Keely Damara, Author at The Source - Bend, Oregon

Shining a Light on Accessibility

As Central Oregon grows, ASL interpreter services are stretched thin

Keely DamaraJune 12, 2019April 12, 2025

Bend is growing exponentially in population, and while Deschutes County may be more urban than surrounding areas, Central Oregon is still predominantly rural—and lacking in some of the services afforded to bigger metro areas. While some may lament the lack of dependable public transit, or lack of affordable housing in relation to the job market, […]

News

Northbound: White River Falls State Park

Tucked away near the Tygh Valley, a moderate, gorgeous hike for sightseers

Keely DamaraJune 12, 2019January 21, 2025

For those looking to explore north of Bend, this magical waterfall hike just east of Tygh Valley along Highway 216 is ideal. It’s especially good for those who love to sightsee, but aren’t down for a longer trek. The park is just two hours north of Bend, making it close enough for a day trip. Although […]

Food & Drink

Great Harvest Bread Co. in Downtown Bend Gets a Face-Lift – and New Owners

Keely DamaraMay 29, 2019May 26, 2024

If you’ve popped into the Great Harvest Bread Co. recently, you may have noticed the newly renovated space and a few new faces behind the counter. The bakery, which has resided in downtown Bend for the past 27 years, was purchased in February by Bend residents Jeremy and Kristi Testerman. You’ll still find some familiar […]

Food & Drink

Laird Superfood Announces Organic Kombucha Line

Keely DamaraMay 29, 2019October 16, 2023

Last week, Laird Superfood announced it’s dipping its toes into the fermented beverage space with the release of an organic kombucha line. Like Laird’s other superfood products, the kombucha will be a blend of all-natural and organic ingredients, non-GMO and with no artificial flavors or colors. Initial flavors include Pineapple-Ginger with Turmeric & Black Pepper, […]

Food & Drink

Scoutpost Now Serving Soft Serve

Keely DamaraMay 29, 2019June 28, 2025

For those looking for their next sugar fix, Scoutpost is now serving soft serve ice cream at their Galveston Avenue location. According to an announcement on their Facebook page, as of April 26, they serve hand-spun soft serve ice cream with scratch-made toppings, in addition to donut hole sundaes — exclusively at their location next […]

Food & Drink

The Food Cart Guy

Peace of Mind Customs specializes in customized trailers for mobile businesses

Keely DamaraMay 22, 2019July 19, 2025

When Michael Cox first took the plunge last spring, quitting his day job and opening his own family-run business, Peace of Mind Customs, he didn’t know that his bread and butter was going to be custom food trucks. After a fire wreaked havoc on Thailandia food cart while it was still stationed at The Lot, […]

Culture

Happy Girls Do Run

Women’s race series offers supportive running community for every skill level

Keely DamaraMay 22, 2019March 21, 2025

Central Oregon boasts nationally renowned trails that attract outdoor enthusiasts and endurance athletes alike, with no shortage of races in Central Oregon from which runners can choose. The region also boasts running groups and workshops offered on the regular—many of them geared toward women. According to Running USA, women made up around 59 percent of […]

Special Issues & Guides

Finding Art in Nature

Wanderlust Tours’ Art in Nature series combines scenic tours with live performances

Keely DamaraMay 22, 2019March 5, 2025

Central Oregon offers beautiful views year-round—and no shortage of adventures for those who seek them. Wanderlust Tours is capitalizing on those breathtaking backdrops by pairing outdoor tours with live music and arts performances. “It stems from my belief that much of art is inspired by nature, the natural world and its beauty,” says Dave Nissen […]

Food & Drink

Next Level Camp Food

Looking for some new ideas for your next outdoor adventure? Try these camping favorites

Isaac Biehl, Keely Damara, Chris Miller, and Nicole VulcanMay 15, 2019March 14, 2025

In honor of the Outside Guide, we submit these ideas for some of our favorite camping foods. It’s an adventure all in itself…. The “AJ Special” Anytime I go on a backpacking trip, the one consistent item I buy at the store is a bag of flour tortillas. For one, they’re light and compact. Two, […]

Special Issues & Guides

Bend Over and Pick Up Project

Local couple aims to clean up Bend, one bag of trash at a time

Keely DamaraMay 15, 2019June 16, 2024

It all started after Sydney Dickson’s car broke down on Highway 20, on the way back from work in Tumalo. While waiting for a tow truck, Dickson and her boyfriend Jamison Cook decided to fill their time by picking up trash on the side of the road. “We were hanging out on Highway 20, didn’t […]

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