In this episode of Bend Donโt Break, Aaron Switzer reconnects with Katy Brooks, now serving as Bendโs Economic Development Officer, to talk about her shift from Chamber CEO to city strategist. Katy shares her vision for supporting small businesses, improving infrastructure, and making Bend more welcoming to new and growing industries. They explore urban renewal […]
LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break: Katy Brooks ๐ง
No Kings Protests Every Saturday in Redmond
Indivisible Redmond has decided to cosponsor and support a new No Kings protest in Redmond, organized by Navy veteran and former Redmond City Council member Anne Graham. Graham, along with Indivisible Redmond members and community supporters will be at 732 W. 6th Street (site of the former Joannโs) every Saturday from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. […]
We Are All One
WE are all one. We ARE all one. We are ALL one. We are all ONE. Say each line to yourself and put emphasis on each capitalized word. Slowly repeat. […]
Central Oregon Gives 2025
In honor of this week’s Give Guide, the Source team spent some time exploring the stories of a few local nonprofits. Click the images below to read each story. View complete list of nonprofits inside the Give Guide
Diversability, Inc. Creates Connection for Those With Disabilities
The first thing to know about Diversability: Its name is the word the nonprofit would prefer people use when referring to those with varying disabilities. โDisabilityโ refers to something someone cannot do, while โdiversabilityโ indicates that someoneโs abilities are, instead, diverse. The founding of Diversability, Inc was a labor of love. Founder Amanda Hamer started […]
Hope by the Plateful
On Halloween Day, the bustle of the Family Kitchen was at peak crescendo during lunch time. Eighties club music mixed with the clack of utensils as two dozen diners spread across rows of communal tables. A father and young child played Scrabble while noshing on homemade pizza squares. Others spooned chili, sipped coffee and chatted. […]
Letters to the Editor, Week of Nov. 6
Correction/Clarification for publicationIn the letter, “A Lack of Oversight” (Oct. 29, 2025), the author implies that NeighborImpact has operational oversight or involvement in the permanent supportive housing project at Cleveland Commons. This is inaccurate. NeighborImpact does not operate, manage, or provide services at Cleveland Commons. The agencyโs only connection to the property is ownership of […]
New Asian-Inspired Store/Cafe Opening in Downtown Bend
A new store is opening in downtown Bend. Pika Pika, on NW Bond Street next to Red Chair Gallery, will specialize in Asian-inspired pop culture collectibles paired with a mini-cafe. Owner Vivienne Mariotti says customers will find designer toys, blind boxes, plushies, stationery and character items from brands like Labubu, Sonny Angel and Smiski. The […]
Bourbon and Bellows Bring Heartfelt Acoustic Music to Bend
If youโre in search of a night full of good vibes and amazing music, donโt miss Bourbon and Bellowsโ performance at Silver Moon Brewing on Saturday, Nov. 15. Hailing from Washington State, the acoustic four-piece band blends the genres of New Orleans folk, blues and gypsy jazz to create a rich sound that will be […]
What Central Oregon Seniors Need to Know About The Upcoming Year With Medicare
For many Central Oregon residents, fall doesn’t just mean changing leaves and cooler temperatures. It also marks the arrival of Medicareโs Annual Enrollment Period. Running from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, AEP is the one time of year when most people with Medicare can make changes to their coverage for the following year. Whether you’re […]

