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Nicole Vulcan

Nicole Vulcan became Editor of the Source in 2016 and was promoted to Editor in Chief in 2024, managing the Editorial Board and the news team's many investigative projects. She's also at work on her debut book of journalistic non-fiction, titled "Self Medication," which traces Oregon's drug decriminalization efforts in the 21st Century, and tells a parallel tale of her own family’s losses from fentanyl addiction in the age of Measure 110. With all of that on her plate, send snacks. Catch up with the adventures at her book's Substack, called Self Medication.

nicole@bendsource.com
Posted inFood & Drink

At Bend’s Original Vegan Food Cart, Sustainability is an Everyday Thing

A Broken Angel recently moved to The Pantry, where the two businesses focus on sustainable and plastic-free food service
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As I’m settling in and waiting for my sandwich from A Broken Angel, a kid next to me takes a bite out of his vegan lunch. “I’d definitely be vegan if they cooked for me every day!” he says – and I have to agree. As a former vegetarian turned omnivore who’s more veg-inclined once […]

Posted inFood & Drink

New Food Cart Lot and Pub Opens in Redmond

Blacksmith Public House offers a little of it all
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A new public house with a little of it all is now open, and is preparing for its grand opening weekend. Blacksmith Public House – located in, you guessed it, a former blacksmith shop – opened last week on SW Evergreen Street in downtown Redmond. This place, owned by Michael and Molly Kosakowski, ticks all the […]

Posted inNews

Three Great Tree Reads

Great books for Earth lovers and other humans
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Ever since I read “The Overstory,” I’ve been changed. That’s not hyperbole. Many of us storytellers already knew the power of a good story to transform and build empathy, but in that one, I genuinely was altered from a person who centered my life around the works of people, into one who’s able to understand […]

Posted inNews

A Case for the Bidet

When it comes to saving trees, one big solution may involve your bathroom habits
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It is no shock to me that my first introduction to the American use of the bidet was in Eugene, Oregon – in my mind, the capital of all eco-conscious living. I grew up as an Army brat in Europe, so I wasn’t totally ignorant to the use of these cleaning contraptions that replace toilet […]

Posted inOutside

Puffin’s Rapid Ascent

The Bend-based purveyor of cool stuff for your cans and bottles goes through the ups and downs of growth
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One year before the pandemic, Tyrone Hazen and cofounders Byron and Christina Linton launched Puffin Drinkwear, the Bend-based company that endeavors to be a fun alternative to the koozie for bottles or cans. Puffin has since experienced a relatively rapid rise, seeing a 53% rise in sales over the past year and placing its products […]

Posted inFood & Drink

Easter Brunches

Looking for a place to nosh on Easter Sunday? These might be some last-minute optionsNumerous food establishments hit by what looks like the same person
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Church, egg hunt, brunch. That’s kind of the pattern for celebrating Easter Sunday, right? For those who haven’t yet booked a spot at a place to nosh on Easter Brunch, here are a few places to try. Easter brunch at Brasada Ranch is always a special time – especially if the day includes clear skies […]

Posted inFood & Drink

“Cart” Burglar on the Loose

Numerous food establishments hit by what looks like the same person
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You gotta wonder what this person was looking for, hitting so many food service places in a matter of just a couple days. Bend Police are on the hunt for the person who burglarized a series of food carts and other food establishments in Bend on March 30 and March 31 — leaving plenty of […]

Posted inFood & Drink

New Thai on the West Side

Dear Mom offers up Thai dishes like mom makes
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Bend is buzzing over a new Thai restaurant that opened on the west side of town. As its name suggests, Dear Mom Cafe is inspired by the owner’s own mother, “Mama Nual,” as described in an Instagram post from the cafe. The stylish Dear Mom Cafe is located in the former location of Vida y […]

Posted inFood & Drink

Oregon Senate Bill Would Allow Reusable Food Containers at Restaurants

SB 545 heads to Oregon House
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A bill that would allow Oregonians to bring their own reusable food containers to restaurants and food service establishments is one step closer to becoming a reality. Senate Bill 545 passed the Oregon Senate March 15. It’s now under consideration by the House Climate, Energy and Environment committee. SB 545 would direct the Oregon Health Authority […]

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