct. 11. The Central Oregon Builders Association (COBA) and the Building Green Council of Central Oregon have organized this year’s summit to promote a culture of conscious building practices within the community. Leading industry experts will educate members of the community, as well as with other industry professionals, about the newest innovations in green building, while exhibitors will be available to demonstrate and explain some of the newest sustainable and energy-efficient building products on the market. Mark LaLiberte will be the keynote speaker, kicking off the summit at 8 a.m., with a 45-minute pre-

sentation in the cafe. LaLiberte is an expert building scientist and industry leader. He travels across the country to share his passion and educate others on sustainable and energy efficient building practices. LaLiberte is no stranger to NWGreenBIS, as he was the keynote speaker back in 2012 as well. Along with being the keynote speaker this year, LaLiberte will also be teaching a course titled Building Better Homes during the summit. (For more on LaLiberte, see Page 26) Lindsey Hardy is another not-to-be-missed presenter at NWGreenBIS. Hardy is the leader of The Environmental Center’s Clean Energy Challenge Program and a committee member for the Cascadia Green Building Council. She will be talking about the Georgetown University Energy Prize competition, which Bend will take part in during 2015 and 2016. The community will have a chance to compete, along with 50 other communities nationwide, to win a $5 million prize and become a national leader in energy efficiency. “The Georgetown University Energy Prize competition has been designed to spur innovation and creative thinking around energy efficiency,” said Hardy. “In order to win, Bend will have to not only substantially reduce the amount of energy consumed, but also prove to

be innovative as well as replicable. The community as a whole will have to come together to decrease energy consumption, and as we move forward there will be a role for everyone to play.” There is really something for everyone at the summit this year. Because the Georgetown University Energy Prize would have such a big impact on the community, and requires their involvement, it would be beneficial for community members to attend and learn more. Homeowners, contractors, designers and architects can expect to learn about the latest in sustainable and energy-efficient building or remodeling, while realtors and contractors can earn CCB and AIA continuing education credits. “The Northwest Green Building Industry Summit is geared toward the community as a whole, whether you are a contractor, homeowner, designer, architect, or realtor,” said Hardy. “Attendees can expect to take away the most up-to-date information on topics from the latest in capturing solar energy to sustainable roofing, or drought resistant landscaping. There is something to benefit everyone.” To register for the 2014 NWGreenBIS, visit www.coba.org.

NWGreenBIS • Friday, Oct. 10 • 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. • Westside Church (2051 N.W. Shevlin Park Road, Bend) Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014 | 17

Education for Everyone Homeowners | Architects | Designers | Contractors | Realtors

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10

Westside Church Campus (2051 N.W. Shevlin Park Road, Bend) The NW Green Building Industry Summit is a day with green building experts sharing the latest in design trends and best practices for sustainable and energy-efficient home building and remodeling. The event features 20 one-hour presentations scheduled throughout the day along with exhibitors displaying and educating participants about new products on the market.

Attend classes of your choice, one or all, to learn more about energy efficiency and sustainability, and then head over to the High Desert Green + Solar Tour on Saturday, Oct. 11 to check out the concepts as noted in the schedule. Consider consumersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; desires in sustainable design. Learn how to save money with sustainable building and remodeling. Help your customers with your knowledge in sustainable products. Learn the latest best practices and products to build better homes. Sponsored by:

18 | Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014

Friday, Oct. 10 Westside Church Campus 2051 N.W. Shevlin Park Road, Bend

Schedule of Events

TIME

CLASSROOMS ATRIUM CONFERENCE

7:30-8 a.m.

10:15-11:15 a.m.

THE BOULEVARD

ADULT EDUCATION

Registration & Coffee with Exhibitors Keynote Speaker: Mark LaLiberte

8:00-8:45 a.m.

9-10 a.m.

CAFE

Saving Through Remote Energy Management & Home Automation Speaker: Ron Wanless Heating with Common Cents — Ductless Heat Pumps Speakers: Randall Marchington and Wade Kinkade

Building Better Homes Speaker: Mark LaLiberte

From Here to Net Zero and Beyond! Speaker: Matt Douglas

GST ALL

Energy Code Alternatives* (Series A) Speaker: Howard Asch

Living Building Challenge Version 3 Speaker: ML Vidas

Avoiding Energy Code Errors* (Series A) Speaker: Howard Asch

GST #5

GST #5, #6 and #9 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

1-2 p.m.

2:15-3:15 p.m.

GST #5-9

MEET THE EXPERTS, CHAT WITH THE SPEAKERS! A PANEL WILL ANSWER ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS! EXHIBITOR DEMONSTRATIONS IN THE ATRIUM. ENJOY LUNCH ON SITE FROM LOCAL FOOD CARTS. What’s New in Capturing Solar Energy Speaker: Joe Mazarella

Technology in the Technology Center and the Taylor Home Speaker: Mike Taylor

Electrochromic Glass** Color-changing windows! Speaker: Del Bankston

GST ALL

GST #1 and #7

GST #1

High Performance Homes, Mountains, Breweries and NEEA Programs Speaker: Trevor Frick

GST #5 and #6

3:30-4:30 p.m.

Integrating Solar in New Homes Speaker: Kendal Hansen

Energy Efficient Windows: Vinyl, Wood, Fiberglass — What’s the Difference? Speaker: Neil Gearheart

GST ALL

Passivhaus in Central Oregon: Passively Sustainable Homes One Year Later Speaker: Bob Lorenzen

Advanced Detailing for Air Barriers Speaker: Tate Morgan

For more information, call 541-389-1058 or email info@coba.org.

Getting to Know EPS — Energy Performance Score for New Construction Speaker: Mike Lillesand

GST #5, #6 and #9

Remodeling Focus: Energy Efficiency and Where to Start Speakers: Jody Howe and Ryan Davies

GST #9 Georgetown University Energy Prize: We Are Competing! Speaker: Lindsey Hardy

Drought Tolerant Landscaping Techniques & Edible Landscaping Speaker: Tanya Carlsen

Roofing Design Considerations** Speaker: Cody Grabenhorst

Titles, speakers and schedule subject to change. *Approved for 2 hours CCB Series A Credit **AIA 1-hour credit. All other classes Series B GST = Green + Solar Tour

Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014 | 19

When done right, and with professional help, a house can be both energy efficient and comfortable.

GREEN

Retrofit Jody Howe of Button Up Energy does a home energy audit for a client in Bend.

by Linda Orcelletto, for The Bulletin Special Projects / photos by Kevin Prieto Living in an older home shouldn’t stop you from reaping the cost and energy savings of today’s new construction that uses environmentally sound building practices. An energy audit to green retrofit your home is the first step in determining how to make your home more comfortable while saving money and resources. According to Jody Howe, energy adviser and owner of Button Up Energy, retrofitting your home has nationwide appeal. Cost savings can be the main incentive, but conserving water and nonrenewable energy by making changes, both large and small, to improve your home’s performance is the main benefit. “Retrofit is going beyond making your house look good. It’s also about the comfort of your home and your health,” said Howe, who’s been in the energy retrofitting business in Bend since 2009. “The

20 | Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014

ultimate point [of an energy retrofit] is to conserve our resources.” A home energy audit is similar to a full body checkup for your house. The cost of an audit runs approximately $400, but through participating organizations such as EnergyTrust of Oregon or Clean Energy Works of Oregon, qualifying homeowners can have an assessment at low or no cost. Because each home is different, energy audits are individualized to meet the needs of the owner. Once a homeowner has an audit, they often ask what their return on investment will be when they upgrade their home’s systems. “Payback is relative,” said Howe. “Cost savings depends on how much retrofitting is required, your particular needs, as well as what your budget allows.” When Howe evaluates a home for energy use, she

takes into consideration the lifestyle of the family. How many people and what ages live in the home? Are there teenagers who tend to take showers often? A larger family that requires increased laundry loads? What about irrigation? Are family members home during the day?

“Retrofit is going beyond making your house look good. It’s also about the comfort of your home and your health”

Yet, there is a science to green retrofits. The first step for retrofitting, while always keeping safety in mind, begins with assessing air infiltration. The majority of air leakage occurs in walls, windows, doors, attics, even floors. Sealing the air to add comfort and prevent heat loss can start with do-it-yourself weather stripping around doors and windows. Long-term investments such as replacing windows or doors or adding insulation in walls, attic and crawl space can be completed by a contractor. Leaving air sealing to professionals is your safest bet because they perform diagnostics as part of the process. According to Energy.gov, heating and cooling energy costs eat up more than 50% of our energy costs. Ensuring your heating and cooling system is efficient is key. Look for systems that have an ENERGY STAR or EnergyGuide label to confirm quality. Sealing or insulating ducts plus regular maintenance by replacing filters keeps your systems more efficient. Help guarantee the systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efficiency by adjusting your thermostat when you are away or sleeping. Install a ceiling fan to disperse the room air. Heating water is the second highest energy expense, about 18 percent of our utility bill. Water is essential to our daily lives, and we may use more hot water than we realize. Having an efficient water heater without any leaks that is set at 120 degrees can save money. Washing clothes only in large loads and using cold water not only reduces energy, but saves water. Replace faucets and shower heads of 2 gallons per minute (gpm) or greater

Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014 | 21

with low flow heads of 1.25 gpm. Central Oregon has high electricity usage because there is limited access to natural gas in many housing developments. The majority of our electricity is generated by coal. Because anything that uses electricity can be pulled from solar instead of the power grid, the high desert is the perfect area for solar use. Lindsey Hardy, clean energy advocate for The Environmental Center, said solar power as an energy source is getting renewed attention. “More people are realizing it is a good use of our resources,” said Hardy, who also has a background in solar energy use. “There is also more of a connection to the environment.” Costs of the solar panels have come down due to the fact manufacturing is more efficient. Federal and state tax incentives may apply, but it’s best to call a professional to see if solar is a fit for you. Both Howe and Hardy agree that no matter the degree of retrofitting, there’s no need to make changes all at once. Small changes to reduce energy use, which become habit, will save money and make your home more comfortable.

22 | Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014

COMPOSTING NATURE’S WAY OF RECYCLING

Decomposition is the end and What is Composting? beginning of the natural cycle of Composting is the natural proall living things. cess of breaking down and recyTurn over the top few inches cling of seemingly useless organic of soil in a forest and you will see material into a dark, nutrient-rich, by Susan Stafford, the rotting leaves and other organic crumbly humus (organic component for The Bulletin Special Projects material being broken down through of soil) containing microorganisms Photos by Kevin Prieto a combination of water, air, microorganthat benefit the garden. Microorganisms isms and time. From that rich forest floor need five things to flourish. will emerge new seedlings and shoots to Air – Turning the compost pile or being sure carry on the cycle of growth and decay. to include small branches and other woody By composting the organic waste produced in material will keep the compost from becoming our daily lives, we are mimicking Mother Nature’s cycompacted. cles in a way that is good for our gardens and good for the Water – Water the compost enough so that it feels like a earth. Composting speeds up the natural process of decomposiwrung out sponge. Too dry or too wet and the composting protion to several weeks or months, depending on the method used. When cess will slow down or stop. it comes to composting, there is an option for everyone, from large rural landown- Food – Microorganisms in the compost need a balanced diet of brown (high carbon) ers to urban apartment dwellers, from commercial businesses to local schools. materials and green (high nitrogen) materials. Brown materials include straw, sawdust, “Due to the increasing interest on the part of Central Oregon residents in want- wood chips, fallen leaves, pine needles, and newspaper or cardboard. Green materials ing to grow their own food, I am certain that the number of people composting include grass clippings, chicken or horse manure, kitchen scraps, and plant trimmings. will increase,” said Amy Jo Detweiler, associate professor of horticulture with the Space – A healthy compost pile is at least one cubic yard (3’ x 3’ x 3’) in volume. OSU Extension Service. Time – Depending on the kind of composting being done, it can take from several The key is educating yourself and others as to the value of composting and how weeks to months and, in some cases, a few years for organic waste to become usable to do it. compost.

Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014 | 23

the garden by organically feeding the soil, which boosts plant health and improves garden yields. Furthermore, many people recognize that composting helps the environment by reducing the amount of waste that is burned or sent to landfills, where the decomposition releases methane gas into the atmosphere, creating greenhouse gases. Denise Rowcroft, sustainability educator at The Environmental Center, offers another way composting is helpful. “Your compost pile is a good feedback loop about how healthy your eating is. Lots of fresh fruit and vegetable scraps – healthy. Very few because you’re eating lots of take-out and processed food – not healthy.” Karen Roth, a Sisters Master Gardener, composts for all those reasons. “Composting allows me to do my part to reduce the waste going to the landfill, and I find that my actions have a ripple effect with my friends and coworkers.”

How to Compost Why Compost? According to the local Rethink Waste Project, the average household garbage is made up of 25-35 percent compostable waste. When kitchen and yard waste is composted rather than thrown away, valuable nutrients are put to good use in the garden and diverted from the landfill. Everyone has their own reasons for composting. Many people compost to save money by producing less trash, lowering water bills, and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. Other inspiration for composting includes helping

24 | Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014

There are many different methods of composting, and the “right one” will be the method that fits your lifestyle and living space. Whatever method you choose, do not compost meat, fish, dairy products, greasy or oily foods, diseased plants, weeds gone to seed, or dog and cat feces. For those who are considering any kind of composting, do your homework before you start and determine what will work for you. Backyard composting is a good choice for people who have yards that produce a fair amount of yard waste. Options range from the basic open pile, which is a simple way to compost, to various bin systems, to

a store-bought tumbler, which makes turning the compost easy, producing well-aerated, hot compost within a few weeks. The tumbler is a good choice if you have smaller amounts of waste and little yard room for piles or bins, but the initial purchase price makes it a more expensive option. Worm composting (or vermicomposting) makes use of red wiggler worms to help break down the food. It also makes indoor composting feasible for apartment and condo dwellers. A worm box - with air holes, drainage, bedding, and a healthy worm population - can turn food waste into compost with very little effort and little or no odor. Fruit and vegetable scraps, crushed egg shells, coffee grounds and tea bags with the staple removed can be collected in a covered container kept on the counter or under the sink in the kitchen until time to feed the worms. Toni Stephan, horticulture and small farms instructor for the OSU Extension Service in Redmond, started raising red wigglers in 1992. After discovering worms in the soil in her childhood Alaskan home, she vowed if she ever had the opportunity she would get some worms and raise them. She is now a partner with Rocky Bessette at Rockton Ranch in Redmond where they create their own compost using a variety of methods, including vermicomposting. “Worms are not as picky as we are about where they live,” she said. “As long as you give them an environment to their liking, they will produce compost. They are natural composting machines. They don’t need expensive houses as long as they have appropriate biodegradable bedding, food, some form of grit, and moisture.” Worms can also be added to outside compost piles to aid in the decomposition. The amount of information available about composting can seem overwhelming at first glance. If you talk to people who compost, they will tell you there are very few hard and fast rules. They all have their own favorite methods.

Doing Your Part For residents who live in Bend, Redmond or Sisters, you can make your contribution to composting simply by signing up for yard debris collection. Denise Rowcroft of The Environmental Center offers an easy way to remember what to put in the yard waste cart: â&#x20AC;&#x153;If it grows, it goes.â&#x20AC;?

Composting Resources

Large amounts of yard waste can be dropped off at Knott Landfill in Bend and at Negus, Northwest and Southwest transfer stations. This material and that from the yard waste carts are all composted and offered for sale to the public.

To learn more about composting of any kind, explore these resources for more detailed information:

The Environmental Center www.envirocenter.org 541-385-6908 Visit their Learning Garden to see their compost bins and read the information signs. Inquire about their classes on composting in June. Explore their website. Call with questions.

OSU Extension Service extension.oregonstate.edu 541-548-6088 Gardening resources, downloadable publications, short courses, ask an expert, Master Gardener program, and demonstrations. Local Deschutes County office is located in Redmond at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center (3893 S.W. Airport Way).

www.RethinkWasteProgram.org A project of The Environmental Center, this website has examples of different compost bins, troubleshooting tips, information and resources for composting with worms, as well as downloadable how-to sheets.

www.howtocompost.org Articles and hundreds of links covering all aspects of composting.

Local worm suppliers Wonder Worman, Bend www.wonderworman.com 541-390-7610

Rockton Ranch, Redmond Toni Stephan and Rocky Bessette 541-548-0789 Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014 | 25

MAN WITH A

MESSAGE For Mark LaLiberte, the keynote speaker at NWGreenBIS, ‘sustainability’ is the word of choice. by John Cal, for The Bulletin Special Projects photos by Kevin Prieto

26 | Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014

hough you probably don’t know who he is, Mark LaLiberte has almost certainly affected your life for the better. He’s spent nearly three decades trying to make your air better, reduce your carbon footprint and create more sustainable living practices, all while trying to save you money. And he’s doing it where, for most families, it counts the most — at home. “To most people, I’m just a pain in the ass,” said LaLiberte with all the charm and delight of a spunky beloved uncle. His positive attitude, however, is contagious. As a building science consultant, he clocks 130,000-plus travel miles each year working with companies such as DuPont and Corning, and also with the wide gamut of companies and professionals within the building industry, including architects, manufacturers, builders and both private and government trade organizations. His travels will take him to Bend’s Northwest Green Building Industry Summit on Friday, Oct. 10 as the keynote speaker. LaLiberte spent 45 years in Minnesota, where he raised his two sons and got his degree in solar engineering in 1984 in the city of Red Wing, just outside Minneapolis. He spent five years in Denver, three in Phoenix, and just last July, moved to Bend. “Wherever I am — Japan, Minneapolis, Houston — whoever I’m talking to — builders, government, architects — the message is always the same,” said LaLiberte. “There are five things we need to do to move the building industry in a more sustainable direction,” he said. “Homes need to be: 1) safer, 2) healthier, 3) more durable, 4) more energy efficient, 5) more affordable to operate and maintain. That’s where we need to go. That’s what we need to think about as we all move forward.” He counts off his mantras on his fingers one by one. “A lot of people rely on code,” said LaLiberte. “I hear people say all the time, ‘Well, my house is up to code, so it should be good enough.’ But code is the absolute lowest level of acceptability you can build to. All it does is uphold minimums. We want builders to build above code, that’s optimal.” In a world where the conventional

mindset is to trash the old and hunt for the next best thing on the market, LaLiberte is trying to change the zeitgeist to focus on creating something that lasts. “People used to say ‘green’ a lot,” he said, “but we’re transitioning to ‘sustainability,’ and what that means is trying to be more respectful of the environment, to use (and) reuse when possible, to make sure there’s enough for me, and my children, and my children’s children.” What LaLiberte is trying to do is engage both builders and buyers in a conversation of safety and longevity, one that is mutually beneficial. “Mark brings building science concepts to light, showing how all aspects of building are interrelated,” said Gretchen Palmer of Palmer Homes. “His focus on the house as a system is enlightening to builders and designers creating high performance houses and buildings.” “If we build sustainably, we build better,” continued LaLiberte. “We build for not just now but for 25, 50, 100 years from now. That’s better for all of us ... People think that building better, building smarter has to cost more. But using smaller furnaces, better insulation, smaller air conditioners ... if we take the right approach from the beginning, (and) have a good foundation, that’s better both now and in the long run.” LaLiberte plans to build his own home here in town and is currently looking for the right lot for a sustainable bungalow. “This town is such a great example of what’s possible,” he said. “NorthWest Cross-

ing is the most successful development project in the country, and the reasons I like being in Bend is that the community here is interested in doing things well.” In his travels, LaLiberte has been coming to Central Oregon on and off for 10 years, both professionally and for leisure. “I love driving by Shevlin, going on a hike, walking the Deschutes, going to the microbreweries,” he said. “Who would have thought that we could support all these microbreweries? But this town is one that supports people who are dedicated to doing things well. People live here because they want to, they work hard to do so, and I feel very lucky to live here.” Though he spends more than 200 days on the road each year, LaLiberte has already bought his season pass to Mt. Bachelor ski resort and is dedicated to improving his stand-up paddleboard and mountain biking skills. “I’m really excited to get to come home to Bend when I’m not traveling,” he added, “but it’s about being open and passionate about life, open to learning wherever you’re at.” Not only does LaLiberte travel regularly for work, he also visits his sons, Nathan & Alex. “Nathan still lives in Minneapolis and is a Catholic priest, and Alex went to NYU (New York University) and is a musician in Brooklyn, New York … I love my sons immensely. My boys are a big part of my life.” Mark recently finished a project wherein he helped Nathan build a new rectory for his church and regularly vis-

“If we build sustainably, we build better. We build for not just now but for 25, 50, 100 years from now. That’s better for all of us.” its Alex in New York, where his favorite thing to do is to simply explore the city. “It’s good for the soul,” he continued. “That’s the challenge and the joy between a musician and a Catholic priest. They remind me that both are important, spirituality and passion for life, and I’m not just talking about religion or God, but connectedness. Connectedness is what’s important, understanding how we’re all connected, understanding balance and respect. “We’re such a great people, humankind, with capacity of love and kindness and good things. That’s why I love Bend so much. People here are remarkably excited about where they live. People love to be here and instead of being divided in our differences, we’re trying to embrace the possibility of what could be.”

Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014 | 27

PAINTING TRENDS

A SPECIALTY PRIMER

FOR EVERY PURPOSE

Primers play a distinct role in a painting project. The question is: how do you know if you need a primer, and when do you need an “all-purpose” primer or a specialty primer. It is difficult to ask a paint to do what a primer does, because they are expected to do different things. Primers are resin-rich, allowing them to seal porous surfaces, provide adhesion, and block stains. Paints are pigment-rich, allowing for color acceptance and retention, and provide a durable finish. All-Purpose primers are available in oil or water based formulas. Oilbased primers such as Allprime Oilbased Primer Sealer & Stain Blocker are great for sealing stubborn stains from tannin bleed, mildew, rust, water damage, smoke, graffiti, ink, and crayon. They also block odors from smoke, pets, or nicotine. Water based primers are ideal for general surface prep, stain blocking,

When a surface has severe stains or odors, it might be necessary to use a Shellac-Based Primer. A Shellac-based primer is necessary to seal severe fire, smoke, or water damage, and stubborn bleeding stains of any kind. They also seal persistent odors permanently from smoke, pet accidents, food smells, or musty odors.

and sealing porous surfaces. A specialty primer may be necessary if the surface to be painted, or wallpapered, has extreme or unique properties. Zinsser’s Allprime Water-Based Problem Surface Sealer is specifically designed to repair damaged drywall. It seals and provides a moisture-resistant film over torn drywall, wall covering adhesive residue, adhesive tape residue, or porous surfaces before

Choosing the best primer for your project can be made easier, by talking with the paint professionals at Denfeld Miller Paint. From and after patching. general purpose surface preparation A specialty primer is required on to heavy duty stain and odor new drywall before wall covering blocking, a paint professional can can be applied. If your surface is not help evaluate the project. If a primer properly primed, removing the wall is necessary, they can help choose covering later will be troublesome. the right primer for your job. Allprime Wallcovering Primer can be used to seal new drywall, or seal old non-removable wallpaper. It makes positioning easy, removal easy, improves adhesion, and is mildew resistant.

All-Purpose primers are available in oil or water based formulas.

The experts at Denfeld Miller Paint can help you select the right primer for your unique project. www.millerpaint.com 2121 NE Division St Bend, OR 97701 (541) 382-4171 641 NW Fir Ave Redmond, OR 97756 (541) 548-7707

www.millerpaint.com 28 | Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014

7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday -Friday 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Saturday

The time spent on surface preparation, using the proper primer, and tools, produces better results and long-term success of your project. Information provided by Norma Tucker at Denfeld Miller Paint Co.

blueprint

for success

Cindi and Mike O’Neil of SolAire Homebuilders make it their mission to build energy-efficient and sustainable homes in Central Oregon. by Damian Fagan, for The Bulletin Special Projects photos courtesy Mike & Cindi O’Neil

In 1988, Mike and Cindi O’Neil were starting over in Bend. Cindi had left her position as The Nature Conservancy’s Montana/Wyoming Land Steward, helping to preserve rare habitats and protect endangered wildlife. Mike, a lifelong carpenter, started working for Log Homes of Oregon and then Adair Homes. Ready to use his extensive experience in his own business, Mike asked himself what a new builder in a town of builders could do differently. How could his business set itself apart from others? The O’Neils’ love of the outdoors — including fishing, hunting, birding, camping and canoeing — along with a desire to protect natural resources, shaped their approach to home construction. Their custom built homes would be full of natural light with an open, airy design that inspired sustainable living. After a focus group session with friends to determine the business’ mission and goals, the O’Neils let the conversation settle and went backpacking near Broken Top in the Three Sisters Wilderness. “One evening I heard my dad’s voice, whose ashes

are spread around the Broken Top area, saying ‘Just name it Soul Air,’” said Cindi. In 1995, SolAire Homebuilders was born. For owners Cindi and Mike, their business blueprint isn’t driven by some catchy slogan, but by their personal commitment for the health and well-being of people, their homes and the environment. Their niche business is built upon a foundation of energy efficiency, quality construction and environmental compatibility for the average Bendite. With experience in passive solar building, the O’Neils wanted to capitalize on the abundant Central Oregon sunshine for their homes. “Both Mike and I felt very strongly that in an environment like Central Oregon, things such as passive solar design and active solar with photovoltaic solar panels and solar hot water was very achievable here, but no one was really doing it,” said Cindi. “We felt we could fill a niche, and do a good thing.” SolAire has built more than 290 homes throughout Central Oregon since 1995. Using highly energy-efficient appliances and lighting, and meeting indoor air

quality standards through ventilation, heating and low-emitting building products, SolAire homes have met green building standards set by the Earth Advantage Institute since 2002, and they have been an ENERGY STAR builder since 2006. Pushing the green building industry in Central Oregon forward, SolAire homes built the first certified LEED for Homes and Net Zero Energy Homes in the region. Net Zero means the homes produce as much energy as they consume over the course of a year. One of SolAire’s current projects is construction of three Net Zero homes Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014 | 29

in Hollingshead Heights in Bend. LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a set of standards for the design and construction of green buildings developed by the U.S. Green Building Council that exceeds standard building codes. LEED for Homes or homes certified under the German PassivHaus program are other homes by SolAire. Several of SolAire’s LEED homes have been showcased during the COBA Tour of Homes, winning awards and wowing builders and homeowners alike. “Every LEED owner wants to share their home with the public, which is really great,” said Mike. In addition to a healthier, more energy-efficient home, multiple studies show an increased value for green buildings as compared to conventionally constructed buildings. Increased home values were also a selling point for Mike when talking to people within the building industry those first few years. Green builders were not the norm in the 1990s, and still aren’t today, so SolAire’s ideas were unique and ahead of

30 | Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014

the curve. SolAire homes were going up before “green building” was even a buzzword. “Mike was the first Central Oregon Builders Association president who gave his first address and talked about why green building was the wave of the future,” said Cindi. Mike and Cindi’s home life often butted against their work life since Mike was at one point president of COBA and Cindi sat on the board of the Oregon Environmental Council. A customer, Mike said with a laugh, once remarked that the O’Neils must have had some pretty inter-

esting dinner conversations. Like many businesses, SolAire has evolved as they balance energy requirements with cost benefits for upgrades such as triple versus double pane windows, 12-inch versus 8-inch walls and mini-split ductless heat pump systems versus an HVAC system or other heating and cooling systems. The first part of that equation is conserving energy in the home shell. “We knew that intuitively, but when we did the modeling, 65 percent of the problem is the home shell, the insulation and air tightness,” said Cindi.

Though there are many new green building construction options, the O’Neils have found that they can attain higher standards than those set by the Oregon Building Code. Conventional techniques are better embraced by local building inspectors, and often keep costs down. Besides building green homes, both Cindi and Mike are very dedicated to contributing to the community. In addition to serving on various boards, SolAire was a title sponsor for The Environmental Center’s SolAire Salmon Run (20062010). Personally, Mike and Cindi have been involved with Habitat for Humanity, but their special affinity for Rotary has brought them some wonderful experiences. Rotary’s mission focuses on a commitment to service above self. Throughout the years, Mike and Cindi have stayed involved in Rotary on several levels, putting service above their own needs. Mike at one point was a president of the Rotary Club of Greater Bend and Cindi is the Assistant Governor of Area 8 for Rotary. They spend some of their free time taking part in local Rotarian projects such

as Pints for Polio and the Great Drake Park Duck Race, but they also participate in Rotary projects far beyond Bend’s city limits, including the Zuñi Reservation in northwest New Mexico and three other projects in Mexico. One project in Central Mexico involved building a bridge across a stream so that indigenous farmers and their families could safely cross the stream when floods arose. “Children were drowning trying to cross the stream,” said Mike. “This was a very remote village, way beyond the end of the road.” “That was an incredible cultural experience,” said Cindi. “The people were still making homes out of mud bricks with donkey dung and straw, and then there would be a daughter in bright, white knee socks, plaid skirt and crisp white blouse. How did her mom get those clothes so clean without running water?” Mike and Cindi also like the way Rotary is responsible with their funding efforts, focusing their dollars directly on projects. “We also love the power of a (global network) and the possibility for world peace,” said Cindi.

Award-winning Homes SolAire Homebuilders has been awarded many local and national awards including: COBA Tour of Homes Green Builder Award (2014) The Environmental Center’s Sustainability Award (2012) Earth Advantage Green Home Builders Hall of Fame (2012) COBA Green Builder of the Year (2008) To learn more about SolAire Homebuilders, visit www. solairehomebuilders.com.

Though the O’Neils are busy with SolAire projects and community organizations, they still find time to fly fish, hunt, camp or just explore the outdoors. It frees their minds from the day-to-day stress of running a topnotch building company, but also allows them to build relationships with the community and with each other. “I’ve been fly fishing since I was 6, so I love anything associated with streams and rivers,” said Cindi. “Outdoor people just seem so much happier,” added Mike with a smile. Living and working in Bend gives the O’Neils a chance to both experience and preserve the outdoors. The houses they design are not just award-winning designs but energy-efficient wonders that were and still are ahead of their time.

Custom Draperies ∙ Shutters ∙ Shades Blinds ∙ and more! 721 SW 10th · Redmond · 541-548-8616 www.redmondwindowtreats.com

Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014 | 31

expert

advice

What to do about ‘Being Green’ Most would agree making improvements to your home increases its value. Too often, making energy efficient upgrades is overlooked as a way to increase the value of your home. Sure, adding insulation in the attic isn’t immediately satisfying compared to installing Quartz counter-tops, but if the money you save by installing attic insulation pays for those counter tops, it is much more satisfying. Making your home more energy efficient not only saves you money, it also increases the market value of your home. According to the Appraisal Institute (www.appraisalinstitute.org), an energy efficient home can be valued $20 higher for every $1 in annual energy savings. This means if your green remodeled home uses $1,000 less energy per year than a comparable home in the area, the value of your home would increase by $20,000. To use my home as an example of one improvement I could do, I live in a home built in the 1930s and my heat source is an oil furnace. Have you checked the price of heating oil? It is $3.99 per gallon. I really REALLY love the feeling of my oil heat. I’m warm and cozy all winter long — but writing that check each year is getting harder and harder to do.

32 | Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014

My pocketbook prompted me to call a local energy audit company to check out my digs and see what they found. I will walk you through the furnace efficiency, one of many tests they ran on my behalf. After evaluating my home as it relates to size, heating, basement, usage, etc., they calculated that my furnace is 62 percent efficient. Let’s make this simple: 62 percent of my heating dollar goes to heat my house, the rest goes up and out the chimney. That’s $1.51 per gallon I wave good-bye to, or $604 a year. Oh Lordy it’s time … and this is just the heating system. I use this heating example to keep the idea flowing as simply as possible. Doing an energy remodel for my home will cost a bit upfront — perhaps around $12,000 — but the savings down the road will more than pay for it for years and years to come. Back to you and the green energy market … Recent sales data from the Regional Multiple Listing Service (RMLS) in Portland (you know, the RAINY side of the state) showed that certified green homes (received a third-party green certification), sold for an average of $223 per square foot and comparable standard homes sold for an average of $196 per square foot. The green home

sold for 13-plus percent higher. They also sold faster with being on the market for a third fewer days. For our area, does NorthWest Crossing come to mind? It does for me. I would really enjoy calculating the total energy costs saved on those homes. Some people may say the building guidelines are stringent, but the overall benefit impacts all homeowners and energy costs. Of course there are other builders in the area who build energyefficient homes all around Central Oregon.

Building green can stimulate the economy in so many ways. However, the neighborhood that is proven to have higher re-sales and maintain its luster is NorthWest Crossing. Lucky for all of us, you do not need to live in a particular neighborhood to obtain your own personal benefits from performing green upgrades to your residence. Another study I read that was conducted in Seattle showed the value of energy efficient improvements and ROI (return on investment) for the seller. One thing that stuck out at me was the average size of a green home

was 25 percent smaller than “older” or traditional-type homes, yet sold for 4 percent more. Looking at it from a dollar per square foot more, they sold for 37 percent more. Building green can stimulate the economy in so many ways. My prediction is that we shall continue to see the green energy movement expand and continue to improve the qualities of water heaters, heating systems, etc. As time progresses, it is becoming a reality that home buyers will want smaller houses and be as efficient as possible, both with usage of space and energy use. (Reading between the lines: Sell your larger home sooner than later!) It is the benefits you don’t physically see that add tremendous value to an energyefficient home; that is, until you get your utility bill. My friend just moved into a new stylish, energy efficient home and her gas bill was less than $30. Yup. $30. I’m not smart enough to go into the tons of emissions we will save and the scientific benefits of energy-efficiency. I am simply a real estate agent seeing this trend continue to broaden and expand, and the payoffs are for everyone to enjoy. It’s really quite exciting, especially if you break it down into manageable chunks. Time to see about upgrading to a gas furnace. Stay tuned! Cindy King is a principal broker with Hasson Company Realtors

M. Jacobs Fine Furniture proudly presents THE BEAUTIFUL, WARM WOOD AND INVITING COLLECTION OF

WHITTIER WOOD FURNITURE

Free Statewide Delivery*

Bend River Promenade • www.mjacobsfamilyofstores.com • 541-382-5900 • Toll Free 1-800-275-7214 Open Mon.-Fri. 10AM to 7PM • Sat. & Sun. 10AM to 6PM

*$999 or more. Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014 | 33

GARDEN CALENDAR

by Amy Jo Detweiler / Special to The Bulletin

OCTOBER • Are you seeing webbing in your trees this fall? It may be fall webworm. For a small population, prune out larvae and webbing. For larger population use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) when larvae first appear. • Continue to water and mow your lawn minimally. • At the end of October into November, blow out your automatic irrigation system for the winter. • At the end of the month put down a “winterizer” fertilizer on your lawn at a rate of 2 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet, using a soluble or mixed soluble slow release nitrogen fertilizer. A common winter fertilizer has an N-P-K of 10-5-14. You would need 10 pounds of product per 1,000 square feet with this ratio. • Spread two to four inches of compost or mulch on top of your vegetable garden. • Harvest and store apples; keep at about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, moderate humidity. • Pick your green tomatoes before a heavy frost hits them. Only mature green tomatoes can be ripened off the vine. Mature tomatoes are light green in color with a reddish tinge on the blossom end. The pulp inside of a mature tomato should be jelly-like, not firm. To ripen, wrap them individually in newspaper and place them in a box so they are not touching one another in a room at 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Check them every three to four days for rotten ones. They will ripen over a three-to-four week period. • Save seeds from the vegetable and flower garden, dry and store. • Time to go and pick out your pumpkins from the local growers for all of your fall festivities. • Harvest sunflower heads; use seed for bird seed by hanging the flowerheads upside from a structure or tree. The birds will get a tasty treat and you will get surprise sunflowers popping up next year. You can also toast the sunflower seeds and treat yourself. 34 | Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014

Photo courtesy Smith Rock Ranch

• Cut back your perennials to 1.5 inches above the ground and with pine needles or wood bark mulch to protect the roots through the winter. Some perennials that prefer additional mulch for winter protection include pincushion flower (Scabiosa), lavender (Lavendula), and veronica. • Regular roses need special winter care including winter mulch. For more information check out the following rose care publication at: http://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/1957/19854/ec1624-e.pdf • Pull up all dead plant materials, rake dis-

eased leaves and remove all fallen branches. This will prevent insects and disease from overwintering in your landscape. • Leave your ornamental grasses up in winter to provide winter texture in the landscape, cut them back to the ground in early spring. • Prune your evergreen and conifers.

NOVEMBER • Plant a cover crop in your garden area to come up next spring. You can plant winter wheat, cereal rye, winter rye, triticale, winter

barley or winter peas. • Plant a window garden of lettuce, chives and parsley. • Place mulch around berries for winter protection. Cover strawberry plants with clean straw to insulate them through the winter. • Store garden fertilizers and supplies in a safe, dry place, out of the reach of children. • Start your compost pile for next fall. Do not use grass clippings or plant debris that may have pesticide residues, disease or insects in your compost pile. • Wrap the trunks of young, thick-barked trees (maples, aspen, ash) in November, with paper tree wrap to prevent sunscald. Remove it in spring (April). Do not leave the tree wrap on throughout the summer, it may harbor unwanted insects. Wrap your new trees 2-3 years in a row until the outer bark has thickened.

• Now is a good time to remove and discard paper wasp nests from the eaves of your home. At this time of year, the nests may be empty. Wasps only occupy their nests for one season. Remove at dusk when wasp activity slows down.

GARDEN EVENTS

• Planting and Maintaining Bulbs Saturday, Oct. 4 Free class in two locations. In Redmond at the OSU Extension Service office located in the Deschutes Fair and Expo Center (Near Parking lot “D”) at 10 a.m. In Bend at The Environmental Center, 16 N.W. Kansas St. at 1 p.m.

• Terrarium Planting Tuesday, Oct. 21 Free class in Redmond, 12:15 p.m. at the OSU Extension Service Office located at the Deschutes Fair & Expo Center (near parking lot “D”).

INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN OSU MASTER GARDENER? OSU Master Gardeners are individuals that are trained volunteers in the areas of general gardening and plant problem solving. Applications for the class of 2015 are available. For information contact 541-548-6088 or go online at http://extension.oregonstate.edu/deschutes/ to download an application.

Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014 | 35

Central Oregon Living EVENT CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS OF THE UPCOMING WEEKS IN HIGH DESERT MUSIC, ART, FOOD AND FUN.

PUMPKIN PATCHES DD Ranch THROUGH OCT. 31: Featuring a pumpkin patch, petting zoo and various activities daily; hay rides, pony rides, train ride and face painting Sat.-Sun.; free admission, charge for activities; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; DD Ranch, 3836 N.E. Smith Rock Way, Terrebonne; www.ddranch.net or 541548-1432.

Smith Rock Ranch THROUGH NOV. 1: Featuring a pumpkin patch, corn maize, harvest market, wagon rides and other activities; Fridays, noon-6 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; $7.50, $5.50 ages 6-11, free ages 5 and younger for corn maize; $2.50 for most other activities; Smith Rock Ranch, 1250 N.E. Wilcox Ave., Terrebonne; www.smithrockranch. com or 541-504-1414.

THEATER “The Trouble with Harry” THROUGH OCT. 5: Alfred Hitchcock’s comedic whodunnit about Harry Worp, who appears dead on a hillside by a small town; $15, $10 for students; 2 p.m.; 2nd Street Theater, 220 N.E. Lafayette Ave., Bend; www.beattickets.org or 541-419-5558.

“Panic” OCT. 10-25: A film director is accused of a crime at his premiere in Paris; $20, $16 for seniors, $13 for students; 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays; Cascades Theatre, 148 N.W. Greenwood Ave., Bend; www.cascadestheatrical.org or 541-389-0803.

“Reefer Madness, The Musical” Oct. 24-Nov. 8: Based on the 1936 film of the same name, a musical comedy takes a look at kids and drug use; $22, $19 for students and seniors; 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays; 2nd Street Theater, 220 NE Lafayette Ave., Bend; www.2ndstreettheater. comor 541-312-9626.

SUNDAY, Oct. 5 BEND FALL FESTIVAL: Featuring fall-themed activities, homebrew competition, live music, art and food; free admission; 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; downtown Bend; www.j.mp/ BendFallFest or 541-383-3026. DROPKICK MURPHYS: The Bostonbased Irish punk band performs, with Bryan McPherson and Blood or Whiskey; $32 in advance plus fees, $35 at the door; 8 p.m., doors open at 7 p.m.; Midtown Ballroom, 51 N.W. Greenwood Ave., Bend; 541408-4329.

THURSDAY, Oct. 9 BENDFILM FESTIVAL: The 11th year of independent film screenings; venues include Regal Old Mill Stadium 16, Tower Theatre, Tin Pan Theater, Oxford Hotel, Greenwood Playhouse and McMenamins Old St. Francis School; see festival guide for full schedule at each venue; $12, $150 full film pass, $250 full festival pass; 5 p.m.; Bend; www.bendfilm.org or 541-388-3378.

FRIDAY, Oct. 10 BENDFILM FESTIVAL: The 11th year of independent film screenings; venues include Regal Old Mill Stadium 16, Tower Theatre, Tin Pan Theater, Oxford Hotel, Greenwood Playhouse and McMenamins Old St. Francis School; see festival guide for full

36 | Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014

schedule at each venue; $12, $150 full film pass, $250 full festival pass; 10 a.m.; Bend; www.bendfilm.org or 541-388-3378. SHANIKO RAGTIME AND VINTAGE MUSIC: Live ragtime music and musicians until 6 p.m., jams from 7 p.m. and on; $10 suggested donation; noon; Shaniko School House, Sixth St.; www.shanikooregon.com or 541489-3434. BEND IMPROV GROUP: The comedy group performs; adult themes; $8 in advance, $10 at the door; 8 p.m., doors open at 7 p.m.; 2nd Street Theater, 220 N.E. Lafayette Ave.; www.2ndstreettheater.com or 541-3129626.

SATURDAY, Oct. 11 SKYLINERS WINTER SPORTS SWAP: Featuring new and below wholesale pricing on skis, snowboards, boots, bindings, poles, goggles, hats, jackets and more, donations accepted Oct. 9-10, benefiting the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation; 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; The Riverhouse Convention Center, 2850 NW Rippling River Court, Bend; www.mbsef.org or 541-3880002. BENDFILM FESTIVAL: The 11th year of independent film screenings; venues include Regal Old Mill Stadium 16, Tower Theatre, Tin Pan Theater, Oxford Hotel, Greenwood Playhouse and McMenamins Old St. Francis School; see festival guide for full schedule at each venue; $12, $150 full film pass, $250 full festival pass; 10 a.m.; Bend; www.bendfilm. org or 541-388-3378. SHANIKO RAGTIME AND VINTAGE MUSIC: Live ragtime music and musicians until 6 p.m., jams from 7 p.m. and on; $10 suggested donation;

noon; Best Western Madras Inn, 12 S.W. Fourth St.; www.shanikooregon. com or 541-489-3434.

SUNDAY, Oct. 12 BENDFILM FESTIVAL: The 11th year of independent film screenings; venues include Regal Old Mill Stadium 16, Tower Theatre, Tin Pan Theater, Oxford Hotel, Greenwood Playhouse and McMenamins Old St. Francis School; see festival guide for full schedule at each venue; $12, $150 full film pass, $250 full festival pass; 1 p.m.; Bend; www.bendfilm. org or 541-388-3378. SHANIKO SCHOOLHOUSE CONCERT: Live ragtime music and musicians concert; $10 suggested donation; 2 p.m.; Shaniko School House, Sixth St.; www. shanikooregon.comor 541-489-3434.

THURSDAY, Oct. 16 “ROYAL BALLET, MANON”: A screening of Kenneth MacMillan’s ballet performed at the Royal Opera House about a young woman corrupted by 18th century Paris; $18, $12 for seniors and children; 7 p.m.; Regal Old Mill Stadium 16 & IMAX, 680 S.W. Powerhouse Drive, Bend; www.fathomevents.com or 541-3122901.

FRIDAY, Oct. 17 MATISYAHU: The American reggae rapper performs, with Radical Something; $22.50 plus fees, $25 at the door; 9 p.m., doors open at 8 p.m.; Midtown Ballroom, 51 N.W. Greenwood Ave., Bend; 541-408-4329.

SATURDAY, Oct. 18 AUTHOR PRESENTATION: Valerie Geary will present her book, “Crooked River”; free, reservations requested; 5-6:30 p.m.; Sunriver

Books & Music, 57100 Beaver Drive; www.sunriverbooks.com/event/valeriegeary-crooked-river,sunriverbooks@ sunriverbooks.com or 541-593-2525.

SUNDAY, Oct. 19 THE CHOP TOPS: The California punkabilly band performs; $8 in advance plus fees, $10 at the door; 9 p.m., doors open at 8 p.m.; Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 S.W. Century Drive, Bend; www.actiondeniroproductions. com or 541-323-1881.

TUESDAY, Oct. 21 SHAWN MULLINS: The singersingwriter performs, with Max Gomez; $20-$42.50 plus fees; 7 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m.; Tower Theatre, 835 N.W. Wall St., Bend; www. towertheatre.org or 541-317-0700.

FRIDAY, Oct. 24 BEATLES VS. STONES — A MUSICAL SHOOT OUT: A tribute show for the two famous British bands; $35-$55; 7:30 p.m.; Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend;www.towertheatre.org or 541-317-0700.

SATURDAY, Oct. 25 AUTHOR PRESENTATION: Peyton Marshall will present “GoodHouse”; free, reservations requested; 5-6:30 p.m.; Sunriver Books & Music, 57100 Beaver Drive; www. sunriverbooks.com/event/peytonmarshall-goodhouse,sunriverbooks@ sunriverbooks.com or 541-593-2525.

THURSDAY, Oct. 30 “WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S LAND OF THE DEAD, THE TRUE & ACCURATE ACCOUNT OF THE 1599 ZOMBIE PLAGUE”: Play about the opening of Shakespeare’s Henry V and the descending zombie plague they must fight off; $8; Oct. 30-31 and Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m., Nov. 2, 2 p.m., doors open at 1 p.m.; Cascades Theatre, 148 N.W. Greenwood Ave., Bend; www.cascadestheatrical.org,bradt@ cascadestheatrical.org or 541-3890803.

“RIFFTRAX LIVE, ANACONDA”: A live showing of the film from the Carolina Theatre in North Carolina; $12.50; 8 p.m.; Regal Old Mill Stadium 16 & IMAX, 680 S.W. Powerhouse Drive, Bend; www.fathomevents.com or 541312-2901.

FRIDAY, Oct. 31 “WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S LAND OF THE DEAD, THE TRUE & ACCURATE ACCOUNT OF THE 1599 ZOMBIE PLAGUE”: Play about the opening of Shakespeare’s Henry V and the descending zombie plague they must fight off; $8; Oct. 30-31 and Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m., Nov. 2, 2 p.m., doors open at 1 p.m.; Cascades Theatre, 148 N.W. Greenwood Ave., Bend; www.cascadestheatrical.org,bradt@ cascadestheatrical.org or 541-3890803.

SATURDAY, Nov. 1 AUTHOR PRESENTATION: Urban Waite will present “Sometimes The Wolf”; free, reservations requested; 5-6:30 p.m.; Sunriver Books & Music, 57100 Beaver Drive; www.sunriverbooks.com/ event/urban-waite-sometimes-wolf, sunriverbooks@sunriverbooks.com or 541-593-2525. “WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S LAND OF THE DEAD, THE TRUE & ACCURATE ACCOUNT OF THE 1599 ZOMBIE PLAGUE”: Play about the opening of Shakespeare’s Henry V and the descending zombie plague they must fight off; $8; Oct. 30-31 and Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m., Nov. 2, 2 p.m., doors open at 1 p.m.; Cascades Theatre, 148 N.W. Greenwood Ave., Bend; www.cascadestheatrical.org, bradt@ cascadestheatrical.org or 541-3890803.

SUNDAY, Nov. 2 “WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S LAND OF THE DEAD, THE TRUE & ACCURATE ACCOUNT OF THE 1599 ZOMBIE PLAGUE”: Play about the opening of Shakespeare’s Henry V and the descending zombie plague

they must fight off; $8; Oct. 30-31 and Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m., Nov. 2, 2 p.m., doors open at 1 p.m.; Cascades Theatre, 148 N.W. Greenwood Ave., Bend; www.cascadestheatrical.org, bradt@ cascadestheatrical.org or 541-3890803.

TUESDAY, Nov. 4 “RIFFTRAX LIVE, ANACONDA”: A live showing of the film from the Carolina Theatre in North Carolina; $12.50; 7:30 p.m.; Regal Old Mill Stadium 16 & IMAX, 680 S.W. Powerhouse Drive, Bend; www.fathomevents.com or 541312-2901.

FRIDAY, Nov. 7 SNOWFLAKE BOUTIQUE: A holiday arts and crafts show arranged by theme; proceeds benefit Family Access Network (FAN); $3; 1-8 p.m.; North Sister, Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, 3800 S.W. Airport Way, Redmond; www.snowflakeboutique. org or 541-389-4429. FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY WALK: Event includes art exhibit openings, artist talks, live music, wine and food in downtown Bend and the Old Mill District; free; 5-9 p.m.; throughout Bend.

www.belfryevents.com or 541-8159122.

SATURDAY, Nov. 15 STARRY NIGHTS: Featuring “Wine, Women & Song” with Gretchen Peters, Suzy Bogguss and Matraca Berg; $75; 7:30 p.m., silent auction at 6:30 p.m.; The Belfry, 302 E. Main Ave., Sisters; www.sistersstarrynights.org or 541549-6299.

FRIDAY, Nov. 21 HIGH DESERT CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES: Featuring Robert Thies and Isabelle Senger; $35, $10 students and children 18 and younger; 7:30 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m.; First United Methodist Church, 680 N.W. Bond St., Bend; www.highdesertchambermusic. com, info@highdesertchambermusic. com or 541-382-1672.

SATURDAY, Nov. 22 HARMONY4WOMEN: The Central Oregon Women’s Acappella Chorus performs; $17; 2 and 7 p.m.; Tower Theatre, 835 N.W. Wall St., Bend; www.towertheatre.org or 541-3170700.

THURSDAY, Nov. 27

SNOWFLAKE BOUTIQUE: A holiday arts and crafts show arranged by theme; proceeds benefit Family Access Network (FAN); $3; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; North Sister, Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, 3800 S.W. Airport Way, Redmond; www.snowflakeboutique. org or 541-389-4429.

I LIKE PIE THANKSGIVING DAY FUN WALK/RUN: Run or walk 2K, 5K, 10K or 10 miles and eat pie; with a baking contest; online registration closes Nov. 26; $5 donation or 5 lb. food donation for NeighborImpact, registration requested; 9 a.m., shirt pick-up and registration at 8 a.m.; Riverfront Plaza, 875 N.W. Brooks St., Bend; www.footzonebend.com or 541-317-3568.

TUESDAY, Nov. 11

SATURDAY, Nov. 29

SATURDAY, Nov. 8

BEND VETERANS DAY PARADE: The annual event to honor veterans; free; 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; downtown Bend; www. bendchamber.org or 541-480-4516.

THURSDAY, Nov. 13 HEAD FOR THE HILLS: The Colorado bluegrass band performs; $10 plus fees in advance, $12 at the door; 8 p.m.; The Belfry, 302 E. Main Ave., Sisters;

BEND CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING: Sing carols, listen to local choirs, watch Santa light the Christmas tree and more; free; 6 p.m., tree lighting at 6:30 p.m.; Drake Park, 777 N.W. Riverside Blvd.; www.j.mp/xmasbend or 541-788-3628.

Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014 | 37

expert

advice

Why YOU should join COBA It’s not just for builders and developers, and the benefits are worth it. Central Oregon Builders Association (COBA) was founded in 1972 with the mission, “To represent the building industry before government and the community, to promote high ethical standards within the building industry, to provide service to its membership, and to defend the opportunities of home ownership for all.” This statement continues to drive the association today. COBA is actively involved in the community, working with stakeholders to make sure homeownership stays in reach for our residents, which will keep our community thriving in every aspect. COBA tries to help its members save money by working to offer programs such as group health insurance, cell phone discounts and discounts on fuel. Since 2010, contractors have been required to undergo continuing education for the Construction Contractor Board License. We even offer free education to COBA members. COBA also tries to help the consumer stay informed on the latest trends and information on contractors’ licenses. In 2011, COBA launched www. ConnectionDepot.com, which helps consumers research and understand the importance of hiring licensed contractors. With the launch of ConnectionDepot. com, COBA now provides full plan hosting and printing services for contractors to homeowners. It is an easy, quick turnaround and cost effective to 38 | Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014

print with COBA. Members receive a deeper discount of up to 50 percent off for doing business with the plan center. But COBA memberships are not just for builders! We have a broad range of members from restaurants, financial institutions, realtors and developers to local business owners wanting to network in the community. Anyone can join COBA to take advantage of the benefits we offer. COBA produces three major events a year that are open to the public for free: The Spring Home and Garden Show, The Fall Home Festival, and COBA’s signature event, The Tour of Homes™. COBA has helped save homeowners and builders thousands of dollars by monitoring new rules and regulations that continue to impede home ownership. One of the biggest issues that keeps coming up is the elimination of the mortgage interest deduction. There continues to be several attempts to remove this deduction, and COBA continues to fight any efforts that make homeownership more difficult. As mentioned, anyone can join COBA. It’s easy and you will start saving money right away! To find out more information and learn more about the benefits of joining COBA, visit www.coba.org or call our office at 541389-1058. Mandy Weidman is the Regional Sales Director for Central Oregon Builders Association.

Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014 | 39

40 | Central Oregon Living | Fall 2014