If there’s one thing Central Oregon loves, it’s volleyball. The volleyball community in Central Oregon has been continuously growing, and with it, the opportunities to compete. This past year, members of the community came together to form the High Desert Volleyball Association, one of Central Oregon’s newest 501(c)(3) nonprofits. The nonprofit was born out of […]
Outside
Serving the Community
If there’s one thing Central Oregon loves, it’s volleyball. The volleyball community in Central Oregon has been continuously growing, and with it, the opportunities to compete. This past year, members of the community came together to form the High Desert Volleyball Association, one of Central Oregon’s newest 501(c)(3) nonprofits. The nonprofit was born out of […]
“Rock of Ages”
There’s not much you can’t do outdoors in Bend, including going to the theater. This year’s Theater in the Park features the musical, “Rock of Ages.” The play is set in the 1980s with music from Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi and more. The story is about aspiring musician Drew and dreamer Sherri who fight to […]
“The Lightning Thief”
In Redmond, “The Lightning Thief โ The Percy Jackson Musical” opens Aug. 14 with performances on six dates at High Desert Music Hall. The story is adapted from the first book of author Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series. Jackson has a troubled childhood until he discovers that he is a child of a Greek god. […]
The Commonwealth Pub: Live Music, Events & Game Day Energy
Since opening last November on Bend’s west side, The Commonwealth Pub has made good on its promise to be more than just a watering hole. Built with music in mind, it offers top-notch sound, room to dance and live bands nearly every night of the week. The Commonwealth also boasts big-screen sports, trivia, “Table Tennis […]
Jack Ryan: From Paralyzed to Peaks
“I had a goal in mind, I’m gonna walk out of this hospital. That’s the only goal.” Jack Ryan is defined by grit, determination and unwavering will. His life has unfolded through bold adventures, intense sports and even guiding surfers in Nicaragua. That all took shape before a life-threatening injury radically transformed everything. He faced […]
Creative Connections
The 10,000-square-foot building at 175 NE Greenwood Ave. in Bend that once housed City Thrift will be transformed into The Open Arts Center. The nonprofit is the vision of local artists Maija Kellner-Rode and Claire Brislin who’ve been planning it for two years. The unique concept will operate as a free creative community center for […]
Helping Birds Keep Their Cool
Central Oregon is on track to break temperature records this summer (again), reminding us that the High Desert sun is no joke. High temperatures can lead to dehydration, heatstroke, and even death for our feathered neighbors. The good news? There are simple, affordable steps everyone can take to create a life-saving oasis for our visiting […]
Still Flying at 52
I train hard, but I’ve also had the consequences of it too. I’ve broken femurs. I have a paralyzed leg still… I have friends that are dead and I have friends that are paralyzed.” Justin Homan is a true FMX (freestyle motocross) legend. In an extreme sport where riders launch 200+ pound dirt bikes dozens […]
Gillam Working His Way up the Rugby Ladder
In August, Jupiter Gillam is heading to college in North Carolina. However, the air miles he’ll earn moving across the country, and coming home for holidays and visits, are a drop in the bucket compared to those he’s racked up since graduating from Mountain View High School in 2024. “I just wanted to get out […]

