Side Notes 11/4-11/11

The Bend Veterans Day Parade will be held on Nov. 11 and this year's parade is commemorating the 40th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. The parade—now in its 16th year—is the second largest Veteran's Day parade in Oregon with more than 120 participating organizations. The parade honors veterans and will be led by WWII Parade Grand Marshal Col. John Turner who served in the Air Force from 1943 until 1947 and in the Army from 1947 until 1975. The parade begins at 11 am at Northwest Harmon Boulevard.

The Oregon Transit Association awarded the Local Distinguished Service Award to Kelly Sparks, Oregon State University Cascades; Jim Kirkbride, St. Charles Health System; and Eric King, City of Bend. The three were recognized at the Oregon Public Transportation Conference for their work and implementation of the Bend Transit Expansion for Cascades East Transit. The six-month project launched in September and added additional routes, later hours, and shorter wait times along the Cascades East Transit system. Other Bend Transit Expansion partners included Bend Park and Recreation District, Central Oregon Community College, Bend Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the Bend Chamber of Commerce. The annual award recognizes an elected official, private citizen, or public transportation maker who helps public transportation through leadership, policy, or legislative initiatives.

Bend recently completed a curb ramp improvement project to help meet the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Several curb ramps in the city have been built and others received upgrades. Around 100 ramps have been completed along Northwest Summit Drive, and the City plans to make upgrades to sidewalks and curb ramps along South Third Street.

Beginning Nov. 3, Pinebrook Boulevard will be closed for up to two weeks on the west side of Hwy 97. A center median will be installed and traffic signals will be removed. Access to Pinebrook Boulevard homes will be available from Brookswood Boulevard.